Treadmill Accessories, Safety and Maintenance
The core accessories are a mat, the lubricant your manual names, and maybe a desk add-on or cord cover. The three safety basics are using the safety key, keeping kids and pets away, and unplugging when not in use if the manual says to. Always follow your manufacturer's manual.
Must-have accessories
Mats
A mat sits between the treadmill and your floor. Pick one big enough for your machine's footprint.
XTERRA Heavy Duty Floor Mat (6 mm PVC)
Who it suits: A thick mat for under a full treadmill or exercise bike.
Check before buying: the size against your treadmill's footprint.
Sunny Health & Fitness Equipment Mat (No. 074-L, 4 sizes)
Who it suits: Protecting a hard floor under a treadmill or walking pad.
Check before buying: the size against your machine's footprint.
Marcy Fitness Equipment Mat and Floor Protector (MAT366)
Who it suits: A general mat for treadmills, ellipticals or bikes.
Check before buying: the size against your machine.
ProsourceFit Treadmill Mat
Who it suits: A treadmill mat for a home gym corner.
Check before buying: the size and thickness.
UREVO Foldable Treadmill Mat (URFE001)
Who it suits: Putting a walking pad on carpet or hardwood. The listing says it's for under a walking pad.
Check before buying: the size and the thickness.
Lubricant
Use the type your manual names. These listings say they're 100% silicone. None of them name a specific treadmill as compatible, so check your manual first.
Spot On Treadmill Belt Lubricant (100% silicone)
Who it suits: Owners whose manual calls for silicone belt lubricant. The listing says it has an 8 in application tube.
Check before buying: that your manual calls for 100% silicone lubricant.
IMPRESA 100% Silicone Treadmill Lubricant
Who it suits: Owners whose manual calls for silicone belt lubricant.
Check before buying: that your manual calls for 100% silicone lubricant.
Action Fitness 100% Silicone Treadmill Lubricant (2 x 4 oz)
Who it suits: Owners who want a two-bottle pack of silicone lubricant, if the manual calls for it.
Check before buying: that your manual calls for 100% silicone lubricant.
Desk add-ons and cord covers
If you walk at a desk, a standing desk and a cord cover keep things tidy. One folding treadmill here, the UREVO URTM047, comes with its own laptop desk. See walking pads.
Mats and floors
On carpet, a mat gives the machine a flat base. On hardwood, it helps protect the floor. On a second floor, a mat may cut down on some vibration. A mat isn't a promise of no noise or no floor marks, so follow the manual.
Lubrication and belt care
Many treadmills need belt lubricant from time to time. Some walking pads do and some don't. How often depends on the model, so follow the schedule in your manual.
Cleaning
Wipe the belt surface and the console with a dry or slightly damp cloth. Vacuum around and under the machine. Clean under the belt only the way your manual describes, and unplug the machine first.
Safety basics
- Safety key: clip it to your clothes when you use the machine. If you fall behind, it pulls out and stops the belt.
- Kids and pets: keep them away while the belt is moving. Take the safety key out and store it out of reach when you're done. This helps keep kids from starting the machine.
- Clearance: leave the space behind and beside the machine that the manual asks for.
- Unplugging: unplug the machine when not in use if your manual says to.
Follow the manufacturer's manual.
Power and cords
Read about power and outlet needs before you plug in. Follow the manufacturer's manual.
More: treadmill picks and walking pad picks.
FAQ
How often should you lubricate a treadmill?
Follow your manual's schedule. It depends on the model and how much you use it.
Do walking pads need lubricant?
Some do and some don't. Check the manual for your model.
What does a treadmill safety key do?
It stops the belt when it's pulled out. Take it out when you're not using the machine to help keep kids from starting it. Follow the manual.
Can you put a treadmill on carpet?
Many people put a mat under the treadmill on carpet. Follow the manual.
How do I keep kids and pets safe around a treadmill?
Keep them away while the belt is moving, take the safety key out after each use, store the key out of reach, and unplug the machine if your manual says to.