tredemølle

A tredemølle, or treadmill in English, is a device for walking or running in place on a moving belt. It is a staple of indoor fitness equipment, allowing users to exercise regardless of weather or location. In Norwegian usage, tredemølle refers to the same device.

Most treadmills are motorized, with a belt powered by an electric motor; manual treadmills rely on user movement to drive the belt. They range from compact home models to heavy-duty commercial units, often featuring adjustable incline to simulate hills. Common features include a console with speed, distance, time, and calorie readouts, heart rate monitoring, pre-programmed workouts, and connectivity options. Safety features include an emergency stop key, handrails, and cushioning to reduce impact.

The name treadmill comes from the idea of treading on a mill-like belt; the modern treadmill for exercise emerged in the 20th century and became widespread with the growth of indoor fitness. It is widely used for cardio training, rehabilitation, and gait assessment. In addition to general fitness, treadmills are employed in clinical settings for rehabilitation programs and walking-balance training, with various programs tailored to age, ability, and medical considerations.

Maintenance involves checking belt tension and alignment, lubricating moving parts according to manufacturer instructions, cleaning dust, and inspecting safety features. Users should wear appropriate footwear, perform a warm-up, start at a slow speed, and increase intensity gradually to reduce the risk of injury.