Treadmill

Treadmill is a device generally used for walking, running, or climbing while staying in the same place. Treadmills were introduced before the development of powered machines, to harness the power of animals or humans to do work, often a type of mill that was operated by a person or animal treading steps of a treadwheel to grind grain. In later times, treadmills were used as punishment devices for people sentenced to hard labour in prisons. The terms treadmill and treadwheel were used interchangeably for the power and punishment mechanisms.

Today, treadmills are devices used to exercise. They are typically powered by an electric motor. The user walks or runs in place on a moving belt. The belt moves to the rear, requiring the user to walk or run at a speed matching that of the belt. The rate at which the belt moves is the rate of walking or running. Thus, the speed of running may be controlled and measured.

History

The origins of the treadmill can be traced back to the 1st century AD. The ancient Romans used a treadmill or treadwheel to manipulate heavy objects. They used humans and animals to power the wheel, which would lift heavy objects to the desired height.

In the 19th century, treadmills were used as a form of punishment in prisons. Prisoners were forced to step on the spokes of a large paddle wheel. This would turn a millstone, hence the term 'treadmill'. This form of punishment was abolished in the late 19th century.

The modern treadmill was designed in 1952 by Dr. Robert Bruce and Wayne Quinton at the University of Washington. They used it to diagnose heart and lung disease.

Health Benefits

Treadmills are used for exercise, to increase general fitness, and for weight loss. A person can walk or run on a treadmill. They provide an efficient, straightforward aerobic workout and can provide an efficient cardiovascular workout and help burn calories.

Safety

Safety features of a treadmill include a safety key that, when dislodged, immediately stops the moving treadmill belt. Some treadmills also have heart rate monitoring features.

See Also

• Exercise equipment
• Elliptical trainer
• Stationary bicycle

References

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