How to Adjust a Belt on a Treadmill

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Like all types of machines, occasionally the belt will become loose. If you notice that the gap between the belt and the board are really close together or the belt seems to be slipping you should adjust it. A loose belt can affect your workout. Adjusting it can be quick and simple.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Adjusting while Treadmill On

PDF download Download Article
  1. Often they are located towards the back near the roller axle. [1]
    • Most treadmills use Hex screws. Hex screws have a six sided head and need an Allen Wrench or a hex key.
  2. Adjust the speed to 3 miles (5 kilometers) or less. [2]
    Advertisement
  3. If the belt needs loosening turn the screws clockwise. If the belt needs tightening turn the screws anticlockwise. [3]
    • Turn each screw no more than a quarter turn each time.
    • Adjust each screw the same number of turns.
    • If the belt needs centering to the right tighten the right screw.
    • If the belt needs centering to the left tighten the left screw.
  4. It should be centered between the two boards and tightened until the belt does not slip.
    5. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Adjusting while Treadmill Off

PDF download Download Article
  1. [4]
  2. Often they are located towards the back near the roller axle.
    • Most treadmills use Hex screws. Hex screws have a six sided head and need an Allen Wrench or a hex key.
  3. If the belt needs loosening turn the screws clockwise. If the belt needs tightening turn the screws anticlockwise. [5]
    • Turn each screw no more than a quarter turn each time.
    • Adjust each screw the same number of turns.
    • If the belt needs centering to the right tighten the right screw.
    • If the belt needs centering to the left tighten the left screw.
  5. It should be centered between the two boards and tightened until the belt does not slip. Each time you adjust turn the treadmill off and unplug it. When you test the treadmill plug it in and turn it on.
    6. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Is running on a treadmill good when starting cardio exercises?
    Jesse Pichardo
    Personal Trainer
    Jesse Pichardo is a Personal Trainer and Nutrition expert based in Fresno, California. He is a Certified Personal Trainer with the National Academy of Sports Medicine. He is also a Certified Nutrition Coach through Precision Nutrition’s Level 2 Master Health Coaching Certification. He is also a Personal Trainer on staff at Fresno Athletic Training Center, a stat-of-the-art training center for personal training, bootcamps, sports-specific coaching, and athletic event training. Jesse helps clients with motivation and accountability, providing a structured and personalized fitness program for each person. No matter where a customer is in their fitness journey, Jesse prioritizes moving them up to the next level and helping them achieve their goals.
    Jesse Pichardo
    Personal Trainer
    Expert Answer
    Treadmills can be a good starting point if you're just starting out on cardio exercises, but it would depend on your fitness level and physical condition. If you're new to exercise, you might want to ease into cardio with a gentler exercise like walking. Walking is low-impact, easy on the joints, and super sustainable. It’s an activity you can keep doing well into old age. Plus, you can control the pace and duration, making it a versatile choice. If you're heavier or very out of shape, running right away might be tough on your knees or hips. In this case, starting with a treadmill set to a low speed and no incline is a great way to build up your endurance without overdoing it. It’s low-impact, and you can gradually increase your pace as you get stronger.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Use a Treadmill
      How to
      Maintain Your Treadmill
      How to
      Fix a Treadmill
      How to
      Use a Ratchet Strap
      How to
      Use a Light Timer
      Homemade Dawn Powerwash: Easy Recipe for Refills
      Moving a Vehicle’s Electric Power Seat Forward or Back Manually
      5 Ways to Reset Any Maytag Washing Machine
      How to
      Make a Smokeless Fire Pit
      How to
      Fix a Leaky Sink Trap
      How to
      Make a Drone
      Safe & Effective Ways to Clean & Unclog Any Sink Drain
      How to
      Paint on Plastic
      How to
      Clean a USB C Charging Port
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tsDfd52kCA
      2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tsDfd52kCA
      3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XyPedy7HtzM
      4. ↑ https://www.sportsrec.com/adjust-proform-treadmill-belts-5689893.html
      5. ↑ https://www.sportsrec.com/adjust-proform-treadmill-belts-5689893.html

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 101,351 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement