How to Adjust a Belt on a Treadmill

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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

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  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]
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  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.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Adjusting while Treadmill Off

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  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.
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Expert Q&A

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  • 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.
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      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

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