Treadmills can be pretty expensive if you are buying them new. But they also take up a lot of room in your house or apartment. So naturally a lot of people have the question, “Can treadmills be kept outside?” If that is you then are in the right place. Keep reading to find out.
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Where can you keep the treadmill?
It is true that maintaining a treadmill outside can be tricky but the rewards which come with exercising outside is far too many to count.
Thus, no wonder so many people opt to keep their treadmill outdoors. Determining the best place to store your treadmill is quite important.
First and foremost, look for a space that receives a minimal amount of moisture. If your treadmill comes in contact with too much moisture then it can break down in a year or so.
Thus, look for a place that remains relatively dry. This holds true for waterproof treadmills as well. There is no need to push the boundary. If you truly want your expensive treadmill to last for a long time, then make sure that it does not come in contact with moisture too often.
You also have to make sure that the treadmill does not come in contact dust or dirt as most treadmills are vulnerable to dirt and dust. Ways to clean the area where you want to keep treadmill has been explained later.
Finally, make sure that it does not come in direct contact with sunlight. In order to avoid any potential damage to the treadmill’s electronic components especially the computer processor, do make sure of this to avoid overheating. Find a place that is sheltered and you will get to enjoy a treadmill that will do its job for years to come.
So, patio, garage, deck and porch or balcony will be able to provide a convenient and safe place to exercise on your treadmill while enjoying the benefits and pleasures of fresh air.
Cleaning the area where the treadmill is kept
When keeping the treadmill outside, you need to make sure that it is protected from dust and dirt as much as possible. You need to thoroughly clean the outdoor area where it is kept. However, sweeping is known for creating dust and putting debris into the air.
Thus, dust and debris can get into the belt and other such parts of the treadmill. Debris in the belt overtime will cause damages to the treadmill, and as a result you have to pay for expensive repair work.
Thus, it will be a smart move to use a standard vacuum cleaner for that particular area. You can use a vacuum cleaner to clean the space near the treadmill and use it to clean walls, floor and ceiling as well. Use a whisk broom to clean the belt before using it to ensure dust and debris do not cause friction with the rollers.
You also need to wipe down the belt, control panel and handgrips with a semi-damp cloth with cleaners to remove accumulated sweat, skin oils and dirt. Use recommended cleaners for the job as using regular soap and water can cause damage to the motor or the belt.
Use a mat
One of the best ways to protect your treadmill kept outside will be by using a mat. Place the mat underneath your treadmill after cleaning the area well. Because of the mat, it will be hard for dust and debris to get inside the motor of the treadmill from underneath.
It will also ensure that moisture is not entering from under it. Besides, putting a mat is highly recommended as it can control static electricity. Here it is also important to mention that a mat can also protect the surfaces of the treadmill from getting scratched when moved.
Use a carpenter’s level
When keeping the treadmill outside, you have to ensure that it is not kept on uneven surface. If your treadmill is off-level then this will affect the belt. Over time, the belt will slip sideways. This will cause extra wear on the belt as well as the rollers. Thus, one of the best ways to avoid this is by using a carpenter’s level. Place it on the front frame of the treadmill and it will help you determine if the treadmill is tilted or not.
Use a treadmill cover
Putting a cover on your treadmill is one of the best ways to keep it outside without causing any damage to it. A cover can provide perfect protection from the outside weather conditions and other such outside elements that can surely damage the treadmill. The covers are available for both non-folding and folding treadmill.
If you do your research, you will find different brands that has covers made with water, mildew and UV resistant materials. Thus, putting the covers can help you to prolong the life of your treadmill. The covers can be customized as well.
