Treadmill stress tests are used to determine the quality of a treadmill belt, deck, and other components. A good treadmill can be costly, but if it’s broken you don’t want to break it and lose all your hard-earned workout gains. So what’s the answer to the question, how long is a treadmill stress test? This article offers a few answers and considerations.
First, remember that a treadmill stress test is not designed to last an hour or more. There are several different types of testing equipment available on the market, including some that are not appropriate for testing long or heavy items. For that type of test, you’ll probably want to visit a local treadmill shop. That said, many professional treadmills use very good testing equipment that can last hours or even days. So when you’re shopping for a new treadmill, you might consider spending a bit more to make sure you get the best you can afford.
Second, remember that a treadmill stress tester is not the same as an estimate for the life (length) of your treadmill. Although a good tester can give you a pretty good idea of how long you could expect your equipment to last, the actual life span will depend on how well you take care of your machine, which also includes proper lubrication and cleaning. So don’t take this to mean that you shouldn’t care for your treadmill, just that it may take you more time than a good tester will.
Third, keep in mind that a treadmill stress test doesn’t tell you whether your machine will break down or not. You won’t know that until you actually use it, and unfortunately, a test can’t tell you that either. The tester measures things like wear and tear, but not normal daily wear and tear. When you’re using your treadmill every day, it’s bound to break down at some point, no matter how durable it is. That’s why it’s important to regularly use your treadmill, and have it thoroughly inspected and maintained by a professional so that you can find out about any potential problems before they become major issues.
Fourth, don’t be afraid to ask for a sample test. Treadmill manufacturers are used to this question, and most will give you a sample treadmill to test out free of charge, if you ask. This is especially true if you’re getting a used treadmill. You’ll want to make sure that it’s in good working order before you commit to spending your hard-earned money.
Fifth, take your time. A good treadmill stress tester will be able to give you results in a matter of minutes. Don’t rush into a purchase. The tester has just seconds to find out how well your treadmill runs and measures things, so if you get overwhelmed by the selection on today’s market, just hang in there.
Sixth, take good measurements. Make sure that you take accurate measurements of the width, depth, and angles of all of the runner’s knees, stride length, stride width, heel bone angle, and hipbones. These numbers are the measurements that the treadmill is measuring. Don’t guess. Get these numbers from a professional treadmill tester.
Seventh, ignore your emotions. It’s easy to get worked up when you’re testing a treadmill. But you’re trying to buy a treadmill, which is the most important appliance you’re going to buy! Go with your gut.
You should also note that it’s never a good idea to start any treadmill-testing exercise without first warming up your feet. Wearing socks or barefoot can make the test process much more difficult. Also, don’t stretch before you begin walking on a treadmill. Stretching puts undue stress on your knees. Instead, start off slowly and work up to more strenuous exercises.
You’ll know how long a treadmill stress test will last when you remove your shoes and step onto the treadmill for about two minutes. Your heart will beat in a normal rhythm on the machine. Also, make sure you take the time to check out the treadmill. See if there is anything that could cause damage, such as loose bolts or worn parts. Also, if you plan to put your feet down on the machine at any time, make sure that the deck of the treadmill is sturdy enough so that you don’t fall down or get stepped on.
If you have a high end treadmill that you’re using for your business, you’ll probably be able to get a more detailed evaluation by a testing professional. For more affordable models, you may want to ask the owner to give you a test ride. In this situation, you’ll need to follow specific instructions to prevent damage to the motor. Be sure to wear appropriate clothing such as running shoes. It’s also important to make sure the treadmill has an emergency stop switch in case of an electrical malfunction. You’ll also need to change the battery in your treadmill regularly.