History of Treadmills: Origin, History, and Development

If we are going to trace back the concept of the treadmills we see on public gyms and fitness equipment stores today, we can discover that treadmills exist way back the medieval times. Though it was not used as fitness equipment, the basic principle of these treadmills is the same. During that time, treadmills are designed as lifting equipment for construction sites. Romans also use treadmills to provide power to pull sledges out of the mine. Slaves are used to walk continuously inside the large wooden wheel (treadmill) to retrieve sledges or board containing iron-ores.

But the first real treadmill that we can relate to our present treadmill is dated just more than a hundred years ago, in 1875. Well, its original purpose is the same as the treadmills used by Romans but instead of slave, animals such as dogs and sheep or horses are used to provide power. Agricultural farmers adopted the same concept for additional power source in their farms to get the job done.

By 1952, Robert Bruce, the first director of the School of Medicine's Division of Cardiology, leading the division to its role as a world leader in cardiac research, teaching, and clinical care, and called the father of exercise cardiology brought up the idea of adopting the farmer's treadmill to medical use. Along with Wayne Quinton who built the first motorized treadmills for cardiac testing, Robert Bruce brought treadmills into market.

Since then, treadmills have become a very important machine for fitness enthusiast. Outdoor workout has moved into one room thanks to the invention and development of the treadmill.

A notable period in the history of treadmills came in the late 60s when Aerobics, Incorporated launched a far better, smoother, and more affordable treadmills. The treadmills were transformed into a more costumer friendly equipment to purchase. This period also showed the release of an automated control treadmill.

During the seventies, Trackmaster, a well known brand of treadmills, released durable and tough treadmills that became the standard for gym models today. One addition to the revolution of treadmill was the motor. Motorized treadmills were far better workout compared to the manual treadmills. This addition of the motor gave modes and adjustments as to whether the person working out wanted a slow, moderate, or fast phase while using the treadmills. The addition of the cushioning belt was seen in 1974 model of Woodway.

NASA also uses the treadmill technology into their space programs. They boarded their own version of treadmill made from a Teflon-coated plate in their Skylab that is used by astronauts to maintain bone mass.

Innovations and experiments prompted Star Trac to combine computer technology with treadmills. They invented the first treadmill that can exchange workout data with Palm OS handhelds. This made treadmills data more personal which also gave way to the other possibilities like a downloadable programs from their website along with professionally-designed workouts based on individualized fitness goal.

With the development and history of treadmills for the past decades, workout progress became easier. And with the trend happening right now, we can see the more technological marvel in the future of the treadmills.

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