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Treadmill Helpful Hints & Tips

Please Read Before Your Treadmill Is Delivered


  • If you will be using your treadmill on carpet we suggest the purchase of a protective treadmill mat. This will protect your carpet from the treadmill but, more importantly, protect the treadmill from the carpet. Carpet fibers that collect between the deck and the belt can be very damaging. BGI has durable mats in stock on a regular basis. Ask your salesperson for details.
     
  • The use of an extension cord is not recommended. If you absolutely must use an extension cord, make sure it is grounded (the type with three prongs), less than six feet in length, and is at least as thick as the treadmill power cord (14 gauge).
     
  • If an extension cord is utilized, manufacturers specifically suggest that it not include any form of surge protection (most treadmills have built-in surge protection).

  • It is advisable to plug into a grounded outlet (the one with 3 holes and not 2 holes).
  
Grounded Outlet
 Ungrounded Outlet


  • Never plug your treadmill into GFI outlet (Ground Fault Interrupt outlet - as pictured below)

  • Most manufacturers recommend providing a dedicated, 20-AMP circuit for your treadmill whenever possible to be absolutely certain of avoiding electrical problems.  A "dedicated" circuit means that no other appliances, lamps, etc are on that circuit.  If a dedicated circuit is not available, insure the least number of appliances, lamps, etc are active on that circuit. Having a dedicated circuit allows your treadmill to draw 100% the power it needs to operate. When a circuit is shared, the treadmill can be starved for power, which can lead to poor performance and reduced longevity.

  • Please consult a licensed electrician to assist you if you are unsure if the circuit will properly handle the amperage draw of the treadmill.

  • Also be aware that the distance from your circuit breaker panel to your treadmill will also effect the ability of that circuit to support your treadmill (the closer to the breaker box, the more desirable).

  • Based on the factors above, make your final decision about the placement of your treadmill before it is delivered.

  • Before the delivery team arrives, be sure to clear the path to the final placement area. Please advise BGI Fitness Service of any special considerations such as tight stairways, narrow doorways, etc. and complete any necessary cleaning prior to delivery.  Consider removing pictures from any walls that are on the path to the final placement area.
     
  • Plan on leaving extra space around your treadmill. Some treadmills "walk" with repeated elevation/declination and some extra space will prevent damage from contact with the wall. Leave extra space behind your treadmill in case you should dismount in that direction.
     
  • Be sure to keep your treadmill's feet level. If the feet are not level, the belt may not track properly. Please be aware that some people have physical characteristics that may affect treadmill belt tracking (varying leg lengths, for example).  Be sure to re-level the treadmill if it is relocated after the initial installation (BGI moves equipment within homes and between homes on a regular basis. Contact us to schedule such services).

  • If you have any questions about your new treadmill, please do not hesitate to call the BGI Fitness Service Center at 317-579-7933 ext 2, Mon-Fri, 7:30AM – 4:30PM. You may also submit service inquiries to us via the web at https://www.bgifitness.com/.