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How to Move a Treadmill: A Complete Guide In 9 Steps

 Written by 

Julien Raby

 Last updated on 

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A treadmill is a piece of useful fitness equipment in your home gym. But it’s a heavy and huge thing. Therefore moving a treadmill may become a tricky part when it comes to buying a treadmill.

In this article, we are going to tell you how to move a treadmill. After reading this guide, you will be able to move your treadmill like a pro. Let’s get started.

A treadmill in a home gym to illustrate how to move a treadmill
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Factors to Consider Before Moving a Treadmill

Treadmill running is becoming increasingly popular for a lot of reasons. There are a lot of treadmill machines available for us to run on today. You should consider multiple factors before moving this piece of equipment:

  1. Where are you going to move your treadmill?
  2. Can the treadmill be folded or dismantled? 
  3. How many stairs will you need to get to grips with? 
  4. What is the size and weight of your treadmill?
  5. Does the treadmill come with transport wheels underneath to roll it around?
  6. Can you use a furniture dolly? 

How to Move Treadmill Safely: 9 Simple Steps

Whether you’re moving a treadmill machine to another room or transporting it to a new location, you need the tips and tricks to move the treadmill safely and easily. 

Step 1: Read the User Manual

Read the manual for instructions! You might find a lot of useful tips on how to move a treadmill machine with a step-by-step guide provided in the user manual of your specific treadmill.

Step 2: Check the Treadmill

Check whether your treadmill comes with a built-in service wheel. How heavy and big is your treadmill? If your treadmill weighs over 100 pounds, consider using a furniture dolly.

Step 3: Fold Up the Treadmill

You will need some extra assistance to move non-folding treadmills. If your treadmill can be folded, you should fold it up before moving. Here is how to do it.

A man folding up a treadmill and before moving it
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When it comes to folding your treadmill, it’s going to vary by manufacturer, but there are a few things that are generally the same on all models, so let’s take a look. 

Directly below the belt, you’ll usually find a bar, which you can grasp and begin to lift until you push the treadmill all the way up and hear just a little click. That lets you know that it’s locked into place. 

Once you’re ready to lower the treadmill, you usually push up just slightly, and then there will either be a lever to push or a small bar which you push on with your foot. The treadmill will then start to lower itself. So there’s nothing for you to do but stand back and let the machine handle the weight of settling everything down. 

Step 4: Unplug the Treadmill

Turn the main power switch at the front end of the unit to the OFF position. The main power switch may be located under the front end or side of the treadmill. Unplug the treadmill from the power outlet. Remove the safety key.

Step 5: Disassemble the Treadmill

If your treadmill is too big to move through the door in your room, try to disassemble a few parts of the treadmill. Check with your franchise about your policy on disassembling treadmills.

Step 6: Prep the Treadmill

Make sure all cords are either removed or properly secured and tucked away.

Stretch wrap the track to the arms that connect to the control panel just in case the piece securing the track breaks. Wrap jagged edges with a stretch wrap to prevent damage. 

Step 7: Move the Treadmill

Move the treadmill out of the current location using the furniture dolly or built-in transport wheels. Also, you can use furniture lifting straps as these can help you distribute the weight. As a result, the treadmill machine doesn’t become overloaded onto you.

To move a treadmill without injury, you should lift this piece of exercise equipment with your legs as much as you can. Your upper body can’t support as much weight as your legs.

An illustration to show how to lift objects and how to move a treadmill
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When it comes to pains and strains, a back is usually the first to go so always protect it as much as you can. Wearing a back brace can support your back and help take some of the pressure off the upper body.

Be careful not to hit walls or structures with the treadmill’s arms or legs. To prevent damage from the unit’s bulk and shape, move slowly and communicate frequently with your partner.

Step 8: Plug In the Treadmill

Once the treadmill is at its new location, connect the treadmill to the power outlet. Turn the main power switch to the ON position. 

Step 9: Check the Treadmill Machine for Damage

Operate the unit through full incline to verify proper operation. Ensure the power cord is not being pinched onto the front of the treadmill. If there are any issues or errors, report them to your manufacturer. 

How to Move Treadmill: Our Moving Tips

Here are our tips that can help you move the treadmill safely:

  1. When lifting a treadmill, avoid placing hands in pinch-point areas, such as the hydraulic unit. 
  2. Follow proper lifting techniques.
  3. If you are going to move to another town, we recommend you apply to professional moving services in your area. They will carry out the task quickly and easily as they use special equipment suited for the transportation of treadmills.
Two men knowing how to move a treadmill
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How to Move a Treadmill Upstairs and Downstairs

The stronger person should be downstairs when moving a treadmill up or down the stairs. This individual will take on most of the weight and might even need a spotter for support. Pick up the large-scale treadmill using areas that are sturdy. Avoid using plastic parts or the control panel as grips.

How to Move Treadmill Machine: FAQs

How Heavy Are Treadmill Machines?

Ranging in weight and size, treadmills can be small or big. Some compact treadmills weigh less than 100 pounds. Bulky treadmills weigh even more than 300 pounds. Buying a treadmill, find one that suits your needs in both usability and accessibility.

Is moving a treadmill hard?

Moving a treadmill may be a concern. Refer to the operating manual before the move because some machines are harder to move than others and each treadmill machine is unique. To move your gym equipment easier, fold it up or use a dolly.

Can 2 people move a treadmill?

Most heavy treadmill machines require two people on opposite ends to lift. However, some non-folding treadmills come with front-end wheels, so you can move them on your own.

About

Julien Raby is the owner of BoxLife. He owns a bachelor in literature and a certificate in marketing from Concordia. He's Crossfit Level 1 certified and has been involved in Crossfit since 2010. In 2023 he finally made it to Crossfit Open Quarterfinals for the first time. LinkedIn Instagram Facebook

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