Treadmills are ultra effective cardio machines that make a great addition to any home gym. But they are also bulky and awkwardly shaped. That makes moving your treadmill quite a challenge. Knowing how to move a treadmill without damaging yourself, your equipment or your home can make your life a whole lot easier.
In this article, we’ll present an eleven step guide to moving a treadmill safely, including how to transport this bulky fitness equipment upstairs. We’ll also provide some tips on how to avoid injury when moving your treadmill and answer the most frequently asked questions about moving treadmills.
Table Of Contents
How To Move A Treadmill Safely
1. Check The Treadmill Manual For Moving Instructions
It is amazing how many people don’t even bother to look at the user manual that comes with their treadmill. Don’t make that mistake. You should read the manual thoroughly when you get your treadmill and then keep your manual in a safe place for future reference. It will probably contain tips on how to safely move the machine.
2. Clear A Path
Walk through the path through which you will be moving the treadmill and think about what can be moved out of the way to make the job easier. In addition to moving such things as tables, chairs and pot plants, you may also have to take off a door. You should also look above to make sure that the treadmill console won’t damage any light fittings.
3. Unplug The Treadmill And Remove The Safety Key
Before you begin to move the treadmill, unplug it from the wall and roll up the cord. We suggest taping the rolled up cord to the base of the treadmill in order to keep it out of the way when you are moving the machine. You should also remove the key to make extra sure that the treadmill walking belt will not unexpectedly start moving as you are carrying it.
See the best treadmills for tall runners here.
4. Fold, Dismantle Or Prepare Dolly
If you have a folding treadmill, put it in the folded position and securely lock it in that position. If you are moving the treadmill over a long distance, it might be best to dismantle the machine or at least to separate the deck from the main frame. Follow the owner’s manual when doing this. If you have a dolly available, make sure that the tires are fully pumped and that it is ready to go.
5. Lift With Your Legs, Not Your Back
When it comes to lifting heavy equipment like a treadmill, it is vital that you use proper biomechanics. The old adage to lift with the legs and not the back will help you to avoid serious injury. When you bend down to grab hold of the treadmill, maintain a neutral spine position with your core tight and shoulders back. Bend your knees to go down into a squat. When you come up, keep a straight back as you make your quadriceps do the work.
6. Use Wheels To Roll Treadmill From One Room To Next
7. Stop If It Becomes Too Difficult
8. Remove From Dolly, Reassemble Or Fold Out
Having successfully moved the treadmill to its new location, you are now ready to reassemble it or fold it back out. If you have used a dolly, carefully remove it from under the base of the machine, without scratching the frame. When you are setting the treadmill in its new location, make sure that you leave a minimum of 20 inches (50 cm) on either side and 40 inches (1 m) behind the machine for ease of access.
Rushing the moving job could lead to serious injury that could prevent you from using your treadmill for weeks.
9. Plug In
Remove the tape from the treadmill plug and unwind it. Check that the plug has not been damaged during transit. The new position of your exercise equipment should allow the plug to reach the socket without being stretched tight. You may have to adjust the position to allow for this. Plug the cord into the socket and then reinsert the key into the machine. Switch the treadmill to check that it is running smoothly.
10. Check For Damage
Now that the job is done, give the treadmill a final check to make sure that it has not been damaged. Look over the frame to see if any of the paint has been scratched. Then check over the walking belt and motor. If you notice some problems, consult the owner’s manual to see if you can fix it yourself. If you can’t, you may have to call in a service technician. In this case, be sure to check to see if you can make a claim under warranty.
11. If All Else Fails, Hire A Moving Company
If you do not have the needed help or ability to move your heavy treadmill, you can call in the services of a moving company. If you are moving house or transporting the treadmill over a long distance, a moving company is a good idea. Professional movers know how to move heavy objects efficiently without causing any damage. They will make use of moving blankets and hoists to get the job done for you.
Professional movers know how to move heavy objects efficiently without causing any damage. They will make use of moving blankets and hoists to get the job done for you.
Important Things To Know Before Moving A Treadmill
Size & Weight Of Treadmill
Knowing the weight of the treadmill will give you a good idea whether it is a one-person or a two-person job. Check the owner’s manual for this information, as well as the dimensions of the machine. Check whether the width will fit through your doorway.
Folding Or Non-Folding
A folding under bed treadmill will be easier to move than a non-folding one. But not all treadmills fold for storage. Check if yours does and make sure you know how to properly fold it.
How fast do treadmills go? Read more here.
Can It Be Dismantled?
Can It Be Moved On Its Wheels?
A treadmill that has wheels under the console end of the frame will be a lot easier to move. By flipping up the other end, you will be able to maneuver the treadmill to its new location. Just be careful to maintain an even balance so that it doesn’t topple over.
Can You Use A Furniture Dolly?
A furniture dolly will make the job a lot easier, especially if the treadmill does not have wheels. If you don’t have one, you should consider renting or even buying one. Look for a dolly that can lift up to a thousand pounds (453 kg) to make sure that it will do the job with ease.
Rather than moving a treadmill, you might be able to hide it in plain sight. Check our innovative ideas on how to hide a treadmill.
How To Move A Treadmill Upstairs
Moving a treadmill up a flight of stairs can be an especially challenging task. You will need help to get this job done, so recruit a buddy or two. Follow these steps to do it safely:
- Clear the way by removing any clutter or other obstacles to your path.
- If the treadmill folds, put it in the folded position before moving. Remove the plug, wrap it up and tape it to the main frame. Then remove the key.
- Lift the treadmill from the back end, with the strongest person taking this job. The other person should then lift the other end.
- Turn the machine on its side. This will give the smallest profile.
- Move up the stairs one step at a time. Don’t rush it and stop if you have to.
- Once you are up the stairs. Carefully carry the treadmill to the new location. Set it down gently and then reassemble it.
How To Move A Treadmill Downstairs
Moving a treadmill downstairs is just as tricky as going up. It is also more likely to cause a nasty accident. Follow these steps to get the job done without incident:
- Check that the path down the stairs is obstacle free.
- Fold the treadmill, tape the power cord to the frame and remove the safety key.
- Have the stronger person carrying the back end of the treadmill. This person should move down the stairs first.
- Tilt the machine on its side as you carry it.
- The person at the front should guide the other person, indicating the steps.
- Take your time and stop if needed.
How To Avoid Injury When Moving A Treadmill
The most important tip to avoid injury when moving a treadmill is to lift with the legs and not the back. If you have any lower back issues, we recommend wearing a back brace or weightlifting belt. Another good idea is to use furniture lifting straps to evenly distribute the weight. Recruit others to help you move your treadmill, especially if you have to negotiate stairs. Finally, take your time to complete the job. If you feel any discomfort, stop immediately.
Are treadmills bad for your knees? Click to find out.
The most important tip to avoid injury when moving a treadmill is to lift with your legs and not your back.
Looking for a treadmill that’s easy on your joints? Check our review of the best cushioned treadmills on the market.
How Heavy Are Treadmills?
Treadmill weights will vary according to the size and power of the treadmill. Those with more powerful motors will be heavier. Smaller, less expensive machines will be the lightest, weighing less than a hundred pounds (45 kg). The largest, most powerful treadmills may weigh as much as 300 pounds (136 kg). Check the weight of your machine before buying to get an idea of how easy it will be to move.
Elliptical vs treadmill: which is better for you? Click to read more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Move A Treadmill Without Taking It Apart?
Yes, you can move a treadmill without taking it apart. Folding treadmills will not need to be dismantled. Machines with wheels will also allow you to move the machine without taking it apart. The decision about dismantling the treadmill will depend on the width of your doorways and the strength of the people who are moving it.
Can 2 People Move A Treadmill?
Two people may be able to move a treadmill, depending on how strong they are and how heavy the machine is. By dismantling the main frame from the deck you will make the lifting of each part a lot easier. Using a furniture dolly will also allow two people to move the treadmill much more easily. If you are unsure whether the two people who are lined up to do the job will manage it, you should call in a third person.
Are Treadmills Hard To Move?
Some treadmills are hard to move while others are relatively easy. Those that can be folded and/or have transport wheels are the easiest to move. The more powerful, large framed treadmills are the most difficult to move and will require a number of people to get the job done.
How Do You Move A Treadmill Upstairs By Yourself?
You should never move a treadmill upstairs by yourself. This is definitely a two, or possibly even three, person job. Even if you have a folding treadmill, you should still recruit other people to help you do the job. Trying to do it yourself could lead to serious injury or even death.
How Can I Move My 300 Pound Treadmill?
To move your 300 pound (136 kg) treadmill, you should first dismantle the deck from the main frame. This will give you two parts to transport that are each much lighter than 300 pounds. Recruit at least one other person to help you carry the parts. The strongest person would be on the console end of the frame.
