Service Tips
Treadmill Belt Allignment
Treadbelt alignment is considered the user's responsibility. When aligning your belt, be sure you do not over tighten the belt as this can cause damage to your belt, rollers and even the motor! Click on this link for a printable form on how to properly align your treadmill's belt.

Get the Squeek Out!
Treadmills are complex machines made up of mechanical elements, like belts, motors and electronic components. Just like a car, there will be times when things go wrong and the machine may signal this to you with a squeaking noise. If your treadmill is squeaking, it can be caused by several factors and generally signals the need some extra care. Before making any alterations, make sure your treadmill is sitting on a flat, level surface. Using your manual for guidance, lubricate the belt as directed, making sure the treadmill is unplugged. If those two fixes haven't solved the problem, it is likely a more serious issue and you may need to call your treadmill manufacturer for support and to connect with a professional that can help you fix the issue.

Heart Rate Reception issues
There can be several reasons for abnormal or irregular readings during exercise. Due to the same reasons, heart rate may stay at the same value for a long time or the heart rate stays at zero (0).
1. Poor contact between the skin and the electrodes of the transmitter
For accurate heart rate measurement, the contact between skin and the electrodes should be as good as possible. Polar transmitters measure the ECG signal from the chest, where it is the strongest. The weak heart-generated signals need to be accurately measured before the calculation of the heart rate. It is therefore important to ensure that the contact between the skin and the electrodes is as good as possible. Here are some tips how to ensure good contact:
1.1. Moisten the grooved electrode areas on the back of the transmitter. At the beginning of the exercise session your skin may be dry and the moisture will help ensure better contact. When you start to sweat the contact will improve because the salt in the sweat conducts the electrical signals very well. Saliva is a good conductor as well. However, if you have a WearLink31 or WearLink W.I.N.D transmitter, it is essential that you moisten the electrodes well under the tap water before the exercise.
1.2. Tighten the elastic strap of the transmitter. If the transmitter is loose, the movement of the electrodes disturbs the detection of the ECG signal. If the standard strap does not fit satisfactorily, larger and smaller elastic straps are available as accessories.
1.3. The type of the ECG signal slightly varies from person to person. The form of the ECG signal can depend on form of the chest, the anatomical location and position of the heart, position of the electrodes and the amount of body fat. If the ECG signal is weak, disturbances can more easily spoil the signal. Find the best contact by turning the transmitter left or right, or place it lower or higher. There have been cases where the transmitter detects the heart rate better when it is turned upside down so that the Polar logo is upside down and facing out, or even when attached on the persons back with the Polar logo upside down and facing out.
1.4. For active sports like aerobics or marathons, women can use the accessory Heart Bra which makes the transmitter stay in place better. Ask your local Polar dealer or distributor for the availability of this product.
1.5. Hairy chest may also weaken the contact. Try to find the best possible position for transmitter.
1.6. In demanding cases, use conductive electrode lotion or gel to improve the contact. After using them, it is very important to wash the transmitter carefully. However, it is not recommended to use conductive electrode lotion or gel when using the WearLink31 or WearLink W.I.N.D transmitter since the lotion or gel can block the electrode area.

Clean your treadmill!
One of the most common causes of premature deck and belt wear is the accumulation of dirt and debris. For this reason, even the best treadmills for home need regular cleanings. If you have a treadmill at home, you should clean the deck and belt one time each month. You should also clean the areas on either side of the belt, as well as the deck’s exposed areas. Wipe down the other portions of the machine using a damp cloth or sponge every week, and clean the treadmill’s motor area at least three times each year. When you clean the motor, follow the instructions in your owner’s manual.
Time to invest in something new?
If you are considering a new machine, please contact a specialty fitness dealer in the Houston area. We recommend Fitness Unlimited for Life Fitness products, Busy Body for Precor Fitness products, Winston Fitness for Vision and Matrix, and PreownedFitness.com for used exercise equipment.