The treadmill is an exercise machine used for walking or running whilst staying in one place. It consists of a moving platform with a wide conveyor belt driven by an electric motor or a flywheel. The belt moves to the rear allowing a person to walk or run on the spot. The speed at which the belt rotates is the rate of running or walking.

	The more expensive, heavy-duty versions are motor-driven thus, the speed of the belt can be controlled, providing the ability to measure speeds and distances covered.
The simpler, lighter, and less expensive versions passively resist the motion, moving only when the walker pushes the belt with their feet.

Research published in 1968 by Dr Kenneth Cooper demonstrated the benefits of aerobic exercise, providing a medical argument to support the commercial development of the home treadmill and exercise bike.

We detail below some advantages and disadvantages of the home treadmill

Advantages

• Like other complex cardiovascular exercise e.g. walking, running and cycling, treadmill training improves endurance and provides a number of health benefits.
• Normal road running can be damaging to the joints of the legs and the lower back with typical injuries being tendon strains and stress fractures.  Treadmills offer the benefit of reduced impact since all of them offer some sort of shock absorption. Exercising on a treadmill reduces the strain to the ankles, knees and lower back that would be involved in running on a normal surface.
• Users who would not be happy to run or walk outdoors (e.g. due to uneven road surfaces, unwanted attention, unfavorable weather conditions or dangerous neighborhoods) can use an indoor treadmill.
• Users who might be uncomfortable within the confines of a traditional gym would be happier using an indoor treadmill at home.
• Whilst using a home treadmill you can do other things  such as reading or watching television.
• The electric versions enable exact calculation and adjustment of slope, speed and distance covered.
• Some of the more advanced treadmills offer special features such as step count, heart rate monitors, and counting the number of calories expended.

Disadvantages

• Many people find treadmills boring and they eventually return to the more traditional style of pounding the streets.
• Takes up space in the home although many of the modern treadmills are a folding design.
• Can make a loud grinding noise if the conveyor belt begins slipping.
• Lack of wind resistance makes running on a treadmill easier than it would otherwise be on an equal elevation outdoor venue.
• The treadmill imposes a regular pace on runners, giving an unnatural feel to running which can cause a runner to lose balance.

"Users who would not be happy to run or walk outdoors (e.g. due to uneven road surfaces, unwanted attention, unfavorable weather conditions or dangerous neighborhoods) can use an indoor treadmill"