You may be wondering whether you can put a treadmill outside, and if so, why you’d want to. After all, you can go for a run in the fresh air—what’s the point of sticking it in a windowless basement? But you can do more than run when you put a treadmill outside, and there are some good reasons for bringing it into the great outdoors.
As well as the obvious one: replacing the view of a boring wall and a flickering TV with the views of the park or the area around your apartment.
A treadmill can be used outside if the weather is cool, and there is a way to protect it from the elements. The treadmill will need to be covered by a tarp so it does not get wet from rain or snow. The tarp will also protect the treadmill from the hot summer sun.
Outdoor treadmills are generally designed to withstand a fair amount of weather, depending on the brand and model.
However, it is important to make sure you use a treadmill that you know will hold up in the elements. We’ve seen a number of treadmills that have been damaged by the sun and other intense weather elements.
How to Safely Put Your Treadmill Outside
With the warm weather approaching, now is the perfect time to start using your treadmill outside. While this is a great way to help you stay in shape year-round, before you head out the door, make sure you follow these tips so you can safely enjoy the great outdoors.
- Don’t put your treadmill outside if it’s made of wood or if the outside temperature is below freezing.
- Don’t put your treadmill outside if you live in a humid area or if you are running or walking outside.
- Don’t put your treadmill outside if you are using it in a commercial setting.
- Use a waterproof cover
Don’t Put Your Treadmill Outside If the Temperature is Below Freezing Point
Treadmills are a great way to lose weight and maintain your fitness regardless of the time of the year, but like any other outdoor equipment, they need to be well maintained to perform optimally. It’s important to keep your treadmill clean and dry to reduce the risk of corrosion, but you should exercise caution so you don’t damage the unit or trip and hurt yourself. If you live in a cold area, then you may want to keep your treadmill indoors.
Don’t put your treadmill outside if the temperature is below the freezing point. If you do, you might as well assume that your treadmill is as good as gone.
Don’t Put Your Treadmill Outside If You Live in a Humid Area
Do you live in a very humid area? If so, you might want to consider guarding your gym equipment against the elements if you don’t want to have to replace them sooner than you should. A treadmill in particular is very sensitive to humidity, so you’ll want to keep it indoors (and preferably in a room with air conditioning) if you want it to last.
What happens when you leave it out in the elements? Basically, humidity is just a fancy word for water vapor. Humidity in the air can lead to things like condensation on the outside of your treadmill, and that condensation will cause the paint on your equipment to start to peel.
If you live in a humid area, avoid putting your treadmill outside. No matter how hard you try, you cannot stop your treadmill from rusting when it is stored outside. If you live in a humid area, such as Florida or Hawaii, then you know what I’m talking about.
If you don’t live in a humid area, then you probably are wondering why your treadmill is rusted. The reason is that humid air contains a lot of moisture. This moisture will rust your treadmill. The worst part is that even if you store it in a covered location, like a garage, the walls will still be damp and can cause rust.
Use a Waterproof Cover to Protect Your Treadmill for Outside Storage
Running on the treadmill is one of the best ways to get your daily dose of exercise, but it can be frustrating when your time is limited. If you want to save some time, try storing your treadmill outside. If you are planning to store your treadmill outdoors, you should protect it from the elements with a waterproof cover, which will also help keep it clean.
If you don’t have a cover, you may want to consider purchasing a storage shed, which is a great way to protect your belongings from the elements.
While many people store their treadmills in a spare room or in the basement, some people who live in colder climates like to store them outside in the garage or a shed.
This is perfectly acceptable, as long as you take a few precautions to ensure that your equipment remains safe and sound. After all, you don’t want to drag it out in the spring only to find out that it’s rusted beyond repair, or that mice have chewed through the wiring.
One of the best ways to protect your treadmill from the elements is to invest in a weather-proof cover.
What Happens If a Treadmill Gets Wet?
Wet exercise equipment can be a recipe for mildew and bacteria growth if not dried out properly, and can deteriorate the quality of your running shoes and cause slipping. The best thing to do is to remove the machine from the wet area and allow it to dry completely.
To speed up the drying process, place several fans in front of the machine and provide a way for the fans to blow directly on the machine. If the machine is still wet after 24 hours, leave it out to dry. Do not attempt to use the machine until it is completely dry.
Last Words
Running a treadmill is a great way to get a workout in, no matter what the weather. But, if you live in a climate with harsh winters, you may want to think twice before placing your treadmill on your deck.
