Walking belts are known by many different names, but there is not really a difference within the basic accepted design even though different people may not use the same term to name a walking belt.  Other names are: small treadmills belt, striding belt, running belt, jogging belt, bands (with the same descriptive variations), runner, and mat.

 

For simplicity, we call it a walking belt but our terminology does not limit the kind of exercise that can be done.  There are different grades of walking belts plus they can differ widely when it comes to quality and value based upon the kind of construction.  Most walking belts are made with two various kinds of materials that are formed together to form the finished product you see.  Most people assume the belt’s top coat is rubber but many today have a PVC top coat.  PVC has a tendency to hold up better within wide range of shoes and applications and due to its strength, so many people are fooled into thinking that their belt is OK when the backing is totally worn out.

 

The backing of the belt is an essential area.  The most widely used backing materials are monofilament, polyester, cotton, and urethane.  Of these backings, the softer the material the less noise the belt can make.  So a cotton backed belt will be much quieter than the usual urethane belt.  The downside is that the softer the fabric and the less noisy the belt the quicker the belt tends to wear out.  Many companies during the last 20 years that when used cotton have now switched over to a polyester blend.  The main advantage would be that the belt continues to be rather quiet but it is more heat resistant and is tougher over the long run in its capability to withstand wear.

 

A backing that’s growing in popularity is monofilament.  This utilizes a single type of fiber.  Since it uses man-made materials, it is commonly more heat resistant and can be formed easier to a rougher backing that will tight on surface connection with when.  The reason this is important is the fact that less contact area can lead to less friction which puts far less stress on the motor and controller.  The drawback to a monofilament belt is that it noisier than either cotton or polyester backing.  Another drawback is the fact that as it is just one fiber, it has a tendency to tight on tensile strength than woven or urethane fibers.

 

The costliest backing is urethane.  It also tends to be the noisiest but if you conserve a urethane backing properly, we’ve seen them last over Ten years inside a light commercial setting.  It is a very durable material that has the best capability to withstand the rigors of heavy use and the heat buildup which are associated with club use.

 

Others will advertise a memory foam belt that has either additional layers or a thicker top layer that can help cushion the foot fall.  Once again, our serious problem with these belts is heat problems cheap many of these belts can weigh around 3 to 4 times over a regular 2 ply belt.  The heavier the belt, greater the drive system has to work to keep moving the belt around.  Combine by using heat problems built into a thicker belt – remember, its’ better insulated – so you can rapidly understand why we aren’t big on the orthopedic belts.

 

If you’re selecting a new treadmill like Horizon Fitness T91 Exercise Treadmill take notice of the walking belt.  It may be the heart of the treadmill despite popular opinion naming another part.  If you already have a treadmill, maintain your belt and keep it clean and your gym center treadmill will thank you for it over time.

Tags: exercise, gym, treadmills
Filed under: Fat Loss Products