What Are the Best Tips for Treadmill Assembly?

For those with a basic knowledge of putting things together, treadmill assembly is usually easy, although this will vary by model. Despite being straightforward, there are some tips that can make putting together this type of exercise machine even easier, saving you from experiencing unnecessary roadblocks. One of the best tips, no matter how experienced you are assembling, is to have someone help you to move the box. Before you start, make sure that you have all of the necessary parts, and always follow the manufacturer’s directions in order, even if you think you can see how the treadmill assembly should go. To prevent injury, do not plug in or install the batteries to the treadmill until you have everything else put together.

In most cases, you can put together a treadmill on your own; however, you probably cannot move the entire box without some help. While this varies by manufacturer, even the lightest treadmills can be too much for one person to handle on his or her own. To save yourself from injury and frustration, and to prevent damage to the treadmill itself, have one or two family members or friends help you to move the box to the location where you will put it together.

One of the most frustrating scenarios when putting together anything is getting close to the end and realizing that a part or piece is missing. A good tip for treadmill assembly is to unpack the box and take inventory of the parts that you have and compare this to those listed in the directions. If you are missing anything, you can contact the manufacturer or the store that you bought the item from before you begin working.

The fact that this task is relatively easy can often trick those with some experience into trying to do so without the directions. When assembling something this large, however, doing this can cause some serious problems; therefore, it is best to follow the directions that came with the treadmill in the order provided by the manufacturer. Oftentimes during treadmill assembly, you will have to lay the equipment on one side or another, and putting on a piece too soon can make this impossible, forcing you to attempt to hold the unit up while you attach a necessary piece. Due to the weight and size of this type of equipment, this scenario should be avoided, and usually is if you follow the directions in order.

An often overlooked treadmill assembly tip is to wait until you have everything together before you put the batteries in or plug the unit into the wall. It can be easy to forget that most treadmills utilize some sort of energy, whether it comes from batteries or electricity, making the risk of getting shocked greater. As most treadmills require that you hook up the screen using wires, having the power source already attached when doing so could be dangerous to you and the equipment.

Depending on the manufacturer and complexity of the machine, treadmill assembly is straightforward. Most manufacturers ship their product 90% or more pre-assembled, requiring only the connection of the support frame and console. However, every manufacturer is different and must consider both the consumer and logistics when shipping a treadmill. 

Manufacturers do not want to overcomplicate the process for consumers. They want to ensure that the customer can receive the machine and assemble it in a reasonable amount of time. The company wants the customer to be able to use the treadmill soon after receiving it. Making the assembly process too challenging would potentially alienate customers, which a manufacturer does not want to do. 

However, while a company wants to make the assembly process as simple as possible, it must consider logistics. Shipping a treadmill fully assembled, especially when they do not collapse, or fold flat, is not feasible for manufacturers. Therefore, most treadmills will require some assembly. 

Customers also need to consider that a fully assembled treadmill can weigh between 150 and 400 pounds. For those people in apartment buildings or homes needing to transport a treadmill up flights of stairs, an assembled treadmill would be a significant headache. Therefore, it is in the best interest of the manufacturer and the customer for treadmills to require some assembly. 

Thankfully, because of the design of treadmill bodies, the assembly process is often minimal. Additionally, if a customer does not feel comfortable or capable of putting the treadmill together, they can hire companies or individuals to assist or complete the assembly. 

How long it will take you to assemble a treadmill depends on the complexity of the machine. Most standard treadmills require minimal assembly and can take as little as 30 minutes to put together. However, more complex devices can take up to two hours, possibly longer, depending on the familiarity with the design. 

Manufacturers typically ship treadmills in flat boxes. The basic unit is often separated into four sections: the base, handrails — left and right — and the console. With such a simplified design, the customer usually only needs to secure a few nuts and bolts and screws, allowing for quick assembly. 

More complex designs might include more features and accessories. The more complicated or involved the design, the more time it takes to put together. In most cases, if a manufacturer is aware of the challenges facing potential customers, they will suggest hiring an assembler or they will offer an assembly service. Unfortunately, these services are rarely, if ever, free. 

The best advice is to assess the treadmill you are purchasing. You might even want to ask about the assembly of the product. Once you have more information, you can determine whether the assembly is within your skillset. If it is, you might need to set aside anywhere between 30 minutes and two hours. If you do not want to invest the required time, you do have the option to hire a professional. 

While all treadmills are unique and may have traits or design details specific to a manufacturer, they essentially all come together in the same way. However, before beginning the assembly of any treadmill, even simplified manual versions, make sure to read the instructions carefully. While a general description of treadmill assembly is Ok as an overview, it will not include information specific to your purchase model. Therefore, the following instructions are general and meant only to provide informational guidance, not to act as a stand-in or replacement for specific treadmill instructions.

Your treadmill is now assembled and ready to use. Before you try it out, be sure to read the operation manual, ensuring your safety.