Adjusting Walking Belt Tension

Maintaining proper walking belt tension is one of the most important things with your treadmill or incline trainer for multiple reasons. First and foremost for your safety; if the walking belt is too loose it will feel similar to walking on ice, and we all know that’s not the most comforting feeling.

Maintaining the proper tension is easy and the only tool needed is the Allen Wrench or Hex Key that came with the treadmill or incline trainer. This was the tool that you would have used during the assembly.

As always unplug the treadmill or incline trainer before making any of these adjustments, again for your safety! With the treadmill or incline trainer unplugged you can start making some small adjustments to your idler roller. The idler roller is at the opposite end of your motor. When making these adjustments keep in mind a little adjustment makes a big difference overall.

(Example picture of a treadmill)

There will be a couple of holes providing access to the Idler Roller adjustment bolts

Using the Hex Key, turn both idler roller screws clockwise 1/4 turn. When the walking belt is correctly tightened you should be able to lift each edge of the walking belt 2 to 3 inches off the walking platform.

An important tip to remember is that you make the same adjustments on both sides, this will help the belt stayed centered.

Once you have made some adjustments plug your treadmill or incline trainer back in, insert the safety key, and press start. Carefully walk on the treadmill or incline trainer for a few minutes. If you feel like you are still walking on ice repeat these steps until the walking belt is properly tightened.