Recently a visitor who adheres to a strict exercise regimen using weights and equipment at home tested my 20-year-old Spirit treadmill. Its groaning alarmed her so much she jumped off and asked when I had last lubricated the belt.
Never. I rarely walk the treadmill.
But I recall somewhere – in a floor-to-ceiling bookshelf? – I have a tiny tube of lubricant that came with this Sears machine.
Together we moved books and magazines searching for what I remember as a two-inch high almost flat wee tube of transparent gel sealed in a plastic envelope. But short of removing every book or magazine, it eluded us.
I’m not in the habit of moving anything. That would guarantee losing track of something. Still we checked other rooms, other shelves, empty vases, in the piano bench, even under the treadmill in case I might have gotten so far as to plan to do the job but chickened out.
An internet search listed Canadian Tire and Walmart as stocking silicone lubricant but we couldn’t track any down.
Our internet search warned against using the incorrect lubricant. WD40 and other make-do lubricants could ruin the treadmill.
I phoned Sears. The manager said he could order the proper lubricant for me.
Last week I picked it up.
Called Lube-n-Walk, this kit Model #TL54, in a box the size of 24” aluminum foil, supplies a wand covered with foam on both sides, a bottle with a six-month supply of silicone lubricant, a half page of instructions in English, and an order sheet for this kit, more lubricant, or a cleaning kit. With tax, I paid $27.98.
Manufactured by JAD Fitness, Inc. in Victorville, California, P.O. Box 1051, 92393
Their website is lube-n-walk.com.
The instructions read:
1. Unplug treadmill.
2. Apply one-month supply of lubricant onto one side of foam pad on the applicator wand. Apply lubricant evenly onto middle of the foam pad.
3. Insert applicator wand between tread belt and board with lubricating side face down.
4. Slide applicator wand back and forth two to three times. Be sure to lubricate the middle of the board. If the tread belt and board are extra dry repeat step 4.
5. Place applicator wand in plastic sleeve when not in use to retain moisture.
The instructions do not say to move the belt between passes, but it would seem to be a good idea, to distribute the lubricant to other areas.
The Spirit Treadmill website offers these general maintenance tips for a fitness bike, elliptical trainer or treadmill:
To keep your model looking new and operating at its highest optimum performance use a soft, damp cloth or paper towel to wipe down your treadmill and keep it clean. In addition to general cleaning, your elliptical’s rollers and guide rails should be clean. If needed you can use Spirit Fitness lubricant on the rails to reduce any noise. Follow the same guidelines as noted on the bike and elliptical above for your treadmill in addition to wiping the edge of the belt and the area between the belt edge and the frame on your treadmill. This should be done once a month to extend the belt and deck life.
Keeping the area beneath your treadmill vacuumed is also important. Once a year you should remove the motor cover hood to your treadmill and vacuum dirt and dust that may have accumulated.
Use water only - No cleaners or abrasives. A mild soap and water solution along with a nylon scrub brush will clean the top of the textured belt. Allow to dry before using.
Claudette Sandecki can now more easily use her treadmill from her home in Thornhill, B.C.