Protecting Your Outdoor Treadmill Investment with a Quality Cover
Outdoor treadmills provide the best of both worlds - convenient at-home access with the fresh feeling of exercising outside. But leaving an expensive fitness machine exposed on your patio, deck or garden leaves it vulnerable to damage from weather elements and debris.
Using a heavy-duty outdoor treadmill cover helps safeguard your equipment when not in use. The right cover keeps your treadmill clean, dry and functioning optimally for years while allowing easy access when you're ready for your next workout.
Why an Outdoor Treadmill Needs Special Protection
Indoor treadmills can simply be switched off and left in a climate-controlled room without a second thought when not in training mode. But models designed specifically for backyard use face all kinds of threats including:
- Dirt and debris - Wind blows leaves, grass, pollen and more onto the belt and parts.
- Rain and snow - Precipitation promotes rust plus molds and mildews.
- UV damage - The sun's harsh rays fade and crack exterior components.
- Pests - Spiders, rodents and insects invade crevices and interior spaces.
- Extreme temperatures - Heat waves and winter cold impact lubricants and materials.
All these elements take a toll on an outdoor treadmill over time. Sensitive motors, mechanisms and electronics fail faster. Safety sensors, belts and decks deteriorate quicker compared to indoor counterparts.
How an Outdoor Treadmill Cover Protects Your Investment
A properly fitting water-resistant cover designed for outdoor treadmills provides first line protection. Quality materials and construction prevent damage by:
- Sealing out moisture - Rain, snow and irrigation water bead up and run off.
- Blocking UV rays - Thick fabrics don't allow harsh sunlight through to crack and fade parts.
- Keeping dirt away - Dust and leaves stay on the outside of the cover.
- Deterring pests - Materials and tight fit don't allow easy access for bugs and rodents.
- Insulating from temperature swings - Layers cushion from hot and cold extremes to protect components.
The collective benefit is reduced wear and tear and breakdowns. Your outdoor treadmill maintains that like-new performance and appearance for longer with a protective cover.
Key Features to Consider When Buying an Outdoor Treadmill Cover
With outdoor treadmill covers ranging from budget plastic versions that basically function as heavy tarps to custom options with insulation and treated fabrics, key differences determine real performance and value.
Materials Matter
Cheaper outdoor treadmill covers made with polyethylene, vinyl or plastic coated materials keep precipitation off. But they generally don't breathe well or insulate. That allows moisture to condense inside against your equipment and enables extreme hot/cold temps through the thin material.
Higher quality covers constructed using synthetic blends of polyester and nylon or natural cotton canvas prove more weather resistant and breathable. Special coatings like thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) make fabrics waterproof yet vapor permeable.
The Right Fit Makes a Difference
Many universal or semi-custom treadmill covers stretch to accommodate a range of equipment sizes. But a cover tailored to your exact brand and model fits tighter with less empty space inside.
A cover specifically contoured to your deck hugging treadmill prevents moisture pooling, insect access, and billowing fabric even on windy days. Elastic hems and adjustable straps also customize the enclosure.
Extra Protection Features
Added cover features bolster protection for your outdoor treadmill including:
- Lining or padding - Extra interior layer prevents abrasion and absorption of moisture.
- Vents - Allow airflow to minimize condensation without compromising water resistance.
- Zips or flaps - Zippered panels or hook/loop sealed flaps enable easy access to controls without removing the entire cover.
- Locking tabs - Permanent grommets or temporary ties secure the cover from gusts of winds lifting it.
- Reflective accents - Increase night visibility to prevent tripping over cover edges and surfaces.
Think through your specific outdoor treadmill location and environmental conditions to select cover features providing necessary protection against potential risks.
Getting the Right Outdoor Treadmill Cover Size
An outdoor treadmill cover stretched too tight over a large unit or billowing loosely on a small, compact machine fails to deliver reliable protection. Determine key dimensions accurately before purchasing any cover.
Measure Carefully for a Custom Fit
Grab a tape measure before shopping to capture your treadmill's:
- Total length
- Width at widest point (usually at handlebars or edge of side rails)
- Maximum height from floor to highest point of console
- Undercarriage clearance from floor to bottom framework
Also confirm details like support post locations, sloped vs flat handrail designs, and side storage compartment placements if buying a treadmill brand-specific cover.
Allow Sufficient Sizing Margin
Add a few inches all the way around your treadmills frame measurements when choosing and customizing a cover size. This ensures:
- Easy on/off without binding - You can secure the cover snugly but still smoothly pull it off for access.
- Clearance while operating - Plenty length and width prevents rubbing against belt assembly and flywheels especially if your model bounces.
- Room for adjustments - Extra margin accommodates re-tightening straps or ropes over time as fabrics stretch a bit.
But too much excess cover fabric lets winds whip up the material. Limit oversizing to about 6 inches more than actual equipment dimensions for optimal function.
Caring for Your Outdoor Treadmill Cover
Any protective cover wears out quicker if left on year-round in harsh weather conditions. Follow manufacturer cleaning guidelines to maximize durability of your cover.
Year-Round Outdoor Use Considerations
If unveiling your outdoor treadmill for winter workouts, ensure the cover fabric resists freezing without becoming stiff or cracked. Fully wipe down and dry the cover interior when replacing to prevent trapped moisture from causing treadmill damage.
Check for sagging fabric or loose straps periodically too. Promptly re-tighten fittings before wind lift occurs underneath.
Off-Season Storage Best Practices
Take advantage of treadmill hibernation during extreme weather or your vacation season to give the cover a break as well with proper storage.
- Clean inside and out before folding up.
- Allow entirety to dry out thoroughly if damp.
- Fold loosely without sharp creases.
- Place in cool, rodent-free location.
Avoid excess stacking weight atop the folded cover. Hook straps together to prevent unfolding and tangling too.
Special Fabric Care Tips
Check tag recommendations for periodic cleaning methods suited to the outdoor cover materials. Typical options include:
- Gentle wash and line dry
- Vinyl conditioner restoring
- Water repellant spray reapplication
Catching up on minor repairs immediately preserves usefulness and appearance as well. Small tear mending, strap adjustments, or grommet replacements takes little time upfront compared to replacing the entire cover later.
With proper outdoor storage care and cleaning when not sheltering your equipment, a quality cover protects your treadmill investment through years of changing weather and workout enthusiasts!
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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