The treadmill, often associated with grueling workouts, has a rich history that spans from its origins as a punitive device in 19th-century prisons to becoming a cutting-edge fitness tool. Dr. Conor Heffernan explores the evolution of the treadmill, from its punitive roots to technological advancements and its surprising resurgence in modern fitness.
The Treadmill’s Dark Beginnings
In the early 1800s, Sir William Cubitt, an English civil engineer, introduced the world’s first treadmill as a means of reforming and punishing prisoners at St. Edmond’s Gaol in Bury. The device, resembling a modern stepper, required prisoners to step upwards on a rotating wheel, often for six or more hours a day. The exertion, combined with poor diets, led to injuries, yet Cubitt believed the treadmill could instill discipline. The treadmill persisted in England until the late 19th century, eventually being banned for its excessive cruelty.
First Treadmill Patent and Electric Evolution
The first U.S. patent for a treadmill ‘training machine’ was issued in 1913. In 1952, Robert Bruce and Wayne Quinton revolutionized treadmills by inventing the first electric version used for diagnosing lung or heart conditions. Electric treadmills gradually found their way into homes, gyms, and hospitals, marking the decline of muscle-powered versions.
Resurgence in the 1970s and Technological Advancements
In the early 1970s, Dr. Kenneth H. Cooper played a pivotal role in the treadmill’s resurgence by advocating its use for cardiovascular stress tests. Despite initial criticism for the intensity of the test, the treadmill stress test has become a safe protocol, contributing to cardiovascular health assessments.
Technological innovations in 2003 saw LifeFitness introducing the first touchscreen treadmill with USB connectivity. Treadmills at work desks became a trend, allowing people to burn calories while working. Celebrities, including Victoria Beckham, embraced this unconventional fitness approach.
The Future of Treadmills: Beyond the Ordinary
Treadmill technology continues to evolve, incorporating novel features to enhance athletic performance. Self-powered curved machines, like those from Technogym’s Skillmill series, simulate natural running motion with slatted belts. These treadmills introduce versatility by including bars and resistance belts for a range of workouts.
Hydrotherapy has brought treadmills underwater, offering reduced impact and increased resistance. Anti-gravity treadmills, like NASA’s AlterG, offset 80% of a person’s body weight, proving beneficial for joint-friendly exercise during injury rehabilitation.
In the realm of space, astronauts have run marathons on treadmills, and anti-gravity treadmills aim to emulate the space experience on Earth.
Virtual reality treadmills add an immersive layer to workouts, allowing users to explore different universes. As technology advances, the prospect of participating in a digital marathon from home, especially in the era of COVID-19 and social distancing, becomes a possibility.
Despite its dark past as a punitive tool, the treadmill has transformed into a versatile and entertaining fitness device. Dr. Heffernan acknowledges the irony in how these once-cruel machines now have a bright future, with sales surging during recent lockdowns. However, he remains committed to traditional weight training and outdoor running, highlighting the enduring appeal of more natural forms of exercise.
5 Things Super Successful People Do Before 8 AM
- Exercise
- Map Out Your Day
- Eat a Healthy Breakfast
- Visualization
- Make Your Day Top Heavy
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I hate it but it is effective and gentle to my old knees.