The 9 Best Treadmill Accessories to Buy in 2018

A treadmill mat protects both the treadmill and your floor or carpet. It will save wear and tear on your floor or rug from the support feet of the treadmill and keep the sweat from soaking in. The mat will also make it easier to vacuum around the treadmill to keep dust, pet hair, and carpet fiber away from the motor and belt. Those particles can cause damage over time. A treadmill mat also dampens the vibrations and noise.

Most treadmills have preset workouts you can use from the console.But you can keep things interesting with apps and videos that inspire your workouts and show you great scenery while you walk or run on the treadmill. Some of these are sophisticated with you running or walking a virtual route as the treadmill speed and incline change accordingly. Apps such as BitGym and a subscription to the iFit system give you access to a wide variety of workouts and access to coaching. You can ensure you get the most out of your treadmill with these systems.

Protect your treadmill and prevent problems by keeping it clean and performing well. Treadmill maintenance kits include cleaning solution, scrub brush, applicator wand, and instructions. You shouldn't use just any lubricant on a treadmill. Treadmill repair expert Dan Thompson especially warns against using WD-40. Instead, consult your user's manual or manufacturer first and buy a treadmill-specific lubricant.

You can keep connected to your favorite videos and apps if you have a secure way to mount your iPad or tablet on your treadmill. These tablet holders will help position the tablet where you want it for best viewing while you workout. As opposed to propping your device on a reading rack or tray, a tablet holder will hold it securely so it won't fall off as the treadmill vibrates while you are walking or running.

Reading can be a good way to distract yourself while exercising. This rack slips over the monitor of your treadmill or other cardio exercise machine. It is clear, allowing you to see the controls underneath, while holding your book or magazine. You can also use it for a tablet or e-reader if those are your preference.

If you want to watch television while you enjoy your treadmill and it isn't located where you can watch your big screen, you may want to get a smaller screen on a stand that you can view. This one is properly angled to view as you use your treadmill.

You will need to stay hydrated while you workout on the treadmill. Use a refillable, BPA-free water bottle. This will be good for you and good for the environment compared with disposable bottles. You might have to ensure it fits in the bottle holder if your treadmill has one. Camelbak makes several designs perfect for people to use during exercise. The Eddy bottle is spill-proof and you can sip through the valve without needing to tilt the bottle up in front of your face. It's also dishwasher-safe so you can clean it well between uses.

A good set of headphones or earbuds will keep you zoned into your tunes instead of thinking about what your legs and lungs are up to on the treadmill. Sport designs are made to not fritz out from sweat and to stay in your ears as you put in the miles. If you use a Bluetooth design you won't have cords that can get in your way while exercising. That will also allow you to connect with your phone, tablet, or apps. The Monster iSport Bluetooth Earbuds have sweat-resistant ear clips and lock into your ears so they won't jostle loose easily as you walk or run on the treadmill. They have a 30-foot range and you can take and make calls using the microphone and controls.

Walking expert Rob Sweetgall gives you cardiovascular and weight-loss programs for all levels of treadmill walkers (96 pages). Publisher's Site