Known for being a staple in workout routines, treadmills are both loved and loathed.
Whether you’re a fan or not, one can understand why some may call it a "torture device."
While some people appreciate its practicality and efficiency, others detest the boredom and physical strain.
Are treadmills really the torture devices they're made out to be? Is there truth behind the nickname, or is it just part of the treadmill’s tough reputation?
VERDICT:
TRUE
The history of the treadmill dates back to the Roman Empire, where labourers used a human-sized hamster wheel to lift large weights.
The modern treadmill began its development in 1818 with the invention of the "Tread-Wheel" by British engineer William Cubitt.
Following the principle of "no pain, no gain," Cubitt designed this device for jails, using hard labor, such as grinding corn or pumping water, to keep convicts engaged.
Cubitt's treadmill could accommodate up to 24 prisoners, working side by side. Dividers were also introduced to discourage socialisation.
Prisoners worked for ten hours in the summer and seven hours in the winter, and the treadmill was considered a more humane punishment at the time than severe penalties like hanging as it was believed hard labour would rehabilitate criminals.
By the 20th century, the trend had moved away from forced labour in jails, and treadmills became less popular.
Dr. Kenneth Cooper revived the treadmill's popularity in the 1960s by using it to assess oxygen intake and stamina in military and space program recruitments.
Mechanical engineer Bill Staub made a significant advancement by introducing the treadmill into households.
Motivated by Cooper's fitness requirements, Staub developed a practical indoor running alternative. In his New Jersey machine shop, he built an early model using a motor, a wide belt, and wooden cylinders.
This prototype evolved into the PaceMaster, featuring steel rollers and two dials. Staub's innovation made treadmills accessible for home use.
The treadmill's evolution from a prison tool to a fitness staple reflects its historical journey, showing how millions of people today use it to stay in shape and maintain their health.
Sources
https://www.nytimes.com/
