Treadmill

exercise · machines · history

Ancient grain grinder. Long ago, people built treadmills as big wheels that humans or animals would step on to grind grain into flour. The stepping motion made the wheel turn, which powered the grinding machine.

Modern exercise tool. Today's treadmills are motorized machines with moving belts that let you run or walk indoors without going anywhere. You stay in the same spot while the belt moves under your feet.

Power from stepping. Early treadmills were clever inventions that turned human or animal power into useful work. By walking or running on the steps, people could operate mills and other machines without needing electricity or engines.

Prison punishment device. Unfortunately, treadmills were also used as harsh punishment in prisons during hard labor sentences. Prisoners would have to step on the wheels for hours as a form of correction.