Treadmill Accessories That Make Home Workouts Easier (and Last Longer)

This updated guide groups treadmill accessories into maintenance essentials (belt lube, cleaning supplies, surge protector, safety key, mat), comfort/convenience items (caddies, phone/tablet holders, zip-style towels), tech (wearables, Bluetooth audio, apps), and training aids (DVDs/streaming workouts, ab wheel, resistance bands). Start with care items and add convenience or tech based on your routine. Verify specific older brand names and product availability before buying.

Treadmills are an investment in fitness. The right accessories keep them working, make workouts safer and more enjoyable, and help you get more mileage out of your time - and your jeans.

Maintenance essentials

Keep a few simple supplies on hand. A treadmill maintenance kit typically includes belt lubricant, a cleaning solution and lint-free cloths, a replacement safety key, and a surge protector. Regular belt cleaning and occasional lubrication prevent premature wear and keep the deck running smoothly.

A quality treadmill mat protects floors, reduces vibration and noise, and stops the machine from sliding. Use a mat designed for your treadmill's weight and footprint.

Comfort and convenience

Caddies and accessory trays give you a place for water, your phone, keys and a remote. Modern caddies often accept large water bottles and have slots for a phone or tablet.

Reading racks let you follow books, cookbooks or printed workout plans while you walk. For screens, secure smartphone/tablet holders are common and safer than balancing a device on the console.

Zip-style workout towels with pockets are handy for outdoor or gym sessions - store a key and cash while wiping sweat.

Tech and tracking

Today's treadmill users pair wearables (heart-rate monitors, fitness trackers) or phones to track progress. Bluetooth headphones or small speakers improve the audio experience for guided workouts. Many treadmills work with smartphone apps and streaming classes; check compatibility before you buy.

Training aids and programs

You'll find DVDs and streaming workouts focused on treadmill walking, running and interval training. Classic workout tapes from the 1980s still exist as nostalgia pieces, and many modern programs offer instructor-led digital classes.

If you seek training books or coached plans, check the author's background. For example, coach Alberto Salazar, once influential in U.S. distance running, received a ban from coaching by the United States Anti-Doping Agency in 2019 related to his work with elite athletes, which affects how some of his training materials are viewed.

Small gear with big impact

An ab wheel, resistance bands, and lightweight hand weights expand a treadmill session into a fuller-body routine during warm-ups or cooldowns.

A surge protector dedicated to your treadmill protects its electronics. Replacement safety keys are inexpensive but essential for emergency stops.

Choose what fits your routine

Not every accessory is necessary. Start with maintenance basics (mat, lube, surge protection) and one or two convenience items (phone holder, water caddy). Add training aids or tech as your goals and budget require.

Notes: some brand and product names from older articles are unclear or may no longer be marketed; verify specific product availability before purchasing. ¹

1. Confirm whether the product name 'Zip Towel' (pocketed towel) is an active brand and current availability.
2. Verify the names and availability of older products referenced in 2006-era articles such as 'TreadMoves' and 'VideoStride' and whether they still exist or have modern equivalents.
3. Confirm any historical references or product links from the original article that may no longer be accurate or available online.