When was the treadmill first invented

In a historical sense, treadmills were invented in order to try to reform prisoners, a practice that was established all the way back in by Sir William Cubitt. The invention of the treadmill for the purpose of use in prisons can be traced to an economic need. In England in the 19 th century, many laborers found themselves out of a job after the Napoleonic Wars, and the country could not afford to allow convicts to take jobs away from English laborers. As a solution, Cubitt came up with institutional treadmills whose purpose it was to offer power to mills.

The prisoners were forced to hang on to the bar and climb up the paddle blades, which made them constantly lift up their legs. Treadmills also have had a medical use over the years. One of the first purposes for a medical treadmill was for diagnosing lung and heart conditions, and it came into being after being invented by Wayne Quinton and Doctor Robert Bruce in at the University of Washington.

In the present day, many medical outlets have treadmills. Places such as rehabilitation centers, hospitals, physiotherapy clinics, medical clinics and universities all feature treadmills for medical purposes. The treadmill is a great exercise device for an aerobic workout because of the walking and running that it encourages. The treadmill is not an old invention, but in its plus year history, it has been used for a broad range of applications.

It was originally intended to be used in prisons to punish inmates in the 19 th century. Then, as time wore on, the treadmill adapted more widely beneficial uses for the greater public. It was used as a medical device and fitness device that people could use right from the comfort of their own homes to stay in shape. Save my name, email, and location in this browser for the next time I comment. By submitting your comment you agree to our Privacy Policy. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam.

It almost killed him. He left prison in and died just two years later, aged It was thought that no-one who experienced the treadmill would ever want to commit another crime.

But why, asks Vybarr Cregan-Reid, would you stare at your reflection in the gym mirror when you could be running outside? Although running indoors is seen by some as safer and more convenient, treadmill runners could be missing out on all the physical, neurological and mental health benefits that the experience of moving through a real landscape has to offer.

From the inspiration of solitary movement to the empowerment of running the streets. From expressions of masculinity to frankly questionable health claims.

Five objects from a time that changed music forever. Free Thinking. Main content. The dark history of the treadmill. Social Sharing. Read story transcript In , English engineer William Cubitt invented the treadmill — or the treadwheel, as it was called back then.

Its purpose was to punish prisoners. It was thought that something pointless should be done. He cites gardening, walking to a cafe, even doing household chores by hand instead of using convenient appliances, as ways to build natural movement into our days, even in urban areas. More from this episode Clinical trial aims to crack cancer code using genome sequencing 'Canadians will welcome you': Refugees begin long trek north via Mexico February 22, full episode transcript.