Systems and methods for restricting transverse movement of a treadmill belt

A treadmill, comprising;

• a frame having a front end and a rear end substantially opposite the front end;
• a front shaft assembly coupled to the frame proximate the front end of the frame;
• a rear shaft assembly coupled to the frame proximate the rear end of the frame;
• a running belt disposed about the front and rear shaft assemblies;
• a first left side bumper coupled to the frame proximate the running belt such that the first left side bumper is disposed between the frame and the running belt, wherein in use, the first left side bumper is configured to selectively restrict movement of the running belt toward the frame;
• and
• a first right side bumper coupled to the frame proximate the running belt such that the first right side bumper is disposed between the frame and the running belt, wherein in use, the first right side bumper is configured to selectively restrict movement of the running belt toward the frame,
• wherein each of the first left side bumper and the first right side bumper comprise a partially rounded surface and a substantially flat surface, and wherein in use the partially rounded surface and the substantially flat surface of each of the first left side bumper and the first right side bumper are configured to selectively directly engage the running belt.

A method of restricting movement of a running belt of a treadmill relative to a frame of the treadmill, the method comprising:

• providing a frame including a left side member and a right side member, the left side member spaced apart from the right side member;
• providing a running belt coupled to the frame;
• disposing a first bumper between the right side member of the frame and the running belt;
• disposing a second bumper between the left side member of the frame and the running belt, wherein each of the first bumper and the second bumper comprise a partially rounded surface and a substantially flat surface;
• and
• the partially rounded surface and the substantially flat surface of at least one of the first bumper or the second bumper each selectively directly engaging and restricting lateral movement of the running belt relative to the frame.