Lightweight, clear-path, equilibrated treadmill

A method for forming a treadmill, the method comprising:

• forming a frame having a longitudinal direction, lateral direction, and transverse direction substantially orthogonal to one another;
• molding a deck of a substantially homogeneous material as a substantially unitary structure comprising a tread surface, and a longitudinal beam structure for supporting the tread surface;
• providing front and rear rollers for supporting a continuous belt surrounding the deck;
• and
• pivotably securing the deck to the frame at a fulcrum location positioned between the front and rear rollers and spaced from the rear roller by a distance selected to equilibrate a substantial portion of the weight of the front of the deck, in front of the fulcrum, by the weight of the rear of the deck, behind the fulcrum.

A method for operating a treadmill, the method comprising:

• providing a frame and deck, the deck having a front end and a back end and being pivotably connected to the frame at a fulcrum located substantially forward of the back end to tilt the deck about the fulcrum with respect to the frame;
• applying at least a portion of the weight of a user proximate the back end to lift the weight of the deck forward of the fulcrum by the weight of the deck behind the fulcrum plus the at least a portion of the weight of a user;
• rotating the deck to a new angle of incline with respect to the frame;
• and
• securing the deck with respect to the frame at the new angle of incline.