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Wed 3 Sep, 2014 09:55 am
I was told that the phrase 'running machines' doesn't really mean 'treadmills' in the US.
Upon hearing that expression, what springs up to their heads is, as far as I know, a machine which is working or operating at the moment.
However, I was also told that in UK, 'running machine' is interchangable with 'treadmill, ' and I googled to see if it's right.
Entering 'running machine' on the UK google site showed me a lot of pictures of treadmills which exactly were what I was looking for, and I got confused.
Simply put,
1. The phrase 'running machine' wouldn't remind people in the US of 'treadmill' at all ?
2. In the UK, however, 'running machine' does mean 'treadmill' and it's widely used?
Could any of you please help me figure that out?
Thanks for reading.
I have seen treadmill, running machine, treadmill running machine in both countries. Can you see these pictures?
UK:
USA:
A true treadmill was an early industrial machine powered by human effort, applied through the legs. The machines we are talking about are often powered by an electric motor and the user merely has to keep pace with the moving belt.
@contrex,
So, If I mentioned 'running machine' with the intention of 'treadmill', it wouldn't tip off someone that I am not a native speaker in both countries. Right? Thanks a lot Contrex.
@SMickey,
But SM, at 83 living in the US all my life I can't remember ever having encountered the term "running machine"
@dalehileman,
dalehileman wrote:But SM, at 83 living in the US all my life I can't remember ever having encountered the term "running machine"
Have you ever been to a gym or worked in the gym or a gym equipment business?
@contrex,
No one around here calls a treadmill a "running machine". If they did, I would know what they meant, but it certainly isn't in common usage here in the southern US.
@contrex,
Quote:Have you ever been to a gym or worked in the gym or a gym equipment business?
Seldom, Con, but still…...
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