Non-Electric Treadmill on Shabbat

Question

Is it permitted to walk on a non-electric treadmill on Shabbat that is just a belt that uses gravity and has no electric components and does not measure anything?

0

Answers

  1. The Just Ask! - AskTheRabbi.org Team

    In general, the Halacha prohibits doing exercise on Shabbat, see Orach Chaim 328:42. The only exception is the “exercise” that a person gets from regular activities, such as walking and going up and down stairs, see ibid. 301:2 and Mishnah Berurah.

    Another problem with using a non-electric treadmill on Shabbat is the Halachic concept of Uvda d’Chol, which is the prohibition against doing weekday activities on Shabbat.

    Best wishes from the AskTheRabbi.org Team

  2. elbkay
    April 17, 2024 at 12:38 pm

    So if walking is permitted on Shabbat and a treadmill is for walking, wouldn’t it be permitted then, if one does it for the enjoyment of walking? Suppose one lives in a small apartment and doesn’t have a lot of room to walk around.

  3. The Just Ask! - AskTheRabbi.org Team
    April 17, 2024 at 4:26 pm

    I do not think that the two are analogous. The reason for using a treadmill is for exercise. According to the Shulchan Aruch exercising on Shabbat is forbidden.

    Best wishes from the AskTheRabbi.org Team