caminadora
/kaminaˈdoɾa/
caminadora is the Spanish word for treadmill.
A caminadora is a piece of exercise equipment that allows a person to walk or run while staying in one place. Although the term specifically refers to a walking machine, it is the standard term used in many Latin American countries for a treadmill used for both walking and running.
Which one should you use?
While caminadora is the standard term for a machine used for both walking and running, the informal term trotadora is also used in some Latin American countries.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, you may hear the informal term trotadora used for a treadmill.
How do you pronounce it?
/kaminaˈdoɾa/
Did you know?
- While caminadora refers to gym equipment today, the word historically referred to a 'treadmill' used as a punitive device in prisons to make inmates walk for hours.
- While Latin Americans use caminadora, people in Spain use cinta de correr, which describes the machine as a 'running ribbon' or 'running tape'.
- Calling the machine a caminadora can sometimes lead to confusion with a medical 'walker' used by elderly people, due to the identical literal meaning of 'walker'.
Examples in context
- En el gimnasio, puedes utilizar la máquina caminadora para hacer ejercicio cardiovascular.In the gym, you can use the treadmill to do cardiovascular exercise.
- Voy al gimnasio todos los días y paso un buen rato en la caminadora.I go to the gym every day and spend a good time on the treadmill.
- La caminadora es nueva.The treadmill is new.
- Necesito comprar una caminadora para mi casa.I need to buy a treadmill for my house.
- Él está usando la caminadora ahora.He is using the treadmill now.
Example conversation
María and Javier are talking about their workout routine.
- MaríaJavier, ¿puedo usar tu caminadora hoy?Javier, can I use your treadmill today?
- JavierSí, María, está libre ahora mismo.Yes, María, it is free right now.
- MaríaGracias, necesito caminar un poco.Thanks, I need to walk a bit.
- JavierNo hay problema, adelante.No problem, go ahead.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry caminadora, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
