The Treadmill is one of the oldest and most respected cardio machines on the market. Cardio machines were originally developed for hospitals, and the first treadmill was introduced in 1952. Today, treadmills remain the most popular workout machine on the market. Running outdoors is the most popular intense cardio workout, and the treadmill essentially mimics this, while providing a surface that is easier on the joints, knees, and back. Why Quality Treadmills?.