An exercise treadmill having an endless exercise surface for walking or running while exercising, a resistance mechanism for providing a resistance for simulating the pushing of a load, wherein the resistance can be adjusted and set to a specific resistance setting. A movable pushing handle or handles is or are operatively attached to the resistance mechanism to transfer the load to the user. The resistance mechanism applies a constant and static force to the pushing handle(s) only in the same direction the endless movable surface moves and opposite a pushing direction such that operating the treadmill simulates the pushing of a load by a combination of gripping and pushing the pushing handle(s) forward while walking or running forward.