A treadmill includes an exercise deck, and a tread belt on the exercise deck having multiple slats. At least one slat of the multiple slats has a first rod end and a second rod end protruding from the slat. A first track is defined in a first side of the exercise deck and a second track is defined in a second side of the exercise deck. The first track receives and guides the first rod end, and the second track receives and guides the second rod end.