A lighting system for a treadmill is described. The treadmill includes a tread that rotates around a front axle and a rear axle. The tread defines a cavity and comprises slats each having a tread surface and an underside. Each slat is attached at longitudinal ends to a respective belt that rotates on bearings around the front axle and the rear axle. The slats are configured with a space between adjacent slats. The lighting system comprises lights located in the cavity. The lights are configured to emit light away from the cavity through the space between the adjacent slats along at least a portion of the treadmill. A controller is in communication with the lights and is configured to control the lights.