An exercise treadmill (10) includes a self contained lift mechanism (24) extending upwardly from a forward central portion of a frame structure (12) adjacent the forward end of an endless belt (14) supported by an underlying deck (20) and defining a running surface. This mechanism is operated by a hand crank that is rotatable by a user while standing on the treadmill running surface. The frame structure (12) includes a pair of side rails (30,31) each having inside, top and outside wall portions (48,46,52). Each of the wall portions includes an interior groove extending substantially along their entire lengths wherein the interior of the groove is configured to receive hardware members at any location along the groove or directly receive the threaded ends of threaded hardware members used to mount the deck (20) and other components to the frame structure (12).