Last Updated on December 3, 2022 by TreadmillGuides Team
It is a small funny (also could be serious) incident from about 4 years ago when I first ride on a treadmill in my friend’s gym. I knew nothing about treadmill safety then, I had just seen people walking on treadmills. So I also thought, I can easily run on it.
But as soon as I got on it, I lost my balance. Thankfully, my friend saw, came running to me and pressed the treadmill safety key.
Often people ask:
- how safe are treadmills?
- what safety features do treadmills have?
- is walking on a treadmill safe?
- safe treadmill motor speed?
- and so on
You will get the answer to all your questions by the end of the article. But let me assure you first that the treadmill is safe if you use them carefully. A little care is needed and you’re good to go.
Now, you will also be thinking if treadmills are so safe then why my first experience was terrible? The answer is I was a beginner knowing nothing about treadmill safety precautions.
You must know & follow certain treadmill safety tips & guidelines if you’re using as a beginner. Continue reading the article to learn about these precautions.
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1. Attention! You are on a Treadmill!
The treadmill safety tip no. 1 is Just Focus!
It is habitual for newbies to watch their feet while walking on a treadmill. Attention as you may tend to fall or lose your balance. Stop looking down towards your feet as it can lead to a dizzy feeling.
We advise you to look straight and be focused instead of downwards or sideways. It is always better if you hold on to something firmly like the handrails or the handle.
Remember, if you are sensing a loss of balance, immediately press the emergency stop button to avoid any sort of injury.
2. Check All the Buttons to Avoid Disbalance
I told you above that I lost my balance on a treadmill. But did I tell you why it happened in the first place?
Someone was using the treadmill before me and he/she has set the speed button to the maximum. I didn’t check the buttons and turned them on.
And when I got on it, I almost slipped off the machine and had a very narrow escape. I even didn’t know about the emergency buttons at that time.
I hope you have understood by the time how important it is to check all the buttons and be aware of your treadmill before riding it.
3. Get Set Gradually for Treadmill Safety
Just starting to work out on a treadmill? Our advice is to set the inclination at 0 unless you become familiar and comfortable with the pace of the treadmill.
Gather some experience?
It is now time to up your level by increasing the inclination levels. The tip here is you progress gradually and never try to outperform as instead of benefitting you, it will lead to unwanted consequences.
A bit more than your current scale is enough to challenge yourself and progress effectively.
Related:
- Treadmill Inclination Detailed Guide
- All About Buying A Treadmill: Important Tips
- Treadmill vs Road Running: Which is Better?
4. I am Watching Your Posture
The treadmill safety tip no. 4 is to divert yourself from holding the handlebars.
Newbies have a habit of never letting go of the handrails. If you are continuously grabbing the handrails while using the treadmill, you are sure to end up suffering from neck pain and back issues eventually.
Imagine your posture when you naturally run or walk. Does holding the handrails let you keep that same posture? Holding handrails compels you to bend over, which is an ineffective running posture.
The function of handrails is to get you on and off the treadmill safely and that’s it.
5. Use the Treadmill Safety Key
This very important safety feature of the treadmill! Almost every modern treadmill has got it installed.
Despite all the safety measures taken, if anything goes wrong or you slip off, you instantly press the button.
As soon as you press the treadmill safety cord, the treadmill automatically stops and saves you from unwanted injuries.
6. Shoes and Treadmill Go Together
Running barefoot has its benefits but not on the treadmill. You will rather hurt yourself. A moving belt is way too dangerous for barefoot.
Imagine your feet trapped between the moving belt or any other moving component of the machine. Yikes! better be in the proper pair of shoes.
Proper cushioned pair of shoes that are capable of absorbing the shock produced from running on the treadmill. Your joints will stay healthy and thankful to you for a long.
So, you have seen that treadmill safety not just depends upon its usage of it but also greatly depends upon choosing the right type of shoes for you.
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7. Are You Warmed Up?
Ready to hop on the treadmill for your exercise? Is your body warmed up? Don’t dare to speed up immediately after mounting on the treadmill.
Initially just warm up, then get to the level of a light jog. It is only after some time, you should upgrade the speed to your desired level.
Understand your maximum point and accordingly set the speed, never try to outdo yourself to a greater extent which might lead to injuries.
So, the treadmill safety tip no. 7 is to go slowly.
We too have seen people trying to imitate athletes and running at extremely high speed which is way too dangerous. Avoid such practices at all costs.
Furthermore, running normally and running on the treadmill are two separate things.
8. Don’t Overuse the Treadmill
Let me continue running extra for half an hour. Stop there or you tend to injure yourself.
Hey! But I need quick results.
You are not going to get any extra results but will wear down yourself if you overuse the treadmill. You will feel sorry for your ankles and heels soon.
Also, the users who tend to continuously run on the treadmill for longer durations are hurting themselves. It is always better to run on a treadmill in intervals and not for a long time.
9. Buying the Right Sized Treadmill
As a consumer, we always have a budget in mind and sometimes we buy a lower spec model due to budget constraints. The model isn’t a perfect fit for our cause.
Buying a treadmill with small width and length may seem to be a sensible financial decision as such a treadmill costs a little less.
But trust us, you will regret it later as such a treadmill may not be an ideal fit for you. You may tend to injure yourself with an inappropriate spec treadmill.
So, the last treadmill safety tip is to buy a treadmill that provides appropriate room to run complete stride and is designed to handle your weight perfectly.
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Final Words on Treadmill Safety
Keeping yourself fit is a necessity. Exercising is the best way to stay fit and healthy (ref). And, the treadmill is the best choice to keep moving and stay fit in the ever-busy lifestyle.
A treadmill is a simple machine but you must use it safely. It is good in indulging in a fitness routine but with safety.
So, these were some quick treadmill safety tips to keep yourself fit and be safe at the same time when using a treadmill.
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