Treadmill Safety in the Home

By Donna Stark 

Are you excited about getting a treadmill in your house? Personal treadmills in the home can provide many benefits, but it is important to remember that even if you have the best treadmill on the market, it can also be very dangerous if used improperly or if you become distracted while on it. Here are a few safety tips to look over that will help give you the best workout possible while keeping you safe in the process.

Keep Your Head and Eyes Up

As much as you may be tempted to look down at your feet, try to keep your head up and your eyes looking forward. By looking down or to the side as you are running, you may be more inclined to lose your balance and fall.

Use Handrails for Balance Checks

At first, you may find yourself holding onto the handrails as you get used to the belt's movement but using them for more than a balance check could lead to extra strain on your back, shoulders, and neck. It's also a great way to throw off your natural balance and could lead to other, more serious injuries to your legs and feet.

Pay Attention to Form

If you are used to running outdoors and are now making the switch to your treadmill, you need to be aware of any changes to your form. Obviously, the running surface is different, and because it is, your normal body movements may shift. Pay careful attention to your stride and posture until you become used to running on the treadmill.

Eliminate Distractions

Many treadmills come with a television attached and as much as it helps to prevent boredom, it can easily turn into a dangerous distraction too. If you find yourself losing balance, running to the one side or the other, or tripping over the machine and your feet, stop watching the screen and focus on your workout instead.

Make Sure There Is Space

Always leave enough empty space around the treadmill so you can get on and off it with ease and so you won't hurt yourself by hitting something in the case of an accidental fall. It's also a good idea to keep a treadmill out of your child's playroom. Machines with moving parts are a dangerous temptation for young children and should be placed in a safe area away from them.

Safety First

Reaching all your health and fitness goals is a good thing to shoot for, but that won't happen unless you are safe! So, be sure to follow the tips above when you bring that new treadmill into your home and get excited! A new you is just around the corner.

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in La Verne, Calif.