Safety Tips for Your Treadmill
By Sara Butler
A treadmill can seem like a pretty innocent piece of machinery, but lately, there have been some issues regarding the safety of this piece of exercise equipment. That's why it's a good idea to review what is safe, and what isn't when it comes to using a treadmill in your home. Here's what you need to know to stay safe as you get your daily exercise in!
Make Sure to Clip In
Be honest, do you clip in every time you jump on your treadmill? Many people do not, but you should. The clip is there to trigger an automatic safety off switch in case you fall. This helps to prevent injury that could sideline you or a loved one for a while if you happen to trip over your shoes or miss a step. So, don't forget the clip!
Also, understand the controls on the treadmill well. Some have emergency stop buttons or shortcut keys, rings, or even tags. If your treadmill doesn't have a clip, it has an emergency stop of some kind. Familiarize yourself with it and use it.
Slowly Increase Your Speed
You may be tempted to simply jump on your treadmill and go, especially if it's a part of your exercise routine. However, it's crucial to your safety and your health to start slow and increase your speed over a few minutes as you warm up. Once you hit the top speed, you should be good to go, but don't just jump on and go all out. You risk injury in doing so.
Turn It Off
This may seem like a no-brainer, but when your treadmill isn't actively being used, then it should be turned off. Leaving it on can lead to injuries because if someone was to step on it, it may move and take them unaware. This can lead to serious injuries in the home. Make it a habit to turn it off after you're done using it and certainly if you have small children in your home.
Stay Focused
When you're working out on your treadmill, be aware of your surroundings. Before you get on, make sure your laces are tied and any pets or small children are kept out of the room. This helps to eliminate any distractions so that you can focus on staying safe and getting the most from your workout.
Treadmills are great tools for a healthy lifestyle, but always make sure to stay safe above all else!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Los Angeles, Calif.