Do you ever think about that treadmill you hop on at the gym? Of course not – neither do we! But the truth is that treadmills are really pieces of moving equipment so some amount of caution is required.
With a dash of common sense and a pinch of competence, running on a treadmill can be a great training session and provide variety and quality in your workout. However, things like not warming up or running at excessive speeds can be an invitation for risks. Here are three top tips for using treadmills safely and effectively.
1 Stay concentrated
So treadmills themselves are relatively safe, it’s the distractions that make them dangerous. Cellphones and iPods can be hazardous when we do things like text, answer calls or try change music while you’re running. Remember that the equipment is in motion and distractions will likely change your rhythm and balance.
2 Stay balanced
If you’re a newbie to the treadmill, use the arms to balance lightly until you get the hang of your pace and running pattern. It can be a bit overwhelming at first. Once you’ve got that nailed you can start swinging your arms rhythmically to help with balance.
3 Stay smart
When doing interval or high-intensity training it’s important to really care about the smaller things. For example, when changing between speeds it’s always a good idea to hold onto the arms of the treadmill to ensure you remain stable. Be smart and remember to keep hydrated and to eat before exercising so you don’t lower your blood sugar. These little things can really affect the value of your workout, as well as your health.
