7 Common Treadmill Mistakes Even Experienced Exercisers Make

Get in your cardio the safe way with these treadmill tips.With winter in full swing, fitting in your daily walk or run might mean heading inside. If you’re used to exercising outdoors, or if it’s been a while since you logged some serious machine miles, you’ll want to review the safety rules—especially when it comes to the treadmill.

Approximately 24,000 people end up in the emergency room for treadmill-related injuries every year, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. While fatalities are rare, head-and-shoulder injuries, sprains, and burns are surprisingly common, says Laura Miele-Pascoe, PhD, an expert in fitness and sport, with expertise in injury prevention. “This is the time of year when people are joining gyms, maybe for the first time,” says Miele-Pascoe. “They’ll take a tour, want to use the treadmill, and the gym staff assumes they know how to operate it properly, but many don’t.”

Are you at risk? Exercise smart by following these seven rules.

Mistake #1: Forgetting to use the safety key

All treadmills are equipped with a safety harness or key that stops the treadmill automatically when pulled. It is meant to be attached to a piece of your clothing at all times. Even the most experienced runners can take a wrong step and fly off the treadmill, says Lisa Reed, a certified trainer in Washington, DC. First piece of advice: Wear the safety key at all times.

Mistake #2: Mounting and dismounting improperly

It’s tempting to want to just step onto the treadmill and hit ‘start.’ But if the treadmill malfunctions—starting with a jolt, for instance, or suddenly ratcheting up to Olympic marathoner speed—you could be caught off guard. Instead, straddle the belt with a foot on each side and then, holding the handrail with one hand, press the ‘start’ button with the other. Once the treadmill starts to move, slowly walk. Then, keep walking while gradually increasing your speed to your desired pace.

When you’re done, hit the ‘stop’ button. “People tend to want to walk off the treadmill while it’s still moving, but your body is used to the forward momentum,” says Miele-Pascoe. Instead of jarring your movement, once it stops, straddle the belt by holding the handrails, turn, and dismount.

Mistake #3: Moving your head

Your body naturally follows your head, so if you turn your head to the side, you can be knocked off your stride, says Reed. When running, maintain neutral alignment. If you need to look somewhere other than directly in front of you—like at the console or at your feet briefly—move your eyes, not your head. “Use your peripheral vision if you need to look around,” she adds.

Mistake #4: Answering calls and text messages  

Just like with distracted driving, distracted running can spell disaster on a treadmill. If you must have your cellphone with you, turn off the alerts or, if you’re waiting for an important call, make sure you hit the ‘pause’ or ‘stop’ button on the machine and allow the belt come to a complete stop before answering. Never walk away from a moving treadmill, as the next person to use the machine might not realize the belt is moving, says Miele-Pascoe.

Mistake #5: Not being careful with your clothing

Tuck your towel away or drape it over the console in such a way that it’s not likely to fall onto the belt, says Reed. Similarly, if you’re going to shed layers, make sure to discard them away fromf the belt. Miele-Pascoe tells the story of a high school student who had been running on a treadmill with his shirt tucked into his shorts. “The shirt came loose from his shorts and got caught in the belt—so did he,” she says. “If he hadn’t had the presence of mind to take off his shorts, he would have been severely burned.”

Mistake #6: Staying too close to the console

When it comes to the console, maintain a safe distance. “Leave a space between your body and the console that’s between ½ the length to the full length of your forearm,” says Andia Winslow, a certified trainer and running coach in New York City. “That way, you won’t inadvertently pull the safety lanyard or crash your hands or fists into the machine.”

Mistake #7: Pushing too hard, too soon

“When getting back in shape, a lot of people think they need to go all out,” says Miele-Pascoe. “But you need to allow your body to get used to exercise again, especially if you haven’t been working out regularly.” Instead of starting at breakneck speed, ease into your cardio training. If you feel lightheaded or short of breath while on the treadmill, stop immediately, she says.

3 Comments   Join the Conversation

3 CommentsLeave a comment

  • I just received a Fitbit watch for Christmas and love it.
    I’m 72 years old and have been working out regularly for at least 65 of those years.
    I understand setting daily and weekly goals butalso would like to have information establishing levels of performance. For example, what is an average level for steps? Outstanding level? Needs work ? Etc, etc.
    Thank you.

    • i personally think that in start one should set one’s own level of performance and targets. After completing small targets, one may go for expert level. Your age is also 72. Set your own targets keeping in view your own heart and bone health conditions.
      Not all the people are of same level. The only thing that must be focused is contentment and activeness of body through out the day regardless of how much do you workout in morning. Hope my opinion will be enough. But also consider other opinions and choose the best.

  • Hi,
    How are you? Hope you are well.
    It is very informative and useful. And also your writing skill is very good. I am impressed.
    Now I am knew 7 mistake from you post and I will be aware to avoid those mistake.
    Thanks.

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