There were 24,400 reported injuries related to treadmills in
just 2014 alone. In emergency rooms across the United States they often find
themselves treating injuries caused by workout machines with 62,700 reported
injuries from all exercise equipment a year. The treadmill by far seems to
cause the largest amount of injuries, and like all workout machines, it should
be used with caution.
Compared to other workout machines like elliptical machines,
weights, swimming pools, golf clubs, etc. the treadmill has one particularly
risky feature: it runs off of a motor that propels it. This motor causes major of
for injury due to the fact the person’s body does not give as much feedback to
machine as something like swimming, where a person will tire out then slow
down. Instead we can keep turning up the speed of the treadmill due to our will
power or stubbornness, but then unfortunately end up with an injury instead of
progress towards fitness goals.
How to Prevent Injury on a Treadmill
Since the treadmill poses the most risk to its users, it is
important to take preventative measures to make the experience a little safer.
The following tips will help runners and walkers alike use the treadmill in the
safest way possible.
1. Check with a Doctor First
Age, balance and cardiovascular issues are all primary concern when determining
whether an individual should use a treadmill or not. Before you hit treadmill,
make sure you ask a doctor first to see if your body is prepared for this
challenge.
2. Follow the Instructions
Specific instructions are on exercise equipment for a reason! Make sure that
you check the instructions on any piece of exercise equipment before you use
it.
3. Don’t Push Too Hard
A lot of sports-related injuries come from pushing the body beyond its
capacity. While it is good to have ambition during your workout, it is also
important to listen to the body when you feel pain or discomfort to avoid
injury.
4. Work on Balance
Before you get on a treadmill, it is imperative to have solid balance. You can
use yoga, Pilates, ab workouts, Tai Chi and other exercises that focus on
building the main balancing muscles, the core muscles.
5. No Drugs or Alcohol
One of the biggest causes of injury on
treadmills is people being under the influence while on a treadmill. If you’ve
had even the least bit of alcohol or drugs, just skip working out all together
to avoid injury.