In many respects, walking or running on a treadmill is much safer than exercising outside. The treadmill surface is perfectly flat, so there’s no risk of stepping on an uneven section of the sidewalk or trail and twisting your ankle or knee.
When you exercise on your treadmill you are also protected from any bad weather that you might face outside, and there’s no risk of anyone harassing or following you while you walk or run. Moreover, there isn’t any traffic to avoid.
13 Treadmill Safety Tips
But that doesn’t mean that there aren’t other types of risks associated with your treadmill.
Treadmill Safety Tip #1: Read the Owner’s Manual
As trite as it may sound, treadmill owner manuals offer several safety tips you should be know.
Before you work out for the very first time on your new treadmill, make sure to read your owner’s manual thoroughly. Some of the information might seem unnecessary, but there may be some safety pointers that might not be obvious, or which are particular to your specific model of treadmill.
Treadmill Safety Tip #2: Carpeting
It’s never a good idea to set up your treadmill on thick carpeting. With the constantly rotating belt of the treadmill, having your machine on thick carpeting can lead to a buildup of static electricity. At a minimum, the static electricity, if it discharges into your body when you touch part of the treadmill, can be very uncomfortable. If the buildup gets too great, there is also a risk it can damage some of the display or electronic components of your treadmill.
Treadmill Safety Tip #3: Power Source
Also make sure that you follow any specific treadmill instructions that relate to plugging in your machine. Some models specifically recommend against using extension cords to plug your treadmill into a distant wall outlet, and you should never try to use an outlet or adapter that bypasses the grounding prong of your plug.
Treadmill Safety Tip #4: Handrails
If you are new to working on a treadmill, or have some individual health or balance concerns, make sure to select a treadmill that has adequate handrails. These can greatly increase the comfort and confidence level for new exercisers. Sometimes learning to walk or run safely on a treadmill takes time.
Treadmill Safety Tip #5: Maintenance and Service
Treadmills require maintenance and servicing over time. If you ignore this, you open yourself up to a malfunctioning treadmill such as a loose tread belt which could result in injury during use.
Treadmill Safety Tip #6: Get the Right Treadmill for You
In addition, make sure that the treadmill you purchase is a good fit for your body type. If you are tall and/or heavy, make sure the treadmill is properly rated for your size. New exercisers (as well as larger exercisers) may also prefer a running surface that is as large as possible.
Furthermore, different treadmills have different motor sizes. In general, if you are going to be using your treadmill for long periods of time, or very frequently, or you happen to be a very large person, you want a treadmill with a larger motor.
Treadmill Safety Tip #7: Emergency Stop Feature
Some treadmills come with a feature that can make working out even safer for some people. These treadmills have a “key” (usually just a small piece of plastic) that is connected by a cord to a small clip. You insert the key into a slot on the treadmill before you start working out, and then attach the clip to your shirt or waistband.
If you happen to fall behind on the treadmill, and start to move too far backwards on the deck (towards the back end of the treadmill), the cord that’s attached to your clothing will automatically pull the key out of the treadmill. This stops the treadmill motor so that you are not thrown off the back of it.
The most important concept in keeping yourself safe is taking a bit of time to get to know your particular treadmill model.
Treadmill Safety Tip #8: Use at Your Skill Level
If you’re new to using a treadmill, be careful if you plan on using hand-held weights.
Also, avoid exerting yourself too much. When you get tired, your foot placement may become sloppy. One wrongly placed foot off the tread belt can result in injury.
Treadmill Safety Tip #9: Consult a Physician
Be sure that using a treadmill is an activity your physician is aware of. You want to make sure you have no medical reasons for not using a treadmill.
Moreover, know your limits. If you become faint, stop using immediately. If you have any medical concerns, see your physician right away.
Treadmill Safety Tip #10: Footwear
Use proper footwear when using a treadmill. Running shoes are generally the best. Typically, use footwear that you would for walking or running outside.
Treadmill Safety Tip #11: Towel / Head-phones Placement
If you have a towel with you during your workout, watch out where you place it. I’ve had my towel fall off the hand rail and console which put me in precarious situations. You want to avoid your towel getting tangled around your feet or causing a distraction.
The same can be said for any other gear or equipment you have with you while using a treadmill. Head-phones come to mind. If they fall, they can tangle and distract you.
Treadmill Safety Tip #12: Pants
If you wear pants on the treadmill, be sure they aren’t so long that they can trip you up. For example, if your foot steps on top of the pant bottom, you could become unsteady, or worse, trip and fall. Choose pant-wear carefully.
Treadmill Safety Tip #13: Music & TV
If you listen to music and/or watch TV, be mindful and careful when navigating music selections or changing channels.
It’s best to be fully and safely set up before turning on your treadmill. Towel should be securely stored, headphones securely in place, and water bottle safely inserted in the water bottle holder.
You use a treadmill to stay healthy. The last thing you need is to get injured. Be careful at all times, and please, read the owner’s manual before using your treadmill.
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