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If you enjoy running on a treadmill to get your cardiovascular workout in, you aren’t alone! The treadmill is one of the machines used the most in gyms throughout the world. Plus, many people purchase a treadmill for their own home so that they can get in a session without leaving the house. Unfortunately, treadmills can be dangerous if you are not careful. It may sound silly, but it’s true! Read on to learn how to prevent injuries when you regularly use a treadmill for your workout.
Injuries from falling
It’s easy to be injured if you fall while running on a treadmill. This is especially true if you happen to get dizzy while you are running. However, this particular problem has an easy fix. As soon as you get on the machine, attach the clip feature that automatically pulls the emergency stop if you happen to fall. You’ll also want to start off slow and increase your speed to avoid becoming unbalanced. Remember, treadmills have strong motors that can cause the belt to start up faster than you think.
Injuries from inadequate stretching
It’s always important to stretch before you work out. This is true for any type of exercise. However, many people think that they don’t need to warm up before a run on a treadmill. Getting in a thorough warm-up session before getting on a treadmill is very important if you want to protect against an injury. Set aside some time to stretch before getting on the treadmill, and then make sure you cool off when you are done.
Injuries from faulty equipment
The actual treadmill itself can cause injuries if it is old, outdated, or somewhat faulty. Some older treadmills are not built to last, especially many of the cheaper models sold for home use. The shock absorbers are often not as effective as they should be, which can lead to knee or joint injuries. These kinds of injuries can become worse over the years, especially if left untreated.
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Additionally, the way that the treadmill is positioned can prevent injury from happening. If you run on the treadmill, position the incline to around two to four degrees. This helps to create a realistic running stance on your end that will work just as well as a larger incline.
Injuries from footwear
You’ll always want to make sure that you are running on a quality treadmill that is equipped with good shock absorbers. However, wearing the right footwear is just as important if you want to prevent injuries. Your shoes should be designed specifically for running. They should have enough cushioning in the heels to protect your foot when it makes contact with the floor.
Is running on a treadmill safe?
As long as you are careful and wearing the right shoes, using a treadmill is reasonably safe. You may wish to change up your cardio workouts now and again in order to avoid damaging your knees. If you have any concerns, speak with your doctor or trainer as soon as possible.
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