Annually, there are over 24,000 injuries associated with treadmills that are treated in emergency departments across the country. Of all exercise equipment (which includes swimming pools, weights, golf clubs, and trampolines), treadmills cause the single largest number of injuries.
Doctors of emergency and sports medicine say that injuries from falls on machines are rare, and that the vast majority of injuries from sports equipment were related to overuse -- for example, an injured tendon from a long run on a treadmill.
More than 400,000 people in the U.S. are sent to the hospital each year for injuries related to exercise equipment. Treadmill injuries typically include broken bones, abrasions, head injuries, and people developing chest pain while on a treadmill.
Consider the following tips for a safe treadmill training experience:
- Workout at a place where you feel under control.
- Identify where the "emergency stop" button or cord is located.
- Do not set the speed of the treadmill beyond what you are capable of handling.
- Do not jump onto the rails while training on the treadmill.
- Keep your eyes and head forward at all times. If you turn your head, your body tends to follow.
- Do not leave your treadmill running to exit the treadmill for any reason.
It's also a good idea to exercise with a friend, and not alone; in case of an emergency someone can help you. You should also ask your doctor or pharmacist to review your medicines to identify those that may cause side effects, lightheadedness, dizziness, or drowsiness.
From Him, Through Him, For Him (Romans 11:36),
Paul J. Staso
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Visit my YouTube channel -- https://www.youtube.com/user/pacetrek
Click on any of the links below to see some of my adventure photos:
- United States in 2006 (3,260 miles solo in 108 days at age 41)
- Montana in 2008 (620 miles solo in 20 days at age 43)
- Alaska in 2009 (500 miles solo in 18 days at age 44)
- Germany in 2010 (500 miles solo in 21 days at age 45)
- The Mojave Desert in 2011 (506 miles solo in 17 days at age 46)
- Various Photos From Mileposts Gone By
- Students Worldwide Who Ran With Me Virtually
- Roadside Sights From My Running Adventures
- Some Cycling Moments From The Past
