Treadmills are one of the best gym machines to get an effective cardio workout. You would find gyms having plenty of treadmills that are usually never free and you always have to wait for your turn. It indicates how beneficial this equipment is when it comes to achieving your workout goals.
If you are looking for a high-quality treadmill to keep at your home gym, you should head to: www.northernfitness.ca/collections/treadmill. You can make the most out of these machines if you are aware of their correct use. Many people are unaware of the improper walking posture that causes strain on their joints.
It is imperative to know about the common mistakes one might make while using a treadmill machine. The tips highlighted in this article will help you improve your posture and walk smoother, burn more calories, strengthen muscles, and gain maximum benefits from a medium to high-intensity cardio workout.
- Ignoring Treadmill Safety Rules
Most people overlook the safety rules before getting on to a treadmill. One of the common mistakes people make is getting on a moving treadmill at full speed that may cause severe injuries.
It is crucial to familiarize yourself with the basic safety rules to avoid any injury or inconvenience while working out. Some points that you should bear in mind are as follows:
- Stand with one foot placed on each side of the treadmill.
- Always attach the safety stop cord to your body so that the treadmill stops if you trip.
- Begin your treadmill at a slow speed
- Look for the emergency stop button before you begin your workout on a treadmill.
- Pace up gradually after you have gotten comfortable on the machine.
Make sure you implement all these steps for a safe and secure workout on a treadmill.
- Keeping Head Down While Walking
When walking on a treadmill, make sure to keep your head up and look in the front. Doing so will help you maintain a correct walking posture.
Most people prefer some entertainment during their workouts. So, if you want to watch a video or read a book while on the treadmill, place your phone or book right in front of you. Looking down may make you lose your balance and stumble during your workout.
Incorrect walking posture may cause neck pain, shoulder pain, or lower back pain. It may lead to a bad sitting posture and aggravate any underlying medical condition such as joint or back pain. Move your shoulders backwards after every few minutes to ensure they are not hunched forward.
- Bending Forward
Maintain an upright posture as you walk on the treadmill. Do not lean forward or backwards while walking as it may cause you to stumble.
Before you get on the machine, be sure to check you have the right posture. Roll your shoulders backwards to check they are not hunched over. Keep your upper body straight, lifting it upwards.
After making sure you have the correct posture, step onto the treadmill and start walking. During exercise, keep an upright posture and check it as you increase incline or speed.
- Holding Handrails During Walking Or Jogging
Many people feel holding onto the rails while running or walking on the treadmill gives them stability and balance. But, that is not true. It hampers your progress and does not let you have a proper walking posture.
Also, if you hold onto the handrails, you cannot bring your arms into use the natural way as you do during walking. If you want to get a better workout, learn to walk or run without using handrails.
However, you may consider using handrails if you have a disability or weak balance. Ask your trainer to guide you to have the right walking posture while holding onto the handrails.
- Avoiding Arm Motion
Do you use your arms while walking on the treadmill? We are not talking about using them to hold onto handrails, but to move your arms as you walk for a great workout. With arm motion, you can speed up and burn more calories.
It also alleviates any shoulder and neck pain you might be experiencing due to a sedentary lifestyle. You can make your legs move fast with an increase in your arm motion. So, make sure you are using your arms while walking on the treadmill to achieve your fitness goals effectively.
Bottom Line
Hopefully, after reading our tips, you are well aware of the basic rules of using a treadmill. Keeping in mind all these points will get you the right form to get an effective cardio workout. So, make sure to avoid common treadmill slip-ups to ensure a safe and secure workout session on the treadmill.
