Home Treadmill Safety for Families

These days, we hear more and more about the rising rates of obesity, and how they can contribute to a number of serious health problems. Though there are a number of techniques individuals can use to lose weight, walking is considered by many professionals to be one of the most effective. Individuals who live in an area that is prone to inclement weather may want to consider the purchase of a treadmill, which can be used indoors at any time of day, rain or shine. For best results when it comes to using a treadmill, a number of specific safety recommendations should be followed. Choosing a quality product, wearing appropriate clothing, reading the owners’ manual, starting slowly, and having fun are only of a few ways that owners can ensure safety when using treadmills for home.

Choose a Quality Product

One of the most important parts of ensuring safety when it comes to treadmill home use involves the purchase of a high-quality machine. Individuals who are interested in purchasing one of the best treadmills for home use are often recommended to shop around and evaluate a number of products before making a final decision. In many cases, the best treadmills for home use are not those that are the most expensive—but may be available in a number of price ranges. To ensure a buyer is getting one of the best treadmills for home use, he or she should try it out before purchase. Stores that do not let customers use the treadmills before buying the products may offer inferior items, and should not be frequented.

Wear Appropriate Clothing

Wearing the appropriate types of clothing is also essential for individuals who want to ensure safety when it comes to treadmill home use. Though there are a number of products designed for use when walking, jogging, or running on a treadmill, the most important item is a pair of rubber-soled shoes that fit properly and feel comfortable. In addition, during treadmill home use, exercisers are usually recommended to wear comfortable clothing that is not so loose as to hang off the body and potentially get caught in the treadmill belt. Women with especially long hair may want to tie it back to maintain optimal sight during their exercise session.

Read the Owners’ Manual

Reading the owners’ manual is an effective way to prevent serious injuries and possible treadmill damage. In most cases, the owners’ manual will be included with the treadmill when it is purchased from the original athletic outfitter or supplier. Individuals who are buying a treadmill from a private seller or secondhand store may not be able to obtain the original owners’ manual. However, by calling, emailing, or otherwise contacting the manufacturer of the piece of equipment, this important document may still be available for obtainment. Owners’ manuals should always be read carefully and completely before use to ensure optimal results with a new product.

Start Slowly

As with any piece of exercise equipment, individuals who have purchased treadmills for home use must start slowly and gradually increase the intensity of their exercise session. This is especially true for individuals who have chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, or other forms of cardiovascular disease. Typically, individuals who have never exercised before—or who suffer from one of the health conditions described previously—are encouraged to undergo a complete physical by a qualified medical professional to ensure they are healthy enough for exercise. Individuals who do get the go-ahead for treadmills for home use should focus on starting with 20 to 30 minutes two to three times per week, and gradually increasing the time and intensity of the exercise sessions as their physical endurance improves. Currently, the Surgeon General recommends that all individuals exercise at least 60 minutes most days a week to prevent obesity and manage chronic health conditions.

Have Fun!

Though following these tips is essential to ensuring safety when it comes to treadmill use, home treadmill recommendations also focus on having fun and enjoying the machine. Though a treadmill may be intimidating at first—especially for someone who has never exercised before—it will eventually become a staple in your daily exercise routine. By following these home treadmill recommendations, users can ensure a safe and enjoyable exercise session. Individuals who are interested in learning about more specific home treadmill recommendations may want to consult with an experienced physical therapist or exercise physiologist.