Are Treadmills Dangerous ?

    Are treadmills safe? This is a timely question.
   Just last week David Goldberg, a high tech executive, died from a treadmill accident while working out at a resort in Mexico. This has resulted in a torrential questioning of the safety of such apparatus.

   In all of my years of frequenting fitness centers as a customer, employee, or Fitness Trainer, I have never  actually witnessed a treadmill mishap. The only other fatality that I can think of was boxer Mike Tyson's 4 year old daughter getting caught in a power cord of a moving treadmill  and dying by strangulation.
   However after some research I have discovered that treadmill accidents are rare but do occur.
The reasons are obvious:

• The treadmill is an electrically powered apparatus with moving parts.
• State of the art treadmills have television screens or computer consuls attached. This can be a source of distraction. 
• Children have a tendency to want to horseplay on such machines. 
• Cheaper treadmills may be of inferior quality and more prone to slippage or break down.

  I have always considered treadmills to be a safe if somewhat mundane way of performing a running or walking workout. I always preferred to do my cardiovascular training in the great outdoors.
   However I can see the appeal of treadmills.

• It is a controlled environment
• You can set a steady pace on the treadmill and use it as a guideline
• Treadmills are effective for fitness tests since the pace can be controlled 
• There are no weather concerns such as ice, snow, rain or hail
• There is no running through back alleys or dangerous ghettos
• Concerns of potholes, gopher holes, and mud puddles are eliminated
• Your bony legs are safe from escaped junkyard dogs

There are some sensible precautions to take to ensure safety around treadmills.

1. Know where the safety kill switch is to stop the treadmill belt from moving.
2. Working out in a Fitness Center ensures potential help will be nearby in case of a mishap.
3. If you use your treadmill at home clear the rear of any clutter.
4. Don't place your home treadmill with a nearby wall behind it. You want a clear landing area just in case.
5. Don't exceed your limits. Treadmills were not designed for full out sprints.
6. Relax your body, drop your center of gravity and protect your head and neck if you do slip.
7. Lock home treadmills in a safe room inaccessible to young children
8. For best results, train on a treadmill under the watchful eye of a competent Fitness Trainer......Note that I said 'competent Fitness Trainer'.  I remember one of the few times that I unfortunately watched the reality T.V. show 'the Biggest Loser'.  A Celebrity Trainer berated a contestant to the camera for not being focused because she fell backwards off of the treadmill. This Celebrity Trainer was not in a close vicinity to her when the accident happened.  He should have paid attention to those under his supervision.  Fitness Trainers should always practice SAFETY FIRST!

      Treadmills are not dangerous. There can be some risk if attention and concentration goes lax.

Being sedentary on the couch can pose greater health risk over time than being on a treadmill.

Remember....treadmills are machines  -  not toys!
Always be attentive and vigilant to avoid missteps!
Those paint cans in the rear could add to a rough landing!

Until Next Time, .....Keep Fit          


Little Bobby Strong                                    

Links
schwabe27.uwmfatloss.hop.clickbank
AudienceBuilder.ca
www.fitnwell.com
www.rabbitview/rabbitview-crossfit

Justin Bieber : A Symbol of Healthy Living ????

   Brilliant!   Simply brilliant!

Adolescent pop star and heart throb of wailing teenage women, Justin Bieber, was featured on the cover of the April 2015 issue of Men's Health magazine. How can this be anything but a breakthrough for health and exercise science?  I can just envision the cutting edge workout regime that will appeal to the electronically addicted new generation. How about this challenging physical program?

• Fifteen bong hits a day (according to a housekeeper) from an arguably illegal herbal substance.  Could this be a new breakthrough in cardio-pulmonary endurance training? Is this how he maintains the high falsetto notes of "Baby! Baby! Baby!" or will he wind up sounding like Amy Winehouse?
• Have your bodyguards carry you up the Great Wall of China. That way there is no danger of over training!
• Throw eggs at your neighbors house. Throwing eggs is a compound muscle movement and a full body workout! Eggs are also a good source of protein.
• Mouth off and start a fight in a night club only to have your posse of bodyguards move in to finish the job. You get all of the adrenaline rush and warrior pride of being in battle without having to worry about actually getting hit back! 
• Drag race a sports car down a residential street in the early morning hours while you're under the influence. It sure beats plodding away on a treadmill! You won't hit any kids. They're inside playing video games!
• Guzzle a healthy supplement - sizzurp. Sizzurp is an opiate based cough syrup mixed with pop. GNC eat your heart out. 

   Men's Health magazine has really hit this one out of the ball park. The sedentary youth of today can relate to this type of celebrity model of health and vigor. Athletes and real fitness practitioners are yesterday's news.

   Okay! Okay! Enough of my sarcasm.  I'll give Men's Health magazine the benefit of the doubt

and here is why.

1.  The magazine business is competitive, cut throat and losing market share to the online world. You have to go with what sells.  A human train wreck grabs the attention faster than a cover picture of some unknown Fitness Trainer of the month.
2. Men's Health magazine is not totally about health. It is a hybrid of a muscle mag and a lad's mag along the lines of Maxim. Who can't benefit from an article on tips for scoring in a nightclub? How about tips on how to throw a punch or enjoy a good whiskey? These are things essential to the well rounded male!  
3. The articles on actual health for are usually informative and written in a manner that the layman can understand.
4. The April issue was called 'the Reinvention Issue'. In all fairness to a fellow Canadian, maybe this young man really is turning things around and this is not just a public relations attempt at positive spin.  I cynically believe that are are more serious addiction issues involved here that don't go away with a few yoga classes and a boxing lesson. Then again, a little is better than none. 
5. I did read the article in the library. (Hey, I'm only human. I can succumb to sensationalism too.) The writer, Oliver Brody, approached the interview like an investigative reporter rather than like a celebrity suck-up.  Mr. Brody was inquisitive and a true example of literary critical thinking.
6. The author also posed a question that many of us have asked. He asked why Mr. Bieber doesn't just disappear and reinvent himself. Why not get away from the pressure of celebrity. No real answer was given.
7. I'm sure this issue will be a big seller for Men's Health. If you don't sell you go out of business. If you go out of business you lose your platform for spreading the word of active living.
8. This edition also had a great article on poisonous box jellyfish. I won't go jumping in the ocean surf any time soon! 
9. The story on the 4 best types of running training was awesome as well.

         

   Magazines of this genre are easy and enjoyable reading. They may inspire you to become or stay active. You may receive some good weight training and healthy living tips. Keep reading them if you find they help you. Support the trade!

   However if you really want to keep current on exercise science and health get down to the local university medical sciences library. Check out the exercise science periodicals. Curl up with some back issues of Strength and Conditioning.

                                                      Check out.... MENSHEALTH.COM

Throwing eggs at a neighbors house! A full body workout!
Picture compliments of Thomas 'Tommy Gun' Drummond 

Until Next Time,.........Keep Fit 

Little Bobby Strong















Links
schwabe27.uwmfatloss.hop.clickbank
AudienceBuilder.ca
www.fitnwell.com
www.rabbitview/rabbitview-crossfit