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