Is running on the treadmill safe? Read on to know all about it | The Times of India (2024)

FAQs

Is it safe to read on a treadmill? ›

3) Use a treadmill or cardio machine that has the book or Kindle at an appropriate level that doesn't compromise neck position. Make sure that you're not looking down too much, or too high, so that you're able to maintain proper breathing techniques. 4) Keep good form, and try to minimize a ton of bouncing.

Treadmills offer better shock absorption than pavement or roads, which means less stress on the ankles and knees, particularly if you're wearing well-cushioned treadmill running shoes. And when you run at an incline on the treadmill, you build strength and endurance like you would running hills outside.

Disadvantages to Using a Treadmill

The cushioned surface of the treadmill may still inflict too much of a jarring impact on the back or stress the hip, knee, and ankle joints. Testing the surface and rebound is critical. They can take up a lot of space.

The ideal? Set up a weekly routine, and stick to it. Running 3-4 times a week is a good rhythm. Make sure you take a day or two off, and limit yourself to 5 sessions a week².

Improve Your Lung Capacity

Cardiovascular exercises benefit the lungs and heart, so you can improve your breathing the longer you walk on a treadmill.

Calories Burned On the Treadmill

Good news for treadmill fans: Experts agree that the calorie counter is pretty accurate, especially if you input your weight and don't use the handrails. The problem is that many treadmills don't ask for your weight and use a reference of about 155 lbs, Olson says.

The workout is simple: Set the treadmill to an incline of 12 (or lower — choose a challenging incline for your fitness level!) at a speed of 3 miles per hour and walk for 30 minutes. The routine doesn't require a lot of time, but if done consistently it can improve endurance and aid in weight loss.

Running Too Close to the Front of the Belt

Hugging the front of the treadmill limits your arm drive and can keep you from running in your natural stride. "When you run so close to the monitor, you can subconsciously limit your forward and backward motion in order to not punch the treadmill," Rubin says.

Cardiovascular Conditions: Treadmill exercise can significantly strain the cardiovascular system. Individuals with heart conditions such as coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, or recent heart surgery should receive medical clearance and guidance before treadmill exercise.

You can burn belly fat using a treadmill in several ways. High intensity workouts are a great way to burn belly fat and are a great way to keep fat away for good. Alternatively, you can use a treadmill for long distance running which will also help you on your fat loss journey.

How long is too much on a treadmill? ›

To determine how long you should run on the treadmill, you should consider your fitness level, goals, and training plan. Beginners should start with shorter times of around 15-30 minutes, while professionals can try to run for 1-2 hours.

Feeling dizzy or lightheaded after a workout can be a sign of dehydration, overexertion, a fall in blood sugar, and other issues. Dizziness can also occur when using continual motion machines. In some instances, dizziness after exercise can indicate an underlying condition that requires treatment.

The Arthritis Foundation recommends walking on a treadmill at a 2% incline, which puts less strain on the knees. However, walking at a steeper incline can have a reverse effect. People who opt to exercise on a treadmill should always wear shoes.

Dr Rakesh Chugh, senior consultant and incharge, CTVS, Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute agreed and pointed out that if you are a cardiac patient, it may not be advisable exercise hard as treadmill workouts tend to increase the pulse rate and heart beat. Slowly increase your speed with daily practice.

The knees have to absorb more force with every step taken. Unlike running outside, the treadmill's constant pace is unnatural. It leads to prolonged stress on the knee, which is detrimental to a person's knee health. In the long run, heavy use of treadmill raises the risk of stress injuries to an individual's knees.

These machines are lightweight, easily movable versions of treadmills that are meant only for walking. But there are good reasons to be concerned about their safety, according to Consumer Reports' tests of nine under-desk treadmills. Our testers have found that many have serious potential safety issues.

Depends on the speed. If you're beginning to breath harder you won't be able to concentrate as much. However, if you stroll around at a slow pace or move around the room then it might be beneficial. I personally read while simply taking a few steps around the room or sit in a deep squat.

Mental fitness is just as important as physical fitness and reading is the perfect activity to do while working out, as it helps keep your mind and muscles active. Reading can help improve your brain function, reduce stress levels, improve your memory and can even aid in healthy sleep.