Treadmills may be among the easiest aerobic machines to use. However, there are many different types of running machine and if a proper explanation about how to use it isn’t given there is a good chance an accident could happen.

Below is our treadmill and running machine safety guide, however, if you have already had an accident or fallen off a treadmill in a gym and you weren’t shown how to use it you may be able to claim compensation, please call us on 0800 316 4434.
Eight Essential Safety Steps

  1. Before you get on the treadmill ensure that your gym clothing is safe, make sure trainers are properly laced with a double knot and any trailing laces are tucked away. Also check that wires from your music device are not going to catch anything.
  2. When you first get on the running machine, straddle the belt, place one foot on either side of the belt as you turn on the machine. Then step on the belt only after you determine that it’s moving at the slow set-up speed. Most treadmills have safety features that prevent them from starting out at breakneck speeds, but don’t take any chances.
  3. Ensure you are familiar with the treadmills safety features. In particular the automatic stop button.
  4. If using a home treadmill, make sure it is in a safe place, if you have children or animals, put your treadmill in a separate room. When the treadmill is in use, watch for children, pets, or clumsy adults walking into the moving running belt. When you’re not on the treadmill, make sure that the belt is stopped.
  5. Don’t over use the handrails, holding on for balance is fine at the start of a run, but let go as soon as you feel comfortable. The body moves far more naturally if you swing your arms freely. Over use of the handrails can strain your elbows and shoulders and reduces the amount of calories you burn during a workout.
  6. Always keep your eyes looking forward, your feet will follow your eyes, so if you focus on what’s in front of you, you usually walk straight ahead instead of veering off to the side.
  7. When running stay in the centre of the belt rather than toward the back or front. If you stay too close to the front, your foot can catch on the motor cover and trip you up, if you walk too close to the back, you may slide right off.
  8. Expect to feel disoriented the first few times you use a treadmill, you may feel dizzy when you get off. Your body is just wondering why the ground suddenly stopped moving. Most people experience this vertigo only once or twice, but be prepared to hold on to something for a few moments when you hop off so that you don’t fall over.

Follow these steps and you are likely to have a great experience.

Gyms and Fitness Clubs are obliged to demonstrate how to use equipment before letting people on it, if they fail to do this and an accident happens they are likely to hear from a personal injury Solicitor who will be making a compensation claim on behalf of the person who has fallen off the treadmill or running machine.

If you have been involved in an accident at a gym or health club call us now on Freephone: 0800 316 4434 or click here to make an online enquiry.