As you get older, it may be harder for you to find safe ways to exercise and stay in shape. Workout equipment can sometimes be dangerous if used improperly or in a way that your body is not prepared for, especially as you get older. The treadmill is no exception to this, and the best way to ensure you stay safe while exercising on your treadmill is to understand your treadmill's safety features.
Safety Handles
Safety handles come standard on all electronic treadmills, and the handles allow for the treadmill user to support himself while walking, providing upper-body support in case you lose your footing and take a spill. Safety handles are usually at the front of the treadmill, but can be elongated by either the treadmill manufacturer or your physical therapist if needed.
Side Rails
If you find yourself beginning to tire out and the safety handles aren't enough to keep you going, take a break and hop on the side rails that come standard on all motorized treadmills. The side rails are two nonmoving platforms on either side of the moving treadmill belt that you can rest on if you start to feel fatigued. The side rails also are handy for adjusting the speed of your treadmill without having to turn off the machine.
Stop Button and Safety Key
If for some reason you aren't able to hold yourself up using the safety handles or get to the side rails to take a break, turning off your treadmill is a quick process. All motorized treadmills come with a stop button that when pressed, will gradually slow down the belt so that the user isn't propelled forward. Many treadmills also come with an emergency stop key attached to a string that you can attach to your shirt or waistband. If the key is removed from the console, the belt will immediately stop, preventing you from falling off.
Motion-Controlled Speed Adjustment
If you're in the middle of a workout on your treadmill and you realize the pace you're running at is becoming hard to keep up with, you can adjust the speed of the belt. However, if your eyesight isn't what it used to be or the console of your treadmill is difficult to understand, this could be a potentially dangerous situation. There are treadmill models that come with motion-activated speed controls. With a wave of your hand, you can increase or decrease your running pace and even turn the machine on or off.
