Treadmill exercise is a way to walk or run indoors without having to depend on the weather. This type of workout is easy for most people to accomplish, and can be sustained for an adequate length of time to improve the cardiovascular system. Sometimes, however, you may experience dizziness after walking on a treadmill. This should be a temporary condition that resolves itself, but if it continues, seek your doctor's advice.
Cool Down
The purpose of a cool down after a hard workout is to maintain blood flow and prevent dizziness. During your workouts, your heart rate increases to pump blood throughout your extremities. If you suddenly stop your activity, the blood may start to pool in your legs, making your heart work harder to return this blood flow to your chest. Your heart may beat irregularly as it adjusts to the sudden decrease in activity, which could decrease blood flow to your brain and cause dizziness.
Motion Sickness
When your body sends a different signal to your brain than your ears and eyes send, you may experience motions sickness. When you walk on a treadmill, your body tells your brain you are moving. Your eyes do not see the forward motion, however. Your eyes may experience an up-and-down motion as you lift and lower your legs while walking, but your inner ear remains steady unless you turn your head from side to side as you walk, which can send another signal to the brain. This motion sickness may result in a feeling of dizziness.
Land Legs
When you stop walking and step off a treadmill, you may need to stand still for a few minutes to gather your "land legs." Your body has adjusted to walking on a treadmill, and it may take a few moments for your nervous system to register you are no long standing on a moving platform. This is similar to taking off roller skates and feeling as if you still have them on. When you try to walk away from the treadmill, you may experience dizziness until your body realizes you are on solid ground.
Solutions
You can alleviate motion sickness by looking straight ahead when walking on your treadmill. Do not read, as reading while walking can worsen motion sickness. You can also help prevent dizziness by extending your cool-down period. After your brisk walk, walk slowly for five minutes as you gradually slow your pace each minute. The last minute should be a very slowly walk, approximately at 1 mph. When you step off the treadmill, hold onto the sides and do not try to walk away until you feel completely balanced.
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