Thursday, December 17, 2009

A treadmill tip

Now that the weather has turned cold, some of you regular walkers have probably resorted to using a treadmill, either at the gym or in your home.

That's all well and good, and you probably think it's pretty much the same thing as walking outdoors, minus the good scenery, right? But if that's the case, why do I see so many people at my gym grasping the bar at the front while walking on the treadmill?

When you walk naturally, your arms swing freely, right? And that's how it should be on the treadmill as well. Holding onto the bar at the front puts the body in a forward-leaning position that compromises proper body mechanics for walking.

Good posture and spinal alignment are important when walking, whether outdoors or on a treadmill. If you find you do not have the balance to walk on a treadmill without holding onto the bar, you might want to consider another vehicle for your aerobic exercise, such as a stationary bicycle.

As with all activities in the gym, good form is everything.

3 comments:

  1. Guilty, uh oh. I'll try to let go.

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  2. Yeah, I know. I've got my eye on you. :-)

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  3. Hey Marge - For me it wasn't a natural feeling at first to walk with out holding on - but I practiced and got used to it. After a while it will feel weird holding on. Keep trying!

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