Treadmill walking

12 rep

MemberDixon, CA

I notice a lot of the members holding onto the treadmill while they walk. These members are hardworking and look like they want to get the most out of their workout.

But, this practice:
cheats lower back muscles
ruins posture
skews spinal alignment
burns fewer calories
risks repetitive strain injury
hurts your balance coordination

Slow the treadmill down and don't hold on. You'll get a more complete workout.

27k rep

Trainer

Amen! You got it! My thoughts exactly.

31k rep

MemberPort Washington, WI

Yeah, I don't get that either, it's downright uncomfortable to hang on. I hang on a few times for 20 seconds or so to get my heart rate, but that's it.

854 rep

Hello:
I am 45 and have done manual labor my whole life, including
owning a small (just me usually) property maintenance business now.

So I hang on as my knees, hips and lower back usually are stiff and sore as I start out and I also have what was described as a "sports hernia" in Dec of 2010 where it is to take 6-12 months to heal, "with rest" (12-18 months no rest) which of course having my own business, rest is not possible.. So I do not run, as my knees/hips won't take it (yet) and I want to push myself as much as possible (up to 4.2mph and 7 grade) with out re-injuring myself

would it be better to slow down and not hold on?

6.2k rep

MemberBrownstown Township, MI

Some people do hold on just because it is easier and this does diminish their workout. But others, like CarmineB45 have physical reasons. When I first started working out, I was nursing a hip injury and I did not trust my hip not to go out, even when walking slow. I held on for a few months until I felt my hip was strong enough. About 18 months after I started working out, I over did a leg work out and ended up with a severe calf muscle tear. It took about 6 weeks to heal, however at week 3, my doctor gave me the ok to start stretching the muscle and to begin walking on the treadmill with a calf sleeve. Occasionally my calf muscle would tighten up and I would have to hold on briefly to relieve the pain. So you’re probably right that most people are holding on as a kind of “cheat” to make it easier, but others may be doing it while they rehab an injury

12 rep

MemberDixon, CA

Carmine,

Slow down to around 3.5 mph at 7 percent grade and don't hang on. You'll find your workout will be better. At age 60 I can't run anymore, but I like to hike. So, I go to a 15 percent grade and go from 2.7 mph and do intervals to 3.8 mph after I warm up. For every mile you go at 15 percent you climb the equivalent of around 783 ft. Quite a hike if you go a couple of miles and it prepares me for the mountains.

137 rep

Hah! I do good to walk when the floor ISN'T moving under me. Both of my hips are artificial and I never know when one will decide not to work quite right. I hold on out of terror, not to make it easier, LOL!!

1.9k rep

MemberAngola, IN

I am glad this was posted, I never knew that hanging on wasn't good!! Thanks for all this info!

1.9k rep

MemberTroy, OH

I did not know it was bad either. I hold on because i am afraid to fall off the back!

2.3k rep

MemberLargo, FL

I hold on because if I don't, I'll fall off!! If I slow down so I can let go, I don't get as good of a workout. So, I'll be holding on- for dear life!!!

854 rep

dixonwalk, I tried it and like it. unfortunately, a stupid vacation the family and I took, threw m behind in work, which has me in the gym very little ...
actually the vacation was GREAT at Universal, ad we are lucky enough to take another weekend at Cocoa Beach this weekend, just as i caught up with work... October will be here soon enough and I will slow down and then, I can put your workout to more of a test, thx c-ya in 4 weeks... lol!

1.7k rep

MemberHudson, FL

Well today walked with out holding on. Well most of the time. Grab hold a couple of times. Then let go again. I need training wheels. LoL.....

358 rep

MemberMadison, WI

I get dizzy and get really bad headaches. If I let go I can't stay straight and feel like ill fall so you will always see me holding on.

1.4k rep

MemberOaklandon, IN

Great info glad to know you are not suppose to

294 rep

MemberBeeville, TX

Wow, I didn't know that it was bad to hold on. I am not new to exercise, but I am just starting up again after several years of not doing much of anything. I have just started to let go for short amounts of time. I hope that I will be able to let go except to check my heart rate very soon.

326 rep

MemberRialto, CA

Well I hold on because I set the the incline to like 9 and speed to 3.5 to 3.8 however way i feel fancy. If i dont hold on I will fall down.