Anyone use a manual treadmill?

[Tiggywinkles]

Hi,

With all the wet and windy weather we are having, I am finding it impossible to get outside to walk. My walking is getting worse anyway and I find any uneven ground makes it really hard so am thinking of getting a manual treadmill - has anyone got experience of one? I don't want to get a motorised one as I wouldn't be able to keep up with it. I want to go at my own speed and that can vary from step to step and don't think I would be able to change the speed on the machine.

[tedjohnson]

Hi. Tiggywinkles

I had one about two years ago which I think I bought from Coopers. It was very helpful at the time but as my balance got worse I had to stop using it unfortunately I gave it to a charity shop otherwise you could have had it for free! I think you would find it safer than a motorized one and you can adjust the pressure you need to move the floor (belt)

Good luck. Ted

[Tiggywinkles in reply to tedjohnson]

Thanks for your reply Ted and also your offer! I want to try and keep walking for as long as I can and hope that one may help!

Heather

[weegiz12345]

Hi I had a manual one and found it really hard to get going and it took some power to keep it up. I went onto a motorised one but was told off by my consultant because it wasn't safe, they were right. I was an accident waiting to happen. The only way I could go on was holding on for dear life.I know it was dangerous but it was my bit of exercise. I now have an exercise bike and am pretty safe. I don't push myself and break sweat just peddle 3 times a week 30 mins at a time just to keep my wee legs going. Go for a bike you'll be sat down and no risk of falling off.

Louise

[Tiggywinkles in reply to weegiz12345]

Thanks for your reply, what you say about the motorised ones is what I thought! I used to have an exercise bike but found getting on and off one became too difficult, so got rid of it. I bought some mini peddles which you sit on a chair to use but find my legs can't co-ordinate to cycle any more. Hence my thoughts of a manual treadmill. Seeing a physio in a couple of weeks so will ask her advice.

[weegiz12345 in reply to Tiggywinkles]

You might be ok then because as soon as you stop walking the treadmill stops. I just found it to difficult. Let me know how you get on.

Louise.

[pinjem]

You have some good replies. I use a rowing machine which I love. I use it sitting down and you do need to study the technique but as you say, we need exercise when we cannot get out. It was about £160 and of course, it strengthens the legs. I put a leather belt around my middle to hold the handle when my arms get too tired or painful, it strengthens the core too, just another idea, it may be totally unsuitable for you. Sitting down!

[Libra7]

A manual treadmill has to be on a slight incline to make it work. Like you I wanted to increase my walking but found the manual treadmill almost impossible to get going so eventually sold it. I found I couldn’t get on to a sit up bike so now I have a laid back bike which I find ideal.

[Plain]

Hello, yes I had one years ago, just got on and walked, no motor. But found as my balance got worse I was hanging on , and had a job to get off without falling over. Can still use an exercise bike, but still find it difficult getting on and off

As the weather is not good at the moment so much wind. Haven’t been able to get out and walk pushing my rollator, so my walking is becoming much more difficult around the house. Always say, if don’t use it you lose it.

Take care.

[Terrier56]

I actually found that a powered treadmill was less unsettling than the "manual" ones I tried.

For one thing: the speed of a power treadmill can be controlled by YOU - so if you want it to stroll along at a manageable 1 km or mile per hour for instance.

The "manual" treadmills I tried - a certain amount of physical strength and balance was needed to control them. I didn't have that.

I feel very safe with the electric treadmill I have now.

[PatsyIpswich]

you could try one at the gym. I used one at the gym with a personal trainer but cant afford it now. you can go very slow .. worth a try.. I use a vibroplate to do squats [well attempt squats ha!] it has handle to cling to. also do other exercise on it such as hulahoop and raising heels and toes.

[coat2003]

get yourself a walker. I cannot walk much far without it OUTSIDE. YOU CAN REST SIT DOWN, IT HAS A PLATFORM 4 wheeliue oneMind you I just exercise my legs by walking.2x a day...at winter time only once a day, doing mat exercise, for core body strength, plus on my wobbly cushion, I got from A.the jungle in south America:)I got one for my bro, as well as he has ataxia, hereditary both of us, my paternal grandma, my pa...tredmil I found dangerous when still healthy...if you want sthg, go nfore a stationary bike with the back where you can lean yourself, MUCH SAFER.i FIND DIFFERENT FLOORINGS, LIKE A GRASS, UNEVEN COBBLES A NIGHTMARE...as my balance shot more than yours, even different levels, walking upstairs pain in derriere. avoid staircases. I DO LIFTS.IT IS allDOABLE, just a bit different, LIKE IT USED TO BE. gOOD LUCK! KEEP ACTIVE!