Running on a treadmill

[Runningfit67]

My daughter persuaded me to let her join the teen gym at our local sports centre. We are going this afternoon for a family session. I’ve decided to try doing a post graduation run on the treadmill instead of trying out the rest of the gym equipment. Thought it might be useful for winter running. I’ve never run on a treadmill before and don’t know treadmill etiquette, if there’s such a thing. Any advice so I don’t go flying off the end.

[misswobble Graduate]

I don’t think you can just hit the machines without someone showing you the ropes first. I have no idea as I don’t use one 😃

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Wear a string of garlic round your neck, to be on the safe side.

Take care.

[Runningfit67 in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Lol just hope it’s not full of sweaty teenagers

[Irish-John Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

😂😂😂😂😂

[Hidden]

As misswobble says you need someone to show you the equipment before you get on it. That's gym rule number 1!

Most treadmills these days will have a cord and a clip which you attach to your T-shirt so if you get too far away from the controls (and therefore near the end) the cord will activate the stop button and save you.

[Runningfit67]

Had intro the other day. Just wondering if it’s different from running on the road and should I run on the flat or gradient.

[KayBee1000 Graduate]

I run on a treadmill - I would say the most important things are to clip the emergency stop magnet to the *bottom* of your t-shirt (I clipped mine too high once, knocked it with my arm and the treadmill stopped dead!), and increase the speed gradually (i.e. don't start it at the speed you think you'll run at, start fast walking then increase as you begin running).

Apart from that, it's easy to just adjust your speed up and down as needed. If you usually run outside you can either add a bit of incline to the treadmill to mimic wind resistance/slopes, or set a slightly faster pace than you usually run - as the belt is more cushioned and flatter than pavements, you'll probably find you go faster.

Good luck!

[Runningfit67]

I found it a lot easier running on a treadmill than on the road. I also found I could run faster and for longer. I will definitely consider it as an alternative to running outside come the depths of winter.