Soreness From Treadmill?

arabianhorselover

Hi. I've just recently started walking on a treadmill. It seems to be quite different from walking outside, and is making me very sore. Mostly my hips it seems, but also my lower back. I don't think I'm doing anything wrong. Have any of you experienced this?

Dunkirk

I had this problem, it was the way I was walking. incorrect posture, and the way I was walking. I was slapping my feet down hard when walking. Are you wearing good shoes?

arabianhorselover

I would say my shoes are okay, but not great. It does seem like my feet are hitting too hard, but I can't seem to change that. I've been trying hard to have good posture.

Stage14

I had hip and knee pain when I first started running on the treadmill (which is sometimes a necessary evil). I got a good pair of shoes and set the incline slightly higher and it helped a lot. Also, really pay attention to how you are walking. For me, the treadmill changes my gait and puts extra pressure on my right side. Not sure why, but if I pay attention and keep my form correct, it doesn't happen nearly as badly.

april1445

Sore hips means you're walking with your hip flexors instead of your glutes. Very common thing. Squats helped me enormously with this. Do about 15 squats a day for a week and then try getting back on the treadmill and see if that makes a difference. Also, shorten your stride (take quicker shorter steps at the same speed), that will help you with slamming your foot down.

MinnieInMaine

One of the reasons I'm not fond of running or walking on the treadmil...

I agree with the tips to up your incline a little (1 or 2 degrees can make a difference), shorten your stride and be very conscious of your form - back straight, abs in, shoulders back and down, pelvis neutral. Also, don't push the speed too much. I find if I try to walk faster I end up feeling a bit more sore. Better to keep it slow and keep your posture in check.

arabianhorselover

Thank you all. I will follow your suggestions. I have not been doing any squats, so will have to figure out how to do those correctly, also!

pita7317

Two weeks ago I injured my ankle on the treadmill and it's still not 100%.
Good info from the other replies to this.
I was just wearing socks and walking far too fast.
I felt pain but continued to walk.
Lesson learned.

mittens817

I also have gotten hip and lower back pain recently. I also go on the treadmill everyday. I never thought before that it could be the way I am walking on it. I am very heavy footed to begin with on regular ground or flooring. Also do not have the best posture. I will try the advise on quicker small steps and become more aware of posture and see if I see a change!! Thanks.