Holding the handrails on treadmill?

davemunger

So, I've noticed a few runners / walkers at the gym who constantly hold the handrails or the "handlebars" on the treadmill as they workout. Some of them seem to be hanging on with almost a death grip. Others seem to be bearing weight using the handrails. I'm talking about doing this constantly for a 20-30 minute workout.

Honest question: Why would you do this?

MinimalistShoeAddict

I saw a friend doing this once (while running with a slight incline) and asked her about it.

She said it helped her keep her balance. I suggested she try slowing down a little to see if that helped. She slowed down and no longer had any balance problems.

cmriverside

Because it's easier?

davemunger

Because it's easier?

Even easier would be to not run on a treadmill at all!

Seriously, though, it just doesn't make sense to me why you wouldn't want to use the treadmill the same way you run / walk. Is there a legitimate reason to be doing this?

sydneybeachgirl

I do this as I have balance issues - I have swimmer's ear and a couple of MS related signs (not strong enough to be classified as MS so far - thank God)

Holding onto the handrail by one hand (I only hold on with my right) helps me find my centre of gravity and balance.

I dont think I have a deathgrip on them and I definately not doing this as weight-bearing - more just to hold for a few minutes-not the whole session just when I feel I no longer have my balance or paying attention to other things (such as the newscast I am watching)..unfortulnately my brain cannot handle balancing at the same time of doing something else so I need something to hold onto. I also hold the rails when going downstairs on a staircase - any staircase even if it is only 4-5steps.

mitchyinge

it must be for balance, I felt quite panicky running on one recently for gait analysis and held on for a bit until it felt safe to let go and run normally

they are absolutely horrible to run on, I admire anyone who does it for any length of time

kgeyser

Is that where the sensors for the heart rate monitor are? I've seen people keep their hands on when they are trying to stay within a particular HR zone.

davemunger

Is that where the sensors for the heart rate monitor are? I've seen people keep their hands on when they are trying to stay within a particular HR zone.

That's a possibility, but it doesn't explain the death grip. Same for those suggesting "balance." I'm afraid I will probably never understand treadmills. I'm planning on a run in the dark, in 7-degree-fahrenheit temps tomorrow.

sarahertzberger

I'll be honest, I hold on when I'm running because I'm afraid of falling, I'm hoping to get out of that though

meeper123

I use to do this I fell on a treadmill once and have been paranoid ever since. It took my husbands encouragement and just standing there saying comforting things to finally get me to let go. Now I don't think about it. I also run outside more lol

LVCeltGirl

Being the klutz that I am, they are probably afraid of messing up their gait on it and scraping themselves up (plus the embarassment of going right off the treadmill while it's moving). Of course, since I'm a klutz like that even on a lower speed, I just avoid the treadmill and use one of the gyms available to me with an indoor track if I want to walk/run.

Amadbro

Handrails arn't designed to be held throughout a workout. They are there for safety. Use them and you're cheating yourself.

coolraul07

Several reasons, including:
1) Heart rate grips - the ones I've used required a firm grip, usually with both hands. If the workout is automatic based on heart rate, it may require constant readings. I now have an HRM.
2) Fear of falling, especially newbies or those with equilibrium issues (I used to be one, but decreased after significant weight loss)
3) Don't know any better

Additionally, I used to hold on when doing long intervals of high incline (e.g. >10%), but I used to just use only the tips of my pinkies so that it would be only for pacing/balance instead of weight-bearing.

tuckerrj

I've used them when walking backwards and side-stepping. But only intermittently.

lisalsd1

I've noticed at my gym that a lot of older people do this (like 60+ years old). It could be that they have age-related issues; balance issues, joint issues. Sometimes I hold on if I have been running and then slow down. I need to stay balanced while the belt slows down.

thedestar

I hold on! I'm very unbalanced and terrified of falling off the treadmill lol I never even thought about it bothering anyone.

Tetesandra

I hold on when I do high inclines like 10 or higher which is most of my treadmill as I cannot run on it and want o be sure my hr is up. I also hold onto the handrails as that is where the hrm is and I like to see my hr to keep me in check.

nicoleisback

As someone who has pushed kids in prams for years (and that has been the majority of my walking experience recently), I find I naturally hold on to the bar in front of me if I am not concentrating. I also do it to watch my heart rate when I am concentrating.

MinMin97

Any number of reasons. Recently I have experienced dizziness.....later realized it was the flu.
Have had times of weakness for one reason or another.
Basically, to keep from falling.
Some may not be that "good" at exercising. But why judge?

LeanButNotMean44

Handrails arn't designed to be held throughout a workout. They are there for safety. Use them and you're cheating yourself.

This.

cmriverside

.

RobynUnfiltered

I see a girl hanging onto the back of the machine, hunched over like if she lets go she will actually die. Handrails would be an improvement! I think it is just because they are there, and people feel the need to hold hem. When you walk outside the ground is not moving at 5 MPH under your feet, unless you live in an area with extra gravitational pull LOL. People see and feel the movement and think they will fall so they hold on. I used to do the same, now I don't need to. You actually burn more if you swing your arms as you normally would do holding on is not ideal.

asp415

When I first started running I would do this. My balance felt off. I probably had a death grip on there as well w/out realizing it. Once I became more confident I let go.

KimberlyinMN

I sometimes have balance issues while walking on a treadmill. I've found that if I am watching a television show, I am able to walk without using the hand rails as much - although I do still sometimes need to "rebalance" by touching the rail.

ucabucca

I zone out easily and actually have fallen off when treadmill stopped and I didn't You are still getting a good workout if not a death grip it helps keep me focused and I know that sounds weird but it works I am on incline or hills for programs. We have checked ot with heart monitor difference was under 50 calories for an hour so how can that be cheating really if it keeps you safe?
We all adapt to our own needs from age ears aches weaknesses etc adapting and doing is what matters not anything else just keep going.

eileen0515

I held on a bit when I first started, the balance felt different than normal movement. Now I pump my arms, keeping pace with my feet. If I want shorter steps, I pump my arms faster, my feet follow. It takes practice for some of us.

RobynUnfiltered

they are there to hold right?

watchhillgirl

Ok I have to ask.... Why do you care? Are you afraid they are going to take the rails home with them? Some use for balance, some because they want to.

She_Hulk

I use them when I'm at a 15% incline going 3.5 mph. I'm terribly sorry if that bothers you. :flowerforyou:

vmclach

Perhaps none of these people have ever walked or ran outside for exercise. Step on a stair master and try not to hold onto the handles. It's very challenging- for me. Some of these people may have the same experience on a treadmill. It might be to challenging to not hold on... These people are most likely gym workouters. They probably aren't trying to run a 1/2 marathon or anything lol..

Homemaker57

They're working on their grip so they can do monkeybars.