Anyone else find treadmills hard?

RhysGM
RhysGM Posts: 39
in Fitness and Exercise
I've tried three times now, and the staff at the gym told me how to do it properly but I still find it difficult. I let the machine warm up for a few minutes then jump on but I just can't get my coordination right. I hit my chin on the handle bars the first time, so I tried holding on to them before attempting to do a mid air Flintstones run and land perfectly on the treadmill. However I still ended up face down on the rubber, the last time I tried I went flying into the chrome bin behind me.

I see all these people running really fast on them, what's their secret? I don't want to do a slow walk, I want to try running properly, I just can't understand how to get the treadmill that fast and safely run on it.
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Replies

  • geebusuk
    geebusuk Posts: 3,348 Member
    ?

    Are you sure they didn't mean for you to warm up on the machine?

    Most start by walking on the machine, then slowly speed up.

    That way you're not suddenly unbalanced.
  • __Di__
    __Di__ Posts: 1,658 Member
    I've tried three times now, and the staff at the gym told me how to do it properly but I still find it difficult. I let the machine warm up for a few minutes then jump on but I just can't get my coordination right. I hit my chin on the handle bars the first time, so I tried holding on to them before attempting to do a mid air Flintstones run and land perfectly on the treadmill. However I still ended up face down on the rubber, the last time I tried I went flying into the chrome bin behind me.

    I see all these people running really fast on them, what's their secret? I don't want to do a slow walk, I want to try running properly, I just can't understand how to get the treadmill that fast and safely run on it.

    Not surprised you hit your chin, you don't start the treadmill off first and THEN jump on, that could cause you to have a dangerous fall. If the staff at the gym told you to do that, find another gym as they are giving you dangerous advice.

    Stand on it, start the machine off at walking pace (3mph) and then gradually click it upwards as you warm up. Eventually you will speed it up and HAVE to start jogging.

    Likewise when you want to stop, don't just click the "stop" button unless it is an emergency. Slow the machine down bit by bit until you are, once again, at walking pace (this can be your warm-down), eventually slowing the machine down to 1mph and then "stop".
  • pinkraynedropjacki
    pinkraynedropjacki Posts: 3,027 Member
    Yeah I have to agree with others here..... stand on the machine while it's stopped....then press start.... not jump on while it's moving. No wonder you are getting hurt.
  • IronSmasher
    IronSmasher Posts: 3,908 Member
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmUfuNKL1e4

    Make sure it has power, but is off - belt is stationary.

    Hold on to the handrails, step on to the area either side of the belt and shuffle up those towards the controls. Attach the kill/safely clip.
    Still standing on the sides, press go. Ensure the belt is moving at a ludicrously slow speed, keeping hold of the hand rails, step on to the belt.
    Successfully achieving this, gradually increase the speed to a nice, natural walking pace. Ensuring you have your head up, you're relaxed and using a heel - toe method.
    Learn to walk before you run.
    Eventually, you'll build the confidence and ability to gradually increase the speed until you are at a jog.

    I'm not going to tell you how to get off.
  • IronSmasher
    IronSmasher Posts: 3,908 Member
    Oh yeah, these guys show you how not to do it

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4XFDweEgeU
  • Alatariel75
    Alatariel75 Posts: 18,219 Member
    Taming the treadmill is like taming the wild maker in Dune. If you aren't ready to take it when it comes, you aren't ready...
  • benol1
    benol1 Posts: 867 Member
    When the student is ready, the treadmill will appear.
  • cctc21np
    cctc21np Posts: 25 Member
    Is this a joke?
  • deksgrl
    deksgrl Posts: 7,237 Member
    They are evil. Avoid.
  • quirkytizzy
    quirkytizzy Posts: 4,052 Member
    Walk. Then run. If a slow walk is all you can do without hurting yourself, then a slow walk is better than nothing. You'll be surprised how quickly you build up enough strength to run.
  • links_slayer
    links_slayer Posts: 1,151 Member
    IIRC, OP is the one that started the "which is better, lbs or kgs, for lifting" thread.

    loltrolls
  • moonsforeyes
    moonsforeyes Posts: 228
    When I clicked on this, I thought you meant it was hard on your legs/joints/feet! I think that maybe you should try and stick to running on a track for a bit. Also, when you get on the treadmill, try a walking pace for 5-10 minutes before cranking it up to a jog and eventually running at a faster pace.
  • jonnythan
    jonnythan Posts: 10,161 Member
    I hate treadmills, so I never use them. There is no reason for you to use them either if you don't enjoy it.

    You're never going to make any lasting progress if your lifestyle change involves something you hate. People can only do that for so long before they give up and go back to doing what they enjoy.
  • Taraanne76
    Taraanne76 Posts: 111 Member
    I always get dizzy on them and lose all coordination. I hate treadmills.
  • Fit_Vixen1
    Fit_Vixen1 Posts: 419
    Avoid this....



    treadmill.gif


    by simply stepping onto the treadmill, while it's off, and hit start & then get to the level where you're comfortable.

    That is all!
  • RhysGM
    RhysGM Posts: 39
    Yeah I have to agree with others here..... stand on the machine while it's stopped....then press start.... not jump on while it's moving. No wonder you are getting hurt.

    But my trainer explicitly said "Let it warm up first before starting to run, otherwise you could cause an injury"
  • LaDonnaF
    LaDonnaF Posts: 53 Member
    trollolololol


    has to be at a 10% incline when you jump on that way you won't fall off.













    not srs. If you can't get onto it while it is in motion then stand on the belt while it is stopped and use the arrow to increase the speed little by little
  • RMeDude
    RMeDude Posts: 37
    The treadmill probably just had not warmed up enough, which is why you had trouble. Try it at a faster speed ( I like it above a 10.0 before I step on), and at least a 5% incline. This will ensure the treadmills motors are ready for the increased load. Good luck on this wonderful journey!
  • timaeus_drache
    timaeus_drache Posts: 104 Member
    Taming the treadmill is like taming the wild maker in Dune. If you aren't ready to take it when it comes, you aren't ready...

    Underrated post in an underrated thread.

    OP, keep these coming. :)
  • RhysGM
    RhysGM Posts: 39
    has to be at a 10% incline when you jump on that way you won't fall off.
    Try it at a faster speed ( I like it above a 10.0 before I step on), and at least a 5% incline.

    Brilliant advise, I never thought about trying it on an incline, I'll give it a go this weekend. If I still can't get the hang of it I guess I'll try attempting running on the pavement. Although I'm sure they're more perils on the tar mac than on a treadmill.
  • __Di__
    __Di__ Posts: 1,658 Member
    Yeah I have to agree with others here..... stand on the machine while it's stopped....then press start.... not jump on while it's moving. No wonder you are getting hurt.

    But my trainer explicitly said "Let it warm up first before starting to run, otherwise you could cause an injury"

    You trainer means "YOU should warm up first before starting to run, otherwise you could cause an injury" - why would a cold treadmill, cause you to be injured LMAO.

    Change your trainer if they do mean the treadmill and not you.
  • __Di__
    __Di__ Posts: 1,658 Member
    has to be at a 10% incline when you jump on that way you won't fall off.
    Try it at a faster speed ( I like it above a 10.0 before I step on), and at least a 5% incline.

    Brilliant advise, I never thought about trying it on an incline, I'll give it a go this weekend. If I still can't get the hang of it I guess I'll try attempting running on the pavement. Although I'm sure they're more perils on the tar mac than on a treadmill.

    and now, just reading your reply to this, I go with some of the others, you are a troll.
  • JessicaP327
    JessicaP327 Posts: 64 Member
    Yeah I have to agree with others here..... stand on the machine while it's stopped....then press start.... not jump on while it's moving. No wonder you are getting hurt.

    But my trainer explicitly said "Let it warm up first before starting to run, otherwise you could cause an injury"

    Yes. Warm up WITH YOU ON IT. After the first time flying off the thing, you should have learned to not do that again. My suggestion would be to watch someone else get on first. I could bet my paycheck they do not just jump on a moving treadmill...
  • _Witsy_
    _Witsy_ Posts: 609 Member
    1. Stand on sides of the belt.
    2. Turn on the treadmill, low speed.
    3. Get on the belt and start warming up, adjust speed appropriately.
    4. Run when ready.

    :)
  • icimani
    icimani Posts: 1,454 Member
    DON"T TRY THIS!

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTAAsCNK7RA
  • sandersj57
    sandersj57 Posts: 1 Member
    I believe the trainer meant that you as a person should warm up by walking first before running. I don't think the trainer meant for the treadmill to warm up first before running. Good luck!
  • Fedup23
    Fedup23 Posts: 80 Member
    ..are you hitting the gym AFTER the bar? :P
  • MagicalLeopleurodon
    MagicalLeopleurodon Posts: 623 Member
    This made me laugh hysterically!

    I am SO anti-treadmill! I have a strange gait apparently-i either stutter step and hit the front, or i fall off the back. every time.

    i would give advice, but i have tried for YEARS and cant figure it out.

    only thing i can say-find a track somewhere ;)
  • reedkaus
    reedkaus Posts: 250 Member
    there's some new research coming out on non-motorized treadmills, most notably the "curve" by woodway. don't know if that's an option for you, but if it is, try it out
  • RMeDude
    RMeDude Posts: 37
    With every reply to the OP, I feel so much better about myself!

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