Holding the handrails on treadmill?
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if you think I'm going to slow or holding on or even if you think I look stupid.
Maybe I do it just to annoy you.
^i love her ^0 -
To those of you who believe that I only asked the question to lord it over those inferior handrail-holders, thanks for pointing out my motivations to me. I honestly believed that I wanted to know why some people hold on to the handrails with a death grip, but in fact I really just wanted to prove that I was superior to anyone who doesn't do it my way.
You're right, my puny 3 days a week in the gym for the past 8 months are clearly not enough for me to familiarize myself with a piece of equipment. I bow to your superior knowledge of both gym equipment and my own motivations.
It is simply unfathomable that I might want to know why someone does something that seems so unnatural when using a machine that seems to be designed to be used for a natural human activity. It's much more reasonable to assume that I am just some kind of a judgmental creep.
Also, you're right to suggest that I might not understand that someone could occasionally want to lightly grasp the handrails for balance or security. I'm obviously deluded into thinking that any such efforts are pretty much the same thing as a "death grip".
So thank you, thank you for pointing out the transparent cruelness in my original question. It's much appreciated.
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I hold on mainly for balance. It has to do with the moving surface. I can walk just as fast outside, and do so if the weather permits. But I just don't feel steady/comfortable on the treadmill. It might be because I don't do it very often, I prefer other forms of cardio but sometimes the treadmill is my best option.
As for cheating myself, getting on the treadmill and burning calories beats the alternative. I'm way ahead of sitting on the couch. I wear an HRM and log the actual calories burned, so holding on doesn't mess up my calorie/eating program.
And really, why does anyone care whether or not I hold on to the rails? It's my body and my workout. MYOB.0 -
I passed out on a treadmill (NOT because I'm so hardcore or anything) due to a condition I didn't know I had. I have a very slow HR and BP...long story short, I hold on lightly for balance and security. Getting back on one after 3 days in the hospital and all kinds of tests was feat enough---better than not getting on at all0
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I lightly hold on to the rails when using a treadmill, elliptical or an arc trainer. My balance sucks, my proprioception is worse, and if my bad leg suddenly collapses I can probably catch myself with my good leg if I have the input from my hands on the rails.
It may slightly reduce the intensity of my workout, but it keeps me from getting injured and means that I can use the machine.0 -
They are cheating on the exercise. The only time I've needed to support myself is when I trying to change the speed from 9 (sprint for me) to 4 (fast walk) when doing HIIT training.
Good for you for not needing support. Some of us do. I also use crutches for balance when walking. Holding onto rails on machines isn't "cheating" myself any more than using crutches is.0 -
I also tend to hold onto the handrails. Does it cut down on the efficiency of the workout? Certainly. I usually discount half of the calories that the machine says I theoretically burned off, anyhow.
I might look like a lazy idiot to others, and frankly, I don't care.
I hold onto the rails because there is a very real difference for me between me walking over stationary ground vs me walking on a treadmill (moving ground).
When I am walking on terra firma, if I fall, I fall where I am. When I am walking on a treadmill, if I fall, the "ground" (treadmill belt) will still be moving. There is always a risk of injury when one falls, but the risk is increased if one falls and then, through the wonders of the moving treadmill, is then thrown off the back end of the machine - and potentially into some unsuspecting passerby.
Am I that much of a "klutz"? Not usually. On the other hand, I've made some slight adjustments in the way I walk, because my right hip drops more than my left hip, my left shoulder is measurably higher than my right shoulder, I have previously torn my MCL, fractured one of my patellas, and I have almost no bursa remaining in my left knee.
And that was before some "distracted driver" plowed into the back of my car last year while I was stopped at a stone-cold red light, adding a few bulging disks and one herniated disk in my lower back to my situation. After eight months of physical therapy and now ongoing chiropractic care, I'm just starting to exercise again.
There are times when I am walking, even from the bedroom to the kitchen or the living room, when a sharp pain will sometimes stab through my lower spine. It is severe enough to cause me to nearly freeze in mid-step. It occurs without warning; I can sometimes go now without it happening for several days, or even a week or two. And then, without warning, it reappears. The risk of injury when the pain stabs through my spine while on a moving treadmill isn't something I take too lightly.
Having my hands on the rail allows me to push through so that whichever foot is in the air, I move to that side of the treadmill and put that foot down on the casing edge of the treadmill, completing the step that had begun when the pain first hits. I bring the other foot off the treadmill belt. It is literally two half-steps - one for each foot - that gets me off the moving part of the treadmill with the least amount of movement necessary, so that I can wait for the pain to pass, which it usually does after a few moments.
That is much easier for me to do, rather than to try to stop the treadmill and then walk off the back after it comes to a halt.
To those exercisers who look at me and assume I am lazy, uncoordinated, or have other disparaging thoughts about why I exercise the way I do, oh well. If I go flying off the end of a treadmill and fracture another kneecap, it will be me who is back on crutches, not the people who don't like the way I exercise.
I'll always listen to ways to exercise more efficiently - but not at the cost of safety, given my current physical limitations. And if others can't accept that, too bad.0 -
To those of you who believe that I only asked the question to lord it over those inferior handrail-holders, thanks for pointing out my motivations to me. I honestly believed that I wanted to know why some people hold on to the handrails with a death grip, but in fact I really just wanted to prove that I was superior to anyone who doesn't do it my way.
You're right, my puny 3 days a week in the gym for the past 8 months are clearly not enough for me to familiarize myself with a piece of equipment. I bow to your superior knowledge of both gym equipment and my own motivations.
It is simply unfathomable that I might want to know why someone does something that seems so unnatural when using a machine that seems to be designed to be used for a natural human activity. It's much more reasonable to assume that I am just some kind of a judgmental creep.
Also, you're right to suggest that I might not understand that someone could occasionally want to lightly grasp the handrails for balance or security. I'm obviously deluded into thinking that any such efforts are pretty much the same thing as a "death grip".
So thank you, thank you for pointing out the transparent cruelness in my original question. It's much appreciated.
you're welcome. is there anything else we can help with?0 -
They are cheating on the exercise. The only time I've needed to support myself is when I trying to change the speed from 9 (sprint for me) to 4 (fast walk) when doing HIIT training.
Good for you for not needing support. Some of us do. I also use crutches for balance when walking. Holding onto rails on machines isn't "cheating" myself any more than using crutches is.
I'm guessing you don't understand how experienced trainers look at cheating. Cheating on an exercise means you are doing something other than performing the exercise at a full capacity. There are valid reasons to do this. As you noted, it was for balance. Others cheat on exercises to break through a plateau (typically in weight lifting) or to perform an exercise without aggravating an injury. That said, if you could work past your balance issues and not grip the rails, you would get more from the exercise (e.g., stabilization muscles).0 -
Sure, you could answer the actual question I asked and not assume that I just want to be a big meanie. I seriously want to know if there are any conditions / reasons for a death grip approach to the treadmill, or if people just don't understand how treadmills are supposed to work -- or if *I* don't.you're welcome. is there anything else we can help with?
I've noticed some people holding on to the handles in the front as if they are concerned about being dragged off the back of the machine. That strikes me as something that could really mess with a person's running mechanics. I guess if all you are concerned about is burning some calories maybe this could work, but I'm concerned that it might lead to injury. I'm just wondering if anyone has actually read something or been advised that it is a good approach to the treadmill.
I've also noticed people who hold on to the side railings and seem to be actually trying to hold themselves up, perhaps so they don't put as much weight on their feet. Again, what I'd like to know if this is an approach that is recommended by trainers / physical therapists, or if this is a workout that people just bumble into.
I can certainly understand folks who have balance issues wanting to use the handrails occasionally for that, but it would seem to me that holding on with a death grip wouldn't really help in that case. Often it seems to be hindering balance.
But maybe these people are all doing the right thing and I'm doing it wrong. That's why I want to know if there is an informed reason to do it.0 -
But maybe these people are all doing the right thing and I'm doing it wrong. That's why I want to know if there is an informed reason to do it.
As you noted, it is a balance/comfort issue. It does change their walking/running dynamics. It is best to not hold on.
I thought there were a few good answers out there. Not sure why you focused on the argument that erupted around the question rather than those of us who tried to provide an answer.0 -
They are cheating on the exercise. The only time I've needed to support myself is when I trying to change the speed from 9 (sprint for me) to 4 (fast walk) when doing HIIT training.
Good for you for not needing support. Some of us do. I also use crutches for balance when walking. Holding onto rails on machines isn't "cheating" myself any more than using crutches is.
I'm guessing you don't understand how experienced trainers look at cheating. Cheating on an exercise means you are doing something other than performing the exercise at a full capacity. There are valid reasons to do this. As you noted, it was for balance. Others cheat on exercises to break through a plateau (typically in weight lifting) or to perform an exercise without aggravating an injury. That said, if you could work past your balance issues and not grip the rails, you would get more from the exercise (e.g., stabilization muscles).
Thank you for the detailed definition of cheating.
I would be thrilled if I could work past my balance and joint issues, but it's not going to happen. There are too many things wrong, and none of them are correctable. To the extent that they can be improved with physical therapy and gait training, they have been.0 -
Sure, you could answer the actual question I asked and not assume that I just want to be a big meanie. I seriously want to know if there are any conditions / reasons for a death grip approach to the treadmill, or if people just don't understand how treadmills are supposed to work -- or if *I* don't.you're welcome. is there anything else we can help with?
I've noticed some people holding on to the handles in the front as if they are concerned about being dragged off the back of the machine. That strikes me as something that could really mess with a person's running mechanics. I guess if all you are concerned about is burning some calories maybe this could work, but I'm concerned that it might lead to injury. I'm just wondering if anyone has actually read something or been advised that it is a good approach to the treadmill.
I've also noticed people who hold on to the side railings and seem to be actually trying to hold themselves up, perhaps so they don't put as much weight on their feet. Again, what I'd like to know if this is an approach that is recommended by trainers / physical therapists, or if this is a workout that people just bumble into.
I can certainly understand folks who have balance issues wanting to use the handrails occasionally for that, but it would seem to me that holding on with a death grip wouldn't really help in that case. Often it seems to be hindering balance.
But maybe these people are all doing the right thing and I'm doing it wrong. That's why I want to know if there is an informed reason to do it.
There are lots or reasons to use a treadmill.
You use it to run. Huzzah.
I use it to finish 'fatiguing' my muscles and to cool down.
Others use it as a form of physical therapy.
Others use it as 'time out' so they can listen to or read a book. Or play a game. Or watch a movie.
After my knee surgery I would come into the gym on my crutches, and then use the side rails instead of my crutches.
Some people don't go to the gym to work out 100% efficiently every time.
Just because you use a machine in a certain way, it doesn't mean that's the only way to use it, or that someone is using it 'wrong'.0 -
I hold on! I'm very unbalanced and terrified of falling off the treadmill lol I never even thought about it bothering anyone.
Well apparently you and I are annoying the OP and we need to stop it lol. Guess we should just fall on our faces and suck it up.
well i am a very selfish person - I exercise for myself not to be eye candy for others...if others dont like what I wear when exercising or how much I sweat (i always wipe down the equipment I use) or how bad my coordination is at certain exercises (my burpee is soo bad it could be a comedy act on its own) or how slow I am (see my profile photo) they have the liberty to look and stare at someone else...it is a whole wide world...I dont have to be the centre of attention
so I say if you hold on to the handlebars because you feel you need to - then DO IT..who cares if you only run at 7.9 or 8.9 or even 5.5 on the treadmill - you are running and working out for your own health! and that is what only matters not what others think of you.
treat the equipment with respect (dont ruin it) dont take up 50mins walking on the treadmill when there are others waiting for it - just respect all...
and forget about the others around you 0 -
Depends on the person; I'd like to think most do it for balance. Although others seem to do it because they're going too fast/too steep of incline so instead of slowing down or decreasing the incline they hang on for dear life. It really annoys me... especially since people walk/run in their every day lives without holding onto something... so.. yeah.0
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I do this. I do it out of fear of failing off the back, regardless of what speed the treadmill is going at. Its probably a confidence thing as well. Does it really matter at the end of the day? Cant say that I have ever really noticed what anyone else is doing around me when at the gym. I usually just go in, do my thing and leave. So really whats your beef with holding the handrail????0
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Fear? Laziness? Ignorance?
I saw a guy today walking the maximum incline, one hand clinging to each side of the display monitor. He wasn't even winded. Another lady was doing the stair stepper really slow and doing a back leg lift with each step. Yet another lady was going sloooooweeer than I think I have ever strolled on my very slowest day while throwing little punches in the air from time to time.
Who knows why anyone is doing anything? I figure I'll just have a small internal chuckle and go on my way. :bigsmile:0 -
I have a very partial paralesys on my right side. You have to look at me very hard to notice it. I loose my balance when I walk too slowly or too quickly. I need some space around me to feel comfortable. I don't have that space on a treadmill so I hold on to the rails. My treadmill has inclinations as high as 40%. When I walk uphill, I grab on to the rails really hard because it is really demanding. When I was in shape, I could walk as fast as 4.5 mph but I had to hold on to something. I know that it is better for your body to let your arms swing but if I really want to exercice hard, I absolutely have to hold on to the rails.
In my opinion, someone will use a crunch or anykind of help if he needs it. When I am not walking too quickly or going uphill, I prefer to let go of the rails. It is a more natural thing to swing your arms then to grab on to something.0 -
So you're telling me that if you are unable to walk down the street because there are no hand rails? If you are having balance issues, you need to reduce speed/elevation. It's WALKING one of the most basic human motor functions known to man. I'm not trying to make anyone feel bad, simply asserting that the hand rails are not made to be held throughout an entire exercise, that they are there for safety (I.E. you feel dizzy, need something to hold onto while the machine winds down, or want to check your HR/BPM).
Either way do what you want, you're cheating yourself and not receiving the full benefit of the exercise. It's supposed to be CHALLENGING hence why it's called EXERCISE.0 -
Either way do what you want, you're cheating yourself and not receiving the full benefit of the exercise. It's supposed to be CHALLENGING hence why it's called EXERCISE.
I sooooo dont agree with you..
In my humble opinion Exercise is about movement - doesnt have to be challenging.
I think challenging exercise is called training
The word challenging has a different meaning to everyone - a 25KM cycle might be challenging for someone for someone else it is their warm up for a 95KM cycle..
As long as someone is moving they are challenging themselves and that is what matters doesnt it - not everyone is out there to train...some "just" want to exercise
live and let live 0 -
Either way do what you want, you're cheating yourself and not receiving the full benefit of the exercise. It's supposed to be CHALLENGING hence why it's called EXERCISE.
Again.
Not everyone who goes to the gym, goes to exercise at 100% efficiency every time they go to the gym.
"Physical exercise is any bodily activity that enhances or maintains physical fitness and overall health and wellness. It is performed for various reasons including strengthening muscles and the cardiovascular system, honing athletic skills, weight loss or maintenance, as well as for the purpose of enjoyment."0 -
So you're telling me that if you are unable to walk down the street because there are no hand rails? If you are having balance issues, you need to reduce speed/elevation. It's WALKING one of the most basic human motor functions known to man. I'm not trying to make anyone feel bad, simply asserting that the hand rails are not made to be held throughout an entire exercise, that they are there for safety (I.E. you feel dizzy, need something to hold onto while the machine winds down, or want to check your HR/BPM).
Either way do what you want, you're cheating yourself and not receiving the full benefit of the exercise. It's supposed to be CHALLENGING hence why it's called EXERCISE.
Did you miss the part where I said I use crutches when walking? They're not handrails, but yeah- they serve the same purpose. My balance issues have nothing to do with speed or elevation.
Walking isn't so basic. I have more partially torn ligaments in my right leg than I can count, I have nerve damage in my right quadricepts so they don't fire correctly, arthritis in my right knee and ankle, both knees and ankles are permanently braced because my ankles subluxate and my knees dislocate, my toes and some of the bones in my feet subluxate, and my hips are a wreck. That's just some of what happens when your collagen is defective.0 -
So you're telling me that if you are unable to walk down the street because there are no hand rails? If you are having balance issues, you need to reduce speed/elevation. It's WALKING one of the most basic human motor functions known to man. I'm not trying to make anyone feel bad, simply asserting that the hand rails are not made to be held throughout an entire exercise, that they are there for safety (I.E. you feel dizzy, need something to hold onto while the machine winds down, or want to check your HR/BPM).
Either way do what you want, you're cheating yourself and not receiving the full benefit of the exercise. It's supposed to be CHALLENGING hence why it's called EXERCISE.
Did you miss the part where I said I use crutches when walking? They're not handrails, but yeah- they serve the same purpose. My balance issues have nothing to do with speed or elevation.
Walking isn't so basic. I have more partially torn ligaments in my right leg than I can count, I have nerve damage in my right quadricepts so they don't fire correctly, arthritis in my right knee and ankle, both knees and ankles are permanently braced because my ankles subluxate and my knees dislocate, my toes and some of the bones in my feet subluxate, and my hips are a wreck. That's just some of what happens when your collagen is defective.
I was referring to the people without disabilities who are holding onto it because it's "easier"0 -
Either way do what you want, you're cheating yourself and not receiving the full benefit of the exercise. It's supposed to be CHALLENGING hence why it's called EXERCISE.
I sooooo dont agree with you..
In my humble opinion Exercise is about movement - doesnt have to be challenging.
I think challenging exercise is called training
The word challenging has a different meaning to everyone - a 25KM cycle might be challenging for someone for someone else it is their warm up for a 95KM cycle..
As long as someone is moving they are challenging themselves and that is what matters doesnt it - not everyone is out there to train...some "just" want to exercise
live and let live
I just got up to go to the fridge for a bottle of water. I exercised.0 -
Either way do what you want, you're cheating yourself and not receiving the full benefit of the exercise. It's supposed to be CHALLENGING hence why it's called EXERCISE.
I sooooo dont agree with you..
In my humble opinion Exercise is about movement - doesnt have to be challenging.
I think challenging exercise is called training
The word challenging has a different meaning to everyone - a 25KM cycle might be challenging for someone for someone else it is their warm up for a 95KM cycle..
As long as someone is moving they are challenging themselves and that is what matters doesnt it - not everyone is out there to train...some "just" want to exercise
live and let live
I just got up to go to the fridge for a bottle of water. I exercised.
Judge Judy??0 -
I do it because I don't trust myself on it. For some reason, treadmills make me dizzy (regardless of what speed I'm going at). I think its because my body is moving but my surroundings are not. I've had it where I've literally felt super faint before-so I guess it's like a safety blanket. I do not use it with a death grip those-most of the times my hands just rest on it for peace of mind.
Often what I will do is have one hand on the rail, and the other arm at my side (like how you would have them when you're running or walking ^_^)0 -
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?
I have big feet and holding the rail helps me keep my distance so my feet don't smack the front of the treadmill and annoy the people nearby. Apparently, somebody will be annoyed no matter what I do! :sad:0 -
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?
i hold on to the HRM part infront... to check my HR (duh) but since im watching tv while i walk i tend to trip from time to time(happens if im chewing gum and walking to)....
but yeah ive seen folks on them that are going HFL on it but have a grip on the monitor so tight that they are pulling it apart as they run/walk0 -
I do this because I have some balance issues along with weakness on left side. I don't do a death grip but I do hold lightly on the rails to keep steady0
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