What is the point

When I was able to walk on a treadmill, I did hold on to the "handrails" for balance. I thought it was better to walk, even at a incline than not to exercise at all--not holding on is better though for those who are able to. :happy: :flowerforyou:

The incline still helps tone glute and hamstring muscles - with or without holding on I think.

Of setting the treadmill on an incline and then walking while holding on to the top of the machine?

Here's the point--

LOL

My trainer says walking at incline works the glutes, hamstrings and calves more than walking flat. It also increases cardio output. Preferable to not use hand rails b/c you will work harder if pumping your amrs...but if you are using proper form and not resting on hand rails, you are still getting a better workout than walking at 0 incline.

Marcy

Being a klutz, if I don't at least rest my hands on the handrail when starting out, or if trying to walk and talk at the same time, I fall off. Not everyone is graceful and well coordinated. Least of all me. I try not to "hold on" or put weight on them, and I let go when I am focused and in my stride, but I have been the laughing stock before..... :blushing:

If you support yourself during exercise, for whatever reason, you are decreasing the aerobic intensity of the workout. So, first of all, you are not working as hard as the machine says you are.

The "balance" argument can be a valid one, but I have always recommended that it be used as a "transition" approach, with the ultimate goal being to walk/run unsupported.

There is little or no point to walking at a higher speed or incline than you could otherwise do unsupported. Any increased "toning" that is purported to come from walking at an incline is going to be minimal at best--just enough to adapt to walking on an incline (and substantially less than even THAT if you hold on).

Again, if you are someone for whom balance is an issue--at any speed/incline combo--then that's completely different. You should use whatever handrail support you feel is necessary for your own comfort and safety (and be aware of the fact that anything other than a light touch will decrease the work and the calories burned, so take that into consideration when you log your numbers).

Otherwise, people should be able to find a speed/incline combination that they can use to walk unsupported. If you want to walk at a higher incline, for whatever reason, just turn the speed down so you can do it w/out the handrails. Actually, I think there are some benefits to doing just that, if you are a non-runner. I found that, with a steep enough incline, I could burn almost as many calories as running (900/hour) with overall less stress on my joints.

We have all been to clubs and see the people either hunched over the stairmaster, or gripping the treadmill handrails for dear life. You know what you think when you see them....do you really want to be *that* person?

Instead of using a treadmill, go outside and walk. The treadmill moves the "ground" for you and you are not propelling your weight, just lifting up your feet as the treadmill does the work. Go outside and walk or run. That way you don't have to worry about handrails or not.

Above is true as long as you are not physically challenged and needing a cane or walker for balance.

Safety may also be an issue to take into consideration, when looking at walking outside vs. using gym equipment to walk/jog/run - not everyone lives in a neighborhood where it might be safe to go out for a stroll or a jog. When I was living back home in Florida a couple of years ago, waiting to join up with my husband (he was doing a short tour duty), there was absolutely no way I was going to be walking around by myself in that neighborhood. So - for me, the gym was my best option for anything simulating a jog/run/brisk walk, etc etc etc...