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With walking being one of the most popular forms of exercise, treadmills for home use are getting more and more popular.
Just like with all forms of exercise, and all exercise equipment, safety is a factor to be taken seriously. Don't forgot the tragedy that happened to 4 year old Exodus Tyson (daughter of former boxing champion Mike Tyson) earlier this year.
Here are ten simple tips to make sure your treadmill keeps you healthy and not hurting:
1. Read the manual. Learn about the functions of your machine and how to properly use them. The more familiar you are with your machine, the more sense some of the following tips will make.
2. Use the safety shut off. This is usually a lanyard that clips on to your clothing and shuts off the machine if you get dangerously close to falling off the back end of the machine.
3.Stay aware of your position. Don't get too close to the back of the tread. Try and stay comfortably close to the console(control panel) where you can reach the buttons if you start to lose control. Even with the safety shut off cord attached there is still a possibility you could get thrown off the belt.
4. Keep a safety space cushion behind the machine. In case you do get thrown off the back you want to make sure you will have as safe a landing as possible. Behind the treadmill is not a good place for a glass coffee table.
5.Keep the machine well maintained. A well cared for, smooth running treadmill won't surprise you with sudden stops or jerky speed changes.
6. Always use a speed you can handle. Don't make major jumps in speed. Get familiar with your abilities and gain confidence before doing any sprint training on the treadmill.
7.Don't leave the machine running, especially if you have children or pets. If you followed step 1, you now probably know how to pause the machine without losing the workout's information.
8.Use proper footwear- running shoes, walking shoes, or no shoes without socks. Flip-flop sandals are not proper treadmill footwear.
9. If you have small children: Use the machine's password feature if it has one. If not, keep the machine unplugged when you are not using it, unless it is in a room the child cannot access. If your small child is in the room while you are using the treadmill make sure they are always in your sight and never behind you. Teach them rules about treadmill safety once they are old enough to understand.
10. No Horseplay. A treadmill can be dangerous, it is not a toy. Plain common sense will prevent most mishaps and accidents.
 
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