Running on a treadmill can have its unique advantages, such as protection from the elements and unsafe running conditions. But when you take your runs indoors, you need to make sure that you’re running properly on the treadmill so you can avoid injuries and get the most out of your treadmill runs. Here are some of the most common treadmill running mistakes:
Treadmill Running Mistake #1: Skipping your warm-up
It’s tempting to jump on the treadmill, increase the incline or pace setting to your desired levels and get going. But, just like with outdoor running, it’s important that you warm-up before getting into the more challenging part of your run. Be sure to start your treadmill workout with a brisk walk or easy jog for 5 minutes.
If you’ve ever felt a little dizzy after you took that first step off the treadmill, it’s most likely because you didn’t cool down at the end of your run. You may feel like jumping off the treadmill as soon as the timer hits your goal time for your run.
However, stopping suddenly after your treadmill run can cause light-headedness because your heart rate and blood pressure drop rapidly. Winding down slowly allows them to fall gradually. After you finish your run, make sure you cool down by walking or slowly jogging for 5 to 10 minutes before you step off the treadmill.
Treadmill Running Mistake #2: Improper Running Form
It’s common for people to feel nervous about falling off a treadmill, so they change their running form and don’t use the same running form as they use outside. You should be running on the treadmill with the same proper running form you would use when running outdoors. Try to run with your natural gait, and avoid taking short, choppy strides.
Another common form mistake is overstriding, or landing heel first with your foot well ahead of your body’s center of gravity. Since the treadmill’s belt is moving you forward, overstriding creates a braking force with the belt. To avoid this, try to keep your feet under your body, not ahead or behind it.
Treadmill Running Mistake #3: Holding onto the Handrails
I’ve seen people at the gym who look like they’re holding on to the treadmill’s handrails for dear life. There are a couple of problems with holding on to the rails. First, it forces you to hunch over, an inefficient running form that can lead to neck, shoulder, and back pain. Keep your posture straight and erect. Your head should be up, your back straight, and shoulders level.
Holding on to the rails may make you feel like you can keep up the pace and work harder, but, in reality, you’re reducing your load and making it easier on yourself.
Try to pretend that the handrails are not even there, as if you’re running outside. If you’re concerned about falling, you’re probably running at too fast of a pace or too much of an incline.
Treadmill Mistake #4: Not Exercising Hard Enough
If you’re one of those people who reads an entire magazine as you barely break a sweat on the treadmill, you’re probably not working hard enough. While it’s not good to do every run or your entire run at a hard pace (easy days are important), you should sometimes try to push yourself to get some results.
Try increasing your speed or incline so that you feel challenged, for at least part of your workout. Interval training, where you run hard for a period of time and then cool down for another interval, is a good way to push the pace without pushing it for the entire run. You can do interval training once or twice a week (never two days in a row). Try some of these workouts:
Treadmill Mistake #5: Stepping Off While the Treadmill is Moving
One of the biggest causes of injuries on treadmills is jumping off a fast-moving treadmill. If you need to run to the bathroom, grab a towel, or get some water, slow the machine down to a very reduced pace and lower the incline. Better yet, try to make sure you have everything you need — towel, water, headphones, etc. — before you start your run, so you won’t be tempted to hop off.
Treadmill Mistake #6: Running at the Same Pace for Your Entire Run
It’s not a good idea to hop on the treadmill, set a pace, and stick with it for the entire run. First, you should be varying the pace by warming up with a 5-minute walk or easy jog. You should also be finishing your run with a 5-minute walk or easy jog.
Also, when you’re running outside, you’re running at different speeds because of different factors, such as wind, hills, traffic lights, and changing weather conditions. So, to mimic outdoor running conditions, try varying the pace and/or the incline throughout the run. It will also help prevent you from getting bored on the treadmill.
Treadmill Mistake #7: Running the Entire Workout on a Steep Incline
Some runners assume they’re getting a great workout if they challenge themselves by running their entire run on a steep incline. But that much straight hill running is never a good idea and could lead to injuries. Think about it: Would you ever find a 3-mile hill at a 5 or 6% incline?
You should avoid running at a steep incline for more than 5 or so minutes. You’ll get a much better, safer workout if you alternate between running a few minutes with an incline and running a few minutes without an incline.
Also, you should avoid going above a 7% incline because it places too much strain on your back, hips and ankles.
Running coach, marathon runner, and fitness writer Christine Luff is an RRCA-certified running coach and ACE-certified personal trainer. Founder of the website Run for Good and author of the book Run for Good: How to Create a Lifelong Running Habit, she coaches runners, from beginners to advanced, who are training for races, from 5Ks to marathons.
