Surrounded by office buildings, along with various dining establishments, are fitness centers. For busy professionals with little time to exercise during the workday, the gym is an excellent option. Many people head straight for the treadmill, start it up, and begin running. While operating a treadmill seems simple, there are essential guidelines to follow.

Treadmill Usage Guide

1. Preparation Before Running

Using a treadmill may seem foolproof, but warming up before exercising is crucial. Properly stretching your Achilles tendon, calves, and thighs reduces the risk of muscle strains. Here’s how to warm up effectively:

Relax Your Ankles

• Heel Raises: Stand straight with feet shoulder-width apart, tighten your core, and slowly raise your heels off the ground. Hold for 2-3 seconds at the top, then slowly lower. Repeat 10-15 times. Tip: Keep your breathing steady and perform the movements slowly.
• Toe Rotations: Stand straight with feet hip-width apart, rotate your thighs outward, and slowly raise your heels. Balance on your toes for 3 seconds before lowering your heels. Repeat 15-20 times. Tip: If available, hold onto a railing for support.

Relax Your Leg Muscles

• Stand upright on a mat. Bend your left knee forward at a 90-degree angle and your right knee backward, kneeling on the mat. Place one hand on your left thigh and use the other hand to pull your right ankle closer to your thigh. Hold for 15-20 seconds. Switch legs and repeat.

After warming up, stand on the sides of the treadmill and clip the emergency stop key to your clothing to prevent falls.

2. Pay Attention to Posture and Intensity

Incorrect posture on the treadmill not only diminishes the effectiveness of your workout but can also cause spinal and muscle injuries. Follow these tips for proper running posture:

• Shoulders relaxed, chest lifted, and upper body slightly tilted forward.
• Arms should swing naturally with a small range of motion.
• Land on your heels, then roll onto your toes.
• Knees should be slightly bent on landing, and legs should not lift too high.

Apart from maintaining proper posture, managing workout intensity (speed) is also essential. Start with a speed of 2.5-3.7 mph for the first 5-10 minutes, then gradually increase the speed based on your fitness level. Aim to maintain this speed for at least 20 minutes, exercising on the treadmill at least three times a week.

Assessing Workout Intensity:

• Resting Heart Rate (RHR): The number of heartbeats per minute when at rest.
• Heart Rate Reserve (HRR): 220 minus your age, minus your resting heart rate. For the average person, an appropriate workout intensity is 40%-60% of HRR plus RHR. After a month of continuous exercise, you can increase the intensity to 60%-80% of HRR plus RHR, keeping each session between 20-30 minutes.

Important Tips:

• Do not run backward or abruptly turn your head while on the treadmill.
• Regulate your breathing—aim for a three-step inhale/exhale rhythm.
• Always wear running shoes to avoid injury and slipping due to sweaty feet.

After finishing your workout, gradually slow down the treadmill, perform a 5-10 minute cool-down, and only step off once the treadmill has come to a complete stop.

Treadmill Suitability

While many people install treadmills at home for family use, keep in mind that not everyone should use a treadmill. Avoid treadmill running if you:

• Are elderly
• Have severe hypertension, heart disease, or lower limb joint issues
• Are pregnant
• Exceed the treadmill's weight limit

By adhering to these guidelines, you can effectively and safely use your treadmill to enhance your fitness. Happy running!