Many people often worry about their joints when they decide to work out. While some trainers and doctors advise against working out on a treadmill, others say that it is a beneficial form of exercise.
There is a lot of conflicting information on the internet about whether or not running on a treadmill is bad for your joints.
In this article, we explore all points and find out what it means for your health because if you’re going to be doing any cardio, it’s important to make sure you’re doing it safely.
Moreover, If you have been injured or had surgery on the joints of your body and have been told to stay away from using a treadmill, then you might have wondered if a treadmill is bad for your joints.
The truth is that when used appropriately, there are many benefits to using a treadmill and it is not bad for joints. So, let’s start exploring all aspects and find an appropriate answer to the query.
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Does Treadmill Hurt Your Joints?
The common question people ask is whether using a treadmill can be harmful to the joints. Joints are susceptible to damage if a person pushes the physical limit without proper knowledge.
Secondly, people who are not used to running or jogging should also keep a check on how much they are pushing themselves. Even if you are comfortable using the treadmill, overdoing it can be harmful to your joints.
Moreover, the placement of the treadmill is also important. If you place the treadmill in the wrong place, you may face some discomfort and pain due to the vibration of the machine.
The treadmill belt may be too hard to run on, especially when your feet are not properly fitted on the belt. The belt should be properly maintained, and the tension of the belt should be set according to your weight.
Another point is that the running motion on the treadmill is quite different from running in the open. Running on a treadmill means you are walking or jogging in a curved motion, with eccentric contractions of the leg, then a short pause. So it might be straining for your joints
All in all, the treadmill is not bad for joints, if you are using it in a proper manner and safety, like employing a treadmill cushioning system, then you can reduce the straining on joints and can have ultimate health benefits from the device.
Moreover, if you have any injury to joints or any other issue you should check the speed, acceleration, and time limit for use to avoid any discomfort. You can discuss it with your trainer or doctor.
How Much Acceleration Should You Use So Your Joints Are Not Affected?
The acceleration of a treadmill can make a difference in your workout intensity. The higher the acceleration, the harder the workout.
It is up to the user to decide how fast he or she would like the treadmill to accelerate. You can change the acceleration curve from gradual to steep.
As a beginner, you may want to start with gradual acceleration. The more experienced the runner you are, the more you should gravitate towards steeper accelerations.
In this regard, the heart rate can be a good indicator of how hard you should push on the treadmill. You can increase the treadmill speed by pushing a little harder.
Most treadmills have a speed range from 0.5 miles per hour to 20 miles per hour. The rate of speed can be set so you can start at a slow pace and gradually get faster.
In addition to this, the incline can also be used to adjust the treadmill intensity. The higher the incline, the steeper the treadmill will be.
The treadmill incline of 4% to 8% is recommended for beginners. If you are more experienced, set the incline at a 12% to 15% incline.
Moreover, as said before if you have any issues with your joints and knees you can discuss them with your trainer for better guidance.
When You Have Joint Problems, Should You Run Or Walk On A Treadmill?
You can choose to walk or run on your treadmill. Walking on the treadmill requires less effort than running. Running takes more energy.
Hence, the walking option on the treadmill can be as effective as running. This is because your body requires less energy to move forward than when you are running.
Running on the treadmill will burn more calories than a walking pace. However, you will be able to run longer at a walking speed than when you are running at a fast pace.
Therefore, if you are interested in burning more calories, you should choose running. If you want to stick to your workout for longer, you should choose walking.
But you should not try to push your limits at the start, this could be bad for muscles and joints. Always start slow and gradually increase the intensity to get more health benefits.
Conclusion:
Treadmills aren’t bad for your joints. They’re great for keeping you fit and they help you burn calories, but if you use them too often, you might be putting your body at risk.
When it comes to the proper amount of acceleration, it’s really up to you. A good rule of thumb is to start off slowly, increase your speed over time, and never go faster than you can maintain without feeling like you’re going to pass out.
What are your thoughts on treadmills? Have you ever used one? Do you know anyone who complains about treadmills? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
