Question Regarding Treadmill
- Thread starter Moe2
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SMabrey
Guest
I don't think so. I have done just the same many times. As long as you are successfully working your body, getting your heart rate up and feeling good, I say keep doing it. I was actually introduced to this workout by a personal trainer for 24 Hour Fitness in Seattle, Washington a few years back. She said that holding on to the top of the treadmill was fully acceptable. She also mentioned that you can actually prevent unnecessary strain on your back by "holding on" and supporting yourself while still maintaining a great workout.
Harold14370
New member
I don't use a treadmill but my friend does. He says he finds it much harder to walk outside than on the treadmill. I think it's because he was holding onto the bar. That way, you don't exercise the balancing muscles that keep you upright. It would be like the difference between lifting free weights and using a machine.
CandoATU
New member
I think it can actually assist you in some ways. Things like helping you maintain a good posture which in turn will turn on your core muscles, hence giving you a more extensive cardio work out along with toning muscles at the same time. That being said, if you rely on supporting yourself completely with the hands bars then your muscles wont get as strong as they might otherwise. But as SMabry it can prevent strain and injury if your not supporting your body in the correct way.
I'd also say no to the bar- you holding onto the bar means your liable to pull yourself along placing alot of strain on your arm socket joints and do no core work. I know this as I used to hold onto the bar. I felt silly doing so but noticed when I let go I was unable to hold myself upright as my core was so weak!
Practice going slower and not holding on- you will notice your heart rate climb as you require more muscle to workout. If you feel your going very slowly, up the gradient until your climbing. You shouldn't need the bar anymore then if you were walking at the same speed flat yet will burn even more calories. But be aware at the end of the day your looking for quality over quantity. If it means you going back a few steps to get things perfect before going faster with the same good posture then so be it. Youd posture can count for alot, not just in terms of helping you burn more calories when you workout but also for preventing injury.
Why so long on one machine though? do you not worry your body will become used to this and so will stop burning as much/become more efficient? It could be worth your while changing machine a few times rather then keeping to the same one. You will also be able to train more then your legs (and arm sockets!) this way. Are you able to find a gym instructor? they can help you try new things on the machines and the best way to use them.
But as far as holding onto the bar, no in so many ways. Sorry!
Practice going slower and not holding on- you will notice your heart rate climb as you require more muscle to workout. If you feel your going very slowly, up the gradient until your climbing. You shouldn't need the bar anymore then if you were walking at the same speed flat yet will burn even more calories. But be aware at the end of the day your looking for quality over quantity. If it means you going back a few steps to get things perfect before going faster with the same good posture then so be it. Youd posture can count for alot, not just in terms of helping you burn more calories when you workout but also for preventing injury.
Why so long on one machine though? do you not worry your body will become used to this and so will stop burning as much/become more efficient? It could be worth your while changing machine a few times rather then keeping to the same one. You will also be able to train more then your legs (and arm sockets!) this way. Are you able to find a gym instructor? they can help you try new things on the machines and the best way to use them.
But as far as holding onto the bar, no in so many ways. Sorry!