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Who Should Use Your Treadmill? A List Of Who Can & Cant.

Published by Kieran
Last Updated on November 3, 2021

Can Only Certain People Use a Treadmill?

Before investing in a treadmill for yourself or your family gym, you might want to ask yourself if a treadmill is appropriate for your whole family, as believe it or not, a treadmill is not suitable for everyone.

Using a treadmill is fairly simple, but can be a danger for young children, as they have the vulnerability to fall off the machine and get hurt if they don't know how to use the treadmill correctly. By rule, it is generally recommended that a child under the age of 11 should not be using a treadmill.

However, age is not the only factor to consider when figuring out who can and who cannot use your treadmill, you should also consider if you have any pregnant people using your treadmill or even animals!

So to help you out, we have put together a guide below which will tell you who a treadmill is suited to, why should go for a treadmill, who a treadmill is not suitable for and tips for using one safely (especially with younger children).

Let's get into it!

Who Should Use a Treadmill?

First of all, before we explore who can and who cannot use a treadmill, let's understand who should use a treadmill, to begin with so as you can know whether this exercise machine is right for you or not.

Ideally, you should use a treadmill to increase your fitness level, get more cardio in your day to day life or even lose weight.

We have listed out some further key points below that will determine if you should use a treadmill.

  • You are over the age of 11.
  • Losing weight is your goal.
  • Your joints are okay.
  • You are a beginner/advanced in fitness.
  • If you are looking to increase your cardio and endurance.
  • You want to train inside rather than run outside.

If your answer is no to any of these bullet points, then you might want to reconsider if you should be using a treadmill to exercise with.

Benefits You Can Get From Using a Treadmill

So, if you meet all the requirements above and a treadmill is right for you then we put together a list of the advantages and disadvantages that come with you using a treadmill for your exercise.

Advantages Of Using a Treadmill

  • Easy to use if you are a beginner - Treadmills have a flat surface which reduces the chance of your tripping over and requires no fancy techniques to use the machine, just simply walking or running.
  • You can burn calories fast in comparison to other machines. - Using one of these machines allows you to burn fat and calories faster than a cross-trainer or rowing machine.
  • It allows you to train in all weather - You can keep fit during the winter and get your workout in even if it's raining.
  • You can control every part of your workout, from speed to distance - Exercising on a treadmill lets you control how fast you are going or whether or not you want to make your workout more intense.
  • It can make you happier and more productive - Cardio on a treadmill releases endorphins which is a great mood-boosting chemical in your body.
  • Helps with heart health and controlling diabetes - Exercising with a treadmill will boost your heart health and control diabetes as it lowers blood sugar levels and helps pump blood around your body.

Disadvantages Of Using a Treadmill

  • It's not the same as outdoors - Running on a treadmill will not give you the same benefits as running outdoors. The flat cushioned surface will provide support and make your body less accustomed to running on harsher terrain.
  • Not suitable for kids under 11 - Treadmills can be some dangerous pieces of equipment and cause a large range of injuries every year, meaning they are not suitable for every family member to use.
  • Bad for people with joint issues - Running up and down on the surface of a treadmill can put your body under a large amount of stress and damage your joints over time.
  • It can be boring - Treadmills can be very boring, as unlike running outside there is no environment to look at, this can make exercise seem longer and harder and result in you becoming much less motivated to do it.

Should You Use a Treadmill If You Have Bad Joints?

If you are someone who suffers from joint issues such as arthritis then you should only use a treadmill with caution and use some tips and tricks to reduce the joint pain you get when working out.

You could also consider using a cross trainer or rowing machine as an alternative to a running machine as these are low-impact machines that will often be kinder to your joints.

We have listed out some tips for using a treadmill if you have bad joints below.

  • Make sure your treadmill is full-sized - A full-sized treadmill is the best for working out with as it will not restrict your movement, make sure it has rails on each side too for balance when needed.
  • Wear sturdy shoes - Do not underestimate the power of high-quality trainers, your sole should be very supportive and reduce the impact when running.
  • Do not overdo it - Only do a couple of treadmill sessions a week if you suffer from joint pain, don't be tempted to over train as this could make your joints much worse.
  • Stretch & warm-up - Before you use a treadmill and a couple of times a week you should be performing joint stretches, also make sure that you never start your workout at an intense speed and slowly warm your muscles and joints up, to begin with.

Our List Of Who Should & Shouldn't Use a Treadmill

Now we know about who should use a treadmill, why you should and how to use one if you are someone who suffers from joint pain, let's dig in further to who shouldn't be using one and why, as well as who can and why.

Can a 9 Year Old Use a Treadmill?

Children at the age of 9 are not generally suitable to be using a treadmill at this age. All kinds of accidents can occur by touching the wrong part of the machine or by getting distracted, and at this age, children are less likely to fully understand the danger associated with using a treadmill, therefore can't use it correctly, even with supervision.

If your 9-year-old is insisting that they want to use a treadmill, you could be looking into buying a kids one, which is essentially a treadmill without the motorised belt and will cause less chance of any injury happening.

Can a 10 Year Old Use a Treadmill?

By 10 we would recommend your child uses a treadmill if its the only form of exercise that they can get, this treadmill use should be on a low speed and supervised at all times, you should also make sure you educate your child on the correct way to use a treadmill, make sure that they wear the safety clip on the machine and never let them mess with the controls.

Can an 11-Year-Old Use a Treadmill?

At 11 it is typically okay for your child to use a treadmill, but still only supervised and if they are educated about how to use one. Make sure they use all the correct safety features on the machine and only jog or run at speeds they are comfortable with to prevent any accidents from occurring.

Can a 12 Year Old Use a Treadmill?

By 12 your child is nearly a teenager and should be more than capable of using a treadmill as long as they know how it works and their limits, just ensure once again they are wearing the red safety clip on the treadmill, this clip will automatically shut down the machine if it senses the kid fall backwards to prevent injury from the motorised runway.

Can a 13 Year Old Use a Treadmill?

Yes, at 13 there should be no issues with your teenager using a treadmill, matter of fact, it is excellent for their health and can keep them in great shape too.

It is generally recommended for a teenager of this age to get 60 minutes of exercise a day, so walking for half an hour and running on the treadmill for the other 30 minutes can be a great way to get this recommended amount in daily.

Can a Pregnant Woman Run On a Treadmill?

Now we have listed out who should and who should not use a treadmill at the ages of 9-13, let's move on to adults, and one common question about adults using a treadmill is, can a pregnant woman safely run on one?

The answer to this question is yes, there is no reason why a woman cannot run on a treadmill when pregnant if they were already running before. Walking is generally preferred by most people as it is a little less low impact on your bump, especially at the later stage of your pregnancy, but if it feels right for your body then there is no reason why you cannot run too!

We have listed out a few tips for using a treadmill during your pregnancy below.

  • Go for incline - When pregnant, if you are after a good sweat and want a burn then you could try opting for incline over speed when using your treadmill, this will be a great way to test your fitness and get your sweat on without overdoing it.
  • Try the talking test - The talk test is the perfect way to figure out where your fitness level should be, if you cannot have a conversation when working out then you need to reduce the intensity you are working out with for the safety of the baby.
  • The balance on the treadmill - Make use of the railings on a treadmill to keep you balanced as you workout and as it gives you greater control.
  • Stay hydrated - When pregnant, you should ensure your body temperature stays cool and the best way to do this is by keeping hydrated.
  • Stretch - Stretching before and after your workout can be beneficial to your body, just make sure you don't overstretch!
  • Keep supporting your bump - Supporting your bump can help you strengthen your abs and keep the pressure off your back while you move.

Signs You Should Stop Running On a Treadmill When Pregnant

As much as it is important to know how to use a treadmill safely when your pregnant, you should also know when to stop using one with the following signs below. Please always check with your doctor before using a treadmill during pregnancy.

  • Unusual discharge.
  • You are getting headaches or pain.
  • Your baby kicks are less frequent.
  • At the later stage of your pregnancy.

Can a Dog Use a Human Treadmill?

So enough about humans, let's not forget our most important family member, can the dog use our treadmill?

Well, yes but also no, a dog can use a treadmill, but only a dog treadmill. This is a doggy friendly alternative to a human treadmill with a longer track for large dogs, less sound to scare the dog and a slower walking pace which is perfect for smaller dogs.

Avoid letting your dog use your human treadmill as the track will be too short for larger dogs walking stride, it also does not provide enough width and the gaps around the track can be very dangerous for your dog.

We have summarised the issues with your dog using a human treadmill below, and the benefits of your dog using a dog treadmill.

Why Your Dog Can't Use a Human Treadmill

  • Too fast.
  • Very narrow and short track.
  • Gaps and holes are machines that are dangerous for dogs.
  • The cooling system can trap dirt and hair from your dogs.
  • Noisy.

Benefits Of Your Dog Using a Dog Treadmill

  • Great exercise for your dog - Having your dog walk on a treadmill is amazing for there cardiovascular system and can help keep them in great shape.
  • Helps with destructive behaviour in your dog - If you find that your dog gets bored around the house often, having them work off excess energy on a dog treadmill is a good way to find a solution to the bad behaviour.
  • Allows them to exercise in all weather - Even if it's raining outside, your dog can still get its daily exercise in.

Can a Plane Take Off On a Treadmill?

If you've been looking into your treadmills, then it likely you might have come across the large debate of can a plane take off from a treadmill?

The answer to these questions is very mixed, but we are going to give you the answer of yes, it can (obviously with a huge treadmill).

This is because, if a treadmill is moving the plane back with its belt, and the aeroplanes wheels are moving forwards, the speed it is going back will be reduced, and with continuous movement of the plane's wheels moving forwards, it should be able to generate enough thrust for the plane to take off in the air.

However, the wind behind would make this take off much more challenging.

Frequently Asked Questions About Who Should & Shouldn't Use Your Treadmill

Can elderly people use a treadmill? 

Yes, it is a great way to keep incorporating exercise into their daily lifestyle, just make sure they avoid holding on to rails too much as this can cause posture problems and back pains.

What are the dangers of treadmills? 

The most obvious danger of a treadmill is its motorised belt which can cause you to fall off and hurt your head or cause other injuries to your body, maybe even death, that's why it is important to only go the speeds you can handle on a treadmill, supervise young kids and use the safety clip on a treadmill for an emergency stop.

How do I use a treadmill if I have heart issues?

First off, you should always check with your doctor if it's okay for you to be using a treadmill with your condition. If you get the heads up then you will need to be continually monitoring your heart during your exercise and avoid over-exerting yourself.

Last Words

Overall, who and who should not use a treadmill should be determined by age, health and any underlying issues which might cause someone to have a hard time using a treadmill. A child of 11 and above should be okay to use a treadmill with supervision under the age of 13, and pregnant woman can use a treadmill if they feel up to it too, however it is essential to listen to your body.

About the author
Published by Kieran
A star athlete during his school days, Kieran quickly excelled at sports and in particular; football. Kieran's true passion lies in home exercise equipment, and so FitnessHomeHQ.com was born.FitnessHomeHQ.com was built as a source for all of Kieran's thoughts to be put down on a medium. Here he guides you through various nuances of working out at home, tips, guides, reviews and more.The only other thing Kieran enjoys more than working out, is writing about it.
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