Keep a keen lookout on the position of the side handrails of the treadmill. You should make sure that they are positioned in such a manner that you could hold a firm and quick grip of them should you happen to stumble or lose your balance on the machine for any reason. Remember that a falling person will instinctively try to grab hold on to anything no matter what that something is. Also make sure that the handrails are strong enough to support your whole weight. You do not want the handrails to break as you get a hold of them.

Most treadmill-related injuries happened when the electric treadmill was running. There are a number of scenarios in which injuries ranging from minor scratches to severe fractures were the results. Hence, safety features are now usually aimed at making the treadmill stop running or not run at all when the situation calls for it.

Among the safety features which are considered highly essential are the emergency shut-off button, safety key, and code protected power-on functionality.

The emergency shut-off button is usually a big round switch strategically located at the center of the console which is within easy reach of the user. Should the user happen to push himself or herself to the limits of his or her stamina, the emergency shut-off button which quickly stops the treadmill from running is just within easy reach.

The safety key is one highly important safety component to use in every treadmill session. It is actually a key mated to a sturdy lanyard which you will then attach firmly to your upper limb such as your wrist area. The treadmill cannot power up if the key is not in its keyhole. If, for any reason you happen to fall down on a running treadmill, the key will then be dislodged from its slot and automatically stop the machine from running.

Code protected operation is actually a safety feature which will come real handy when kids or toddlers are around. Kids are normally very curious in nature without any hint of what can be potentially dangerous to them or not. A treadmill lying around the house may attract their curiosity especially if they are left unsupervised even for a tiny moment. Hence, if you have kids around, it is best to ensure that your electric treadmill would have this feature.

1)    Treadmills are primary designed for adults. Try to keep your treadmill machine in a locked room to prevent the kids from accessing it. If this is not possible put on a durable protective cover on the machine to prevent the kids from tinkering with it.
2)    Do not forget to utilize the treadmill safety features which are applicable to kids such as the code protected operation or better yet, unplug the equipment from its power source.
3)    Do not leave the safety key in its slot when the machine is not in use. Put it somewhere safe from the kids. A safety key left dangling can be a strangling hazard aside from giving the kids the ability to power-on the treadmill.
4)    Educate your kids about the hazards which the treadmill might bring upon them. Explain to them fully that they are not toys and that they are only for adults. They may not listen at first but repeated reminders may make them heed the warnings.
5)    When you are using the machine at home with your kids around, make sure that you do not let them go near the machine. Many injuries were attributed with kids’ limbs getting caught with the moving parts. Better yet and if possible, use the treadmill when kids are not around or tucked away in their beds.

These simple yet useful safety practices should not be taken for granted. The electric treadmill can be your lifelong aid towards healthy living but do not forget the fact that they can also be a hazard to the kids. Our kids are the primary reason why we want to stay healthy in the first place.