Published: 20 July 2023, 19:08 PM IST
In a shocking incident, a 24-year-old man died of electric shock while running on a treadmill at a gym in New Delhi. The event shed light on safety hazards in the gym, an issue rarely talked about in the fitness world.
Although going to the gym is an everyday goal for most people, injuries and casualties at the gym are still a common occurrence. Using a treadmill is a good cardio workout and is often one of the first things people do to charge the body for a heavy exercise routine. Needless to say, there are many benefits of running on a treadmill. But all the safety measures should be taken to avoid worsening of any health condition and to avoid any untoward incident like electric shock.
Read also: Running Outside Versus Treadmill: Which Is Better for Your Health?
How to use a treadmill safely?
Using a treadmill safely is essential to preventing accidents, including electric shock and other injuries. Here are the tips suggested by Dr Santosh Pandey, Naturopath and Acupuncturist of Rejua Energy Centre, Mumbai to help prevent treadmill injuries.
1. Read the Treadmill Manual Before Using the Equipment
First-time exercisers usually rely on information provided by gym instructors to learn how to use gym equipment, including treadmills. We pay little attention to the manuals supplied with the equipment and usually leave it to do our homework. However, the use manual comes with truckloads of information including all the do’s and don’ts for the ease of the user. So, we can get a lot of information on our own by reading the manual. Experts say, “Before using a treadmill, familiarize yourself with its user manual.”
2. Appropriate Location
The treadmill should be placed at the proper place. According to the expert, it should be installed on a flat and dry surface, away from water-damp areas. If an electrical appliance is placed in a moist area containing water, the chances of electrocution are more likely to occur. The chances of water seepage are high during the heavy monsoon season. Hence, make sure that you run only on a treadmill placed on a dry surface.
3. Make sure the connection of the treadmill is proper
“Avoid using extension cords or adapters, as they can increase the risk of electrical problems. Check the power cord regularly for any signs of damage,” says the expert.
Also read: Shraddha Kapoor gives fitness inspo with a treadmill run
4. Wear proper clothes and shoes
Be sure to wear comfortable, non-restrictive clothing and proper athletic shoes when using the treadmill. Avoid loose clothing that can get caught in moving parts. Your clothes should only be loose enough to allow air to pass through, otherwise gym clothes that are too loose can get caught in any equipment like a treadmill while running.
5. Be aware of security features
“Most modern treadmills come with safety features like an emergency stop button or safety tether. Familiarize yourself with these features,” say the experts. This is where going through the manual once in depth also comes into the picture.
6. Keep water away
Most of us carry our own water bottles to the gym to keep ourselves from getting dehydrated. However, spilling water from your bottle on any electrical appliance can cause fatal injuries or even serious incidents such as electric shock. “Although staying hydrated is essential, avoid keeping water bottles or other liquids on the treadmill console. “Expansion can damage electronics and increase the risk of electric shock,” says an expert.
Follow these basic tips to protect yourself when using electrical gym equipment at the gym or even at home.
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