Does working out on the treadmill give you knee pain? Here are four ways you can get back on the treadmill without hurting your knees.
Are treadmills bad for your knees? Not necessarily.
There are a lot of other factors that could contribute to knee pain, such as tight joints or hamstrings, different ailments, or rundown shoes. If you put too many miles on your shoes, they lose the support and cushioning that you need.
"Listen to your body; if you are in pain, get that checked out by a physician."
A lot of people say they don’t want to do the treadmill because it bothers their knees but then don’t do anything to try to help their knees. Here are a few tips to help get you back on the treadmill:
Find the right treadmill. Not all treadmills are created equal. The running deck may be soft, hard, or bouncy, and your personal running style may match better with a certain treadmill design. Try a few different ones and see how your joints feel after your workout.
If the tread on the bottom of your shoes has worn away, it’s time to replace them. If you are going to run, then you need to invest in a good pair of shoes. Go to a specialty shoe store. The staff will be able to help you find a pair of shoes that minimize the impact when you run.
Start out slow. Begin every workout with a seven- to 10-minute warmup. When you start using the treadmill, set the machine at the lowest incline and a comfortable speed. Allow your body to adapt. As time passes, you can increase the speed and incline. Just make sure to maintain those settings for a few workouts so your joints have time to adapt.
Listen to your body. If you are in pain after a workout, make sure you check in with a physician.
If you have any other questions about treadmills or working out in general, just give me a call or send me an email. I would be happy to help you!
