The most common injuries kids experience include friction injuries from the moving belt and injuries caused by getting little hands caught between the belt and rear roller.
This is a good reminder for all of us to be a little more careful when using any motorized equipment. Kids are smart and many can figure out how to turn them on when you're not around. A few things to remember:
- Remove the safety cord and unplug the machine. Most treadmills won't operate without a safety cord attached, so putting it in a safe place little hands can't reach is a good idea.
- Put it in a separate room. If this is an option, put the treadmill behind a door you can lock when you're not around.
- Teach your kids how to use it. I have many clients with kids and, when they get old enough to be curious, we show them how to use the machine safely so they're not caught off guard. Obviously, you want have rules (e.g., never use the treadmill without mom or dad present, never let other small kids get on with you, only go at .5 mph, etc.)
- Never leave a treadmill running. I've done this a million times, leaving my treadmill on while I run to the bathroom or answer the phone. I don't have kids, but my cats have gotten into a few snafus because of it and I've had to watch myself. Many kids won't even realize the belt is moving and may step right on, causing an injury.
Have your kids ever gotten hurt on a treadmill or other exercise equipment? Leave a comment to tell us more about treadmill accidents and safety.
More about Treadmill Danger and Children
Sources
Borschel, Gregory H. MD, et al. Acute Management of Exercise Treadmill-Associated Injuries in Children. Journal of Trauma-Injury Infection & Critical Care. 55(1):130-134, July 2003.
It is so important to pay attention to what is going on doing any exersise. If something doesn’t seem right, whether it’s your body or your equipment, STOP. A friend of mine broke his jaw a couple of weeks ago using a resistance band. He attatched it to what he thought was a well anchored coat hanger. It snapped off mid-workout and smashed his jaw. He swollowed one tooth, and lost 2 others, as well as shattering his jaw. Just goes to show, you can never be too careful.
My son got his finger caught between the belt and the corner piece of the treadmill. My husband was right there and pulled the corner piece off quickly. But his finger was skinned. I quiver when I think what could have happened if he wasn’t right there. We have since gotten rid of all machines that can easily injur children…stair master and treadmill. Locked doors can’t keep curious kids out.
This is a very timely article in view of the accident that Mike Tyson’s young daughter recently had.
Last year joined a gym to exercise and get in better condition and doing well until one day on the treadmill about six months ago felt a pull in groin area and have not been the same since…x-rays and now going in to phys therapy and this little episode has changed my life and hope one day the pain is gone. Use extreme caution, expecially those over 50 who have not exercised for a number of years!