Whether this makes you giggle or rage, let's keep it simple - this one needs clearing up once and for all.
Is holding onto the treadmill cheating?
Think of a treadmill. You have to move your legs to keep up with it.
Now think of a walk outside, same thing.
Now think of walking up a hill outside.
Gravity makes it more difficult, and it adds resistance. It makes the movement harder and burn more calories. Now tell me where there is something to hold on to whilst walking up a hill? There isn’t.
So why would you do the following...
- Go on a treadmill.
- Increase speed to make it harder.
- Increase incline to make it harder.
- Then, hold on to make it easier.
Stop holding onto the treadmill. Seriously.
Please, if anything for my own sanity.
Holding on is not only making it way easier, it’s now less resistance than walking on a flat surface. In fact, it’s like walking down a hill. If you’re holding on, it means you CANNOT handle the resistance. FACT.
Once you've spotted this, you'll never unsee it - every gym has someone holding on. Welcome to the club of frustrated treadmill watchers.
Of course, if someone has stability issues or vertigo, that's a totally fair exception. I feel for you and I actually care. But for the majority, this tip applies - let the treadmill do it's job and let go.
Don't feel silly
If you feel a bit silly reading this because you've been holding on, don't worry. If all those personal trainers actually spent time teaching people instead of having a mothers meeting in the corner of the gym, more people would know this type of stuff.
Want to help others stop wasting their treadmill sessions? Go back to the post, like it, share it and comment. The more people see this, the fewer will hold onto the treadmill for dear life.
Feel free to also check out this online treadmill calorie counter, which you can access here!
