Posts: 116
12/4/12 4:00 P

Just keep hanging on. You're moving -- that's what matters the most!!

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12/4/12 3:19 P

Thanks all. I do walk only. I cant run yet. Had surgery on my ankle, plus I am bigger than I ever have been and running is not happening right now :). I walk at a 3.5 mile pace. Even that is tough and I hold on tight, lol. Because my hips are larger, when I dont hold on and try to swing my arms in a natural way, they hit the bar, which makes it so much easier to hold on. Also, I go between a 1-2 incline. Tried 3, but ended up with cramping in my shins. Not really fun, lol.

I guess I can slow down my walking pace and just walk longer, but I am pressed for time usually and I love to feel the sweat pouring off of me. So, with that info, any suggestions?

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Posts: 116
12/4/12 12:51 P

I agree with classyladymay. I read the same article and was a bit disheartened, but I think that article referred more to walking on the treadmill. All things being equal, wouldn't you rather feel safe? It's just my humble opinion but I think you will find what works best for you as you continue. Maybe make it a goal to let go for a few seconds at a time and then work up.

Posts: 534
12/4/12 12:11 P

Couple of question - what is the incline on your treadmill? If you have one are you more comfortable running on a lower incline?

Also, how fast are you trying to run? I agree with the slow down part. You don't have anything to hold onto when running outside (and trust me I've fallen running outside) and you automatically adjust your pace which the treadmill doesn't allow you to do.

Fundamentally, I'm very uncomfortable running and holding onto the bar but it is because of the pacing reasons.

It's up to you on how you run - but I would maintain one natural running stride whether you are on a treadmill or not. If you swing your arms, you can't do that holding onto the bar of a treadmill and that changes your stride and may stress your body is some different ways.

Lots of food for thought but fundamentally - be safe. That's most important.

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12/4/12 9:50 A

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12/4/12 9:20 A

Kind of mad at myself this morning. All I had to do was fulfill my ten minute goal yesterday and let myself get so busy around the house I never did get to it. Try try again!

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12/4/12 8:26 A

dont worry so much.. i always held on and soon i could run.. and running i did get my heart rate up and thats how i lost the weight.. so do what you feel comfortable and when you can run.. it will be a good work out.. of course you will work out good if you go up hills and change it up.. run and then walk.. so its possiable to get a good work out..

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12/4/12 3:19 A

I do not have balance issues but I do not feel comfortable without holding lightly. So when I do treadmill I go a little longer. It certainly is better not to hold, but in my opinion doing exercise while holding is a lot better than not doing it.

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12/4/12 1:06 A

when i was going to the gym i had difficulty on treadmill also.. health issues hinder my walking and coordination... i started out by using just one hand... when i felt comfortable i removed the other hand... i kept one hand close to railing for safety..

good luck to you

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12/3/12 11:42 P

I am no expert, but I would suggest slowing down and get your balance, then slowly work up to faster speeds. I started out semi-slow on the treadmill till I got used to it, gained my footing (balance) and then started moving the speed and incline up slowly each week. That has worked for me. I have also done some balancing exercises that has helped.

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12/3/12 11:10 P

I was reading one of the articles on here and it said if you hold onto the bars on the treadmill you arent getting as good of a workout. But I do not have good balance at all, and i am clumsy, I have to hold on. Plus I would not be able to go as fast as I do since it does tend to balance me. Any suggestions?

current weight: 256.0

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