Can't run on a treadmill...

Maybe someone else has this problem or HAD this problem.  I cannot seem to run on a treadmill.  I can't balance myself and end up nearly falling.  Is this just something that some people just can't do?

It MAY be something with your equalibrian..But I would just start off my gradually increasing the speed...When I started out 3 MPH seemed fast for me...Now I'm running 5 MPH for a mile and I hope to increase the speed more...Like I said,I would just work up to it.

It's not just you. Treadmills scare the heck out of me because I always seem to start creeping to one side and I'm afraid I'll misstep and fall. Which seems more dangerous than usual on a treadmill as opposed to a track. Thank goodness the treadmills I jog on have plastic arms on the sides. I hold onto those for dear life.

That's exactly what happens to me.  Glad I'm not the only one.

ugh, same, and w/ the winter cold its not that i can be outside, i have trouble even walking on the treadmill, i have no balance! lol

why don't you start brisk walking then jogging then running will come easy.... 

I used to run last year. Now, running is not easy for me so I alternate between jogging and walking.

When I first started using treadmills back in May, I really had to concentrate on running straight and even now I tend to sway from side to side and I have to constantly be aware of my position on the belt. You can do it, it just takes practice. You have to go into it with the mindset that you can do it and that is a big part of the battle. Try just walking on it...3.5 speed or whatever is comfortable with you. Maybe set an incline if you feel like you aren't getting enough of a work out. As you feel more comfortable walking, start increasng the speed bit by bit. Your body will adjust, sometimes it just takes longer for others. You just have to be careful not to zone out! :)

Good luck!

Some people do not have access or cannot afford to get one, but if you can acquire/use one at a gym, you might try "running" on an elliptical. It'll help you maintain balance and still give the idea. Then you could use your treadmill for walking and have both covered.

Still, practicing your running on the treadmill is sure to improve you over time! Just don't get hurt, that's never good.

I've always found that my position on the belt depends entirely on where I'm looking, so if I turn my head to talk to someone on the machine next to me, I could fall over! At one point I was fiddling with my ipod on my shoulder strap, stood on the edge of the machine (as opposed to the moving belt) and nearly skidded onto my ass, which sent my heart rate rocketing! However I find that looking straight ahead/looking at my feet helps. Are you a natural weaver when walking? I walk diagonally when out on the street, my friends hate me for it.

I can't run on a tredmill either. I hate them and if just don't feel right on them. I do not like running outside in the winter so I use the elliptical.

im the same princess,i darnt look to my left or right,i also feel more balanced not holding on

Me too! I always thought I have this strange notion in my mind only but glad to know its normal.. Even I have issues of balance on treadmill, I like elliptical too.. 

Same here - I'm an elliptical gal.  I'll walk on the treadmill though.  But running??  Nope - no balance there.  I can't even let go of the handle bars on the elliptical.  LOL!

I find that as long as I'm in front of a mirror or if I can focus on a point in front of me, I'm fine. If I start watching a TV on the TV bank then I start losing balance.

Actually, I've found that running on a treadmill helps my overall running stride since I have to be more disciplined. Usually, I tend to overpronate and a treadmill can help straighten me out.

Original Post by ward_sayre:

Actually, I've found that running on a treadmill helps my overall running stride since I have to be more disciplined. Usually, I tend to overpronate and a treadmill can help straighten me out.

I actually think running on the treadmill makes my running stride worse. I'm usually scared that I'm going to fall off so I stay up close to the front. This results in me taking shorter strides than I would normally. I can do it for a couple of miles (2-3) but after that it becomes extremely uncomfortable and even somewhat painful. My hips, legs and feet usually end up more sore than if I had run outside. Plus, my feet get really, really hot, something that doesn't happen when I run outside. Maybe I'm just weird, but I have a LOT of trouble with treadmills!

Its really a matter of doing it until the specific muscles used for balance get used to it.  Just start slow; even if that means walking.  Work your way up in speed and incline.  I cannot run on a treadmill for more than 3 miles; i get bored :)