DID YOU KNOW?
Treadmills were introduced as punishment for prisoners in the 1800s — now they're part of fitness routines around the world. [2]
KNOW THE RISK
- The hazards of treadmills gained public attention in 2021 after several serious incidents involving children and pets, including one tragic fatality.
- Peloton recalled its Tread and Tread+ models following these incidents, highlighting the importance of home fitness safety.
- According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), over 22,000 treadmill injuries were treated in U.S. emergency rooms in a single year. [1]
- Roughly 2,000 of those injuries involved children, often due to unsupervised use or lack of safety precautions. [1]
MITIGATE THE RISK
1. Make the Treadmill Inoperable When Not in Use
- Unplug the machine and store the safety key separately to prevent unsupervised use by children. [1]
2. Allow for Clearance Around the Machine
- Leave at least 2 feet of clearance on each side and 6 feet behind the treadmill to reduce the risk of being pinned or injured if you fall. [1]
3. Always Use the Safety Key
- Attach the clip to your clothing so the treadmill shuts off automatically if you fall or move too far from the controls. [1]
4. Start Safely
- Straddle the belt before starting, then step on after it begins moving slowly. Never jump on a moving treadmill. [1]
HOME SAFETY REMINDER
Treadmills offer great workouts — but they’re not risk-free. Follow proper setup and usage guidelines, and never assume children or pets are safe around fitness equipment.