SurveyMonkey CEO Dave Goldberg’s tragic death brings focus back on treadmill mistakes people make

In an unfortunate incident, husband of Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg and Silicon Valley’s beloved executive, Dave Goldberg, died of severe head trauma after falling off the treadmill at a resort near Puerto Vallarata, Mexico.

According to reports, the 47-year-old CEO of SurveyMonkey was found lying next to a treadmill in a pool of blood at about 6.30 pm on Friday.

This tragic incident has brought the focus back on safety of treadmills and the fatal accidents that they cause. The machine’s powerful motors and belts are known for sending people off-balance leading to falls, bruises, sprains, fractures, or worse – death!

However, though treadmills are known for their notorious effects, the machine is also popular world over for its fitness utility.

Here’s a look at the 7 most common treadmill mistakes people make and how these blunders can be rectified.

1. You wear the wrong footwear: It’s essential that you pick the right sneakers before stepping foot on a treadmill. To protect your heels and knees from the high impact of your foot strike, look for shoes that give your sole extra padding.

2. You look down at your feet: Never, do this!  While walking or running on a treadmill, look straight ahead and keep your shoulders at level. This will allow the rest of your body to align itself from head to toe.

3. You land flat foot on the belt: Slapping your foot on the treadmill can cause strain in your muscles. While doing so, you are also likely to lean backward while the belt moves forward thereby causing your body to lose balance.  Experts advise people not to land on their heels and instead place their midfoot or the ball of their foot while using a treadmill.

4. You arms are not under control: Don’t throw your arms all over the place. Rather than swinging it vigourously all over and criss-crossing them, its advisable to keep your arms by your sides. If you are jogging or running, then you must keep your arms bent at 90-degrees and parallel to each other.

5. Your strides are way too long: Don’t sacrifice your efficiency by trying to cover more ground. Keep your strides to three steps per second and avoid leaping too high, especially while jogging or running.

6. You hold the bars while running or on incline: Most people are scared of falling off the treadmill and hence latch on to the bars tightly. For beginners, the bar comes in handy but once you learn to walk comfortably on the treadmill the use of these bars must be restricted, especially while running or on an incline program. The best way to walk, jog or run is by sticking to a natural movement as you would normally outdoors.

7. You overdo it: Anything done in excess is harmful for the body. Avoid walking or running on a treadmill if you suffer from any kind of muscle soreness. Also keep your heart rate under check while doing any physical activity. Even the slightest pain or ache, especially in your chest or abdomen region, must not be ignored. High-intensity workouts must be done only 3 times a week because over straining will only put your heart at risk.