The Fitness Product Council and American Sports Data, Inc. stated that in 1987, 4.4 million Americans exercised on treadmills either at home or in a gym. By 1997, the number of treadmill exercisers increased to 32.9 million. With the massive increase in treadmill use as a form of exercise came an increase in concern regarding treadmill safety, proper running and walking form and injury prevention. According to an article in Runner's World, some of the advantages of exercising on a treadmill are comfort, safety, injury prevention, and a place to work on improving form. Proper Biomechanics Of Running Research states that biomechanically correct walking and running form will allow individuals to exercise smoother and faster, decrease fatigue and the chance of injury, and will eliminate wasted energy.
Proper form encourages walking and running efficiency and is integral to injury prevention.
Walk and run upright. The head, shoulders, and hips must all be in line to allow forward movement as a unit with as little effort as possible. Tuck the hips directly under the torso. If the back is upright, the hips will follow. Prevent the chest from moving into a slouch position.