Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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Staying oriented on a treadmill? (self.Blind)
submitted by mehgcap
Hey all,
I've had a treadmill for about six months, and have been using it almost daily now that winter has set in. My vision is bad enough that I have to hold at least one handle, or I'll be in trouble. I'll either drift backward, or find myself on one side or the other, tripping on the edges. Holding on isn't great, though.
Does anyone have any ideas for how I can walk and jog freely, but stay oriented so I don't lose my place and either trip or step right off the back of the treadmill? Thanks.
Edit: thanks for all the responses. Ropes or elastics would work well for not moving too far forward or back, but wouldn't stop me moving side to side. Attaching two tethers, one for each axis, could work, but seems like a lot to go through for something that could still fail if I don't pay attention to it for even a few seconds. It sounds like everyone just uses the handles in some way, so I guess I'll keep doing that.
I've had a treadmill for about six months, and have been using it almost daily now that winter has set in. My vision is bad enough that I have to hold at least one handle, or I'll be in trouble. I'll either drift backward, or find myself on one side or the other, tripping on the edges. Holding on isn't great, though.
Does anyone have any ideas for how I can walk and jog freely, but stay oriented so I don't lose my place and either trip or step right off the back of the treadmill? Thanks.
Edit: thanks for all the responses. Ropes or elastics would work well for not moving too far forward or back, but wouldn't stop me moving side to side. Attaching two tethers, one for each axis, could work, but seems like a lot to go through for something that could still fail if I don't pay attention to it for even a few seconds. It sounds like everyone just uses the handles in some way, so I guess I'll keep doing that.
lsw998 6 points 2y ago
I always had to run close to the front of the treadmill and keep my hand very close to one of the handles. I would frequently reach out to touch the handle to check in where I was. I never found a way of otherwise staying oriented. Also, I always use the emergency clip so that if I fall the treadmill stops.
OrneryPathos 3 points 2y ago
They use safety waistbands for physio but they attach to an overhead device. This claims to be a similar consumer grade device, it’s basically a wide band of fabric that loops around your lower back and connects to the front of the treadmill. It would definitely stop you drifting backwards but I’m not sure how safe or effective it would be beyond that
Link: https://connectmetight.com/
Link: https://connectmetight.com/
BlindASoccerUSA 1 points 2y ago
I’ve done something similar to this.
BenandGracie 3 points 2y ago
I always keep a hand on at least one handle, so I don't drift to one side. It is not a whole lot different than holding someone's arm for sided guide.
[deleted] 2 points 2y ago
[deleted]
4humans 2 points 2y ago
You could try measuring a tether and attaching one end to you and one to the front rail. Then you’ll at least get some sensory input if you start drifting.
DCL_JD 1 points 2y ago
This is what I would do. But to fix the problem of drifting off to the sides, I would tie a string onto each handrail and hold them in my hands while I’m jogging. Give them enough slack so that you can jog comfortably. If one of the strings pulls tight you will know you are drifting off to one side and vice versa.
siriuslylupin6 1 points 2y ago
What’s wrong with holding on? I usually keep a hand on the handle one hand if not both.
mehgcap [OP] 1 points 2y ago
You can't use a natural arm swing, which can cause your form to be off. This isn't a big deal for walking, but when running, it can mean your joints aren't being used quite right, or you are wasting energy. Plus, I'm tracking these workouts with an Apple Watch, and I figure the arm swing will help it know what I'm doing more effectively.
siriuslylupin6 1 points 2y ago
True about the arm swinging holding on you’d just be working your legs
And no I’ve done Apple Watch on a treadmill and holding on tracks it fine.
And no I’ve done Apple Watch on a treadmill and holding on tracks it fine.
DrillInstructorJan 1 points 2y ago
Elastic is good idea. I just end up touching the side every so often.
Nighthawk321 1 points 2y ago
I would create two loops and tie them to the treadmill somehow. Then hold onto a loop with each hand and you'll have enough input to know when you're drifting, but also a way to stay balanced.
SnooCats7568 1 points 2y ago
Wait r u fully blind
Nighthawk321 1 points 2y ago
Yes.
SnooCats7568 0 points 2y ago
? It’s a genuine question
Nighthawk321 1 points 2y ago
I know? I answered?
SnooCats7568 0 points 2y ago
Wait if you’re blind then how do you know what I wrote
SnooCats7568 0 points 2y ago
Oof
bradley22 1 points 2y ago
I’ve always just held the handle.
rp-turtle 1 points 2y ago
I jog normally but position myself in just the right spot so when I pump my arms forward, they just barely tap the front bar. It takes some practice but once you get it down, you can jog pretty normally with really good form. Your hands should be in loose fists with thumbs facing up like you’re giving someone a thumbs up sign but keep your hands relaxed. I find this works best because, when my knuckles/backs of my fingers tap the front bar, it doesn’t hurt since theres no tension in my hands. It should be a gentle tap too.
To practice, start at a slow jog. Pretend you’re trying to punch that front bar. Another way to think about it is that you’re punching someone standing in front of you in their stomach. It’s that same jabbing motion. When I first started with it, I certainly sped up at the wrong time before and punched the front bar too hard but I haven’t since and that was years ago. I hope this helps!
To practice, start at a slow jog. Pretend you’re trying to punch that front bar. Another way to think about it is that you’re punching someone standing in front of you in their stomach. It’s that same jabbing motion. When I first started with it, I certainly sped up at the wrong time before and punched the front bar too hard but I haven’t since and that was years ago. I hope this helps!
mehgcap [OP] 1 points 2y ago
This is a good idea, and would work well. However, I also ha problem with drifting to one side, and I couldn't orient myself to where I am on that front bar from a brief tap. Still, I may try holding my arms out a bit, hoping they'll contact one of the side handles before my foot contacts the treadmill's side and I trip.
Iamheno 1 points 2y ago
I keep one hand on the handles at least when going faster, otherwise go slower, up the incline if you want a harder workou?
bjayernaeiy 1 points 2y ago
You could tie a rope/tether to the railing/handle and the other around your waste so that it will pull you back if you start to lag behind.
Otherwise, really no other way that I know of. I also have the same problem. I always just have 1 hand on the handle.
Otherwise, really no other way that I know of. I also have the same problem. I always just have 1 hand on the handle.
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