Man dies of electrocution in gym: How to use a treadmill safely

Published: 20 Jul 2023, 19:08 pm IST

In a shocking incident, a 24-year-old man has reportedly died of electrocution while running on a treadmill at a New Delhi gym. The event has highlighted safety hazards in gyms, a rarely spoken about issue in the world of fitness.

While hitting the gym is an everyday goal for most people, injuries and casualties in the gym are still a common occurrence. Using a treadmill is a good cardio workout and often one of the first things people do to charge up the body for the heavier exercise routines. Needless to say, there are many benefits of running on a treadmill. But all safety measures must be taken to avoid any health condition from getting worse and avoiding any untoward incident such as electrocution.

Also read: Walking outdoors vs on a treadmill: What is better for your health?

How to use a treadmill safely?

Using the treadmill safely is essential to prevent accidents, including electrocution and other injuries. Here are tips recommended by Dr Santosh Pandey, a naturopath and acupuncturist, Rejua Energy Center, Mumbai, to help prevent treadmill injuries.

1. Read the treadmill manual before using the equipment

First-timers usually rely on the information given by the gym trainers to use gym equipment, including the treadmill. We pay little heed to the manual provided with the equipment and usually skip doing our homework. However, the use manual comes with a truckload of information including all the do’s and don’ts for the user’s ease. So, we can get access to a lot of information on our own by reading the manual. “Familiarize yourself with the treadmill’s user manual before using it,” says the expert.

2. Proper placement

A treadmill should be placed at a decent spot. According to the expert, it should be set up on a flat and dry surface, away from water-damp areas. Incidents like electrocution are more likely to happen if any electrical equipment is placed in water-damp areas. There are more chances of water leakage during heavy monsoon season. So, make sure you only run on a treadmill that’s placed on a dry surface.

3. Ensure that the treadmill has a proper connection

“Avoid using extension cords or adapters, as they can increase the risk of electrical issues. Regularly check the power cord for any signs of damage,” says the expert.

Also read: Shraddha Kapoor gives fitness inspo with a treadmill run

4. Wear appropriate clothing and footwear

Ensure comfortable, non-restrictive clothing and proper athletic shoes while using the treadmill. Avoid loose clothing that could get caught in the moving parts. Your clothes should only be loose enough to let air breathe in, Otherwise, very loose gym apparel can get stuck in any equipment like a treadmill while running.

5.  Be aware of safety features

“Most modern treadmills come with safety features such as an emergency stop button or safety tether. Get yourself familiar with these features,” says the expert. This is also where going through the manual deeply once also comes into the picture.

6. Keep water away

Most of us carry our water bottles to the gym to keep ourselves from getting dehydrated. However, leakage of water from your bottle on any electrical equipment can become a reason for fatal injuries or even grave incidents like electrocution. “While it’s essential to stay hydrated, avoid placing water bottles or other liquids on the treadmill console. Spills can damage the electronics and increase the risk of electrocution,” says the expert.

Follow these basic tips for your safety in a gym or even while using electrical gym equipment at home.