Fear of flying - actually running- on treadmill

I have been able to do a little running on the roadside, but when I try it on treadmill I get terrified of falling of the back! Even going up to a fast walk scares me a little - I am 54 and do not have the best balance. And what is running speed on a treadmill anyway? I walk at 3.5 MPH. Watching the young lady next to me running full out for over 1/2 hr at a clip makes me very jealous! New to this board, thanks for patience with my newbie questions!  Jenny T

Wish I had an answer but I'm the exact same way. I can't do the treadmill without holding on to the sides because I fear falling off the back. Which of course ruins any arm movements. One reason I HATE the treadmill. Looking forward to any responses.

Jan

I hang on too! Sometimes just a finger on the rail, but it makes me feel better. It's not because I'm new at it either, had a treadmill at home for years and never did get past the need to hold on for dear life. It doesn't help that I have seen an episode or two of Biggest Loser where the poor victims actually FELL OFF THE BACK of the machine!  Hope we get some helpful hints

Most gyms have the safety cord you hook to yourself so if you get to far away it shuts it down. I would suggest finding a speed you are comfortable at and then slowly increase it until you become more comfortable. I won't run on them though, I just cant stand them. Luckily I go to a gym with an indoor track. 70 degrees year round and is also overlooking an indoor pool but that gets dangerous as well (depending on who is below)

Thanks, Nate. Right now I am attending my hospital's gym since I got 3 months free post-surgery. After that I am looking at a Planet Fitness, hoping they have an indoor track, that would be ideal for the long winter months (in Wisconsin, that would be November-April!).  Jenny T

 Try running level or slightly negative (downhill) if your treadmill allows it. That way, gravity lets you "fall" forward instead of backward and off of the back

It made me nervous too at first but I got used to it. I tend to run any time the speed goes over 3.5. It's just easier for me.

Iagree with Nate. I would just do what you are comfortable with and gradually increase it. Over time the comfort will come. I started out pretty skiddish and now do some pretty crazy speed workouts on them. One of the big things is to find a TM that has a belt that does not slip. If the gym is lax about maintenance you may find some that slip and that can be a pretty scary proposition. Find one that you like and try to stick with that one. Also, use the emergency cord.

For me, a walk is 3.5 and I run at 4.5.  My fast intervals are at 5.0 and I'm trying to push them higher each time.  I can do 5.2 on the first few intervals, but then need to bring them back down to 5.0.  I'm 51 yo, and weigh 195, and have about 60 pounds left to lose.  I'm 3 months out from surgery.

It's fun on the treadmill because you can play with the numbers and the incline.  Mixing it up, and challenging yourself.  But I also like running outside because of the stuff to see and the breeze.