1. Stretch before you walk Before you get on your treadmill, you need to prepare your body. It's important that you perform some gentle stretches so that your joints and your muscles are warmed up for your exercise. Otherwise you run the risk of seriously hurting your muscles. You need to warm up your muscles before you stretch, however, so that they aren't cold when you start stretching. You will want to stretch your hips, upper and lower leg muscles, your hamstrings, your neck, your arms, and your ankles.
2. Maintain proper walking form
   You will want to make sure that you maintain the proper form while you are walking on your treadmill. Make sure that you keep your head and shoulders in the correct position. You should keep your head up and centered between your shoulders. Keep your shoulders straight but relaxed. Be careful that you don't slouch forward. Use your ab muscles in order to support your torso and your spine. So make sure that you keep your stomach slightly pulled in and stand up straight. Don't lean forward as you walk.
3. Your stride
   It is important that your stride is natural in its length. Most people take too long of strides. Also make sure that your arms remain close to the body. Keep your arms swinging with the pace of your legs, and avoid leaning on the handrails of the treadmill.
   Make sure that with each step, you step gently on the middle of your foot and on the heel. Then push off with your toes. Make sure that you push off with the balls of your feet and your toes. Purchasing proper shoes will go a long way towards helping prevent injury when using a treadmill.
4. Equipment safety
   Before you use your treadmill, make sure that it is stable. Check to ensure that there are no loose screws or nuts. If your treadmill starts to rattle or if it starts to jerk while you are on it, stop your exercise immediately. It is not safe for you to continue. Unplug your treadmill while it is not in use.
5. Child safety
   It is important that you keep your children away from your treadmill. Many injuries occur with children and exercise equipment. Make sure that you always unplug your treadmill when you are not using it. Otherwise it is far too easy for your child to start your treadmill up. Make sure that you tuck away all cords so that your child won't be able to trip over the cords. Roll up cords and keep them out of the way.

If you have a folding treadmill, make sure that you put it away after each use. Teach your children that your treadmill is not a toy; don't let your child fool around on the treadmill. You may want to keep your treadmill in a room that is easily locked from the outside, so that you can keep your children away from possible harm.

Make sure that you talk to your doctor before starting any exercise program. Your doctor can help you decide what level of exercise is best for your health needs and your current state of health.