• Make sure you know how to properly operate the treadmill and its safety features. If you have a treadmill of your own, read your user's manual and learn where the various safety features are, how to stop the treadmill if it is going too fast, and how to avoid injury. If you use a treadmill at a gym, make sure you ask the employees or trainers there how to operate it before getting on. Treadmills are equipped with a variety of safety measures, and it's important to know how to use them.
• Start slow. Don't automatically set the treadmill at the highest speed or incline, even if you think you can handle it. It is easy to lose your footing when you set a treadmill at a high speed and then jump on. Instead, start at a brisk walk and increase the speed as you get a feel for the treadmill and how it works.
• Stay in the center of the belt. Stay focused while you run or walk and make sure you stay in the center of the treadmill belt. Going too far back will make it easier to fall off the back, and running too close to the front could cause you to kick the front of the treadmill and trip. If you find you can't stay in the center of the belt, adjust your speed or incline accordingly.
• Wear appropriate clothing. This includes shoes and socks. You should never wear flip flops, sandals, or any type of shoe other than an athletic shoe on a treadmill. Wearing shoes that are difficult to walk or run in, such as these listed, make it much easier to lose your footing and trip, resulting in injury.
• Keep your treadmill in a safe place. Make sure your treadmill is in an area where young children can't get to it or play with it and turn it on by accident. Always keep an eye on children when the treadmill is in use, and never allow more than one person on a treadmill at a time.
• Know how to stop the treadmill if it becomes too fast. Every treadmill should feature a button that will stop the belt immediately if you feel like you can't keep up or if you need to stop for any reason. Make sure you know where this button is located before you begin operating the treadmill.
• Keep your treadmill properly maintained. Keeping up with regular maintenance is important in order to keep the treadmill operating safely and effectively. Make sure you never use the treadmill if you know it needs to be repaired or serviced.

Using a treadmill can be one of the best forms of exercise around. But in order for it to be effective, it's important that you are able to operate it properly. Knowing where the safety features are and practicing safety rules will ensure you get a safe workout.