Let’s say the newest copy of your favorite book series just came out – how exciting! You would love to get a jump start on reading it, but alas, it’s time to hit the gym. But hey, you can take your book with you and dive into those pages while you are on the treadmill or stationary bike…right?
Safety on Cardio Equipment
While reading a book or a magazine might be a common sighting in most gym settings, it begs the question – is it safe to read using cardio machines, especially if you are on a machine that isn’t self propelled (like a treadmill, which typically runs off of a motor)? Safety is a legitimate concern in a situation like this, especially since injury can occur – after all, there is a significant amount of multi-tasking going on, if you’re able to read and exercise simultaneously.
Safety aside, some fitness experts suggest that you must be doing something incorrectly if you can read while exercising. Others suggest that if reading helps pass the time (and still get in some movement simultaneously), then it can be beneficial. There are two sides to every story, and reading while exercising on a cardio machine is no different.
Training Intensity and Reading
Essentially, cardio can be considered an activity that increases your heart rate; with that being said, even movement like walking can elevate your pulse, counting as cardio. Granted, walking on the treadmill for most people would be considered low intensity cardiovascular activity, but activity nonetheless.
If you’re new to exercise, are recovering from an injury (and needing to take it slow and controlled) or you are just taking a day for active recovery, then walking on the treadmill at a lower intensity is excellent. Just be mindful of where you are stepping if you plan to read on the treadmill simultaneously.
On the flip side, if your training program requires you to work at a higher intensity, then multitasking while reading might actually take away from how hard you are actually supposed to be working – and can therefore hinder performance and fitness goals in the process. After all, you can read once you leave the fitness center!
Bottom Line
If you plan to read your favorite book or catch up on the local newspaper, there are a few things you can do to be safe on your cardio machine. For one, see if there is a shelf or ledge where you can set your reading material. This not only keeps your hands free, but allows your arms to move in a more natural state while walking on a treadmill than if you were walking while holding onto your reading material.
Also, try and put your reading material right at eye level. This prevents your head from tilting downward while exercising, which can throw off your gate and affect overall posture in a negative way over time.
Another point to consider is the emergency stop, especially if you’re using a treadmill. Most treadmills have a safety strap looped around the handlebars or somewhere on the front of the machine. It’s a given that it should be used whether you’re reading or not, but even more so when you aren’t explicitly focused on the task of walking or jogging. Attach the strap to your t-shirt or shorts, and if the treadmill gets away from you and you happen to trip and/or fall, the strap will pull and the tread will stop moving (and hopefully prevent more serious injuries).
Lastly, think about incorporating an audiobook into your routine if you find that reading while exercising on the bike or treadmill isn’t beneficial. Not only do your hands stay free, and you can focus on your workout, but you can multi-task and still get a solid workout in without worrying about holding onto a book!
