This month on Trainer Tip Tuesday we will be discussing different precautions and considerations when walking on an incline treadmill. Incline treadmill walking is a common cardio exercise, but it does not come without potential risks. Today, we want to talk to you about how walking on an incline treadmill can affect your ankles, and specifically a motion called ankle dorsiflexion.
Ankle dorsiflexion is a motion that is necessary for an optimal walking stride, but one thing that often happens when walking on an incline treadmill is your foot and ankle can be pushed into more dorsiflexion than they would normally achieve. While short bouts of this may not be detrimental, over time the stress of repeatedly going into too much dorsiflexion may start to create issues in your feet (such as plantar fasciitis), shins (such as shin splints), knees, hips, and even low back.
We have some considerations we recommend you taking if you are wanting to walk on an incline treadmill, as well as some ways to troubleshoot potential issues with ankle dorsiflexion. We also discuss a simple exercise you can do to help strengthen the muscles that will dorsiflex your ankle and may even help to increase your ankle motion.
Check out all of the details in this week’s episode of Trainer Tip Tuesday, and be sure to tune back in next week as we continue the discussion of potential issues that could come from walking on an incline treadmill and simple things you can do to resolve them.
If you are wanting a way to exercise on your own at home while still having the accountability and guidance that comes from using a personal trainer, you need to check out the MAS At-Home Workout Program. This is a 75-day video-guided program that includes over 100 workouts, from resistance training to cardio, and mobility workshops to recovery days. Learn more and download your copy today at homeworkout.matschaumburg.com!
