Treadmill workouts are great for fitness — but proper footwear and posture keep your feet strong and pain-free
Exercise machines have changed how we stay active. They are convenient and efficient, keep you on track with your fitness routine, even when the weather doesn’t cooperate. Patients often ask during visits to our Houston podiatry clinic: Are exercise machines bad for your feet?
The answer: It depends on how you use them. Machines like treadmills, ellipticals, and stationary bikes provide safe, low-impact workouts. However, when used incorrectly or excessively, they can cause foot pain, stress injuries, and chronic conditions such as plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis.
Let’s explore what happens to your feet during machine workouts and share tips to ensure your equipment supports—not harms—them.