Is Treadmill Bad for a 9 Year Old?

I don't see why it is bad. if he is doing it and enjoying the excersize let him continue in moderation.

It's fine! A lot of people are saying get him outside, and of course that would be ideal, but is that an viable option? Would he do that? Do you live near a safe area to do that? If it's working for your son to get exercise this way, IT'S GREAT! The fact that it's at an incline is a good angle for his knees and the fact that he's walking (not running) is also better for his joints. Let him, be happy he's getting exercise, and I say the more incline the better.

Hi P.,

It should be fine, just don't leave him unattended since he could fall or turn the speed up without supervision. At least you'll know he is OK and not inhaling all the Smog now that the weather is hot. He get a stationary bike so you can ride with him when he's power walking. Just an idea. :^D

Godd Luck ~ F.

My daughter is now 9, but her physical therapist at Children's Hospital had her use the treadmill each session starting at age 7.

Just make sure your son wears a proper shoe. Maybe instead of all incline work he should set it to go up and down hills.

For those of us with pre-existing joint issues, clearly the treadmill puts stress on feet, knees and joints.Walking is better than jogging, but swimming is even better. (I think no exercise at all is worse.)

I would ask your doctor. Personally I wouldn't have my 9 years old walk on a treadmill unless that was the only form of exercise that they can get. I have had some serious ankle injuries and have been to several specialists and therapists and they always had me on a bike or stait climber. What about a family walk outside each evening after dinner?

My kids watch me run on my treadmill all the time and they beg me to go on it... I asked my Dr. and he said as long as they wear appropriate shoes, do not go to a running pace, only a fast walk for injury reasons and stay on a flat incline, the incline can mess them up because of the structure of their spine and hips before puberty?? I did not understand it, I just followed it, they are girls that might have something to do it with it?!! So he has allowed them 10 minutes on the treadmill, flat surface and good running shoes. They love it and I allow my 9, 7 & 5 year old on it, not my 2 year old yet though ;) I also give my 9&7 year old the 10 minutes if they want it, but my 5 year old only gets 5 minutes. My girls did a 1k last year in Seal Beach with me while I ran the 10K and this year we will do another run together, so it is a great building block to train them to do things I enjoy too and we get to bond over that as well as all of the things we do that they enjoy!!

Take it to the next level and start to go out to a fun place to run/walk with your son!!

Good luck to your son for whatever his goal is as long as he keeps health first!!

What is the purpose to the treadmill? Does he have horrible outdoor allergies that aren't helped by meds? I think unless there is a reason he can't be outside, he needs to be outside in the sunshine and fresh air getting his exercise the good old fashioned way. His brain will be stimulated more if he is outside too, using his imagination running around the backyard. Go on walks where you try and identify the trees and plants and flowers as you go along. Anything other than staring at a wall while walking in one place will be better for a 9 year old than an adults method of exercise. Or I say that if he refuses to go outside and play and get exercise that way, let him use the treadmill, but continue to try and find something he would be interested in.

It really isn't different than him running around outside. I would just make sure that his exercise isn't coming from a treadmill only. And make sure he is wearing good shoes.
M.

We have a Treadclimber from bowflex and it has the ability to function as a regular treadmill. My oldest son is a special needs child and, without going into long detail, has some anger and sensory integration issues. The occupational therapist had us set up an "activity room" where he can relive his anger and frustration in a helthy way. Part of that includes being able to use the treadclimber as a treadmill. We only allow him to walk on it and only at a certain speed. I have not seen any ill effects with his knees or joints from this as it is only walking, something you do every day. The key is to monitor the speed they go. Hope that helps!

As long as he's wearing supportive shoes, he should be fine. I have bad joints, and I use a treadmill because it's easier on them. The road is so much less forgiving.

My first question is why is he on a treadmill? If he is over weight and needs exercise that’s one thing, but to me it is a bit young. I would suggest sending him out side. Go to the park or for a jog. Sometimes the good old fashion way is the best thing. And besides, a little fresh air never hurt anyone! :)

I would suggest he walks outside instead of on a treadmill. I am a runner and just from experience the treadmill doesn't develop your muscles in a natural way and creates injuries in the long run. I would worry about his developing muscles growing spine and pelvis.
It is great that he is so conscious about exercise! Nice to hear about a child with a healthy discipline! You must lead by a great example!

Hi Pan, i wouldn't have a 9 year old on a tred mi unless adviced by a doctor. J.

Good shoes and other excersice and he should be ok. The shoes are important because it is a flat surface.