Treadmill Tip: Let go of the rails

I see it all the time -- walkers at my local gym hoofing it on an incline while clutching their treadmill rails. Maybe they do it to stay balanced; maybe they're literally pulling themselves uphill. Regardless, the experts at LIfeTips have a suggestion for these folks: Stop it.

Holding the side rails of a treadmill reduces your workout intensity, which ultimately means you're burning fewer calories. Despite what your treadmill display tells you, you are burning fewer calories. Really, you are.

Here's what's permitted: Hold the rails lightly for balance until you get accustomed to the machine. Then, let go and let your arms swing naturally. You'll increase the value of your workout and decrease your day's final calorie tally.