Using a treadmill or other indoor cardio machine makes staying fit convenient and comfortable, especially during the cold winter months. After all, that’s probably why you bought your home machine or joined a gym to begin with, right? So, the last thing you want to experience is a sudden jolt of electricity up your arm right before a workout.

Winter is the biggest season for indoor cardio equipment use. And while it is nice to exercise in the warmth of your home or your local gym, three common winter conditions combine to create an ideal environment for static shock: cold dry weather, dry air from central heating, and the high amounts of friction the treadmill creates while it runs.

You’ve probably experienced this in the past. You step up to touch the machine and it promptly delivers an unpleasant ZAP! Not fun. Fortunately, there are a few easy steps you can take to reduce those unexpected jolts of static shock.

1) Clothing.

Most athletic apparel is made from synthetic materials like polyester. While they do help wick away sweat, they also have a tendency to build up a charge as you move around. Cotton, however, is a neutral material and does not build up nearly as much static charge. Switch out your polyester workout clothes with cotton garments and it will help reduce static dramatically. Although, you will sacrifice some of the moisture wicking, quick-dry features of polyester clothing. So carefully weigh the pros and cons here.

2) Moisture.

Since dry air is the primary cause of static shock in winter weather, finding ways to reduce dryness will in turn reduce the static. Use a moisturizing lotion to prevent dry skin and consider putting a humidifier in the room with your treadmill (if it is at home – don’t bring a humidifier to the gym). This will also help reduce your chances of being shocked.

3) Rubber mat.

Placing the proper padding between your treadmill and the floor will help reduce static buildup by providing some much needed insulation. As an added bonus, it will also protect your floor from any damage by the machine.

There you have it. Three ways to reduce static shock on your treadmill. We hope these tips help you stay shock-free this winter.

Brought to you by Prosource Fitness Equipment.

For more Fitness Equipment Safety Tips, check out our YouTube Channel!