I have been walking on a treadmill everyday for about 3 months now, 1 mile a day at least. I just discovered that your workout is diminished if you are holding on. The treadmill makers probably won't tell you this for safety reasons but any able bodied person using a treadmill should not be holding on to the hand rails. Walking while holding on will not give you as good a workout and you will not burn as many calories. It is bad for your posture too. I had my suspisions but when I noticed that the trainers on "The Biggest Loser" won't let the contestants hold on I did my own research online. Anyway, today I walked my mile without holding on and it nearly kicked my butt! :faint: This infomation is given for those that do not already know. I wish someone had told me before! You might have to slow down some, I did, but you workout will become much more effective.

Is the speed as important as the target heart rate? I wear a heart monitor and at 3.0 - 3.3 mph I'm hitting around 110. At this point in my journey, I'm happy with that.

I think keeping your target heart is more important for getting "exercise". But if your trying to "tone" your self you will need to give your muscles more and more challenges as you go.

I am almost 3 mths out since banding and bought a treadmill a week ago. I have to hold for the first few minutes then I swing/pump my arms but I also use the Lesile Sansone weighted balls and those give my arms a really good workout....

I think it has more to do with whether it's safe to let go. I'm 64 and have had two back surgeries which left me with balance issues. I have to hang on, but I just rest my hands lightly to keep my balance. It you can do it without holding, so much the better, but if you have balance issues, don't risk falling off. Just a note....be sure to use the safety cord so if you slip it will turn the tread off immediately. I fell off one years ago and got trapped between the moving tread and the wall. Ever since I've believed in those safety cords.

oh yeah I have to