Home Exercise Equipment Safety Informational Video by CIRP

While exercising at home is a great alternative to expensive gym memberships, home exercise equipment can be a danger to young children. On average, over 12,000 children a year are treated in U.S. emergency departments for injuries related to home exercise equipment. Following a few safety tips can help prevent these injuries:

1. Young children should never be left alone with exercise equipment, or be allowed to play on it.

2. Use child safety gates and lockable doors to keep toddlers and young children away from the equipment. If you need to keep an eye on your child while you are exercising, leave her in a playpen that is a safe distance away from the equipment.

3. After the workout, turn off all equipment, place the safety cords and keys out of a child's reach, and unplug and safely secure the power cords.

4. When not in use, home exercise equipment should be locked and kept in a room that is off-limits to young children.

5. Follow the operational instructions in the owner's manual to safely store the equipment.

6. If older children will be using the equipment, teach them the correct way to use it before they start. Make sure they know how to turn off all equipment after use and what to do if they are hurt while using the equipment.

7. Always use stationary bikes with chain guards to prevent little fingers from getting caught in the chain.

8. When using a treadmill, start at the lowest setting and increase your speed. Clip the safety key's cord to your clothing. If you fall, this will stop the machine and prevent further injury.