Treadmills are one of the popular home exercise equipment on the market today. This exercise equipment has made a name for itself as an efficient means of achieving exemplary fitness goals.
Some of the admirable results of using a treadmill are enhanced stamina, bulging muscles, and a lean calorie count. However, the question of accuracy often arises. How accurate are treadmills? Do they give accurate readings on distance, speed, or calories burnt? Read on as we delve into these issues!
Do Treadmills Underestimate Distance?
Distance is one of, if not the most important, statistics in determining the accuracy of a treadmill. This is especially the case when you are training for a specific goal, such as a marathon.
How is Treadmill Distance Measured?
A treadmill’s distance is measured by harmonizing the number of revolutions covered by the treadmill belt. There is a sensor near the motor on the belt’s underside that keeps count of the total revolutions made by the treadmill belt.
Do Treadmills Underestimate Distance?
No. The distance data recorded on a treadmill is 100% accurate. It is important to keep your belt clean and well-lubricated. Dirt or other build-ups on the surface of the belt can interfere with the optimal functioning of the treadmill.
Is the Distance on a Treadmill in Miles?
Most treadmills are programmed to measure distance in either kilometers or miles. Luckily, you can easily set your treadmill to measure distance in your preferred units.
NB: A mile is equivalent to 5280 steps. You can always convert your steps into miles.
What is a Treadmill Distance Calculator?
A treadmill distance calculator is a display program that converts your workout results into a form that you can easily understand. The program records the time and distance walked and converts them to speed, calories burned, and distance covered.
Are Treadmills Accurate for Calories Burned?
Different people have different rates of burning calories. Weight, age, gender fitness level, and surrounding environmental conditions are some of the factors that dictate the rate at which the calories are burnt. You are likely to notice a difference in reading on calories burnt between your treadmill and fitness tracker. This is assuming you were exercising with your fitness tracker. What brings about these differences?
Well, the treadmill’s calorie counter is set to calculate the metabolic rate of an average exerciser. This means that the reading on the treadmill is an estimate! The reading has nothing to do with you! This is why you should refer to your fitness tracker for accurate data on calories burnt.
My Treadmill Speed Seems Wrong: What Could Be the Problem?
Below are factors that interfere with the proper functioning of a treadmill’s speed:
- A problematic deck or belt
- A faulty DC output
- A compromised motor
- Compromised links (communication or feedback links)
Erratic speed operation automatically makes the speed signal flash and light up as an indication of a mishap. You can try to fix the problem by following the following steps:
- Disconnect the mains cord and give the capacitors in the Motor Control Board a 3–5-minute period to discharge reserved electricity
- Use a screwdriver to loosen and remove the motor hood
- Use your fingers to adjust the speed of the running belt
- Use a contact tacho to compare the speed you have set on the running belt with the required speed. A good comparison allows you to accurately set a speed that is adequate and fair to most people
NB: It is always advisable to seek the assistance of a professional electrician. This is especially crucial when you are dealing with complex aspects of a treadmill.
How Can I Tell if My Treadmill is Accurate?
Follow the procedure below to verify the accuracy of your treadmill. Place a strip of colored tape on the treadmill belt. Your tape should be running perpendicular to the motion of the belt. Be keen to choose a thin tape that will easily fit beneath the treadmill housing without interfering with the belt rotations.
- Set the treadmill for a specific speed. We recommend you set the treadmill at your standard exercise rate.
- Give the treadmill a minute to reach the set speed.
- Using a stopwatch, start the timer as the tape strip passes under the front edge of the treadmill housing.
- Record the times the tape passes under the front edge in one minute.
- Put down your findings and repeat the measurements thrice
- The figures you record ought to give you similar results. A disparity in this calls for treadmill maintenance
- Compare your findings with the figure indicated on the treadmill’s manual as the length of the treadmill belt.
- Multiply the belt length by the number of revolutions you counted. The figure you get from your calculations will indicate the distance covered in 1 minute. You can multiply this figure by 60 to confirm the number of feet traveled by the belt in an hour.
- You can also convert this figure into miles/hour by dividing the figure in step (IX) by 5,280 (a mile is equivalent to 5280 steps).
- You will then confirm your answer to the figure indicated on your treadmill as the average speed. Any difference in the two readings means your treadmill is compromised and would need a service technician for calibration.
Is a Treadmill on Apple or Garmin Watch More Accurate for Distance?
There has always been a concern about whether fitness trackers (Apple or Garmin watch) are more accurate in capturing distance than a treadmill. Which is better? For starters, treadmills use the number of rounds of the belt to determine the distance. On the other hand, fitness trackers use sensors to determine the distance covered.
These gadgets rely on movements recorded on their GPS, which might not be accurate. These leave treadmills as more accurate devices to record distance!
Regular treadmill exercises keep the body healthy and energized. Use these tips to improve your treadmill experience. Remember to visit our website for more insightful posts!
