How many meters does one kilometer on a treadmill equal to actual running?

Treadmill  VS actual running

As a so-called “professional” who does fitness equipment evaluation, I must answer this question.

I just tested two treadmills a few days ago. When I tested the speed, I thought of the question asked by the questioner on Zhihu, so I quickly took the time to answer it after testing the treadmill.

I think everyone knows that all machines have errors. The same is true for treadmills. Generally speaking, treadmills have adjustable speed ranges, with a maximum of 16km/h and 18km/h…

So when we run on a treadmill, does the actual speed really reach the speed set by the treadmill? I have tested so many treadmills, and I can tell you responsibly that it is not necessarily the case.

First of all, the speed of a treadmill is related to its horsepower. Some treadmills have a small error before 8km/h, but the error becomes larger and larger when the speed exceeds 8, because the motor horsepower cannot keep up.

For example, we test a treadmill (assuming its maximum speed is 16) at three speeds, 4, 8, and 12, when it is unloaded and loaded. The test results are as follows:

(1) Unloaded

As can be seen from the picture, when unloaded, the speeds of the running belt are 67.65m/min, 133m/min, and 200.8m/min, respectively. After conversion, they are 4.059km/h, 7.98km/h, and 12.048km/h. The measured results are basically consistent with the panel display.

(2) When loaded

When loaded, the measured speeds are 66.8m/min, 134m/min, and 198m/min, respectively. After conversion, they are 4.008km/h, 8.04km/h, and 11.88km/h. The weight of the experimental subject is 50kg.

This result shows that the error between the set speed and the actual speed of the treadmill is extremely small.

At this time, running one kilometer on the treadmill is equal to running one kilometer in reality, and even if there is an error, it is very small.

The above is the case when the horsepower of the treadmill is sufficient and the set speed is consistent with the actual speed.

Then, on the contrary, if the speed of the treadmill is not as fast as the set speed, that is, when you set the speed to 8, it actually does not reach 8, then when your treadmill shows that you have run one kilometer, you must not have actually reached one kilometer.

Written by: Vincy from JOYEN FITNESS
The Exporter and Manufacturer of Fitness Equipment since 2003
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