Oct

13

When keeping speed, incline, etc equal, I find some treadmills harder to run on than others. Why?

Filed Under Treadmills | 

treadmills
Zanduu D asked:


I find, for instance, than on some machines I can easily run 5 to 7 miles at a good pace (6.7 - 7 mpg) while others I am exhausted after 2.5 miles! Same incline, same speeds, etc. What is the difference? A belt is moving, I am running! This one is not in my head!!

Comments

2 Responses to “When keeping speed, incline, etc equal, I find some treadmills harder to run on than others. Why?”

  1. Justme on October 16th, 2006 3:36 pm

    I just recently purchased a treadmill for home which exhausts me much faster than the one I was using at the gym. I thought the exact same thing. I was like, OK, did I suddenly regress in my running strength??!?

    All that I can think of is that they vary, actual speeds and distances may not be equal. I just say workout until you feel like you have accomplished your goal for that session by the way you feel vs the mileage or calories burned.

  2. Chris on October 18th, 2006 7:05 am

    Theres going to be several reasons that is the case.

    First and most obvious is the caliberation aspect. The machines are not going to be perfect, and such things as the belt stretching with age means older machines will be less acurate, and depending on the technology cost etc. all machines will read slightly differently.

    Second is the conditions of the room your working in. Hotter conditions will work you harded; dry air, humid air etc. All will make a difference to your percieved exertion and how quickly you are tiring.

    Another factor is the surface, run a mile on flat concrete, a mile on flat asphalt; and feel the difference. The concrete is much harder and less forgiving, and so will tire your leg muscles quicker as they cope with the additional shock. The same occurs on treadmills, less shock absorbtion in the surface will mean your legs tire quicker.

    There are other factors that can make a difference as well, such as the way the display is set up, which can mentally motivate you more or less depending on how its laid out, what it shows etc.

    Its not in your head though, but there are many reasons; one gym and machine will not be the same as another.