TREADMILL SPEED ACCURACY TEST

Many people believe that the speed of the running belt on their treadmill is not accurate. Trying to compare the treadmill in your home with one that is at a gym or in a fitness equipment dealer's showroom is very difficult because the differences in brands, models, length and width of the running belt, spaciousness of a room and distractions, like music, all contribute to a treadmill user's perception of speed.

If your treadmill normally displays the speed in miles per hour and you feel the walking belt is moving at about half speed, the treadmill may be in the Metric mode instead of US Standard. Check your owner's manual to learn how to toggle it back to showing the walking belt speed in MPH.

If that is not the issue and you want to measure the speed of the running belt, here is a formula that will yield the speed of the belt.

When measuring the length of the running belt, include the full length, top and bottom. Also, be careful with the math. e.g. A running belt that measures 10 feet, 3 inches goes in the formula as "10.25". The revolutions can usually be easily counted by using the seam as a marker.

The accuracy of the results will depend upon the accuracy of your measurements and counting.

To convert MPH to KPH, multiply the speed in MPH times 1.61 to get the speed in KPH.

Once you have measured the speed that the running belt is actually going, compare it with the speed that is displayed on the treadmill's display console. The actual speed should be within one tenth (.1) of a MPH of that shown on the display.

If the treadmill speed is inaccurate, you may want to consider having the speed calibrated by a qualified treadmill service provider. Some treadmills like a Precor 9.5 or a Landice 8700 have a speed adjustment capability, but on many treadmills the speed cannot be adjusted beyond the factory setting.