Calories in the human body are units of heat that communicate the energy value in foods. Knowing the amount of calories you burn during exercise or consume in food is helpful for a successful weight loss program. Running on a treadmill for exercise creates an environment with the ability to burn a large amount of calories, which assists with losing weight.
Pace
To burn the maximum number of calories, and to increase your ability to burn calories, you should run at a pace, or speed, that allows your heart rate to reach the target zone for your weight and age. Once you reach the target heart rate zone, a maximum amount of oxygen transports to the muscles and causes an increase in running endurance. An increase in running endurance makes it easier to run for a longer duration and burn more calories. Some treadmills come standard with a built-in heart rate monitor that you attach around your chest while running. Another option to monitor your heart rate while running on a treadmill is to purchase a wrist or chest strap monitor. It is possible to check your heart rate manually by counting your pulse rate for 10 seconds and multiplying the number by six.
Calories Burned
The total number of calories burned during a running session will vary based on your weight and the duration of running. The MayoClinic.com reports that a 160-lb. person burns 986 calories during a 60-minute running session at a consistent treadmill pace of 8 mph. The total calories burned by a 200-lb. person increases to 1,229. A slower treadmill pace will result in fewer calories burned during the same running duration.
Treadmill Running Benefits
According to the U.S. Department of Health, adults should complete at least 60 minutes of daily vigorous activity to prevent gaining unwanted weight. Vigorous activities include cardio exercises that increase your heart rate, including running. Running on a treadmill creates the opportunity for you to run indoors during inclement weather or during nighttime hours when it is not appropriate to run outdoors. Treadmills allow you to maintain a consistent pace, which makes it easy to track the approximate number of calories burned during each running session.
Significance
The ability to track the number of calories burned while running on a treadmill makes it easy to journal the total caloric deficit for weight loss. Your total caloric deficit must reach 3,500 calories in order to lose 1 lb. of weight. Knowing the number of calories burned from running also helps you consume the correct amount of nutrients to maintain endurance.
Considerations
It is best to make an appointment with your physician prior to starting a new weight loss or running program to ensure you have no hidden limitations that may create complications. Ask your physician for more information on your target heart zone and the recommended rate for your age and weight.
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