Even the most basic treadmill contains a digital readout that tells you the distance traveled during your workout: the odometer. Some people use the odometer to time their workouts; when they hit 2 miles, for example, they know they're finished. Odometers can also be used to help perform a general evaluation of your physical fitness.
Identification
Your treadmill's odometer tells you have far you have run or walked. This unit may be displayed in miles or kilometers; some machines will allow you to toggle between units to see the display unit you prefer. Your treadmill's owner's manual should tell you where to find your unit's odometer. In most cases, it's located on the readout panel, along with your speed readout and timer.
Types
Simple, less expensive treadmills contain one odometer that tells you how far you've traveled during a particular exercise session. More advanced and expensive treadmills often have several odometers: one to track your distance in a particular exercise session, along with an overall odometer similar to the one in your car. The overall odometer can tell you how many miles you've put on your treadmill since you acquired it.
Odometers And Fitness Testing
Your treadmill odometer can help you perform a basic fitness test. This test requires a brisk mile walk. In "Fitness Walking," author Therese Iknoian suggests you warm up for a few minutes with a slow-paced, easy walk. When you feel ready, zero out your treadmill's timer and odometer. Walk at the fastest comfortable pace for a full mile; keep an eye on your odometer to pace yourself. When your odometer tells you you've completed a mile, note the time.
Measuring Results
Iknoian offers three basic ability categories for men and women based on your walking mile time. Men who take longer than 16 minutes or women who take longer than 17 minutes to complete the test should walk or jog with a basic goal of improving their overall health. Men who take between 13 and 16 minutes, along with women who finish between 14 and 17 minutes, should walk or jog to improve their fitness level. Men who finish in less than 13 minutes or women in less than 14 are likely to be fit already and should train further for athletic improvement.
Accuracy
If you haven't had your treadmill calibrated, be aware that your odometer may not be entirely accurate. In "Freshman Running: A Guide for Beginners," Rick Morris writes that most treadmills, whether at the gym or in a sporting goods store, do not come properly calibrated. Manufacturers, Morris notes, aren't usually willing to spend much time or money on properly calibrating their treadmills. He believes treadmills can be up to 10 percent inaccurate. If you're training for a race or need to know your exact distance traveled on a treadmill, Morris suggests you hire a technician to calibrate it, especially if you purchased a new treadmill and it's still under warranty.
Member Comments