Q: I have noticed some discrepancy in the calorie readings and the speed of treadmills in this gym compared to treadmills in the others. Is it possible that a treadmill could display about 25 calories more than other? Also, I feel that the running belt is running at a higher than the actual speed selected.
Since I have been going to the other gyms for a long time I can notice this difference.
A: It is highly unlikely that the speed is incorrect since the products are factory calibrated and usually require no additional calibration. They rarely if not ever vary in speed by greater than more than 5%. The caloric expenditure on treadmills is however a point often discussed since it is can be merely estimation unless the user activates one of the various programs within the product.
Without activating a program that requires the user to enter data necessary for a more accurate caloric consumption, the regular “Quick Start” option merely provides the user with an estimate of caloric expenditure based on standard estimates of an average 72 kg healthy male individual. Caloric expenditure figures are based off norms extrapolated from extended testing using students in the USA.
You should be aware that the Quick Start program is designed to provide users with an estimated figure.
Some manufactures use different norms which therefore provide different estimates, and some manufactures even use algorithms that in some cases over-estimate caloric consumption in the hope to suggest to Users that running or walking on their treadmills expend greater calories than others.
We at Cybex take great pains to provide accurate data where possible. Please be aware that whenever you are in “Quick Start” on any treadmill, the caloric expenditure is an estimation that can significantly vary. The best solution is to exercise on the treadmill using a program and a polar compatible heart rate chest strap monitor.
Q: Why does calorie usage on a treadmill jump from 250 cal (3.7mph) to 454 cal (3.8 mph)?
A: A formula is calculated where 3.7 mph and less is assumed to be walking while above 3.7 mph is assumed to be running.
Q: Measured speed may feel slightly different compared to setting speed?
A: Treadmills are designed with a "slip factor" so when loaded (a person on the machine) it is accurate.
Cybex Treadmill Accuracy
