What is Treadmill Elevation Gain?

Treadmill elevation gain is a measure of the vertical distance you would climb if you were hiking on a trail instead of walking or running on a treadmill. It’s calculated based on the distance you travel on the treadmill and the incline setting. This measurement is particularly useful for hikers and trail runners who want to simulate outdoor terrain conditions during indoor workouts.

How to Use the Treadmill Elevation Gain Calculator

Step 1: Enter the distance you plan to walk or run on the treadmill. You can input this in either miles or kilometers by selecting the appropriate unit from the dropdown menu.

Step 2: Input the incline of the treadmill. This can be entered as either a percentage or in degrees, depending on how your treadmill displays this information. Select the correct unit from the dropdown menu.

Step 3: Click the “Calculate Elevation Gain” button. The calculator will process your inputs and display the results.

Step 4: Review the results. The elevation gain will be shown in both feet and meters, giving you a clear idea of the vertical distance you would climb in an equivalent outdoor workout.

Step 5: Read the explanation provided below the result. This will help you understand how the calculation was made and what the result means in the context of your workout.

Step 6: Adjust your workout as needed. If you’re training for a specific hike or race, you can use this information to tailor your treadmill workouts to match the elevation profile of your target event.

By using this calculator regularly, you can track your progress over time and ensure that your indoor training is effectively preparing you for outdoor adventures or races. Remember, while this tool provides a good estimate, real-world hiking often involves varied terrain that a treadmill can’t fully replicate.