Re: [Phys-l] treadmill vs open road

[Philip Keller <PKeller@holmdelschools.org>]

Even on a day when there is no wind, and even running (OK, really trudging) at the 5 or 6 miles per hour that I do, I face the equivalent of that headwind.  And I have a large enough cross-section to experience what feels like significant drag.  For running on a treadmill to be equivalent, we'd need a fan supply the headwind.

-----Original Message-----
From: phys-l-bounces@carnot.physics.buffalo.edu [mailto:phys-l-bounces@carnot.physics.buffalo.edu] On Behalf Of Hugh Haskell
Sent: Friday, May 09, 2008 9:09 AM
To: Forum for Physics Educators
Subject: Re: [Phys-l] treadmill vs open road

At 08:31  -0400 5/9/08, Brian Blais wrote:

> I can think of no difference in the physics between the
> two systems which would give rise to the different experiences.

How about this. On a treadmill your upper body undergoes essentially
no horizontal motion or acceleration, so your legs are essentially
required to move only their own mass and not the mass of your upper
body. Thus running on a treadmill is less work than running on a road
or track.

I'm not a runner of any sort, but I have used a treadmill on occasion
for walking exercise, and I find that I can sustain a considerably
higher rate of "motion" on a treadmill than I can when walking, even
on a level path. On a treadmill, the "normal" walking speed of about
2.5 mph seems quite slow, and I can easily maintain a speed of close
to 4 mph--one that would leave me panting and exhausted after a short
time on a walking trail.

Hugh
--

************************************************************
Hugh Haskell
<mailto:haskell@ncssm.edu>
<mailto:hhaskell@mindspring.com>

(919) 467-7610

Hard work often pays off after time. But Laziness always pays off now.

                        February tagline on 2007 Demotivator's Calendar
_______________________________________________
Forum for Physics Educators
Phys-l@carnot.physics.buffalo.edu
https://carnot.physics.buffalo.edu/mailman/listinfo/phys-l