If you’ve ever wondered ‘how fast is 38 mph on a treadmill,’ you’re thinking about some serious speed. This isn’t your average jogging pace; it’s an extreme velocity that pushes the limits of most commercial equipment and human capability. Let’s break down what this speed really means and whether it’s even possible for you to try.
How Fast Is 38 MPH On A Treadmill
To understand 38 mph, we need to put it into perspective. Most treadmills you’ll find in a typical gym have a maximum speed between 10 and 12 mph. Elite models might reach 15 or 20 mph. So, 38 mph is nearly double the top speed of the most powerful home treadmills and far beyond standard gym models.
In real-world terms, 38 mph is incredibly fast. It’s the speed of a baseball pitch from a major league pitcher. It’s faster than the top sprinting speed of the world’s quickest land animal, the cheetah, which averages about 60-70 mph but in short bursts. For a human, it’s simply not attainable. The fastest recorded human sprint speed belongs to Usain Bolt, who reached approximately 27.8 mph during his 100-meter world record.
Why 38 MPH is a Treadmill Extreme
There are several key reasons why 38 mph is considered an extreme setting.
- Equipment Limits: Very few treadmills are built to handle this velocity. It requires a heavy-duty motor, a reinforced deck, and specialized belts to prevent dangerous slippage or failure.
- Safety Risks: At that speed, a single misstep or loss of balance could result in a catastrophic fall. The ejection force would be tremendous, likely causing severe injury.
- Human Physiology: Our muscles and nervous system are not designed to move our legs in a running motion at that rate. The stride mechanics break down long before reaching 38 mph.
What Treadmill Speeds Are Actually Used?
Since 38 mph is not a practical or safe speed for training, let’s look at common treadmill speed ranges and their purposes. This will help you gauge where your own workouts fit in.
- 2-4 mph: A comfortable walking pace. Ideal for warm-ups, cool-downs, or incline walking.
- 4-5 mph: A brisk walk or very slow jog. Great for endurance and fat-burning zones.
- 5-7 mph: A steady jogging or running pace. This is where many people do their cardio workouts.
- 7-9 mph: A fast run. Challenging for most recreational runners.
- 10-12 mph: Sprinting. This is the max speed for many treadmills and is used for high-intensity interval training (HIIT) by advanced athletes.
- 12+ mph: Elite sprint training. Only possible on specialized treadmills, often used by professional sprinters and football players.
How to Safely Increase Your Treadmill Speed
Instead of aiming for an impossible 38 mph, focus on safely improving your own top speed. Here’s a step-by-step guide.
- Master Your Form: Ensure you have a efficient running posture. Look forward, keep your shoulders relaxed, and land with your foot under your body. Good form prevents injury and makes you more efficient.
- Use the Safety Clip: Always attach the emergency stop clip to your clothing. If you fall, it will pull the key and stop the belt immediately. This is non-negotiable for speed work.
- Start with Intervals: Don’t just crank the speed dial. Add short, 30-second sprints at a faster pace into your regular run, with 2-3 minutes of walking or jogging in between.
- Increase Gradually: Each week, you can slightly increase your sprint speed or the duration of your fast intervals. A good rule is not to increase your total high-speed volume by more than 10% per week.
- Build Strength: Incorporate leg strength training off the treadmill. Exercises like squats, lunges, and plyometrics will make your muscles more powerful and capable of handling higher speeds.
- Listen to Your Body: Pain is a signal to stop. Pushing through sharp pain, especially in joints, can lead to long-term injuries that set you back for months.
Understanding Treadmill Speed Settings
Treadmills often display speed in miles per hour (mph). Some may also use minutes per mile or kilometers per hour. Knowing how to convert these can help you understand your pace better. For example, 6 mph equals a 10-minute mile. A speed of 38 mph equates to a pace of about 1 minute and 34 seconds per mile—a pace no human can match.
It’s also important to note that treadmill running can feel different than outdoor running. The belt assists with leg turnover, and there’s no wind resistance. Some advanced treadmills adjust for this, but most do not. This is why your top speed on a treadmill might be slightly higher than on the road.
Real-World Applications of High-Speed Treadmills
While 38 mph is extreme, high-speed treadmills (those going 25+ mph) do have specific, professional uses. They are found in sports science labs, professional athletic training facilities, and physical therapy centers.
- Biomechanical Analysis: Scientists use them to study sprint form and gait at very high velocities.
- Elite Sport Training: Professional sprinters, bobsledders, and football players use them for overspeed training, where the treadmill belt pulls their legs faster than they could move them naturally to improve neuromuscular coordination.
- Rehabilitation: Under strict supervision, they can be used to retrain running mechanics after an injury in a controlled environment.
Key Safety Tips for Fast Treadmill Running
Whenever you’re pushing your speed limits, safety must come first. Neglecting these can lead to accidents, even at much lower speeds than 38 mph.
- Always use the safety clip. It’s the most important feature on the machine.
- Start the belt at a slow speed while standing on the side rails, then step on carefully.
- Don’t look down at your feet. This can throw off your balance and cause a fall.
- Keep the area behind the treadmill clear of any objects or people.
- Stay centered on the belt. Avoid drifting too far forward or back.
- If you need to stop quickly, don’t try to jump off. Straddle the belt by placing your feet on the side rails and then press stop.
Finding Your Maximum Safe Speed
Your maximum safe speed is personal and depends on your fitness level, experience, and goals. For most people, working in the 8-10 mph range for short intervals is a significant achievement. An experience runner might touch 12 mph. Only elite athletes on specialized equipment will go beyond that. The goal is progress, not reaching an arbitrary number like 38 mph.
FAQ: Treadmill Speed Questions Answered
What is the fastest treadmill speed ever made?
Some specialized force-instrumented treadmills used in research can exceed 40 mph. The Woodway Force 3.0, for example, is a commercial model that can reach 28 mph, which is still far below 38 mph for practical training.
Is running 10 mph on a treadmill fast?
Yes, running at 10 mph is very fast for most people. It equals a 6-minute mile pace, which is highly competitive. It’s a common max speed for many home and gym treadmills.
How do you calculate mph on a treadmill?
The treadmill’s computer does this for you. It measures how fast the belt is moving in miles per hour. If you’re curious, you can time how long it takes for a mark on the belt to complete a full revolution and calculate from there, but the display is usually accurate.
Can a human run 20 mph on a treadmill?
A very small number of elite sprinters can reach 20 mph on a high-speed treadmill for a very short burst. It is the absolute peak of human performance and requires years of dedicated training and the right genetics.
What’s more important, speed or incline?
Both have their place. Speed builds power and anaerobic capacity, while incline builds strength, endurance, and can be easier on the joints. A mix of both in your weekly routine is often the best approach for overall fitness.
In conclusion, while asking ‘how fast is 38 mph on a treadmill’ highlights a fascinating extreme, it’s not a realistic or safe goal for training. By focusing on safe progressions, proper form, and understanding your equipment’s limits, you can effectively use speed work to become a stronger, faster runner without ever needing to approach such dangerous velocities. Remember, the best speed for you is the one that challenges you safely and helps you meet your personal fitness goals.