What To Know
- This means that Strava cannot directly measure the distance you cover on a treadmill.
- A foot pod is a small device that attaches to your shoe and measures distance and pace.
- Can I use a foot pod with Strava to track treadmill miles.
For fitness enthusiasts, Strava has become an indispensable tool for tracking workouts, setting goals, and connecting with fellow athletes. However, one lingering question that often arises is: does Strava count treadmill miles? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the details of Strava’s tracking capabilities and explore the nuances of treadmill distance recording.
How Does Strava Track Activity?
Strava primarily relies on GPS data to track outdoor activities like running, cycling, and hiking. The GPS receiver in your smartphone or wearable device records your movement and provides Strava with precise location data. This data is then used to calculate distance, pace, and elevation gain.
Treadmill Miles: A Different Beast
Treadmill workouts, however, present a unique challenge for GPS tracking. Since treadmills are stationary, they do not generate GPS data. This means that Strava cannot directly measure the distance you cover on a treadmill.
Strava’s Solution: Manual Entry
Recognizing the importance of treadmill workouts, Strava allows users to manually enter their distance and other workout details. This feature enables you to log your treadmill miles and still reap the benefits of Strava’s tracking and analysis capabilities.
Steps for Manually Entering Treadmill Miles
1. Start a Treadmill Activity: Open the Strava app and select “Treadmill” as the activity type.
2. Record Your Workout: Begin your treadmill workout and keep track of the distance you cover on the treadmill’s display.
3. Enter Your Distance: Once you’ve completed your workout, tap on the “Finish” button in the Strava app.
4. Edit Distance: In the “Activity Summary” screen, tap on the “Distance” field. Enter the distance you covered on the treadmill.
5. Save Your Activity: Tap on the “Save” button to record your treadmill workout in Strava.
Benefits of Manually Entering Treadmill Miles
By manually entering your treadmill miles, you can:
- Track your progress and set goals for treadmill workouts.
- Compare your treadmill performance to outdoor activities.
- Share your treadmill workouts with friends and fellow athletes.
- Earn Strava kudos and achievements for completing treadmill runs.
Limitations of Manual Entry
While manual entry allows you to track treadmill miles, it has some limitations:
- Accuracy: Manually entered distance relies on your own accuracy in reading the treadmill display.
- Pace and Elevation: Strava cannot calculate pace or elevation gain for treadmill workouts logged manually.
- Segment Data: Strava segments are not available for treadmill workouts.
Alternative Tracking Options
If manual entry is not your preferred method, there are alternative ways to track treadmill miles:
- Foot Pod: A foot pod is a small device that attaches to your shoe and measures distance and pace.
- Smart Treadmill: Some treadmills have built-in GPS or Bluetooth connectivity that allows them to send data directly to Strava.
- Third-Party Apps: There are third-party apps that can track treadmill workouts and sync the data with Strava.
Summary: Strava and Treadmill Miles
Strava does not directly count treadmill miles via GPS. However, by manually entering your distance, you can still track your treadmill workouts and benefit from Strava’s features. While manual entry has its limitations, it remains a convenient and effective way to record your treadmill progress.
What You Need to Know
Q: Can I use a foot pod with Strava to track treadmill miles?
A: Yes, foot pods can be used with Strava to measure distance and pace for treadmill workouts.
Q: Why doesn’t Strava automatically track treadmill miles?
A: Treadmills are stationary, so they do not generate GPS data that Strava can use to measure distance.
Q: Can I still earn Strava achievements for treadmill workouts?
A: Yes, you can earn Strava kudos and achievements for completing treadmill runs by manually entering your distance.
Q: How accurate is manual entry of treadmill miles?
A: The accuracy of manual entry depends on your ability to read the treadmill display precisely.
Q: Are there any other apps that can track treadmill miles and sync with Strava?
A: Yes, there are several third-party apps that offer treadmill tracking and Strava integration.
