Apple Watch Series 1 - Distance Incorrect?

[Ace2617]

I just got an Apple Watch series 1, my first apple watch.

I went to the gym and just did a simple treadmill workout. When the treadmill said I had reached one mile, I glanced down at my apple watch, which I had set for an indoor workout. It said my distance was only 0.49 of a mile -- so less than half of what the treadmill reported.

Is there a way to correct this? I did a quick google search, and one of the recommendations is to reset the calibration data.

I'm just confused because the difference in the treadmill and watch distance was over half of a mile. Should I just reset the calibration data, or does anyone have any other suggestions?

Thanks.

 

[ApfelKuchen]

When you're on a treadmill there's no useful GPS data - the estimation of distance traveled depends almost solely on your estimated length of stride, multiplied by the number of strides. I'd suggest resetting your calibration data while walking/running on solid ground (road, track, path, etc.) - follow the recommendations in this article https://support.apple.com/HT204516

 

[Ace2617]

When you're on a treadmill there's no useful GPS data - the estimation of distance traveled depends almost solely on your estimated length of stride, multiplied by the number of strides. I'd suggest resetting your calibration data while walking/running on solid ground (road, track, path, etc.) - follow the recommendations in this article https://support.apple.com/HT204516

That makes a lot of sense. I'll check out that article and follow the steps. Thanks for your response!

 

[batting1000]

I doubt the distance is going to be very accurate for any device when you’re running on a treadmill except for the treadmill itself. You’re basically stationary, not moving forwards, etc, so there’s no way for the device to even really estimate how far you’re going properly, because you’re not really going anywhere. It’s probably just doing the best than it can based on accelerometer data.

 

[Donfor39]

I'll mention that treadmill calorie count from se1 is exactly as treadmill display
I've never thought of referring distance-maybeI'll have a check tomorrow.

 

[Ace2617]

I doubt the distance is going to be very accurate for any device when you’re running on a treadmill except for the treadmill itself. You’re basically stationary, not moving forwards, etc, so there’s no way for the device to even really estimate how far you’re going properly, because you’re not really going anywhere. It’s probably just doing the best than it can based on accelerometer data.

I was telling a friend about this earlier today and he mentioned the same thing: you don't physically move forward on a treadmill, so it might be tough for the watch to accurately tell. It actually makes a lot of sense, although to be honest I hadn't considered that before this lol. I'll do my next workout outside, and see how it goes. Thanks for your response.

I'll mention that treadmill calorie count from se1 is exactly as treadmill display
I've never thought of referring distance-maybeI'll have a check tomorrow.

Yeah, if I remember correctly the calorie readings were very similar. I'm really enjoying it so far, I like having access to the various data metrics right on my wrist during workouts.