Most people have no idea how long it takes to walk 3 miles on a treadmill. They may think that they can do it in 30 minutes or less, but this is often not the case.
In this article, we will explore how long it takes to walk 3 miles on a treadmill and some tips for doing so safely and effectively. We’ll also provide advice for those who feel like they’re overdoing it while walking on a treadmill. Finally, we’ll offer some advice for resting after completing this distance.
How Long Will It Take To Walk for 3 Miles?
The time taken to walk three miles on a treadmill would vary from person to person. No single time interval can be universally applied for completing a three-mile walk or run on a treadmill.
The average person walking on a treadmill will walk 3 miles in 30-45 minutes, depending on their pace. Someone who is walking at a very slow pace may take up to an hour to walk 3 miles, while someone who is power walking or running may only take 20-30 minutes.
The time it takes to walk 3 miles also depends on the incline of the treadmill; the steeper the incline, the longer it will take to walk 3 miles. Finally, the speed of the treadmill belt also affects how long it will take to walk 3 miles; a slower belt requires more time, while a faster belt cuts down on the time needed.
In general, though, most people can expect to walk 3 miles in 30-45 minutes on a treadmill.
Consequently, as the speed increases, the total time walking decreases. Therefore, if one walks at a speed of 3.5 mph, the time taken to complete a three-mile walk becomes 51 minutes and 24 seconds. Each mile is completed in 17 minutes and 8 seconds. At the speed of 4 mph, it takes 45 minutes for one to complete a three-mile walk, each mile being walked in 15 minutes.
| Miles/ Hour (mph) | Minutes/ Mile | Time for 3 miles |
| 2.5 | 24:00 | 1h 12 min |
| 3.0 | 20:00 | 1h 0 min |
| 3.5 | 17:08 | 51:24 |
| 4.0 | 15:00 | 45:00 |
What Factors Affect Your 3 Mile Time?
The above data statistically illustrates how walking 3 miles on a treadmill can take 45 minutes to 1 hour 12 minutes. The time taken to cover an equal distance varies from person to person because there are a lot of factors that can affect the speed. The faster one runs, the more energy one consumes and covers a greater distance in a shorter time interval.
Speed is inversely proportional to the time taken.
Stamina and Fitness Level
However, running too fast without the required practice can result in early exhaustion. One may fail to complete a 3-mile run. One must run at the pace they are comfortable with and increase it gradually for optimum output. Starting one’s walk slowly can help them secure energy to complete a distance of three miles and get the most out of their exercise.
Most people put in maximum effort at the start of the walk. Their speed and stamina quickly decrease and they struggle to finish the distance. Tracking your speed every workout can help you get a comprehensive overview of your time on the treadmill.
Type of Treadmill and Incline
The type of treadmill also affects the duration of the walk. The treadmill’s inclination has direct consequences upon the time duration of the walk. Experiences of hiking or trekking are testimony to the fact that the inclination of the slope can increase the energy spent in coursing it and increase the time duration.
Even the slightest modification in inclination can drastically impact one’s time and stamina. One may gain a slower pace with an uphill inclination and complete a 3-mile distance by strolling. Or they may even choose a level surface and finish the walk faster.
Walking Speed
Walking speed is the biggest factor in time spent on the treadmill. If you are walking 3-miles at 3mph, which is the average for people in decent shape, then you’ll finish in 1 hour. Doing cardio exercises and training consistently will increase your walking speed and you’ll get above-average results. One method to increase your walking speed is to walk at an incline. This will train your body and muscles to walk faster once your treadmill is completely flat.
How Much Walking Is Safe?
There is no right or wrong to the question of how much walking is safe.
For some health buffs out there, they do a minimum of 10,000 steps a day to stay fit while others struggle to complete even half. Stamina for walking is built up over time. As with any form of exercise, there is such a thing as too much walking especially if your body is not trained for it. Walking too much can lead to overuse injuries, such as shin splints, blisters, and a host of other problems.
So how much walking is safe?
The general rule of thumb, start by walking no more than 30 minutes per day, or about 2 miles. This may not seem like much, but it is enough to get the heart rate up and provide a good workout. If you are looking to increase your mileage, it is best to do so gradually, adding no more than 10% per week. By following these guidelines, you can safely enjoy the many benefits of walking without putting yourself at risk for injury.
Try our couch to 5K Treadmill Plan.
Last Words
3 miles on a treadmill is a great way to have consistency in your daily exercises. It will also be a great benchmark for monitoring your overall walking stamina and progress. And most importantly, it is a safe distance for beginners.
The best way to complete 3 miles is by starting slow and gradually picking up the pace as your body gets used to it. Remember to focus on your form and breathing, and before you know it, you’ll be done in no time!
Oh and If you have a small space, try going for a low-profile treadmill ideal for situations like these.
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