There is an increase in potential energy when running on an inclined
treadmill; as you put you front foot forward onto the higher surface,
you are gaining potential energy; the same amount of potential energy
that you would if you were placing it to a higher point on an actual
hill. The difference is that on a treadmill it's immediately converted
into kinetic energy as it pushes the treadmill backwards.
I haven't done a vector diagram, but I expect that the amount of energy
required to stay in one place on an inclined treadmill is equivalent to
the amount of energy required to walk up a smooth, inclined surface.
Actually, I would say it takes more energy on the treadmill, because
it's so friggin' boring.
--
tholub - Kinetic Sculptor
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