Lots of people these days get their exercise at gyms and health clubs, oftentimes by walking or running on treadmills—that is to say, running without going anywhere. If you've ever been on a treadmill for some time and then suddenly stepped off it, you've probably experienced the weird sensation that you are suddenly moving much faster than you think you should be. Why?

In simple terms, your brain tells itself: this is how fast objects move by when I'm walking at this rate, as opposed to what was formerly the case. That means when you step off the treadmill and begin actually moving through space again, your recalibrated brain is now sent the incorrect message that you have suddenly increased your speed significantly. Once again, what the legs say and what the eyes say is out of sync. The sensation of accelerated motion is only temporary, though, and the ever-adaptable brain soon readjusts itself once more—until the next time you step up on that rolling, immobile track.

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