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Treadmill Purchase

  • 23-11-2009 5:12pm
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,087 ✭✭✭


    Thinking of investing in a treadmill (ideally 2nd hand) and I know a few on here use regularly (SJ, Woddle, Tunguska - to name a few).
    What are the key things to look out for, spec, functionality, brand, etc?

    Thanks in advance

    Dom


«13

Comments

  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2,120 ✭✭✭Gringo78


    Would be interested in the replies to this as looking for one myself. Are the ones in the price range 300-600euro any good quality wise? I reckon I could live with a max speed of 13km/hr (7:25 ml pace) as I would only be using it for easy/recovery runs.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,817 ✭✭✭pebbles21


    I got one on adverts.ie if your interested ;)


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 466 ✭✭thirstywork


    pm me if you are intersted in a treadmill.;)


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 6,492 ✭✭✭Woddle


    A treadmill is a great investment, I paid around 1100 maybe more at the time, only needed to be serviced once and I've had it about 7 years now. The main thing you want is that it looks strong, that it folds up (to avoid OH giving out) and that it can go to at least 10 mph and 10% grade. Mine is part of the Horizon series and is model Ti21 and would highly recommend it, I think I bought it in Elverys, can't remember. It also has a 3 level fan as it can get quite warm in your house.
    I know it says its discontinued but at least you can use this info to compare to others, I must add the reason mine needed to be serviced was cause I lent it to my 6ft5 mate who wanted to get in shape for his wedding, he was about 17-18 stone.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,441 ✭✭✭Slogger Jogger


    Budget was a key factor when I purchased as was speed. I went for a proform TM that could reach 16kph, not that I often go that fast myself, but I wanted a machine with a limit higher than I normally go to. I purchased from the health shop link on vhi.ie. The same model was available through Elvery's shops. Can't remember what I paid. I am on my 3rd model though. Motor packed up on 1 and the running board broke on the 2nd one, so it doesn't say much for the quality of the build. However, numero 3 is going well (for more than a year) and the customer service I got when I had issues with the earlier editions was pretty good.

    It goes without saying that you need room for it. We've moved our TM a few times and its 'hidden' in the corner of the living room surrounded by a screen. My OH hates it but no other room can take it - ideally you'd have a garage or another downstairs room with space. These things are heavy so you can't really have them upstairs. They are noisy too. You've been warned.


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  • Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 20,366 Mod ✭✭✭✭RacoonQueen


    That's exactly what I was going to ask about SJ, the noise. We have a massive back garden here so I considered buying a nice new shed to put a gym in but I figured the shed wouldn't hide the noise of the treadmill. The noise of them is probably silenced out in gyms by people, music and other equipment so I presume I'd need more than just a wooden shed.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,441 ✭✭✭Slogger Jogger


    Its hard to gauge the decibel level to be honest. I usually turn up the stereo when I'm running on it to drown it out / compensate :). Having a detached house helps. If you're running hard you're creating a decent pounding noise, which if you were in a shed could fairly bounce the shed around if it wasn't on solid foundations. Most sheds are put on a few bricks. Treadmills are heavy - requiring 2 people to shift them, so pick your site carefully.

    The slight advantage with the TM I have is that it tilts upright when its not being used. Even then though it takes up a 3ft x 3ft footprint I reckon.

    That said, its a great fallback for training and I'm never stuck.. I can't have an easy off day if the weather is cat.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 642 ✭✭✭Sub430


    Got mine from NI, free delivery. The motor was damaged after a couple of months so they sent somebody to repair it, since then it has been hassle free for the past year.

    11mph top speed with incline from 0 to 12. Very happy with it, not that noisy either - on wheels so easy to move, comes flat packed but if I can put it together than anyone can. It also folds for storage.

    http://www.scorpionfitness.co.uk/new/product_info.php?cPath=36_52&products_id=152

    I dealt with Richard, very helpful over phone and email.

    No connection just a satisfied customer.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 92 ✭✭Awful Scut Mk2


    What about repetitive strain? Long thought about a treadmill but never actually went and got one for that very reason.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 5,096 ✭✭✭--amadeus--


    Am I right that 11mph is 5:30 min / mile pace (more or less)?


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 642 ✭✭✭Sub430


    What about repetitive strain? Long thought about a treadmill but never actually went and got one for that very reason.

    You do seem to use the same muscles all the time on a treadmill if just going on the same gradient unlike outdoors where the surface is ever changing and hence different muscles are utilised. On longer runs on the treadmill my hips give me jip but then I tend to do my long runs outside anymore. I stick to the treadmill for hills and intervals.

    I didn't use the treadmill from March this year until last week so it is really just used in the really bad weather - stops me making excuses not to go for a run. Wuss.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 642 ✭✭✭Sub430


    Am I right that 11mph is 5:30 min / mile pace (more or less)?

    Yep, I make it 5:27 min/mile - I'll let you know when I get to that speed.;)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 155 ✭✭Raging_Hull


    My brother just took delivery of this one today from Argos which is half price at the moment:

    http://www.argos.ie/static/Product/partNumber/3357444/Trail/searchtext%3ETREADMILLS.htm

    We put it together in about 10 minutes and it does seem like a good sturdy contraption. Great value for the price.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,070 ✭✭✭neilc


    Sub430 wrote: »
    Got mine from NI, free delivery. The motor was damaged after a couple of months so they sent somebody to repair it, since then it has been hassle free for the past year.

    11mph top speed with incline from 0 to 12. Very happy with it, not that noisy either - on wheels so easy to move, comes flat packed but if I can put it together than anyone can. It also folds for storage.

    http://www.scorpionfitness.co.uk/new/product_info.php?cPath=36_52&products_id=152

    I dealt with Richard, very helpful over phone and email.

    No connection just a satisfied customer.

    I'm actually waiting for delivery of this exact model at the moment. I plan to use it upstairs but am now a bit concerned based on one of the comments here. Is it really not possible.
    Neil


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19,550 ✭✭✭✭Krusty_Clown


    Not being show-off'ish, but 13kph isn't great. If you plan on doing intervals or tempo runs etc. you'll need something that goes a little quicker.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 162 ✭✭bourne99


    Your own treadmill!?! That's cheating!!! You guys are cheaters..


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,365 ✭✭✭hunnymonster


    woddle, is the treadmill loud enough to wake children (shift workers?) We put a spinning bike in the living room and I've found i'm using it a lot. It got me thinking that I might use a treadmill too. especially as we've been told the gym might be closed up to 6 months after the floods.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,378 ✭✭✭asimonov


    woddle, is the treadmill loud enough to wake children (shift workers?) We put a spinning bike in the living room and I've found i'm using it a lot. It got me thinking that I might use a treadmill too. especially as we've been told the gym might be closed up to 6 months after the floods.

    i know you can buy them cheap second hand, but there are few places on line where you can rent them as well. It might be worth considering before committing to a lifetime of ownership.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 642 ✭✭✭Sub430


    neilc wrote: »
    I'm actually waiting for delivery of this exact model at the moment. I plan to use it upstairs but am now a bit concerned based on one of the comments here. Is it really not possible.
    Neil

    We're in a new build and had thought about putting it upstairs so had a word with the architect as we were worried about the weight. He said there would be no problem apart from the noise downstairs during use. Just to let you know this treadmill is very heavy and quite bulky so it could be difficult to actually get upstairs.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,184 ✭✭✭El Director


    Bought a Reebok Fusion 4 weeks ago in VJ's Fitness Coolmine for €800 even though Argos were selling the same treadmill for €1400, i kid you not! They had new stock just coming in so i guess i was lucky. It is a fantastic machine, well built, top speed 16km/hr and 10 levels of incline. Delighted with it, here is a link to it http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/3355707/gotoTab/reviews.htm, i see argos have it down to €1,000 now. By the way when i went to buy i said i had a budget of €500 but i could not find a decent one for that price. Also make sure the running base is long enough and try it out before hand if possible.


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 6,492 ✭✭✭Woddle


    woddle, is the treadmill loud enough to wake children (shift workers?) We put a spinning bike in the living room and I've found i'm using it a lot. It got me thinking that I might use a treadmill too. especially as we've been told the gym might be closed up to 6 months after the floods.

    Where I have mine it wouldn't wake the kids, it's downstairs in the opposite side of the house and causes no problems, I personally don't think its that noisey, My wife can still watch the telly comfortably in the room beside me without having to turn it up. Oh and my kids would sleep through anything anyway


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2,612 ✭✭✭gerard65


    Are treadmills a bit like gym memberships - used enthusiasticlly for about four weeks and then forgotten about. I'm sure you could pick one up second hand - nearly new:)


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 6,492 ✭✭✭Woddle


    gerard65 wrote: »
    Are treadmills a bit like gym memberships - used enthusiasticlly for about four weeks and then forgotten about. I'm sure you could pick one up second hand - nearly new:)

    I don't think so, a super training aid, nearlly as good as the garmin although asiminov made a good point about renting first.


  • Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 20,366 Mod ✭✭✭✭RacoonQueen


    I think I'd rather have a cross trainer or a rower in the house for non-running days. At this time of year I make excuses TO run which is why I don't go to the gym as much. I really like the idea of a spin bike though especially for winter.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 499 ✭✭asdfgh86


    I bought a really cheap one years ago, thinking it was a bargain. Turns out it wasn't even electric. You just mead the tread go round by running on it. It was rubbish.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 250 ✭✭Salty Dog


    woddle, is the treadmill loud enough to wake children (shift workers?) We put a spinning bike in the living room and I've found i'm using it a lot. It got me thinking that I might use a treadmill too. especially as we've been told the gym might be closed up to 6 months after the floods.

    HM,
    I'm on my second treadie now and neither have woken the kids. I've done sessions at 5:30am and they've not heard a thing.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,558 ✭✭✭Peckham


    Tempo runs on treadmills - what do others think of this?

    Have a 4 mile tempo run scheduled this evening, but wind is howling out there and would rather not be trying to hold tempo pace while facing into the wind (it's quite exposed around where I run).

    Was going to go to the gym to do it instead. Would involve 25 mins at 6:15/mile pace. So, if I stick the treadmill on 15km/h on a 1% incline, is this on a par with what I'd be getting on the road?

    Wouldn't be a longterm solution for me. Am generally reluctant to do anything other than recovery runs on the treadmill.


  • Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 20,366 Mod ✭✭✭✭RacoonQueen


    I usually do treadmill runs at 2%, then I find treadmills ridiclously boring so I usually wouldn't last very long. Only time I ever use treadmills is for interval training or doing pyramids.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,087 ✭✭✭BeepBeep67


    Not seeing great bargains in the used sections, considering warranty, etc.
    At the mo have narrowed to these 2:
    Powertrack - €578 (free delivery)
    Horizon - €599 (€30 delivery)


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 642 ✭✭✭Sub430


    Peckham wrote: »
    Was going to go to the gym to do it instead. Would involve 25 mins at 6:15/mile pace. So, if I stick the treadmill on 15km/h on a 1% incline, is this on a par with what I'd be getting on the road?

    Treadmill pace convertor and some opinions on treadmill running here

    http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055726692&highlight=treadmill


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 250 ✭✭Salty Dog


    Peckham wrote: »
    So, if I stick the treadmill on 15km/h on a 1% incline, is this on a par with what I'd be getting on the road?

    I've found that if I set the incline to either 2% or 3% it's closer to the road.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2,120 ✭✭✭Gringo78


    BeepBeep67 wrote: »
    Not seeing great bargains in the used sections, considering warranty, etc.
    At the mo have narrowed to these 2:
    Powertrack - €578 (free delivery)
    Horizon - €599 (€30 delivery)

    Looked at the manual for the horizon last night and it looks very good....recordable programs which would be very good for specific types of interval or hills programs that you use. Strongly thinking of thehorizon now myself.


  • Subscribers Posts: 19,425 ✭✭✭✭Oryx


    I have a proform for a good few years now, I used it a lot for the first couple of years, but now I run outside a lot, and I hate the treadmill in comparison. Im slower and find it harder on there.

    I used to have mine upstairs, and it was noisy, did wake the kids, and cracked the plaster ceiling below it. So its been moved down. I need the tv up very loud if I want to watch it, and that alone would wake my kids!

    It is a handy piece of kit for the really lousy days or late nights when its not safe to venture out. The main advice thats given when your buying, is look for a powerful motor, above all else. After that, check for speed, whether it does gradient, weight allowance, does it fold, and warranty.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 6,492 ✭✭✭Woddle


    Peckham wrote: »
    Tempo runs on treadmills - what do others think of this?

    Have a 4 mile tempo run scheduled this evening, but wind is howling out there and would rather not be trying to hold tempo pace while facing into the wind (it's quite exposed around where I run).

    Was going to go to the gym to do it instead. Would involve 25 mins at 6:15/mile pace. So, if I stick the treadmill on 15km/h on a 1% incline, is this on a par with what I'd be getting on the road?

    Wouldn't be a longterm solution for me. Am generally reluctant to do anything other than recovery runs on the treadmill.

    No reason why you can't do tempos on the treadmill, 1% works great for me but I also pay more attention to my HR monitor and that will determine mph.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 4,832 ✭✭✭littlebug


    No matter how small the treadmill looks in the shop or catalogue either out flat or folded up it will look twice as big in your front room. I had a nice space behind a door allocated for mine :rolleyes:
    I have a reebok i run http://www.amazon.co.uk/Reebok-I-Run-Treadmill/dp/B000OT8J5A which tbh I'm not sure I'd recommend. it's grand for me but I'm never going to run really fast and I'm not terribly bothered about elevation..... it has 2 manual settings... ie not elevated or elevated and it doesn't say what % elevation it is. I just know it feels really really hard. OH uses it alright though. It also seems to measure only in miles.
    Criticisms aside we do use it a lot but we're not "serious runners";) It is noisy but I keep the music louder and once the door is closed it doesn't bother the kids. I don't think having it upstairs would be an option unless you have concrete floors.

    ETA I've just noticed in the link I've put in there that the incline levels are 1% and 4%. It doesn't say that in the manual. now I don't know if the default is 1% or if I just haven't figured out how to set it at 1% :rolleyes:


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,830 ✭✭✭catweazle


    Lads you are fountains of knowledge on treadmills and apoligies for hijacking the thread but quick question have this gym challenge on friday, run, bike and row and I was just wondering about the exercise bike (never used one), if I increase the resistance does it increase the speed or am I as well off pedalling like a madman in the easiest gear


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2,612 ✭✭✭gerard65


    catweazle wrote: »
    Lads you are fountains of knowledge on treadmills and apoligies for hijacking the thread but quick question have this gym challenge on friday, run, bike and row and I was just wondering about the exercise bike (never used one), if I increase the resistance does it increase the speed or am I as well off pedalling like a madman in the easiest gear

    You'll have to try out different resistance to find the one you like. Somewhere around halfway. Increase the resistance does not increase speed and pedalling like mad will leave you wrecked very quickly.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,558 ✭✭✭Peckham


    Tried my tempo run on the treadmill this evening. Felt much easier than on the road, yet my HR was sufficiently raised up to around 93% max towards the end. Did 4 miles averaging at 6:20/mile (or 6,400m at about 15.2km/h according to the treadmill). Kept the incline at 1.5, think I'll push it up to 2.0 next time.

    Think I've found myself a handy way to get my speedwork done during the disgusting conditions like this evening. Nice gentle jog to/from the gym as warmup/cooldown.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 250 ✭✭Salty Dog


    Peckham wrote: »
    Tried my tempo run on the treadmill this evening. Felt much easier than on the road, yet my HR was sufficiently raised up to around 93% max towards the end. Did 4 miles averaging at 6:20/mile (or 6,400m at about 15.2km/h according to the treadmill). Kept the incline at 1.5, think I'll push it up to 2.0 next time.

    Did you find it much of a difference ? I've found that at times the boredom factor/constant pace can become an issue and that it becomes a mental battle not to hit the big red stop button.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,558 ✭✭✭Peckham


    Found it much easier than the roads. Gym was very busy, and had pumping music so think that kept me going. Couldn't do more than one or two runs a week there, but it's a good option.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,312 ✭✭✭hot to trot


    I would have been stuck without my home treaddie but the other night it just wouldnt work. All the buttons were fine and the incline went up and down but the belt just wouldnt work. Any idea where I should enquire to get it fixed.?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 250 ✭✭Salty Dog


    I would have been stuck without my home treaddie but the other night it just wouldnt work. All the buttons were fine and the incline went up and down but the belt just wouldnt work. Any idea where I should enquire to get it fixed.?

    You could try vj fitness in Blanch. Might be the motor that's knackered.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 6,492 ✭✭✭Woddle


    I would have been stuck without my home treaddie but the other night it just wouldnt work. All the buttons were fine and the incline went up and down but the belt just wouldnt work. Any idea where I should enquire to get it fixed.?

    I can highly recommend Sean http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055670187


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,841 ✭✭✭Running Bing


    Peckham wrote: »
    Found it much easier than the roads. Gym was very busy, and had pumping music so think that kept me going. Couldn't do more than one or two runs a week there, but it's a good option.

    I did a tempo on the treadmill for the first time last week and I had a similiar experience.

    I would never use one for intervals/speedwork and Id even be reluctant to do easy/recovery miles on it but I reckon its perfect for tempo runs.

    The whole point of a tempo run is to get the HR into a particular range and keep it there and at this time of year there's no better way of doing that for me other than on a treadmill. Plan to do another one on the treadmill in the morning.

    Will probably revert back to outdoors during the spring/summer but when the wind is howling and its pitch dark I feel the treadmill is a more effective way for me to achieve what I want.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,070 ✭✭✭neilc


    Sub430 wrote: »
    Got mine from NI, free delivery. The motor was damaged after a couple of months so they sent somebody to repair it, since then it has been hassle free for the past year.

    11mph top speed with incline from 0 to 12. Very happy with it, not that noisy either - on wheels so easy to move, comes flat packed but if I can put it together than anyone can. It also folds for storage.

    http://www.scorpionfitness.co.uk/new/product_info.php?cPath=36_52&products_id=152

    I dealt with Richard, very helpful over phone and email.

    No connection just a satisfied customer.
    neilc wrote: »
    I'm actually waiting for delivery of this exact model at the moment. I plan to use it upstairs but am now a bit concerned based on one of the comments here. Is it really not possible.
    Neil

    Hi having taken delivery of the above treadmill today I've abandoned all thoughts of having it upstairs. It's a monster of a machine. I'll have to make space in the garage for it as there's no room downstairs in the house. I just did a half mile on it so far and seems very sturdy.
    Neil


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 466 ✭✭thirstywork


    Salty Dog wrote: »
    You could try vj fitness in Blanch. Might be the motor that's knackered.
    didnt they got bust?
    new place opened beside the red cow looks very good.some quality spin bikes there.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,184 ✭✭✭El Director


    nope they are still in business, bought a treadmill last month from them....see page two of this thread re it. very happy with the guys there, i found them a gret help.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,087 ✭✭✭BeepBeep67


    I'm (me and the OH) now the proud owner of brand spanking new Horizon II Treadie.
    Have to say great service from Elvery's fab, called me twice to confirm delivery and arrived within 5 mins of the agreed time - how cool is that.
    Just need to put it together later and take it for a test spin :D.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,087 ✭✭✭BeepBeep67


    Yahoba - T minus 55mins:
    4194804283_4529208650.jpg


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 6,492 ✭✭✭Woddle


    I hope you have an entertainment system with surround sound setup on the wall in front of you, glad to see you went with the horizon, looks good.


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