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Buying a Treadmill Guide Ireland

Buying a Treadmill Guide Ireland

Step on a treadmill and you're stepping on to the hottest piece of fitness equipment in the country.

Since 1990, home treadmills have outsold every other piece of fitness equipment on the market - that's why we've created this information for buying a treadmill in Ireland. 

Check out our treadmill range HERE: 
Studies published in the Journal of the American Medical Association show treadmills burn more calories per hour than any other piece of fitness equipment tested.

Throw in the convenience factor - no foul weather, mad dogs, strangers or potholes - and you've got an ideal solution for successful home fitness.

buying a treadmill
Here are some things to keep in mind when shopping for a treadmill:

Buying a Treadmill: Motors 

The motor is the heart of your treadmill.

Most good machines have at least a 1.5-horsepower continuous-duty motor. Heavier runners may want to step up to a 2 or 3-HP model.

CHP vs HP: Know the Difference.

Treadmill motors are rated by the amount of horsepower they provide.

The higher the horsepower (HP) rating, the larger and more powerful the motor.

Some treadmills are rated at continuous-duty horsepower (CHP). A 2.0 CHP motor is actually more powerful than a 2.0 HP motor. For details, see below:

Continuous Duty Horsepower

A measurement of the motor's ability to maintain a listed HP over an extended period of time.

This test is considered the most accurate indicator of motor output, because it is performed at the voltage used in application by the particular motor. Typical voltages range from 96 to 130 volts (DC).

Horsepower

A calculation of the motor's maximum horsepower. This provides no measure of the motor's HP over an extended period of time. Experts agree that continuous-duty ratings are the more accurate indicator of true performance.

buying a treadmill

Buying a Treadmill: Making Strides

Your treadmill's running surface is comprised of the treadbelt and deck.

The best possible decks provide plenty of shock absorption and cushioning for your knees and ankles. This is done with rubber or polymer cushions placed under the deck.
The treadbelt should be long enough for you to comfortably take your longest stride. A safe bet is usually 48 inches.

A belt width of 17 to 20 inches is a good range to compensate for the natural side-to-side movement of runners.

Buying a Treadmill: Key Features

Features on treadmills are as varied as the people that use them. Here's a short list of the best bells and whistles.

Incline

Uphill running is an effective way to do real-world training for marathons or just get a killer workout.

Incline ranges on most treadmills run from 1% to 15%. Make sure your machine offers a range to suit your personal running patterns.

Vital Displays

To get an efficient workout, it's important to track your progress.

Speed, distance, time-they're all important. Make sure your treadmill has these three at the minimum.

Other displays can include pulse, incline percentage and even calories burned.

Heart Rate Monitors

Many treadmills come equipped with heart rate monitors of one kind or another. Heart rate sensors produce maximum workout efficiency by keeping you at your optimum heart rate.

Of all the models, chest straps are most accurate, followed by the thumb and ear clip sensors.

Back to Buying Guides
Back to Treadmills

This Buying Guide gives general advice on Treadmills. It is intended as a guide only and we always recommend visiting one of our stores and talking to the experts in our sales team if in any doubt about what to buy.

buying a treadmill