Bought a new treadmill – Ironman Envision

February 18, 2008

Bought a new treadmill – Ironman Envision

Filed under: Running — arungupta @ 12:02 am

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Finally bought a Treadmill – Ironman Envision!

I must say it’s turning out to be a great so far (in around 2 weeks) and I’m able to run regularly in spite of rain/chill in the morning. And moreover I can tune my workouts to the desired intensity. If you are in that market, it’s a big jungle out there – Treadmills range anywhere from $258.71 (Unbranded) to $5899 (True Fitness Excel 9.0) and probably more expensive ones as well. Here are some tips I found handy in order to buy a treadmill for home usage:

Here is the 3-step process I followed:

Identify the need – What purpose will the Treadmill serve ?

What will a typical running week look like ? How many miles ?
How many runners will use it ? – Just yourself, or spouse as well or may be a buddy or neighbor. Always plan for a little extra cause it may end up getting used if it’s in home
What is the weight of the biggest runner ? – Treadmills can handle certain normal weight reasonably well. You may as well need more professional support if you are above that weight limit anyway

Identify the model (within your budget). This is the most difficult step but if you’ve done the first step diligently, then this is much easier. This is mostly done by checking the online reviews at some of the websites mentioned below:

Treadmill Doctor

Best Buy Treadmill (classified by budget) – here, here, here, here,

Treadmill Adviser
Treadmill Tips
Treadmill Ratings, Reviews & Comparisons
Treadmill Comparison Charts
Just Treadmill Reviews
Treadmill Resource Center

Run on the exact Treadmill model (that you intend to buy) in a store. Even though this step is important before spending a high 3-figure or low 4-figure $$ but it may not be possible all times (for example in my case). Then you rely on online reviews & return policy of the store.

Post a question in Runners World Forum if you have any doubts or clarifications or seeking particular model comparison.

Here are some of the joys of this machine:

The installation was really smooth with well guided instructions. It took me around 90 minutes from opening the box to get the machine running. The first nut took some time and then it was seamless.
The speed and incline controls on handle bars are really useful.
One-touch speed and incline controls are very useful too.
MP3 input keeps you occupied for some time but it takes some experimenting to figure out how exactly it works. Still need to hook up my TV.

The maximum distance I ran on this machine so far is 5 miles/40 minutes and it has behaved well! In all, I’ve spent approx 5 hours on this machine feeling happy. Few things that I don’t like:

Once the Stop button is hit, all the meters are reset to 0. A summary of results would be useful.
The speakers are not powerful enough, especially at higher speed the music is barely audible.
If the security key is detached, the belt comes to a sudden stop. This could be dangerous if you are running at a high speed.

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Comments (30)

30 Comments »

Congrats on your new toy. One slight warning, though: I don’t know if it was just me, but once I got used to treadmilling, I found it harder to run outside, as my knees can no longer handle outdoor running as well as they can handle the treadmill.

Comment by Glen — February 18, 2008 @ 5:35 pm
Thanks Glen, I hear you completely.

I ran 10 miles yesterday after running on treadmill for past few days and felt it. But I’d rather take care of my knees than running outside. My family is especially worried with my long distance road running

Comment by Arun Gupta — February 18, 2008 @ 9:11 pm
Envision is a decent buy. Wishing you healthy and long runs!

Comment by Adam — February 20, 2008 @ 10:53 pm
I just took delivery of the same treadmill. But my motor ticks, and when I increase the speed the ticking speeds up. I’m worried that sounds like a ticking time bomb.

Can you please email me an audio recording in mp3 format of what the treadmill sounds like with the machine operating alone without a person on it?

Is your machine running fine?

I just called the customer service and they’re going to have someone contact me in 72 hrs to setup an appointment and have replacement parts sent to me.

Comment by Fred — March 19, 2008 @ 7:30 pm
Fred,

I don’t hear any ticking and will post an MP3 when I reach home and get time, it might be few days though!

Getting it checked is always a better idea with lifetime motor & frame warranty.

-Arun

Comment by Arun Gupta — March 19, 2008 @ 7:36 pm
hi Varun,
I really dont know much about treadmills, but is it generally good to keep it in apartments? I mean how much noise can it create when one starts running….coz I just hope I dont get complaints if I use one. Does the noise level depend on treadmill brand too?

Comment by Sundeep Singh Nanua — March 29, 2008 @ 1:48 pm
Hi Arun,

I got the company to send a guy over. That ticking sound was actually the speed sensor being too close to the fan blade.

It’s fixed now and the treadmill is now wonderful. I’m enjoying it. Great purchase.

Comment by fred — March 30, 2008 @ 6:05 am
Fred,

I finally came home late Friday night and was planning to create the MP3 over the weekend. But glad the issue is now fixed.

-Arun

Comment by Arun Gupta — March 30, 2008 @ 3:47 pm
Hi Arun,

Please consider adding my site Treadmill Ratings and Review site to your list. I’ve worked in the fitness equipment industry for a number of years and provide detailed reviews that discuss the pros and cons of various treadmill models.

Thanks,

Comment by Fred Waters — April 1, 2008 @ 1:40 pm
Arun
Thanks for sharing your experiences.
I saw a great offer at Costco for this brand and am planning to go for one. The one advertised comes with a LCD TV panel and fan!
1) Are you still happy?
2) Are there any comparatives to index the cushioning factor? In otherwords which machine reduces damage to knees….
Thanks
The one

Comment by Sukumar — April 20, 2008 @ 1:37 pm
Sukumar,

I’ve been a road runner for past many years and really enjoying my treadmill. Specifically, I can now run in those cold winter days which used to keep me inside. Definitely a good buy, I still have to connect the TV though

In terms of index cushioning factor, it comes with TargetZone Deck Cushioning that gives you a feel from concrete running to soft treadmill. I’ve not tried changing it yet but have been generally happy with the performance.

A definite buy!

-Arun

Comment by Arun Gupta — April 21, 2008 @ 10:01 am
Now that you have the treadmill put it to use all day with a treadmill desk like TrekDesk. I work all day at my treadmill desk now and it has changed my life. You can find TrekDesk at its website by the same name.

Comment by Fergie — May 29, 2008 @ 5:13 pm
i didn’t read too many good comments about Iroman treadmills.

Comment by treadmill reviews — July 14, 2008 @ 4:25 am
Nice blog with all key links. I am going to buy one today! Hope this will last me longer than the Healthrider one.

Six months have passed since you bought the treadmill. With this hindsight you still think you made the right decision ?

Comment by Anil — August 4, 2008 @ 8:36 am
Anil,

We are very well enjoying the treadmill. Although I don’t use TV that much (neither it’s hooked up). So I think could’ve saved some money by waiting for the non-TV version. But I do hope to connect it one day and then it’ll completely worth it.

Comment by Arun Gupta — August 4, 2008 @ 8:48 am
What is helping the Ironman brand of treadmills to get into more homes is their lifetime frame and ten year motor warranty. A warranty such as this will certainly help you get the most for your money. However, if you’re spending your time calling the service man, how much running are you getting in?

Comment by Kevin from Treadmill Reviews — August 12, 2008 @ 9:36 am
Kevin, lifetime frame and 10-year motor warranty was certainly one of the big factors for me to pick Ironman. I’ve been happy with the treadmill so far but it’s barely 6 months I bought it. I expect it to be more heavily used during upcoming Fall/Winter time and then will be in a better position to qualify the machine.

Comment by Arun Gupta — August 12, 2008 @ 9:41 am
Hi Arun:
Could you please list our site http://www.treadmilltalk.com as a resource for treadmill reviews in Step 2 above. We have spent the last two years making this site a top reference for anyone interested in buying a treadmill. I am sure your visitors will find our site useful in selecting the proper machine. We also developed a set of comparison charts where you can compare prices, features, specs and warranties side-by-side.

PS: We also have a sister site where we review elliptical trainers: http://www.allellipticals.com.

Thanks!

Kevin

Comment by Kevin Urban — September 14, 2008 @ 12:48 pm
Hi Arun,
I’ve been searching the web for good info and reviews about Ironman Envision treadmill, or any other tips to buy a good home treadmill.

I really found this page providing the best tips and info about it, so thanks a lot.

I am wondring if Envision still working good after 1 year of usage!!
Do you conseder it a good buy?!
And should i buy one ?

Pls advise me.
Thanks,

Ahmed

Comment by Ahmed H. — March 11, 2009 @ 7:32 pm
Hi Arun,
I’ve been searching the web for good info and reviews about Ironman Envision treadmill, or any other tips to buy a good home treadmill.

I really found this page providing the best tips and info about it, so thanks a lot.

I am wondring if Envision still working good after 1 year of usage!!
Do you still consider it a good buy?!
and should i buy one ?

Pls advise me.
Thanks,

Ahmed

Comment by Ahmed H. — March 11, 2009 @ 7:35 pm
Ahmed, Glad you found the page useful. Am totally loving the treadmill … yep, it’s over a year now No issues so far, fingers crossed!

Comment by Arun Gupta — March 11, 2009 @ 8:18 pm
On the noise issue, that is one thing that reviews rarely comment on. It’s tough to gauge because a lot of the noise comes from the size and running style of the user. The machines themselves aren’t that noisy. However, I wouldn’t want to live in the apartment underneath one being used. http://www.treadmill-world.com

Comment by Robert Braun — August 22, 2009 @ 7:51 pm
my treadmill was very loud machine, i cant relax myself when i used it, thats why im looking for another one.

Comment by treadmills for sale — November 18, 2009 @ 9:47 pm
I love the console on this machine, too bad the speakers aren’t loud enough. Definitely need to plug in the tv, make it as comfortable as possible.

Comment by compare ellipticals — July 28, 2010 @ 9:08 pm
Thanks for posting the review sites. It’s so important to look at reviews to give you an idea of what will work best for your life. Another good place to look is http://www.treadmillsensei.com

Comment by Treadmill Sensei — September 2, 2010 @ 10:49 am
It’s always smart to do your due diligence when making a purchase of this size. A piece of fitness equipment like this is something that you will use for 5+ years so you should try your best to know what you’re getting.

Comment by Elliptical Machines Reviews — November 17, 2010 @ 2:51 pm
This was posted in 2008 & even now that treadmill looks seriously cool!

How is the treadmill doing these days Arun?

Is it still running okey <– wasn’t trying to be funny or anything.

Comment by Treadmills — December 22, 2010 @ 1:12 pm
It’s about 2 months shy of 3 years and doing fine very much. Mostly use it for interval training or uphill, especially when I can’t go out.

Just love it and no repents at all

Comment by Arun Gupta — December 22, 2010 @ 1:18 pm
To identify and found good model is the most difficult step. This is done by checking the internet and magazines reviews.

Comment by KS — October 7, 2011 @ 11:25 am
nice article, you can read folding treadmills reviews here

Comment by treadmill — July 30, 2012 @ 12:12 pm