Anyone used a low-impact Treadmill?

[Kaido]

I am upgrading my home gym this summer with a Treadmill. I've been looking at low-impact models because I've read that they're better for your joints (I have a trick knee). This one has some good reviews:

http://www.nordictrack.com/web...1_10301_32251_-1_19051

Any comments?

 

[presidentender]

Why the low-impact treadmill instead of an elliptical? I don't use either, and I'm hijacking your thread to ask you a question, but what's lead you to choose the treadmill over an elliptical machine?

My few seconds of googling say that treadmills help your bone density. Will the fact that this model is low-impact change that?

 

[Kaido]

Originally posted by: presidentender
Why the low-impact treadmill instead of an elliptical? I don't use either, and I'm hijacking your thread to ask you a question, but what's lead you to choose the treadmill over an elliptical machine?

My few seconds of googling say that treadmills help your bone density. Will the fact that this model is low-impact change that?

I already have an elliptical. I'm looking for two things:

1. Variety
2. Endurance training

I am interested in training for Ironman and going outside doesn't always work for me (depending on time of day or weather outside). I currently use an upright bike and an elliptical and I want to add a bit more variety to my cardio workout.

 

[MegaVovaN]

Can't help you with original question, but I have a friend who runs about 45 min a day either on threadmill or on road, and he says that after a while of threadmill only running running on road feels weird. You run in place, legs go up and down but you don't go forward

As for Tri's the Ironman is ultimate goal. Until then, you'll do lots and lots of sprints, olleys, and halves.

 

[Melli]

I have the NT treadmill from Costco, closest one on the website is this one:
http://www.nordictrack.com/web...1_10301_29501_-1_19051
Impact on mine is reduced by 28% whereas the one you pointed out is 40%. But I do notice less impact than when I run out on the sidewalk. I have a bad knee as well and haven't been having any problems.

The thing is, I almost find it to be TOO bouncy, not good when you're trying to improve your running form... too much up and down movement. As long as you're still running outside, it might work out, but I suggest you go try one out at the fitness store or gym before buying. NT's 'ReflexDeck' sounds a little too much like 'trampoline'.

In the meantime good luck with the training, that's a truly ambitious goal!

 

[gramboh]

If you are serious about tri's and ironman's you are gonna have to run outside, a lot, like multiple times per week, and you will need a good tri style bike for rides as well. I know you are just starting and probably don't want to drop a few grand, but I'd save the money on the treadmill and just run outside a few times a week (e.g. 2 short, 1 long runs, look up Hal Hidgeon's website he has beginner guides for 10km, halfs and fulls).

 

[Mursilis]

Originally posted by: Kaido

Originally posted by: presidentender
Why the low-impact treadmill instead of an elliptical? I don't use either, and I'm hijacking your thread to ask you a question, but what's lead you to choose the treadmill over an elliptical machine?

My few seconds of googling say that treadmills help your bone density. Will the fact that this model is low-impact change that?

I already have an elliptical. I'm looking for two things:

1. Variety
2. Endurance training

I am interested in training for Ironman and going outside doesn't always work for me (depending on time of day or weather outside). I currently use an upright bike and an elliptical and I want to add a bit more variety to my cardio workout.

Curious what you're doing to minimize your "trick knee" issues while you're training for Ironman.

 

[Kaido]

Originally posted by: Melli
I have the NT treadmill from Costco, closest one on the website is this one:
http://www.nordictrack.com/web...1_10301_29501_-1_19051
Impact on mine is reduced by 28% whereas the one you pointed out is 40%. But I do notice less impact than when I run out on the sidewalk. I have a bad knee as well and haven't been having any problems.

The thing is, I almost find it to be TOO bouncy, not good when you're trying to improve your running form... too much up and down movement. As long as you're still running outside, it might work out, but I suggest you go try one out at the fitness store or gym before buying. NT's 'ReflexDeck' sounds a little too much like 'trampoline'.

In the meantime good luck with the training, that's a truly ambitious goal!

Did you see the guy jumping on the treadmill on the Nordictrack? THAT was like a trampoline lol

 

[Kaido]

Originally posted by: gramboh
If you are serious about tri's and ironman's you are gonna have to run outside, a lot, like multiple times per week, and you will need a good tri style bike for rides as well. I know you are just starting and probably don't want to drop a few grand, but I'd save the money on the treadmill and just run outside a few times a week (e.g. 2 short, 1 long runs, look up Hal Hidgeon's website he has beginner guides for 10km, halfs and fulls).

Yup, I've been putting together a training plan and have been doing lots of reading on the topic since last month. I talked with my local bike shop and they said to first get a good road bike and second get a good tri bike, since serious triathletes only use their tri bikes about once a week because they're not very comfortable to ride on (with the road bike being used a few times a week). I just got my Fuji repaired and have been using that to get in shape.

I need to get in shape and build up my endurance before I consider any serious equipment like expensive bikes, that's why I'm interested in the treadmill. Plus I can jog on it when it's dark or bad weather. Plus it's low-impact which is better for my knee. Plus I want an awesome home gym

 

[Kaido]

Originally posted by: Mursilis

Originally posted by: Kaido

Originally posted by: presidentender
Why the low-impact treadmill instead of an elliptical? I don't use either, and I'm hijacking your thread to ask you a question, but what's lead you to choose the treadmill over an elliptical machine?

My few seconds of googling say that treadmills help your bone density. Will the fact that this model is low-impact change that?

I already have an elliptical. I'm looking for two things:

1. Variety
2. Endurance training

I am interested in training for Ironman and going outside doesn't always work for me (depending on time of day or weather outside). I currently use an upright bike and an elliptical and I want to add a bit more variety to my cardio workout.

Curious what you're doing to minimize your "trick knee" issues while you're training for Ironman.

Nothing yet. I've gone out biking since I got my bike repaired; it works out nicely because I'm not fully extending my leg when pedaling. I'm not jogging or running at the moment because I don't want to strain my joints until I've finished losing weight. I do go on 3-4 mile walks a few times a week though. From what I've read, talking to other people with trick knees, and talking to my doctor, it's pretty much just something you have to deal with. Apparently you *can* have surgery, where they rearrange the stuff in your knee:

http://www.orthosports.net/acl2005.htm

It could just be that I'm terribly out of shape and it will go away once I get in shape. I'll find out in a few months when I start jogging. I also talked to my dad, who has a trick knee as well (yay genetics!). He said when he was in his 20's his doctor told him to stop running and jogging if he wanted the use of his knees for the remainder of his life (he was in the Marines at the time). Some sort of early arthritis or something that could be managed by simply dropping jogging and running out of his exercise routine and walking instead. So, we'll see how things go after I finish losing weight and get my body in shape!