Are there any downsides to buying a cheap treadmill just for walking?

[fuzzybabybunny]

My dad needs to do some cardiac rehab and wants to get a treadmill. He thinks the 600 dollar ones are too overkill with all their programs and stuff. He's just going to use it for walking. Would it be ok to get a cheap 300 dollar treadmill in this case?

 

[XZeroII]

As long as it's reliable it should be fine. Also keep in mind that cheaper ones are usually louder which makes it more difficult to watch TV or music while you're on it.

 

[irishScott]

Should be fine. However, cheaper treadmills generally don't have shocks for the joints if you care about that. There's no risk of damage or anything really (especially when just walking) but some people prefer it.

 

[JJChicken]

Just walk...outside

 

[JJChicken]

THe fresh air will be good for him

 

[irishScott]

Originally posted by: Barack Obama
Just walk...outside

It's Winter. Unless the OP's dad lives in Florida...

 

[compman25]

And check craigslist for deals.

 

[fuzzybabybunny]

We ended up buying a PaceMaster Bronze treadmill from someone on Craigslist. PaceMaster is only sold in fitness stores and it was bought 3 years ago for $1600. It is still very solid and smooth. Hardly any bells and whistles, but my dad doesn't need them. No warranty though because warranties don't transfer. We got it for $430 shipped.

Before buying we went to some stores and looked at stuff in the equivalent price range($400-$500). All of them were significantly less sturdy, had weaker motors, very plasticy, and I had the feeling we were paying for too many bells and whistles. There was a $500 New Balance 2.5 CHP deal on FW but it seemed a bit risky... reliability seemed a bit low and repairs took months from some reports.

 

[glenn beck]

Originally posted by: fuzzybabybunny
We ended up buying a PaceMaster Bronze treadmill from someone on Craigslist. PaceMaster is only sold in fitness stores and it was bought 3 years ago for $1600. It is still very solid and smooth. Hardly any bells and whistles, but my dad doesn't need them. No warranty though because warranties don't transfer. We got it for $430 shipped.

Before buying we went to some stores and looked at stuff in the equivalent price range($400-$500). All of them were significantly less sturdy, had weaker motors, very plasticy, and I had the feeling we were paying for too many bells and whistles. There was a $500 New Balance 2.5 CHP deal on FW but it seemed a bit risky... reliability seemed a bit low and repairs took months from some reports.

Pacemaster is a very good treadmill for that price range.

 

[imported_Lothar]

Originally posted by: Barack Obama
Just walk...outside

 

[SociallyChallenged]

Originally posted by: Lothar

Originally posted by: Barack Obama
Just walk...outside

Did you guys read the circumstances? Sick father. Winter. You guys are noobs.