I was thinking of buying a treadmill.

techs

Lifer
Sep 26, 2000
28,559
4
0
During the summer I jog regulary, but I live in an area where there is snow on the ground for months at a time.
So I was thinking of buying a motorized treadmill. I don't know much about them.
Is there a site that could help me? And does anyone have any info I should know?

The first questions that come to mind are these:
Can you jog on all of them or do you need to get one of a certain speed?
How important is the tilt adjustment?
Is it worth it to get one that has the "cross-trainer" ability which seems to consist of moveable handles?
Will a low price one do as well as a high price one?
I thought that buying one in the spring, I might get a better price?
Where can I get the best prices and what brands could you recommend.
Thanks

Moved to the health and fitness forum - DrPizza
 

imported_Imp

Diamond Member
Dec 20, 2005
9,148
0
0
I'd be interested in recommendations too. I'm looking to get off my ass in the winter and the summer (tried jogging outside, not cool when it's 30 C out).
 

Ramma2

Platinum Member
Jul 29, 2002
2,710
1
0
All of the motorized ones should be able to run much faster than you can even sprint, but it is a good idea to test them out first.

Incline adjustment is nice, adds more challenge to the run besides just speed.

No idea on the cross trainer ones, never used the handles when running. Apparently you lose a lot of the benefits if you hang on.

Check out your local Craigslist if you have one, you will probably find tons of treadmills for sale.
 

tfinch2

Lifer
Feb 3, 2004
22,114
1
0
Craigslist

Lots of people spend $$ on exercise equipment just to find out they are lazy slobs and will never touch it
 

techs

Lifer
Sep 26, 2000
28,559
4
0
Originally posted by: tfinch2
Craigslist

Lots of people spend $$ on exercise equipment just to find out they are lazy slobs and will never touch it
I didn't think of Craiglist.
Once I have an idea of what I need I will search it.
Thanks

 

skace

Lifer
Jan 23, 2001
14,488
7
81
I got a reebok one probably 6 years back. It's beaten down now... from running on it obviously. All I can suggest is get the most well built one you can afford. The extra features are not worth it, but a strong machine that isn't going to die on you is.
 

gsellis

Diamond Member
Dec 4, 2003
6,061
0
0
Also you can try Play It Again Sports if you have one in your area. They should have a couple in and you can compare too.
 

GasX

Lifer
Feb 8, 2001
29,033
6
81
Make sure it easily fits through doors and isn't too heavy. That way, when you throw it away after not using, you will not throw out your back.
 

meltdown75

Lifer
Nov 17, 2004
37,548
7
81
We found one in the classifieds section of the local paper. Paid $200 for it, bought it from a senior couple.
 

sao123

Lifer
May 27, 2002
12,656
206
106
Originally posted by: techs

Topic Title: I was thinking of buying a treamill.
Topic Summary: Need advice.
Created On: 02/04/2008 12:31 PM
Topic Rating:


Thanks



Buy the plane 1st...
 

Canai

Diamond Member
Oct 4, 2006
8,016
1
0
Check out ellipticals too - less impact stress. My parent's got one of these for Christmas. I'll ask about the brand / price when I talk to them next.
 

jmcoreymv

Diamond Member
Oct 9, 1999
4,264
0
0
Originally posted by: Ramma2
All of the motorized ones should be able to run much faster than you can even sprint, but it is a good idea to test them out first.

I've only used the treadmills at gyms before, but so far the max speed I've found is only 12.5 mph which isn't a sprint, if that is something you are looking to do.

 

Mxylplyx

Diamond Member
Mar 21, 2007
4,197
101
106
If you plan to run regularly on it, then you need to spend decent money on it if you dont want to be repairing the thing every other week. $1K is the very least you need to spend if this is the case, and more if you are heavy. While you can cheap out on a treadmill, and get one that seems to work fine when you bring it home, it WILL break under regular use. You get what you pay for.

Sole treadmills are recognized as the best value in treadmills right now. I will be buying one after my wife breaks the $1100 nordictrack treadmill we have, which has already had the deck replaced once after it cracked.

Look here at the F80, F83, or F85 treadmills. Lifetime warranty on deck, motor, and frame, and 5 years on the rest. You cant beat that in the price range. You'll probably want the F83 or F85, especially if you are tall, or do sprints.
 

Miramonti

Lifer
Aug 26, 2000
28,653
100
106
I have a proform 735 but am not totally happy with it. Its great that it folds up when not in use, but only has 6 programs (2 easy, 2 med, 2 adv.) Its a great form of excercise, turn it on and do what it makes you do...if only the one I had had more versatility for speed, course, and duration.
 

brikis98

Diamond Member
Jul 5, 2005
7,253
8
0
just so you are aware of all sides, i'll throw this out there: a gym membership is typically a FAR better investment, both financially and from a health perspective. consider the following:

* cheap treadmills suck in every way possible. they break, lack features, don't absorb impact (so you damage your knees), they break, are often big and bulky, are loud, they break!!!
* to get one comparable to what you use at a (decent) gym, you'll probably need to dump close to $1k. i can't tell you how many crappy treadmills i've seen even at this price range.
* it depends on how much a gym membership is in your area, but around here, I can get one between $25 and $40/month. Even at the high end, that's still under $500 per YEAR, or half the cost of a good treadmill.
* in exchange, you get access to high quality treadmills, as well as elliptical machines, stair machines, weights, etc. all the equipment you need to get in far better shape then just running, although you still get your money's worth if you only run.
* finally, your company or health insurance provider may reimburse you (at least $150) for a gym membership...

just something to consider :)
 

glenn beck

Platinum Member
Oct 6, 2004
2,380
0
0
Get a Pacemaster or Landice, I have a Landice Cardio Trainer, Life time warranty, and is one smooth sturdy treadmill,
has very good shock absporbtion
 

Jeff7

Lifer
Jan 4, 2001
41,596
20
81
Build an treadmill that's hooked up to a generator. That way you can generate electricity and exercise.:)
 

sdifox

No Lifer
Sep 30, 2005
100,941
18,098
126
Originally posted by: Jeff7
Build an treadmill that's hooked up to a generator. That way you can generate electricity and exercise.:)

Why don't gyms do that is what I wonder. I figured they would like to lower operating cost.