Treadmill advice

[JeffNY35]

Just starting to think about getting a treadmill. I really haven't done any research except looking at a couple sites.

Would like some general advice. I just went to the doctor and I hit 275 lbs. I could not believe it. Anyway, no time to spend complaining or questioning how the heck I let that happen, time to do something, NOW!

Question being I guess, since I am heavy do I need to spend more? Do I need to think about getting a commercial grade? ( I think that puts me over 1500 ).

I have heard the ones that fold up aren't good quality. Anyway I could get away with a cheaper model? I saw a nordic trac for 699.

Final question - how is delivery/installation? Something I should consider having someone install/set up or is it easy?

My parents have a 1500 Sol, not sure which model. I am going to go try that out.

But the wife already griefing me for even wanting to spend anything since the 650 mountain bike I got a year ago is sitting collecting dust on the garage wall.

Any advice to get me pointed in the right direction helpful.

Thanks!

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

Last I heard, you don't have to spend money to get in shape. Also, no matter how much you spend, it doesn't make getting in shape any easier.

 

[Zivic]

Just starting to think about getting a treadmill. I really haven't done any research except looking at a couple sites.

Would like some general advice. I just went to the doctor and I hit 275 lbs. I could not believe it. Anyway, no time to spend complaining or questioning how the heck I let that happen, time to do something, NOW!

Question being I guess, since I am heavy do I need to spend more? Do I need to think about getting a commercial grade? ( I think that puts me over 1500 ).

I have heard the ones that fold up aren't good quality. Anyway I could get away with a cheaper model? I saw a nordic trac for 699.

Final question - how is delivery/installation? Something I should consider having someone install/set up or is it easy?

My parents have a 1500 Sol, not sure which model. I am going to go try that out.

But the wife already griefing me for even wanting to spend anything since the 650 mountain bike I got a year ago is sitting collecting dust on the garage wall.

Any advice to get me pointed in the right direction helpful.

Thanks!

You didn't get to 275 lbs because you lacked a treadmill... you got there because you ate too damn much (relative to your activity level)

first things first. if you aren't willing to change your food intake, no 1500 buck treadmill,not even a $5000 mill will get you in better shape -> just like the $650 mountain bike.

What you can do NOW is keep a journal of your food. write everything down....

Then, you want to add muscle so start resistance training with weights

THEN, worry about a treadmill. Cardio isn't as beneficial as we are lead to believe. Long story short, after using a mill (with the absence of weight training) you are likely in a worse place than before you started -> your body has retained more fat and eaten up muscle mass, making it harder for you to keep weight off....

Your success all comes down to your diet...

All that said,
if you plan to run, yes, you will likely need to spend more money on a better treadmill if you are 225+. If you plan to only walk, it is of less importance.

I am a precor fan, and would recommend 9.31, 9.33, or 9.35 model (budget 4000+)

if that isn't doable, I would look for a sole S77 or spirit XT685 (around $2000)... I looked strongly at the spirit machine and it would be the "budget" treadmill I would recommend. at my 250 bodyweight it could handle me running on it. In the end, I opted to buy a precor 9.33 as I felt it was worth the price premium for me.

You can always look for a used machine and they are on a case by case basis....

but again, please refer to the first part of my post.

 

[Kaido]

You didn't get to 275 lbs because you lacked a treadmill... you got there because you ate to damn much (relative to your activity level)

first things first. if you aren't willing to change your food intake, no 1500 buck treadmill,not even a $5000 mill will get you in better shape -> just like the $650 mountain bike.

Yeah OP...we don't want to burst your bubble, but if all you want to do is lose weight, the exercise machine is fairly useless. Change what you eat & you will automatically lose weight (fat). It's harder & less fun than simply hopping on a treadmill, but when's the last time you met someone who was like "I lost 100 pounds by using my treadmill every day and didn't have to change my diet!" Hehehe. I wrote up a little overview of losing weight in this post the other day:

http://forums.anandtech.com/showpost.php?p=36880916&postcount=13

Basically:

1. Food controls weight.
2. Your choices are (1) cook your own food (cheaper, but more work), or (2) buy healthy pre-made food (more expensive, but zero work).
3. That's pretty much it.

You can still eat great...but you either have to shell out for healthier options (chicken over pork, whole wheat or white bread, etc.) or go the DIY route & cook your own foods. Losing weight is super easy if you line up your diet with the right food choices, all you have to do is eat! There's no starvation or salads or cardboard health food involved. If you're not sure what to cook, feel free to ask, we have a lot of cooks in the club here

 

[blackdogdeek]

Please read the fat-loss sticky.

 

[JeffNY35]

I hear everyone on the diet and believe me i am making some changes. Great advice in the sticky.
And thats going to be the difference maker.

And there are other excersises i can do.

So perhaps my thread should be more " if i was going to get a treadmill ".

Still, ill take this advice to heart and work on a strict diet first. I know i need to get moving though.

 

[Zivic]

I hear everyone on the diet and believe me i am making some changes. Great advice in the sticky.
And thats going to be the difference maker.

And there are other excersises i can do.

So perhaps my thread should be more " if i was going to get a treadmill ".

Still, ill take this advice to heart and work on a strict diet first. I know i need to get moving though.

like I posted, I have my recommendations on a treadmill. there have been at least a couple more treadmill recommendation threads the last couple years you can read through and see what people are recommending/buying.

basically if you are just walking on it, it won't matter as much, but if you plan to run, I would get the spirit machine I recommended if your budget doesn't allow for a higher end, precor, true, landice, etc

 

[Kaido]

I hear everyone on the diet and believe me i am making some changes. Great advice in the sticky.
And thats going to be the difference maker.

And there are other excersises i can do.

So perhaps my thread should be more " if i was going to get a treadmill ".

Still, ill take this advice to heart and work on a strict diet first. I know i need to get moving though.

For what it's worth, the American Heart Association or whoever recommends 30 of elevated heart rate a day, but it can be done in 10-minute increments. When I started to get in shape, I could not even handle 5 minutes on a treadmill, I was super out of shape. So you can break it up into a quick 10 minutes in the morning, 10 minutes in the afternoon, and 10 minutes in the evening, which also helps keep you moving throughout the day, which helps out tremendously if you're overweight & exercise isn't a natural thing for you (it's definitely not for me!) because, mentally, it's not so hard to get yourself to hop on for just 10 minutes at a time instead of having to do a full half-hour in one shot.

Easiest way to get a treadmill is off Craigslist. Everybody buys them new, they sit unused as clothes hangers for years, and then go on Craigslist for a discounted price, so if you're not hung up on buying new, I'd check there first. If you do want a new one (warranty & all), they have some really neat Reflex designs that are supposed to be better on the knees (Nordictrack etc.).

Do you have a budget in mind?

 

[Zivic]

If you do want a new one (warranty & all), they have some really neat Reflex designs that are supposed to be better on the knees (Nordictrack etc.).

Do you have a budget in mind?

I looked into the reflex decks... personally I wouldn't get one. They are going to absorb more of your stride (energy) making it a bit harder to run. This might equate to slower pace, and or less time on the mill as it is more difficult. This isn't necessarily a bad thing if it does help one's joints.

as a runner, this could be beneficial, but I would advise running on one for a workout (10-30 minutes) give yourself a day or two recovery and see how you feel. Your running mechanics will have changed if the deck is flexing as much as I have seen them with this design. it might be something you really like or don't like. I know that the subtle deck differences in more traditional mills were very noticeable to me. like the thicker belt on certain true models gave them an entirely different feel than their standard belt models.... and then between the suspension used between manufacturers was polarizing to me.

I spent a lot of time finding the mill I liked best, and it ended up costing a good chunk of dough. if you really plan to use it spend the time, make sure you don't just buy the one that's on sale or the first one you see on craigs... make sure you like how it functions and feels, then worry about the price

 

[Kaido]

I looked into the reflex decks... personally I wouldn't get one. They are going to absorb more of your stride (energy) making it a bit harder to run. This might equate to slower pace, and or less time on the mill as it is more difficult. This isn't necessarily a bad thing if it does help one's joints.

as a runner, this could be beneficial, but I would advise running on one for a workout (10-30 minutes) give yourself a day or two recovery and see how you feel. Your running mechanics will have changed if the deck is flexing as much as I have seen them with this design. it might be something you really like or don't like. I know that the subtle deck differences in more traditional mills were very noticeable to me. like the thicker belt on certain true models gave them an entirely different feel than their standard belt models.... and then between the suspension used between manufacturers was polarizing to me.

I spent a lot of time finding the mill I liked best, and it ended up costing a good chunk of dough. if you really plan to use it spend the time, make sure you don't just buy the one that's on sale or the first one you see on craigs... make sure you like how it functions and feels, then worry about the price

What did you end up getting? My knee pops out after like a quarter mile, so I got an elliptical. Works awesome, never bothers my knee!

 

[Zivic]

What did you end up getting? My knee pops out after like a quarter mile, so I got an elliptical. Works awesome, never bothers my knee!

I bought a precor 9.33. I've had it almost 2 yrs now I think. I don't use it as much anymore ... just recently started doing cardio again and only 2 times a week.

It was between the precor, landice, and true for me. the landice felt dated and after running on 4 different ones, I felt the machine was not stable enough. Though all dealers said that the machine could be better setup to provide better stability. just grabbing the upright and twisting it a bit, it isn't as rigid as the precor or true. I didn't mind the feel of the true, but in the end, I felt the electronics felt cheap and I liked the deck feel of the precor. not that I run, but it is the treadmill I feel not only could handle a big guy running on it, but it also felt the most comfortable for me.

IMHO the spirit 685 deck feels similar to the precor and that is what I would recommend for a more budget mill.

I also have a Q47 octane machine. I have had it for a while. I do like ellipticals, but one thing I have found with them is they can be harder on your knees without you really knowing it. I know the precor ones I have used at the gym aren't something I would use consistantly. When your knee comes forward, as the step goes down to move backward they almost snap it into a lockout (hyperextension) type of position. This isn't true for all makes/models, but it is something I have noticed in time.

for the most part, I think people are better off walking on a treadmill than using an elliptical. on an elliptical you essentially get the flywheel spinning and it's momentum keeps it going. it doesn't take a whole lot of effort on the users part to keep it going. Especially when most keep it on like setting 1. on a mill you are at least supporting and moving your body forward - granted I see most people propping themselves up with the uprights/rails of a treadmill.

My personal preference for cardio is the stair mill. 12 minutes of intervals and you are done..

you only get out what you put in... and any piece of equipment can be used to make progress. most people gravitate towards ellipticals because they are easier.

I just look around my gym when I train.... the fattest most out of shape people are doing cardio. That's not to say those training with weights are in shape, but they look damn good compared to those plugging away on the cardio equipment. Not sure how the fatties on the hamster wheels don't pick up on this... obviously if I was doing cardio for yrs, and I still couldn't see my weiner because of my belly, I might want to do something different.

off my high horse now.. thanks for reading

 

[DouglasSmith]

Treadmills are more safer and controlled, with this machine you might even find that the workout will become little easier. It is really good to buy a treadmill if you want to loose weight, which is really important for health.

 

[RagingBITCH]

I bought a precor 9.33. I've had it almost 2 yrs now I think. I don't use it as much anymore ... just recently started doing cardio again and only 2 times a week.

It was between the precor, landice, and true for me. the landice felt dated and after running on 4 different ones, I felt the machine was not stable enough. Though all dealers said that the machine could be better setup to provide better stability. just grabbing the upright and twisting it a bit, it isn't as rigid as the precor or true. I didn't mind the feel of the true, but in the end, I felt the electronics felt cheap and I liked the deck feel of the precor. not that I run, but it is the treadmill I feel not only could handle a big guy running on it, but it also felt the most comfortable for me.

IMHO the spirit 685 deck feels similar to the precor and that is what I would recommend for a more budget mill.

I also have a Q47 octane machine. I have had it for a while. I do like ellipticals, but one thing I have found with them is they can be harder on your knees without you really knowing it. I know the precor ones I have used at the gym aren't something I would use consistantly. When your knee comes forward, as the step goes down to move backward they almost snap it into a lockout (hyperextension) type of position. This isn't true for all makes/models, but it is something I have noticed in time.

for the most part, I think people are better off walking on a treadmill than using an elliptical. on an elliptical you essentially get the flywheel spinning and it's momentum keeps it going. it doesn't take a whole lot of effort on the users part to keep it going. Especially when most keep it on like setting 1. on a mill you are at least supporting and moving your body forward - granted I see most people propping themselves up with the uprights/rails of a treadmill.

My personal preference for cardio is the stair mill. 12 minutes of intervals and you are done..

you only get out what you put in... and any piece of equipment can be used to make progress. most people gravitate towards ellipticals because they are easier.

I just look around my gym when I train.... the fattest most out of shape people are doing cardio. That's not to say those training with weights are in shape, but they look damn good compared to those plugging away on the cardio equipment. Not sure how the fatties on the hamster wheels don't pick up on this... obviously if I was doing cardio for yrs, and I still couldn't see my weiner because of my belly, I might want to do something different.

off my high horse now.. thanks for reading

We were about to pull the trigger on a 9.33 before holding off. We ended up with a LifeFitness T5...this thing is a total beast and feels a lot more solid than the Precor.

My two cents: go quality or not at all. Depending on what climate or weather you are in (sorry if you already said it, didn't see anything), start off walking outside if you are looking to lose weight. Utilize Mapmyrun.com to map out routes, or go hit the local track so you know the exact distance. The soft surface is easier on your joints as well, but make sure you change direction each day. (Going only clockwise puts stress on your body only going right) I don't advocate buying a treadmill just b/c you realize you need to lose weight. If there's a physical reason you need it and can't work out outside, then by all means go for it, but there's nothing better than fresh air and vitamin D being outside vs in.

Despite the damn good treadmill (and $ investment) we have, I'll run outside anyday over inside, weather permitting.

 

[Zivic]

We were about to pull the trigger on a 9.33 before holding off. We ended up with a LifeFitness T5...this thing is a total beast and feels a lot more solid than the Precor.

My two cents: go quality or not at all. Depending on what climate or weather you are in (sorry if you already said it, didn't see anything), start off walking outside if you are looking to lose weight. Utilize Mapmyrun.com to map out routes, or go hit the local track so you know the exact distance. The soft surface is easier on your joints as well, but make sure you change direction each day. (Going only clockwise puts stress on your body only going right) I don't advocate buying a treadmill just b/c you realize you need to lose weight. If there's a physical reason you need it and can't work out outside, then by all means go for it, but there's nothing better than fresh air and vitamin D being outside vs in.

Despite the damn good treadmill (and $ investment) we have, I'll run outside anyday over inside, weather permitting.

I looked a little at the T5... didn't care for the console, didn't need or want the adjustable deck and it felt a little too springy for my liking..... Further through my research, they have a reputation for slipping in quality in the recent years. Whether that is true or not I don't know, but when I researched the precor 9.3X series, it wasn't mentioned.

At the end of the day, I bought the mill I felt most comfortable running on and it sounds like you did as well.

 

[RagingBITCH]

I looked a little at the T5... didn't care for the console, didn't need or want the adjustable deck and it felt a little too springy for my liking..... Further through my research, they have a reputation for slipping in quality in the recent years. Whether that is true or not I don't know, but when I researched the precor 9.3X series, it wasn't mentioned.

At the end of the day, I bought the mill I felt most comfortable running on and it sounds like you did as well.

Yes sir. The 9.33 is definitely a lot more modern looking and would probably fit better in the space. Is what it is...definitely don't feel like moving another 300+ lb treadmill again lol.

 

[Zivic]

definitely don't feel like moving another 300+ lb treadmill again lol.

300+ weight is a good indicator you bought a decent machine

 

[RagingBITCH]

300+ weight is a good indicator you bought a decent machine

Oh I know...my wife and I are both marathoners. Didn't take the search very lightly, no pun intended.

 

[SearchMaster]

I agree with everyone saying that diet will impact weight loss much more than exercise.

However, the one thing exercise does for me when I'm losing weight is remind me how "expensive" a small snack is. When I equate a bowl of ice cream, chips, etc. to exercise time, it reinforces how much I do NOT need to be eating it. For example, is this small bowl of ice cream worth 30 minutes on the treadmill?

Good luck, OP. Before shelling out money you should start just walking every day to get the proper mindset. Assuming you're in NYC, it might be a bit harder than a suburban setting but even just a walk around the block nightly will be a good start.

 

[Zivic]

For example, is this small bowl of ice cream worth 30 minutes on the treadmill?

.

you cannot think like that. It doesn't work like that and should never became the norm to think that you can somehow negate a bad food choice by XX amount of minutes of cardio.

to have success in weight loss, building muscle, fitness.... or whatever, it's mainly about consistency. it isn't about the bowl of ice cream, it's about overall control of your food choices/consumption.

I know you were just using that as example, but a person didn't get fat on a single bowl of ice cream, or skipping out on 30 minutes on the treadmill. They got fat on hundreds or thousands of bowls of ice cream and months, years, or decades of being underactive

 

[nickqt]

Cardio/Endurance is great for your heart, lungs, and vessels.

Lift weights. Full stop.

Muscle mass is what burns calories. Long endurance burns muscle as well as fat, slowing your metabolism.

So, start lifting weights. Focus on the correct form first, then add weight so that your last rep isn't easy.

You will lose fat because your muscle requires energy to keep it. You will look "toned" because "tone" is just a euphemism for visible muscle mass with less fat on top of it.

Again, cardio is great. Do it once or twice a week.

But, you need to lift weights.