Treadmill advice

[LeslieG]

I'm starting to search for a treadmill. I'm hoping to find a good commercial quality used one, but I don't really know anything about them. What are some features I should look for?

 

[DawnM]

I LOVE this site for reviews and learning more about machines.

http://www.treadmilldoctor.com/

I got mine from a friend and it isn't the exact one I would have picked, but for the price....I was very happy.

Dawn

 

[meriface11]

i used treadmilldoctor.com to do my research and then found one i wanted on craigslist.

are you a serious runner? if so, motor speed is the most important thing you should be looking for. lifecycle had good commercial quality, and they have pretty good home machines without all of the bells and whistles of the ones they have for gym use. once you start adding on a lot of programming features, that's when the price really goes up. a commercial quality machine that would be used in a gym is basically being used for hours a day, where if you are just using it at home, it's getting a lot less use.

 

[hanutedmansionmomma]

sounds small, but I like that ours has a built in fan to keep you cool. It's also wide enough that I don't feel like I'm going to fall off the side. I like the calorie counter. Oh, I've never used the programs included, I probably wouldn't pay extra for more programs.

We went to Dick's Sporting Goods and found one we liked out on the floor that was on sale - we offered less for it (the floor model) cash and carry and they let us take it.

 

[Best Aunt]

I bought from Sears. They assembled, delivered, and took it down to the basement.

Mine is pretty loud. If you're going to watch TV while using it, and you have to blast the TV, the noise level could be an issue.

When you're standing on it, make sure you can read the screen showing the time and miles. Some of them have pretty small screens.

Have you tried one? I have to focus on the TV while I'm on mine, or I get motion-sick.

 

[dakcp2001]

belt size (width) and motor/horsepower are important to look at and it makes a difference if you plan to walk or run


We bought one, did a ton of research, but then still preferred to go to the gym so we resold it on CL

I would recommend getting a treadmill mat to put under it to cut down on the noise, they are looud, and not a good idea for the second floor

 

[Minniekins]

I've been considering getting a treadmill, too, so I'm happy I found this thread! Can't wait to hear more answers! So, this may sound like a dumb question, but do you think that, other than just general excercise, walking on a treadmill can get you ready for some WDW walking? All the walking at WDW can be brutal so I was thinking about trying to prepare better using a treadmill. So, dumb as it is, any thoughts on that? Thanks!

Oh, btw, wondered if anyone knows of some that can be folded or moved out of the way(sort of!)? They tend to be pretty bulky and take up so much room, so that's sort of been a deterrant.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Check the weight limits on the treadmill. If you are using it to lose weight, you need to make sure you don't exceed the weight limit.

 

[Jen117]

I have ran 5 1/2 marathons, 1 full marathon and a bunch of other races. When my cheapy Pro-Form Treadmill died last year, I invested in a new one. I do not recommend the Pro-Forms as they are fine for walking, but can't handling running much.

I am not a lightweight, and live in Wisconsin where I rely on my treadmill in the winter. I did a review on my New Horizon treadmill. You can see it here: http://www.expotv.com/videos/reviews/9/103/HorizonT83Treadmill/277213. Let me know if you have questions. The model I purchase was approximately $900 new.

 

[Deb & Bill]

I have ran 5 1/2 marathons, 1 full marathon and a bunch of other races. When my cheapy Pro-Form Treadmill died last year, I invested in a new one. I do not recommend the Pro-Forms as they are fine for walking, but can't handling running much.

I am not a lightweight, and live in Wisconsin where I rely on my treadmill in the winter. I did a review on my New Horizon treadmill. You can see it here: http://www.expotv.com/videos/reviews/9/103/HorizonT83Treadmill/277213. Let me know if you have questions. The model I purchase was approximately $900 new.

Our Pro-Form died after a few years, too. My husband is the runner. We replaced it with a Sole which is much better.

 

[LeslieG]

I have ran 5 1/2 marathons, 1 full marathon and a bunch of other races. When my cheapy Pro-Form Treadmill died last year, I invested in a new one. I do not recommend the Pro-Forms as they are fine for walking, but can't handling running much.

I am not a lightweight, and live in Wisconsin where I rely on my treadmill in the winter. I did a review on my New Horizon treadmill. You can see it here: http://www.expotv.com/videos/reviews/9/103/HorizonT83Treadmill/277213. Let me know if you have questions. The model I purchase was approximately $900 new.

Where did you purchase the Horizon?

 

[mjkacmom]

I've had my lifefitness treadmill for 6 years, and it's great - you can run, and it is solid! I also bought a lifecycle (home model) 20 years ago, used, and it still works great, so I'm happy with lifefitness. My treadmill cost $3000+, but well worth it, and it's used a lot.

 

[rbork]

Belt size and Hp here too. We didn't want to invest 3-4K on a commercial one so we DH bought one on Christmas morning online via Dicks sporting goods. I hadn't been aware of the nice deals online xmas morning because we were always busy w/ family and gifts.
I run 5x a week and so far so good.
It's a Reebok something? I think.

 

[Jen117]

I purchased the Horizon at my local Dunham Sports. I searched every sporting goods store we had and even looked at the $5000 health club models. None of the models and Sears came close to the durability I feel on the Horizon. In the store I ran on each one for a minute to see how it felt. Don't be afraid to actually try out the treadmills. That is the only way you will know if it wobbles too much or doesn't have the right feel.

We don't have the Sole model locally, but I have heard good things on that brand also.

 

[zumbergc]

make sure you get on the treatmill you want to buy. If you don't get on it, you won't be able to see if you feel its sturdy, makes to much noise, or the size of the thing works with you. Some people are shorter, taller-longer legs, or are wider. So, if the running plateform makes your feel tight, or your stride isn't right because the running part is too short.

If your going to a store, or getting from CL, try it out. You have to test how you will use it. So if your a runner, give it a good 5 min. Make sure there isn't something quirky about it which once at home and the first time you use it, it becomes a clothes hanger.

 

[All American]

Our Pro-Form died after a few years, too. My husband is the runner. We replaced it with a Sole which is much better.

We ended up with the Sole brand after visiting the "treadmilldoctor" website and trying out several different brands and models. My husband is a big guy with heavy footfalls, so he would run on them to see what kind of pounding each treadmill would take. In the end, the Sole (not saying get this brand but offering tips on what we were looking for)had a good "spring"/easy on the knees, wide belt, good motor (it didn't feel sluggish while he ran), fan, and controls on the side arm handles. Also, the price was fantastic. We got it for half-off at Dick's sporting goods because it was the end-of-summer clearance. So far, it's lasted us several years of near-daily use.

I would recommend trying out different brands and models and seeing how it feels and how well you like the location of the controls, cupholders (my one complaint), and features. Good luck in your search, and I hope you find a treadmill that works for you!