Any advice on buying a treadmill.....what should I know?

[wiskband]

Hi all, I have decided to buy a treadmill. BUT, I am not sure what i am looking for..lol. I am sure I want a motorized one but thats all I think I may need right now. Is there anything else I should look for in a good treadmill? What kind of Q's should I ask when buying one? Are there speed or official numbers I should know about?
It's pretty scary when your gonna make such a hugh purchase, and don't know the first thing about the item!

Any help is appreciated!
thanks all
renee

 

[Robinrs]

Hi, Renee:

I bought one for my Mom some years ago and wish I had gotten one with a wider tread, it seemed like I was always walking off of it.

Do you use one at a gym? Find out what you like in them and see if you can find some of those features in a home treadmill. It's all relative, do you use it to walk or run, do you need it to be folded and put away, do you need it to go uphill? Check out all of the things you'll need to make it work for you.

Good luck!

 

[AKASnowWhite]

I would definitely recommend trying some out if possible! A lot of the gyms in my area offer a free trial period...ranging from a few days to 2 weeks....maybe there's something near you? The one we have is 5 or 6 years old....if I were to buy a new one, here's my list of "must haves"

-motorized....non isn't even an option
-wider walking width if possible
-automatic incline (have one without....NEVER again....)
-digital display & settings (my speed setting is a dial....do they even make them like that still?!?!?)
-decent cushioning on the belt area....makes it easier on your joints.

Also, if I were you, I'd look at the space in my house where I planned to put the treadmill.....then determine if you need a "space-saver" that has a walking bed that folds up. It's a big investment. But if you are truely committed to using it, I'd get the best one you can afford. It will make your exercise time that much more enjoyable!

 

[nativetxn]

I don't have a treadmill, I have an elliptical. I'm going to bump this back to page one for you so that you can get more advice

 

[littlegreydonkey]

you have to try it out: don't worry about how daft you think you look in the shop, just get on it and walk/run for at least 5 minutes. there's nothing worse than a treadmill that moves/bangs/clatters or just makes you feel unstable. Also, I don't know what your fitness level is like, but try it as fast as possible, even if it's only for 10 seconds, once you get fitter you will be upping the speed and belt that runs fine at 5mph may jitter at 10mph. I agree with the incline advice as well, anything that means you can make your workout more exicting helps you stick to it (plus, working on an incline is a great way to boost your fitness without realising it).