Can you recommend a treadmill?

[VAfamily1998]

Normally, I do trail runs outside about 3-4 times per week...but now that we are getting into colder/snowy weather, I won't be able to do that as much. On weekdays, the only time I have to run is around 5 am, when it is still dark and freezing cold. I feel unsafe running that early when it is this cold because I'm afraid I won't be able to see ice on the street and will slip--so I've been skipping my runs. As it is, I haven't run in almost 3 weeks.

I'd like to buy a treadmill, but am clueless as to which one. We have a room in our finished basement that is pretty much dedicated to fitness (we currently have an elliptical, and I also do a lot of DVDs so there is plenty of floor space) so "space saving"/fold up is not a concern. We would prefer to have "solid and stable" even if it means taking up a large amount of floor space.
The treadmill would probably be used by me (~120 lbs female) about 3 times per week, probably ~7 miles two times a week and ~10+ on the third day (this was my typical outdoor running schedule). The treadmill may also be occasionally used by Dh (~190 lb male), but he prefers to use the elliptical so I think it probably wouldn't be used more than once every other week, and then only for about 3 miles or so.

In general, we are usually willing to pay more for higher quality--and also I'm VERY open to searching Craigslist for a gently used one if I can get a good deal.

Does anyone have any advice on specific brands/models/features to look for?
I've only run on a treadmill once, when we were on vacation at a hotel's fitness room.

Thanks!

 

[Christine]

I bought a Pacemaster Silver Edition from Fitness Resource about 5 years ago. I love it. It's very sturdy and does what I need. I cost me about $2500 then. I have a long stride and, at that time, could not find a cheaper treadmill to accommodate me.

Pacemaster had a good rating. I think they are still in business. Just do a google search on the brand and you can read up on them. Not sure if Fitness Resource still sells them.

I'm very happy with it.

 

[stevenpensacola]

The most important thing to consider when buying a treadmill is how many clothes hangers can you hang on the handrails...

most treadmills become expensive things to hang clothes racks.

 

[mjkacmom]

My Life Fitness one gets used several times a week, and I've had it for almost 8 years. I think I spent around $3000 on it.

 

[SAHDad]

We have a Fitline treadmill, and have had it for three or four years. I have heard that, if you pay full price for a Fitline, you are getting ripped off, but if you can get it for 50-60% of MSRP, it is actually a fairly decent treadmill.

I do not know how many miles it has had on it - my training log shows that I have logged 1300 or so on it since July of 2008, and DW uses it from time to time. I have been moderately happy with it - less so the last time I moved it, and it aquired a permanent incline.

My criteria were a maximum incline of at least 10%, a maximum speed of at least 12 mph, and a fairly easy to operate control panel. I cannot recommend strongly enough actually trying any model before you actually buy it. I wore running clothes when I went treadmill shopping, and if they weren't willing to let me grind out a quarter to a half mile, I said "Thank you very much" and left. What feels good for 20 seconds may not be the case two minutes later, and you may find that the controls are not as intuitive as you previously thought.

 

[Christine]

I cannot recommend strongly enough actually trying any model before you actually buy it. I wore running clothes when I went treadmill shopping, and if they weren't willing to let me grind out a quarter to a half mile, I said "Thank you very much" and left. What feels good for 20 seconds may not be the case two minutes later, and you may find that the controls are not as intuitive as you previously thought.

This is true.

Fitness Resource (a DC area store) has all their treadmills plugged in and ready to go so you can try them all.

 

[VAfamily1998]

Thank you so much for the advice. I think Fitness Resource is actually where we bought our elliptical from, so I'll be sure to put on my running clothes and head over there!

Thank you!

 

[Greyhound22]

I have a NordicTrack A2750 PRO and love it. Got free shipping with it. NordicTrack has some good Pre-Christmas deals right now.
http://www.nordictrack.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product2_12401_10301_118907_-1_59002

 

[jenm2878]

We bought a Sole last year and I love it! I want to say that we spent around $1800 for it. I did alot of research before the purchase and found that most lower end treadmills (below $1,000) aren't meant to be run on because it is too hard on the smaller motors.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Another Sole fan here. Bought it from Sole via their website and they upgraded my purchase to the next better model for the same price as the lesser one.

 

[golfgal]

I was going to suggest trying one before you buy one. I can't use treadmills at all because they cause major pain in my legs, unlike walking outside.

 

[SpecialK]

I have a Sole as well.

 

[Deb & Bill]

If you have Dick's Sporting Goods near you, they carry Sole so you can try one out.

 

[Kimberly]

I don't think I could recommend any treadmill with confidence. I would recommend a gym membership though, because they are constantly updating all of their cardiovascular equipment. If you were to keep upgrading your treadmill in the same manner, it would probably cost you more in the long run, and you get a greater variety in equipment. You would also not have something taking up a good portion of space in your house, either.

It's funny how many home gyms I've seen just sit unused for years. I remember when my parents had one... a 20 year old eliptical and stairmaster that just sat unused in the basement, surrounded by my father's fish tanks.

 

[Not My Fault!]

I recommend the one that's been collecting dust in my basement for the last 3 years...you can come by to pick it up anytime.

 

[Christine]

I don't think I could recommend any treadmill with confidence. I would recommend a gym membership though, because they are constantly updating all of their cardiovascular equipment. If you were to keep upgrading your treadmill in the same manner, it would probably cost you more in the long run, and you get a greater variety in equipment. You would also not have something taking up a good portion of space in your house, either.

It's funny how many home gyms I've seen just sit unused for years. I remember when my parents had one... a 20 year old eliptical and stairmaster that just sat unused in the basement, surrounded by my father's fish tanks.

There are people who are opposite.

I bought a gym membership that got used, maybe, 3 times. I've used my home treadmill a LOT. I think it depends how your schedule is. With kids, dinner to me made, etc., it was always just too hard for me to get back out of the house and up to the gym. I found a million reasons to put it off. But it's really easy to walk down into my basement.

 

[SpecialK]

There are people who are opposite.

I bought a gym membership that got used, maybe, 3 times. I've used my home treadmill a LOT. I think it depends how your schedule is. With kids, dinner to me made, etc., it was always just too hard for me to get back out of the house and up to the gym. I found a million reasons to put it off. But it's really easy to walk down into my basement.

Same here, especially when it's 10 degrees outside. I don't like working out with other people.