Treadmill Users - Important Features?

[blizzard]

We are going to get a treadmill sometime in the next couple of months to start walking and running. I need a treadmill, as outside running isn't always an option, because DH works out of town, and I have 2 young children at home.

We are probably going to go second hand, as I'm sure soon people will start giving up their New Year's resolutions and get tired of tripping over the exercise equipment. What are the important features I should be looking for, and what are the extras that aren't as important?

Both DH and I will be making use of this treadmill. He is tall (6'3"), so we don't want one that is too small. My ultimate plan is to work towards the WDW marathon in 2010. I will be working my way up in distance and doing some other races in the meantime.

Good luck to those running this weekend. I'm looking forward to being in your shoes two years from now!

 

[Big Vic]

Check this out. It may answer some of your questions.

Treadmill Doctor

 

[westcliffemom]

I got a treadmill in Jan 07. I did some research and found out that you should check the length/width, as they are not all the same. If you're buying new, you should get the extended warranty. I got one at Walmart for about $300, I have about 500 miles on it now. I like that fact that you don't have to just push up the speed button, there's 1,2,3,4,5 etc, so you can get up to speed quickly. It has a fan, but I don't use it much. You don't need one with all the bells & whistles.

Also, there may be some good deals on them now, seeing how fitness equipment is usually on sale in Jan. You might be finding them soon at the second hand stores or in the papers when the New Years Resolutions pass. Or check on Craigs list. My friend got her elliptical that way.

 

[tigger2esq]

I got mine at Sears about 8 years ago and love it. I agree not all belts are the same width length. mine is wind and long. the way I like it. I would not be happy at all with a more narrow or shorter one. so try them out before you buy! Also--dont pay lots of extra $$ for the preprogramed stuff. we did and I NEVER use them! I tend to set my own workouts and adjust the speed and incline depending on my own pace etc. We also paid for the extended warranty/service agremeent and it was the only time I think we ever got our $$ worth out of one of those. they come out every year for a general checkup/maintenance. and since we use ours a lot, the belt has been replaced twice, the rollers have been replaced at least once a year and the complete motor/drive mechanism has been replaced. not cheap let me tell you!

 

[Cindylou]

Hi,

I can't add too much to what others have said, but I do agree that I never use the pre-set programs. My workout changes from week to week so I'd always be editing it. Mine also has a heart rate monitor that I never use, but it may be something you would - just personal preference I think. I think having an incline feature is good (as opposed to just running flat). Mine has pace in both MPH and Min per mile I like that so I don't have to do any tricky math in my head.

Good luck.
Cindy

 

[blizzard]

Thanks for all of your opinions.

I have been rabidly reading web pages and doing google searches as well, on different brands and reviews. We have pretty much come to the conclusion that to get a treadmill that will meet our needs, we will need to spend around $1000. Having come to that conclusion, we are also considering other options in that price range. I'm really torn on what to do.

Option 1-Treadmill - will cost about $1000. Considering buying one from Costco, as they have a great return policy. Likely will require additional maintenance and parts down the road. Would not have additional child care costs. Both of us can use it anytime.

Option 2-Join the nearby women's gym-More options for weights, and classes. Toured today, and even on Jan 9 there were still lots of open machines. Child care was good, but expensive. No worries if a machine breaks, as it's not my problem. Doesn't help DH at all.

Option 3-Join the local community recreation centre with a family membership. Access to the swimming pool as well as the fitness room. Extra costs for fitness classes. Child care not available on a drop in basis (must be prearranged), but slightly cheaper than the gym. Not sure what the machine availability is like (we will take a tour here before deciding) Again no worries about broken machines. They will be building an indoor running track here in the next 2 years.

There are pluses and minuses for each option. I guess it partly depends on DH and how serious he is about exercising.

Any thoughts or experiences are welcome.

 

[tigger2esq]

pre-DD I did the gym thing. but I went on my way home from work (before dinner) it was convenient and I KNEW that if I went home first--I would never get back out the door. After DD, I started using my treadmill hard core. I didnt like losing time with DD to exercise. so I did it after I put her to bed. I knew I would never go back to the gym at 7:30/8pm at night after putting DD to bed (with DH home!) . It is SOOOO convenient. Our treadmill was around $800-850 at Sears 8 years ago. it was one originally priced at $1299 but on sale in January for the new years resolution folks. we could have saved another $150 by not paying for the pre-set programs. Its A Proform. it has held up for me through training for 2 marathons, 3 half marathons and many many other miscellaneous workouts. On the weekends, my DD can play in the basement nearby while I exercise. (we have a modified playroom in our basement which is unfinished but we have a carpet remnant and toys). See if you can get a free one week pass or even better a reduced cost trial one month membership at the gym you are checking out. and spend the month going at the times you would normally go and use the machines. check out the crowds (mondays are generally more crowded than fridays etc.). check out the childcare area. I used to go to Golds and the girl in charge of the kidroom at the times I went just sat in a chair looking bored while the kids ran amuck. see if it is easy to get to when you want to go (re traffic etc) and see if you stick to your schedule or find yourself making excuses by the end of the month.

 

[blizzard]

See if you can get a free one week pass or even better a reduced cost trial one month membership at the gym you are checking out. and spend the month going at the times you would normally go and use the machines. check out the crowds (mondays are generally more crowded than fridays etc.). check out the childcare area. I used to go to Golds and the girl in charge of the kidroom at the times I went just sat in a chair looking bored while the kids ran amuck. see if it is easy to get to when you want to go (re traffic etc) and see if you stick to your schedule or find yourself making excuses by the end of the month.

I do have a 5 visit pass from them, good until the end of February. I would still have to pay for the childcare, so I'll probably try them out when DH is home. Traffic wouldn't be an issue, since they are less than 5mins away. I will try them, but I really feel like a home treadmill might be our best bet. I would probably use the weight machines, but the treadmill is really what I want to use. I also want to run outside when the weather is nice and DH is home. I'd feel like I was wasting money with a gym membership if I was running outside. Thanks for the input!