Buying a treadmill... and being a Vegetarian...

[RoxStar]

I decided I am going to buy a treadmill and I want to get a decent one but I know nothing about treadmills (ie: good manufacturers etc). Any recommendations out there?

 

Oh and this is in regard to my Vegetarian post that has been revived from the dead... I couldnt pull off being a Vegetarian - missed meat...

[sophia34]

What is your budget and how much space have you got? I would look for the absolute best treadmill I could afford that also fit the space I had for it. Some of the best names in treadmills are Precor, True, and Life Fitness. These are often the treadmills that you'll find in commercial and hotel gyms. They run $1,500 to $3,000 new, but if you looked for one used, you might be able to find one at half the price.

 

Whatever your budget, look for the one with the widest, most stable tread possible. There's nothing worse than trying to walk or jog on one of those skinny, rickety treadmills. I did that for a while, but now that I've used treadmills at the gym, I won't be going back. I do most of my walking and running outside at the moment (no room inside for a treadmill), but when that changes, I will save up for the best I can buy, probably in the $1,500 to $2,000 range.

 

Also, check out Consumer Reports. For only a $2.95 a month subscription (which you can cancel when you're done!), you can see all of their ratings for a wide range of treadmills in a range of prices. Here's CR's "Quick Picks" though:

 

Best for avid runners; well designed and especially sturdy:

Landice $2,900

True $2,300

Precor $3,000

 

Best folding models; both are CR Best Buys:

Horizon Fitness $1,800

Life Fitness $1,400

 

Fine for most running and walking;

both are CR Best Buys:

Vision Fitness $1,300

Schwinn $1,300

 

Fine for walking:

Image $400

 

However, I wouldn't spend less than $700. Wait for a sale if you're on a budget, or buy a really good one secondhand. If you get a cheap treadmill, you won't like it (the cheaper they are, the noisier and more rickety they are), and so, you probably will be less likely to use it. Obviously, try before you buy! Run a mile on the models you're considering, to make sure you like the feel of it, are okay with the noise, and of course, like all its features.

[Gunner]

From personal experience I can recommend the Pro Form treadmill from Sears. The one I bought cost about $500. I kept it cheap because I figured it would be something I'd try for a couple of weeks and then become a giant coat hanger but that didn't happen. Between my wife and I we have run that treadmill almost every day for a year and a half. My wife walks and I run and we have never had a problem with it whatsoever. Sears also sells the Nordic Track brand also but it is much more expensive. I thought this cheaper Pro Form would have broken down by now but it is in great shape and keeps on running.

 

Gunner

[goodnbad]

I also have a ProForm treadmill and I think it cost me around $800 on sale. Great for running!

 

Although I think if I were to buy a new one, I would get something with the iFit programming. It allows you to program your own workout online and adjust it accordingly.