treadmill recommendations

[Tdog]

My wife has decided she wants a treadmill, so I guess we're about to buy one. I've just begun to look on-line for info & reviews. Anyone out there in TBN-land have any advice?

Oh yeah, we are going to put it in a spare bedroom, so it won't be as easy to use it a rack for hanging clothes.

Thanks,

Jack

 

[gatorgirl]

My wife has decided she wants a treadmill, so I guess we're about to buy one. I've just begun to look on-line for info & reviews. Anyone out there in TBN-land have any advice?

Oh yeah, we are going to put it in a spare bedroom, so it won't be as easy to use it a rack for hanging clothes.

Thanks,

Jack

LOL I suggest she might go and run on a few, seriously! They all have a different feel, the springs built in make a huge difference. I was recently looking at new gyms and this will be one of my deciding factors "the type of treadmill". Hope that helps.

Julie

 

[nickadi]

I personally would get the new 'treadclimber'. It is a combination treadmill/stairclimber that is easier on the knees than a regular treadmill. I think Nordictrac makes it. Otherwise, I have a Proform that we have had for years and it has been problem free with daily use, and I am a heavy guy, so it gets my thumbs up.

 

[Craig Clayton]

Many treadmill users loose interest in being like a dog on a treadmill. I would suggest a used one from a garage sale and if it gets worn out then go for the best. Walking in the great outdoors is the best unless there are other concerns. We had a garage sale treamill that fell into disuse, I took it apart and I am building a miter saw stand out of the very well made frame.
Craig Clayton

 

[rilesdav]

This is a trap!!! Do not fall for it!! You are supposed to say to your wife that she looks fantastic and has no need for a treadmill!!
Dave

 

[Sigarms]

If you're motivated enough to go out and buy a treadmill, you should be motivated enough to go outside and go for a walk, then work up to a brisk pace (walk), then an easy jog, up until you can actually run.

Looks like you live in the south, you can't use cold weather as an excuse for getting outside. As for going out in the summer heat, the idea is to work up a sweat anyway.

 

[mcd176]

I would check at Sears or Dicks, I bought a ProForm from Sears years ago and actually use it 3 times a week or so and it has held up well. There are many choices ou there I do know the Nordic Trac brand is supposed to be really nice but they are also lots of $$$

 

[Mounted Madness]

We have two, one a Proform and the other Precor, with both of them reasonably well used (and soon to be again, now that I finished off the turkey) and both without any problems. Don't buy a cheapo, you'll regret it...

 

[Tdog]

I guess I should point out that neither she, not I, are spring chickens. Ain't no way she's going to use no stair-stepper contraption. And, forget going outside to walk unless the weather is perfect, maybe April & October! Plus, she already goes to a 'supervized' exercise facility at a local hospital twice a week. She is has copd and credits that pulmonary rehab with keeping her going. However, it is limited to twice a week, & she wants more. Her exercise is not for her figure - - that disappeared a long time ago. [yes, I am confident she never reads tbn]. Her dr told her she needed some weight bearing exercise to help strengthen her deteriorating bones & a treadmill would help.

Bottom line - - I've got no choice, I'm buying one. But there are too dang many choices. I'd like to stay under $1k.

Thanks,

Jack

 

[Bird]

My wife has decided she wants a treadmill, so I guess we're about to buy one. I've just begun to look on-line for info & reviews. Anyone out there in TBN-land have any advice?

Oh yeah, we are going to put it in a spare bedroom, so it won't be as easy to use it a rack for hanging clothes.

Thanks,

Jack

Jack, do you remember my Treadmills thread from about two and a half years ago? You participated in it. I'm glad I bought a really good treadmill cheap because after I got plantar fasciitis, I sold it to a daughter and I don't think they use it anymore either.:laughing: I now have a recumbent bike, which is probably what I should have bought to start with.

 

[rekees4300]

There are always used ones available on Craigslist and Ebay. But if you want a new one here are the Consumer Reports ratings.

 

[Tdog]

Jack, do you remember my Treadmills thread from about two and a half years ago? You participated in it.

Who knew! Yeah, now that you rang my bell I do remember. Glad I didn't say anything too stupid.

One of my friends also recommended Craiglist to me. We'll see.

Jack

 

[CompactTractorFan]

Many treadmill users loose interest in being like a dog on a treadmill.

Yeah, I know. Ours has an inch of dust on it...:confused2:

 

[sodamo]

I heartily endorse the "try before you buy" philosophy. We've had 2, both Nordic Trac. The first had the normal type running bed. I'm guessing the machine was a lemon as even the technician gave up. When they offered replacement, it included a better model with the reflex bed. What a difference!!! over the years we put over a thousand hours on it, both wife and I used it. She used it for therapy and always very slow speed, maybe topping out at the 3 of 12 setting, time was her goal, like an hour plus. My goal was usually distance in a certain time, where once I made my time, like 30 mins, then increase how far I went in that 30 minutes. It was actually pretty kind to your knees and legs. Eventually, the electronic board went out and as it was way out of warranty I refused to replace the board and gave the unit away.
We replaced it with a Bowflex treadclimber. Very different workout and we both "like" it. I gave it up a bit ago when my knee got too bad but am hoping to work it into my rehab after I get my new knee.
Both the treadmill and treadclimber I find absolutely boring. Thankfully the treadclimber takes less time.

I'm thinking of taking Bird's advice and getting a recumbent bike.

 

[buckeyefarmer]

We have a Smooth threadmill. Gets used all the time. It was very highly rated in consumer reports when we bought it, and I see from another post it is still highly rated. They only sold them online.

 

[forgeblast]

Have a tredmill, we all use it, but we went with this over an eliptical trainer due to height and storage requirements (it had to fold up so we could get it out of the way).
Height the eliptical was too high to put in our basement.
The eliptical works arms and legs, you can put the arms in a fixed position, and its easier on your knees.

 

[Nissan197]

I bought a Sole S77 in July and am happy with it. Before that I had a Bodyguard fitness Champlain model, which lasted for over ten years. Comparing the two I was happier with the Bodyguard due to its heavier construction. They both have a number of functions and go fast enough. When I was shopping I went and tried out different brands in store and then purchased on-line, which was cheaper. When it arrived I had the carrier deliver it to my basement. It was real easy to assemble. I use it several times a week.

 

[par4n1]

I have a nice gym in my house and as such some nice pieces. If your wife wants to get the benifits of running I strongley sugest an eliptical. I have both a Precor treadmill and eliptical. When measuring callories burned per hour both are about the same but the eliptical is non inpact whereas the treadmill is body pounding. Both have the same motion but I cant stress enough the benifets of a nice machine. I'll be happy to shoot you some pictures or model numbers if you wish

Marcus

 

[firedog]

Buy mine! Buy mine! :laughing:

Seriously. Offhand I can't remember the brand, but it will hold a whole lot of clothes.

 

[Runner]

We just bought a Vision Fitness T9600. Only had it a couple of weeks, but so far, looks like a good unit. My wife and I each put 100 miles or so on a treadmill each winter when the weather is too bad to run/walk outside.

You can get the same T9600 with three different control heads. One is just an analog push button type. The next step up is digital with some programs. The one we got has an LCD screen, all electronic with lots of programs and such. Hopefully the electronics will hold up OK.

Our last mill was a Hebb Trimline and lasted about 12 years until the front roller cracked in half. The company was bought and is now out of business, so couldn't get parts. I hated to junk it with just one part needing to be replaced, but I couldn't find it. Now, it's pieces will go on to serve some other useful purpose (I hope...).

Hope the new one lasts as long.