Anyone here own a treadmill?

[DieselPwr44]

My wife and I are considering buying a treadmill to help us get back in shape.I was just wondering if anyone here has one and what they would recommend to look for as far as features and brand?

Thanks in advance...........DieselPwr44 :cheers:

[The Sir]

Check and make sure it's not an extremely noisy one. That would be my #1 piece of advice.

Also, if you're not positive you'll use it often and for a long time, I wouldn't get one.

[rictus58]

I would recommend walking outdoors on a schedule first. If thats something you stick to doing, then invest in a treadmill.

[Leonard Washington]

get commerical grade with 8+year warranty.

[Raub]

I have an Image 11.0 and have no complaints about it. I run 3-4 miles 3 times a week on it. It's not any noisier than any I've used in the gym. I usually watch PTI and Around the Horn while I'm running, takes my mind off the monotony.

[SkinsNut73]

....get one with round handlebars...

...that way you can hang clothes from them...

...like we do with ours :(

[dks1240]

if you jsut plan on walking on the treadmill then it really doesn't matter what kind oyu get...the cheapest of the cheapest will do just fine. if you want to run on it, then you want to look into getting a more sturdy (more expensive) one. :lift:

[KingGibbs]

I have an Image 11.0 and have no complaints about it. I run 3-4 miles 3 times a week on it. It's not any noisier than any I've used in the gym. I usually watch PTI and Around the Horn while I'm running, takes my mind off the monotony.

I had the exact same one. Just sold it because I joined the gym. I would recommend this model. Walmart has it for under $400.00 and it has alot of the features that the more expensive models do.

As mentioned before, if you don't think you are going to use it don't waste your money. But, like Raub said watching TV while you do this makes a HUGE difference.

[KingGibbs]

....get one with round handlebars...

...that way you can hang clothes from them...

...like we do with ours :(

:laugh: The American way.

[Park City Skins]

Remember. You get what you pay for most times. And as the article below says, ( and I agree from some experience), go cheap on a treadmill and that's what you'll get. A cheap treadmill. I would temper the investment with how much you believe you'll use it. The only problem with home stuff, is that for many, it's just too convenient and it's easy to put off using them because they are right there. Funny sounding, but true. That said, I could tell you some stuff, but it's best to get that info from more than just us "gurus". ;) Here. Found this for ya.

http://exercise.about.com/cs/exercisegear/bb/bybtreadmill.htm

Did you know that more than 37 million people use a treadmill? Treadmills are great because they mimic an exercise that is both familiar and comfortable. After all, most of us know how to walk or run, right? Using a treadmill in a gym is one thing, but buying one for your home is a serious matter. Treadmills cost a good deal of money, so consider your budget and, if you can, buy the highest quality machine you can. Here's what you need to know about buying a treadmill.

How Much To Spend
For a decent treadmill, plan on spending at least $1,000 and, for a better than decent treadmill, between $1500 to $3000. There are some so-so models that fall under that price range but, if you buy a cheap treadmill, that's exactly what you're going to get. Choosing the right treadmill will depend on: 1) how much money you have, 2) any extras you want (programming, heart rate monitor, etc.), 3) what kind of motor you want and 4) how much space you have in your house.
• Top Treadmill Under $500
• Top Treadmill, $500 to $1000
• Best Buys from the Treadmill Doctor
Motor Control
The first thing to consider with your treadmill is the motor. Most treadmills have two motors; one to drive the belt and the other to raise and lower the bed for inclines. Make sure the belt motor is a continuous duty motor with at least 1.5 horsepower. More horsepower isn't always better, particularly if it's not continuous duty, so don't be fooled by a salesperson who's talking about a 'maximum power' or 'treadmill duty' motor. You want continuous duty!
• Understanding Treadmill Motors
Minimum Specifications
Other things to look for include: belt size - at least 48" long and 16" wide; speed - if you plan on running, get a treadmill that goes up to 10 mph; incline - get a treadmill with an incline that goes up to 10%; cushioning - the running bed should absorb shock and the belt shouldn't move around with every foot-strike; stability - the treadmill shouldn't shake when you run or walk on it and the frame should remain stable; control panel - should be within easy reach and be simple to use.
Decide What You Want
Before you buy, decide what types of things you want from your treadmill: Do you want running or walking programs included? Heart rate monitor? The ability to hook your treadmill up to a website such as ifit.com for new workouts? Do you need a treadmill that folds (often more expensive) or do you have enough space to house a treadmill full-time? How easy is the treadmill to maintain? Once you figure out what you want and need, it's time to hit the sporting goods store for a test drive.
• Reading Rack
Try It Out
The most important thing to do before buying a treadmill is to try it out. Make a list of treadmills and call sporting goods stores to see if they're available locally. Spend at least 10 minutes on each treadmill. Make sure it's quiet and that it doesn't shake, even when running. While you're there, see where the drink holder is. Is there a place to put your walkman? Can you add a book rack? For more information about treadmills, visit the www.treadmilldoctor.com

[riggins44]

Like SkinsNut, we have a NordicTrac Ellipse that is great for hanging things on.

[DieselPwr44]

Thanks for all the input gang and thanks for the article PCS.
My wife and I had been debating about which is the best way to go: Join the local Wellness Center($55 per month) or use that money to invest in a treadmill. I plan on taking the whole "get in shape" mantra seriously so, I'm just looking at all my options.

Plus, I need some self defense classes. Try finding a gentle way of telling your spouse she needs to get in shape.....:paranoid:



j/k: we both came to that conclusion......Ummm...coming dear.........:laugh:

[qcraftsman]

Yes get the kind with the shocks or springs in them. I think Sears and Sports Authority has them. We wish they had them. Also buy a big 65 inch screen TV and put it in front of you when you jog. It helps me go farther.

[CHUBAKAH]

just my 2 cents, but if you decide to go with a treadmill, you may want to get one that is Ifit ready. Ifit is a website where you can answer some questions about yourself, and set up an 8 week program. You just log into the website, hit run program, and bamm your off on your way. They have some that take you to places and show you really nice background shots, or you can just stay on your program.
I juist finished an 8 week program last night myself, and it now has taken me to the next level. Of course I had some weight to drop, but the first 8 weeks I dropped 27 pounds.
You can try it out free for the first 4 weeks, and if you like it, it's 9 bucks a month to keep it going. Hate to sound like an advertisement, but it works for both myself, and the misses, and it keeps you coming back for more to see where your going.

Good luck with whatever you decide!

O yeah, www.ifit.com

[CHUBAKAH]

So what did you decide?