Full Version: Treadmills
In a few weeks I'm looking to buy a treadmill for the home.Anyone on the board have/use one in their home? What are some of the better ones? I'm a complete novice at this. I'd like one that can monitor the heart because of a murmur and high blood pressure. Any ideas as to where would be the best place to even go to buy one? An actual sports store or just maybe some place like Sears? i need some help here.
I'd check out Consumer Reports.
WVD,
Yep, check Consumer Reports, they do treadmills regularly and usually only reccommend ones over $400. There might be other places on the web where buyers/owners rate their own treadmills for additional info.
Yep, check Consumer Reports, they do treadmills regularly and usually only reccommend ones over $400. There might be other places on the web where buyers/owners rate their own treadmills for additional info.
I'd normally say eBay, but shipping would be unreal.
My mother uses one from Sears everyday for about 25 minutes a day. It has lasted for well over a year now. She had one before that that lasted more than 5 years. They both monitor calories, fat burned, heartrate, pulse and steps if I remember right. I hate running on treadmills because I find it very boring, but I believe my mother bought hers from Sears on both occasions
My mother uses one from Sears everyday for about 25 minutes a day. It has lasted for well over a year now. She had one before that that lasted more than 5 years. They both monitor calories, fat burned, heartrate, pulse and steps if I remember right. I hate running on treadmills because I find it very boring, but I believe my mother bought hers from Sears on both occasions
Walmart
Bought our sportcraft TX400 treadmill there for around $368.
Very sturdy and the tread is actually very wide allowing even the "Not-so-Graceful" of us to run on it. It can take a beating too, if it can support me I'm sure it can support anyone else.
Bought our sportcraft TX400 treadmill there for around $368.
Very sturdy and the tread is actually very wide allowing even the "Not-so-Graceful" of us to run on it. It can take a beating too, if it can support me I'm sure it can support anyone else.
If you can, why not just walk? My wife and I usually do 3-4 miles a day. We vary our route and if it's raining we walk indoors at the Med Center or the Mall. We had a Nordic Trak and it was booooorrring. Wound up gathering dust. My daughter has it now, but she usually rides a bike.
Where I live at is very rough terrain including the paved road! And I had spinal surgery so I'm not allowed to walk on uneven and loose surfaces for some time to come.Sides,if I've got a treadmill then it doesn't matter if it's bad weather out and also I want to set it up so I can watch the morning news on the tv here in the back room 
. Or listen to the stereo. 
I already have a bike,but that's a no-no for the time being too.Something to do with hunching over and slouching... 
Thanks for all the help guys! I can see that I'll be walking alot just to find a treadmill!
That should keep the Doc happy. 
. Or listen to the stereo. I already have a bike,but that's a no-no for the time being too.Something to do with hunching over and slouching... Thanks for all the help guys! I can see that I'll be walking alot just to find a treadmill!
That should keep the Doc happy.
I considered one at one time. Sears and Dick's Sporting Goods both have a very good selection.
If you're into that sort of thing, HSN (Home Shopping Network) and the others often have what appear to be good treadmills at a reasonable price. Shipping isn't all that bad either, and sometimes free during specials.
Check out that Play It Again, Sports on Pennsylvania Ave in Hagerstown. Over by Hagerstown Business College and Imperial Chinese Restaurant. They often have decent used treadmills. Or at least could keep their eye open for you.
If you're into that sort of thing, HSN (Home Shopping Network) and the others often have what appear to be good treadmills at a reasonable price. Shipping isn't all that bad either, and sometimes free during specials.
Check out that Play It Again, Sports on Pennsylvania Ave in Hagerstown. Over by Hagerstown Business College and Imperial Chinese Restaurant. They often have decent used treadmills. Or at least could keep their eye open for you.
The treadmill you should buy depends on different factors: your weight, how fast you plan to go (running or walking), how often you intend to use it, etc.
In general, expect to pay at least $600 for a decent one. Experts recommend paying at least $1,000.
That said, I have one in my basement that I use to use 4 times a week and cost me $200+ at Kmart. (Now it gets used about once a week... I've started running outside.) I mostly run on it, some light walking. I weigh 105 lbs and run at a speed of about 4.6 mph, so it doesn't get too much impact. My 170 lb husband runs on it occasionally.
If you're just trying it out, maybe try a cheapo at first. Then invest in a better one later.
Also, if you're looking for an cardio machine with no hunching, you might also consider elliptical machines and/or a recumbant bike. (I LOVE my recumbant bike.)
In general, expect to pay at least $600 for a decent one. Experts recommend paying at least $1,000.
That said, I have one in my basement that I use to use 4 times a week and cost me $200+ at Kmart. (Now it gets used about once a week... I've started running outside.) I mostly run on it, some light walking. I weigh 105 lbs and run at a speed of about 4.6 mph, so it doesn't get too much impact. My 170 lb husband runs on it occasionally.
If you're just trying it out, maybe try a cheapo at first. Then invest in a better one later.
Also, if you're looking for an cardio machine with no hunching, you might also consider elliptical machines and/or a recumbant bike. (I LOVE my recumbant bike.)
WV'lady - Here is some info from CR:
----------------
Choose a price range based on your exercise needs.
Treadmills fall into three broad price groups based on how well they’re built and the number of features they include. Consider the exercise you or family members do most. Then use the information below to decide how much treadmill you need.
Basic: $300 to $700
Best for walkers on a budget.
Typically include a 10-mph top speed; a 10 percent maximum incline; displays of speed, distance, time, and calories; a shelf and water-bottle holders; and folding deck.
But these often aren’t large or sturdy enough for running, and the deck may not decline flat--a problem for less-fit users.
Midrange: $800 to $1,800
Best for walkers and occasional runners.
Typically include the same features as basic treadmills, plus a heart-rate monitor, exercise programs, and a deck that declines completely flat.
But some don’t fold. And durability may be an issue if you share it with serious runners.
High end: $2,000 to $3,500
Best for frequent, dedicated runners.
Typically include the same as midrange machines, plus the sturdier deck and frame, and the more powerful motor required for frequent fast running.
But most high-end models are large and lack a folding deck, a potential problem if the exercise room for your treadmill is small.
---------------------------
CR Quick Recommendations
When it comes to treadmills, performance and price typically go hand in hand. Models that cost $2,000 and up tend to have better controls and construction, along with an amply sized belt. Most higher-priced models also have enough exercise flexibility for serious runners as well as less-fit users who want to ease into regular exercise at their own pace.
That doesn't mean you have to spend top dollar for a good treadmill. Several models we tested, including the CR Best Buys Schwinn (6) and Vision Fitness (9), offer sturdy construction and ample exercise options for $1,300 or so. You can spend even less if you're buying a treadmill solely for walking, which requires less sturdiness and lower speeds than running.
If you have young children, you may want to think twice about choosing the Nautilus (8). While competent overall, it can be turned on without the safety key.
The Ratings rank treadmills strictly by overall performance. See Price ranges and exercise needs to decide which type of treadmill--basic, midrange, or high-end--meets your exercise needs. Then check our Quick Picks for tested models that offer the most performance and value for the type of exercise you prefer.
*Fine for most running and walking:
5 Life Fitness Sport $1,800
6 Schwinn $1,300, CR Best Buy
9 Vision Fitness $1,350, CR Best Buy
All three are well built and moderately priced. Paying more for the Life Fitness Sport (5) buys a heart-rate monitor and programmed exercise routines, along with easy folding for compact storage.
*Fine for walkers:
14 Image $400
The Image (14) doesn't decline flat, a minus for low-fitness users. But it should be fine for modest walks, provided you don't exceed its 250-pound weight limit.
----------------
Choose a price range based on your exercise needs.
Treadmills fall into three broad price groups based on how well they’re built and the number of features they include. Consider the exercise you or family members do most. Then use the information below to decide how much treadmill you need.
Basic: $300 to $700
Best for walkers on a budget.
Typically include a 10-mph top speed; a 10 percent maximum incline; displays of speed, distance, time, and calories; a shelf and water-bottle holders; and folding deck.
But these often aren’t large or sturdy enough for running, and the deck may not decline flat--a problem for less-fit users.
Midrange: $800 to $1,800
Best for walkers and occasional runners.
Typically include the same features as basic treadmills, plus a heart-rate monitor, exercise programs, and a deck that declines completely flat.
But some don’t fold. And durability may be an issue if you share it with serious runners.
High end: $2,000 to $3,500
Best for frequent, dedicated runners.
Typically include the same as midrange machines, plus the sturdier deck and frame, and the more powerful motor required for frequent fast running.
But most high-end models are large and lack a folding deck, a potential problem if the exercise room for your treadmill is small.
---------------------------
CR Quick Recommendations
When it comes to treadmills, performance and price typically go hand in hand. Models that cost $2,000 and up tend to have better controls and construction, along with an amply sized belt. Most higher-priced models also have enough exercise flexibility for serious runners as well as less-fit users who want to ease into regular exercise at their own pace.
That doesn't mean you have to spend top dollar for a good treadmill. Several models we tested, including the CR Best Buys Schwinn (6) and Vision Fitness (9), offer sturdy construction and ample exercise options for $1,300 or so. You can spend even less if you're buying a treadmill solely for walking, which requires less sturdiness and lower speeds than running.
If you have young children, you may want to think twice about choosing the Nautilus (8). While competent overall, it can be turned on without the safety key.
The Ratings rank treadmills strictly by overall performance. See Price ranges and exercise needs to decide which type of treadmill--basic, midrange, or high-end--meets your exercise needs. Then check our Quick Picks for tested models that offer the most performance and value for the type of exercise you prefer.
*Fine for most running and walking:
5 Life Fitness Sport $1,800
6 Schwinn $1,300, CR Best Buy
9 Vision Fitness $1,350, CR Best Buy
All three are well built and moderately priced. Paying more for the Life Fitness Sport (5) buys a heart-rate monitor and programmed exercise routines, along with easy folding for compact storage.
*Fine for walkers:
14 Image $400
The Image (14) doesn't decline flat, a minus for low-fitness users. But it should be fine for modest walks, provided you don't exceed its 250-pound weight limit.
Thanks guys!! Some names to look for!
This is a "lo-fi" version of our main content. To view the full version with more information, formatting and images, please click here.