Buying a treadmill
 

Hi everyone :)

I'm in the market for my first treadmill. Looking for it to be max $1200. For those who already own treadmills, any suggestions of brands or models that are still available or what to what out for?

All that I've learned so far is look for:
- min. 1.5 HP motor, DC
- no cotton belts
- try for 2 ply belts

Thanks a bunch :) I'm pretty excited to get one, but just not finding a good one for my price range.

Sorry, I don't know about treadmills, but I do walk alot. $1200 sounds pretty steep (well, I know that the sky is the limit with these things) so I say, just walk. Going outside is free, and there's something more "satisfying" for me about actually walking somewhere and looking at scenery. Also, it feels like I'm burn more calories.

Then again, I'm spoiled by living in Southern California where the weather is "walking friendly" all year. So if you are looking for something to use in a harsh Winter, then that makes a lot of sence.

Good luck, whatever you choose.

jesus, are they really that pricey?

I was thinking about what I'm going to do in the upcoming winter ... gym or tm ..

probably gonna be gym for me ...

still a good thread, for the curious.

I have a treadmill that I got from a relative.. But I am not familiar with treadmill prices.

I would like to suggest a gym membership, if only to take advantage of their cardio machines.

$1200 will cover a gym membership for over 4 years, and while there, you may take a liking to other exercizes or forms of cardio.

Ultimately, running outside is ideal, and free, but weather and location can impact the reality of that.

Sorry I can't help with treadmill pricing or model advice, but $1200 seems like too much money for a device that will limit you to one type of activity. I love running myself, and earlier this year wanted to buy a stationary bike, but instead opted to pay a monthly fee ($30 or so) to go to the gym, where I would run and bike, as well as lift a few weights.

Good luck.

Whatever you do, find something that you will actually do. Plus, going to a gym has many side benefits, like the motivation that you are there and won't be as lazy as you could be at home.

I purchased a spin bike and some weight blocks a few years ago to supplement what I do at the gym. It's nice to have the stuff at home when I can't get to the gym but I still make going the priority. The home stuff is for convenience.

1200 is pretty reasonable... you also want one that has an 'auto stop' if you fall or lose your balance and you stop moving...

If you live in an apartment, or above someone, you want to have some really good padding underneath the treadmill - -those things are danged loud.... they also take up a lot of space, so you might want to think about a collapsable one...

Proform makes a pretty good one, that's pretty resonable...under 1000 -- PRecor makes a really nice one that are generally in the 2 - 3000 range - but you get what you pay for... CHeck out places like The Sports Authority or other stores where you can actually try out one of these things.

Try treadmill doctor.com, they list the best treadmills in different prices ranges and you can read a little about them.

As expensive as it sounds, $1200 isn't really too much for a personal use treadmill. When we were getting new treadmills for the gym I was managing we were looking at $4,000 for the industrial use gym ones! If you live anywhere you can walk outside most of the year, I would think about doing that as Mister Coaster suggested. I'd be curious to hear others experiences anyway.

I bought a used star-trac from a relative who used it as a clothes hanger. You might want to buy used for the same reason, until you are sure you'll get your money's worth.