Who runs on a Tread mill?
 

the wife wants to buy a tread mill ....damn cold up here yet.anyone have any recommendations? the damn things are expensive.....looks like you need to spend between 2-3k for a good one . Anyone know of any deals? Ive been looking on ebay and you can get refirbed ones....

I think the old phrase "you get what you pay for" really applies. The wife and I tore up a middle of the road ($1800) treadmill in about three years. She's only about 130 lbs but she runs on it a lot and she runs hard, I'm 6'2" 230 lbs, I only run 1-2 times a week, but I'm pretty hard on it.
Last year we bit the bullet and bought a true 500 series, and it is awesome. Quiet, solid, and reliable. We've both logged some miles on it and that thing is just like new.

If you're looking for a good aerobic workout, I think the treadmill is better than an exercise bike or stair climber. It's the closest thing to actually going outside and running.

Regards
Mike

Dyno,...I use them during the winter along with various stair climbers, there are different brands at the gym I belong to and I don't know or remember what the brand names are but I do know they all kick my ass!....Fred

Funny you should ask...
 

I'm doing the same thing. Wife wants to get back in shape after the pregnancy, but it is tough to run outside in this weather, especially when you have a 9-month-old to deal with. She wants a new treadmill - the crappy hand-me-down Sears Lifestyler won't go over 3MPH after my big ass was on it. Like you said, the higher-end ones are damn expensive - $2K - $3K would buy a lot of neat stuff for the boat. Then again, I'm not about to stand in the way of her getting back her bikini body for boating season :drool:, so it looks like a treadmill it will be.

I'm not in the $2k range - trying to keep mine under a grand. Might try to find a "barely used", impulse-buy coat-rack model. I have been doing some research, and here are some good links:

Good info, and some sites at the bottom for ratings and comparisons: http://www.consumersearch.com/www/he...fullstory.html

Also, go to http://www.treadmilldoctor.com/ - they have ratings for almost all of the major manufacturers.

The word on the street is that the cheaper, department store models like the Weslo's and Proform's won't hold up real well over the long run. They, along with a lot of other brands are made by a big conglomerate called Icon Fitness. They usually have underpowered motors (peak HP ratings instead of continuous duty), and only a 90-day warranty. Image is also made by Icon, but it offers a much better warranty.

Basically, it comes down to who is going to be using the thing and how often. A 110 lb woman running less than 20 miles per week might get by OK with one of the less expensive models. But someone with a big Charles Barkley ass like me would probably put a hurtin' on it. :eek:

I looked at a treadmill made by Horizon Fitness the other day. Looked pretty sturdy, seemed to have a decent motor (1.75 continuous HP), and pretty good warranty (lifetime frame, 10-year motor) for $700. Might be worth considering for someone who is light. Has anyone out there had any experience with Horizon? Couldn't find a whole lot about them on the web.

WARNING! Do Not Clean the Tread Mill while standing on it. You just might hit the ON button and get launched off of it backwards.......HURTS!

LMFAO Outlaw... You sound like you know this a little TOO well! :D :D

I do know this. Yes, it happened to me. It was not fun but I sure wish I could have seen myself do it. I bet it looked funny. It really did hurt though, left a few marks, skid marks that is, on my chin. Good thing it was in my basement and not at the gym.

Get a TRUE. We have a 540CI and it has been great. Expensive, but the $1500 Sportmart type model we had was loud and died a quick death.

I have been going thru the same thing, need to spend at least 2 grand to get one to run on. Looking more towards the ellipticals. I never thought I would go that route, but have started using one at the gym about a month ago and I prefer it over the treadmill. Much easier on the joints, get a good aerobic workout, works the upper body, quiet. Check one out before you buy the treadmill.

The timing on this is good for me too. My wife wants me to get a tread mill for her. I would like to stay under $1k though.

Maybe we can get a group order discount??

I got a Cybex nearly ten years ago. Cost $3500.
It's got a million miles on it.

Ran thru a weird problem at year 4 where it would just stop 30 minutes into a hard run. I don't mean gently stop - I mean STOP. The display stayed lit and the counters kept going, but an error code came up. Cybex sent me a motor on threir dollar. Didn't fix it. They sent a controller board on their dollar. Didn't fix it. They sent a flywheel and optical sensor on their dollar. Didn't fix it. Checked the current draw on the motor and it was a little high. Input voltage from the wall was a little low (112). They had no more ideas. I installed a squirrelcage blower fan and a temp switch glued to the motor. When the motor gets over 120 degrees, the fan turns on. Has never acted up again.

Highly recommend Cybex club-quality treadmills. Great feeling "suspension board" and long life double sided belt. Programmable "feel" (motor response to heavy footsteps).

I've seen some on ebay, and would not be afraid to buy a used one cause cybex tech support has been excellent and the quality of the components is awesome.

I'd say if you are over 200 pounds and plan to use the treadmill at anything over a slow jogging speed, you better plan to spend $1500 minimum.

I think consumerreports.org has recent tests.

My wife has been using a TRUE treadmill for about 5 years now, never had to do a thing to it. (knock on wood) She uses it every morning, it cost around $1600. You get what you pay for. I think True is a good brand, so does she.

We also own a True and have no complaints. We spent a lot of time doing the comparison thing and decided it was worth the extra money.

I spent only $500 on a Weslo at Sam's Club and it does everything we need it to do. We use it off and on. Right now we are into getting into shape so it's being used everyday. I don't run on it constantly, brisk walks to a jog for 20 to 25 minutes a couple times a week.

I won't spent too much. That way if it becomes a clothes rack you are not out too much. If you use it alot and get a couple years out of it then you can upgrade.

If you are both going to use it regularly I would recommend a good used commercial model. Cybex or Trotter. Check the mileage on it, like buying a used car. Most clubs sell/auction off their stuff in order to replace with new items. Might also check with the local retail place. In our area when we purchased new t-mills they would resell them at 50% off or greater. Most commercial tmills are in the $6-$7000 range and built to last thousands of miles. Just my .02

Yep, I just picked up a budget model yesterday at Walmart. Weslo 450 Cadence for $299. Our last Weslo lasted 6 years and it was the cheapest model. The new one has power-incline, tons more electronics, and larger cushioned walking belt (wider and longer). I will be happy if it lasts us the same.

We just use the mill for walking so I quess it doesn't really apply for what you want anyways:D

My .02
 

I Have A 600.00 treadmill (sears) 3 yrs. old. Bought service plan
I know there a rip but not on this thing. Needed service once.
I run 5-9 times per week for 20-50 mniutes year round. Still going strong. Put the tv and dvd in front and the time flies by.
Don't think you have to spend 3000. for what most people end up not using. Just my .02. I'm a light weight 155, that probably
helps. My wife runs on it as well. Good luck. John