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Mags
Member
06-26-2001
| Thursday, February 08, 2007 - 2:36 pm
I apologize if there is a thread about this subject already. I looked around for a bit before posting here. I'm looking for recommendations for a good, inexpensive treadmill. I plan on going to 2nd Wind to purchase, but I thought I'd see if you guys had any recommendations on brands/models. Any thoughts?
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Rissa
Member
03-20-2006
| Thursday, February 08, 2007 - 3:03 pm
Mags, can't recommend a specific brand but I have owned a number of treadmills over the years and can give you a couple things to look for. Size of running area!!! Very important especially if you run not just walk. It is normal to *move* up and down the tread slightly. Not at all pleasant when one foot slips off the back edge! Depends on budget of course but hubby and I have learned to get a model with more power then what we expect will be needed. Unit will last longer if you are not always running it at full power. Make an analogy with a car and you will see what I mean. Padded tread. Again this is more important if you are running then walking but it will give your joints just a little more cushioning. Noise level. I have a great routine. I record a show the night before and then watch it while running. A standard one hour drama with commercials fast forwarded is about 45 minutes which is a relaxed 5KM run. When the treadmill is loud (our last model) then the TV has to be cranked. Can't hear the phone, door, etc plus everyone else in the house is disturbed too. We own a Pacemaker Proselect, it's about 3 years old and between hubby and I we put in about 40-50 miles per week. We have been very happy with it, although I am thinking of switching to an eliptical because I am starting to have knee issues (getting old LOL). How about renting one for six months? Then you can see for yourself what features are or are not important for you. So much fun buying new toys, isn't it?
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Mags
Member
06-26-2001
| Thursday, February 08, 2007 - 6:10 pm
Lots to think about Rissa! I didn't even think of renting one. I'll have to check that out!
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Teachmichigan
Member
07-22-2001
| Thursday, February 08, 2007 - 8:00 pm
"A standard one hour drama with commercials fast forwarded is about 45 minutes which is a relaxed 5KM run." Can I tell you that the idea of a RELAXED 5KM anything has to involve WHEELS not LEGS??? Seriously, we purchased an Ironman heavy-duty treadmill two years ago (paid about $1000 at Costco) and it was worth every penny. It has programs, it has a heart rate monitor, it is quiet and we haven't had one lick of trouble with it...granted we don't put 40-50 miles on it, but we're more "tinman" people than "ironman" athletes! I like listening to my ipod when I'm walking -- I can listen to audio books, the time flies, and it's quieter for others in the house. Good luck and let us know what you find!
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Kitt
Member
09-06-2000
| Thursday, February 08, 2007 - 8:12 pm
Are you a walker or a runner? I'm a walker so the comments below are related to walking. As well as the length of the running pad, consider the width and whether the hand rails are in a sensible position - if you're an arm swinger like me on some models you can hit the hand rails and at speed, that's painful! Consider the weight of the person(s) using it, Some are rated to 200lbs, some to 250lb or more. Treadmills can be boring and you might prefer to have a little variety while you're on there. Some models have 20, 30 and 40 minute routines built in which vary the incline and speed without you having to do it yourself. We have a Pro-Form 750, which I don't think they do anymore. We've had no trouble with it other than general wear and tear. If it's something you think you'd use a lot I'd consider getting a warranty on it, as you will need the belt changed sooner or later. We got ours at Sears, paid for a two year warranty (I think at about $70 a year) and have extended it ever since, it's well worth it to keep it running smoothly.
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Chiliwilli
Member
09-04-2006
| Friday, February 09, 2007 - 1:12 am
I traded my elyptical for a pro-form treadmill today. I haven't had a chance to use it yet but I'm hoping to tomorrow. It's rated for up to 300# and has various routines built in. It seems to be pretty quiet also which is good cuz I listen to audio books also. Walking on treadmills is boring so you gotta do something while you're walking.
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Rissa
Member
03-20-2006
| Friday, February 09, 2007 - 6:30 am
LOL Teach. I do 5 KM (3 miles) every second day, have for years and hated every lovin' minute of it. It's my hubby thats the real runner and puts in 75% of the miles. Chili, you are trading in your elliptical? Can I ask why? I went through years of really bad shin splints from running (backs of my legs would be black from ankle to knee from ripped blood vessels) Finally solved that issue (have to use walking shoes instead of runners because of the way I step). Now I run and my knees ache for the next day. I am just giving up and going low impact. Did the eliptical not work for you? Or just want variety?
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Mags
Member
06-26-2001
| Friday, February 09, 2007 - 7:51 am
Thanks for the comments! Kitt, I am a walker and good ideas about the hand rails, 'cause I am an arm-swinger!!
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Dogdoc
Member
09-29-2001
| Friday, February 09, 2007 - 5:31 pm
When my Proform tread mill died I bought a Proform elliptical. What a difference. The elliptical is quiet. I get both arm and leg exeercise. 20 minutes on the elliptical = 40 minutes on the tread mill.
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Chiliwilli
Member
09-04-2006
| Friday, February 09, 2007 - 6:21 pm
I have a bad knee from an accident a couple of years ago and even though most days it doesn't bother me much, the eliptical makes it hurt a lot. Walking doesn't seem to bother it near as much but still does some.
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