Headphones are necessary with a treadmill IME, and a good fan. Most modern TVs will have Bluetooth or a headphone jack. IME incline is the most important option if treadmill users don’t run. It is the only way to increase work at the same pace.
Okay, CC friends, I have a plan. This weekend I will visit two stores - one that sells Precor and one that sells LIfe Fitness. If I can get comfortable with the foldable Life Fitness model, I will shop for a wall bed. If I can’t, I will buy a new air mattress when and if the occasion arises that we need a bed in that room.
I wish y’all could help me with paint colors for that room - I’m really bad at that! (H doesn’t understand why we need to repaint the current bright teal and shocking pink room [it was younger D’s bedroom].) I’m looking for a peaceful spa-like gray/blue/green, but it’s a north facing room.
Thanks so much to everyone!
Before you buy a treadmill, go to a running store and get the very best shoes that work for your feet. Yes, they make different shoes for different arches. Your joints will thank you. Then, ask if there is a walker’s group that meets a couple of times a week on a flat track. They do exist. Walk outside and meet people. (Personally, I hate treadmills. They make me nauseous.)
Tgeee are lots of good reasons to have a treadmill and it doesn’t preclude going outside. I used to hate treadmills, too, but as a competitive runner who got older and didn’t need to be out in the dark on ice don days, it’s been great to have one.
Good idea - sounds fun and healthy - but I work long hours, have a long commute and will not get up at 5 am to exercise. None of that is going to happen. I know myself.
I do gentle yoga, I walk outside when I can, I swim in the summer - but a treadmill is the only way I can make myself do break-into-a-sweat cardio.
What MOfWC said. Running under pouring rain in 40-degree darkness made me appreciate my treadmill - because it helps me avoid a greater misery.
https://www.assaultfitness.com/products/treadmill
AirRunner, we had it for less than a year, it is a great buy, my more athletic kiddo runs on it faster for shorter period of time (it is a lot harder than motor-based treadmill) and slacker like me jog on it for longer/calorie burning. It is suitable for all levels of running/jogging/walking. Much quieter too.
We are not a heavy running family but had “burned” several treadmills from Costco/sears.
$4000-$5000 is over my budget, but it certainly would take up less space.
What about the treadmills with no handles? They could tuck under a bed.
Ones with handles that can second as a place to hang clothes so it still has utility after you’ve had it a week or so.
Life Fitness folding treadmill https://shop.lifefitness.com/f3-folding-treadmill
Matrix folding treadmill https://shop.matrixfitness.com/treadmill/folding-frames
I’ve had three treadmills…nice ones too. I’ve given all away once they became clothes hanging spots.
I joined a gym…they have great equipment and also upgrade it periodically.
And they don’t let me hang my clothes??
Good luck, missypie! I had a great, nonfolding LifeFitness treadmill that lasted for ten years. I wore that sucker out. It came in handy for late nights and super hot days and times when I wanted to watch something on TV and needed to exercise. When the kids got older, they ran on it, too. I miss it.
My LifeCycle just died after thirty years of hard use. I bought it to study for the bar exam. H went out and replaced it with a Peleton bike. (He didn’t consult with me. I would have said no, I can spin at a studio or ride my road bike on the trainer. But he wanted a new toy and hey, it is really nice and super quiet. I can see myself watching TV and riding on it.)
It depends on the specific buyer’s needs and the specific treadmill. Used treadmills often have a huge depreciation. They can be either high or low quality depending on the specific treadmill. For example, I bought a NordicTrack treadmill on CraigsList for $150. I’ve been using the NT for many years without issue since then, running thousands of miles and many of them at 10mph on a 6% incline (HIIT). I also looked at a less than 3 year old Landice, which I thought had some serious mechanical issues, in spite of being commercial grade and costing $4-5k new.
My NordicTrack is a basic treadmill that meets my needs well, which are different from other buyers. For example, I mentioned that I do HIIT workouts at a high speed, so it is important that the treadmill supports a maximum speed of more than 10mph and does not show mechanical struggle, belt issues, high noise, or other problems while at this high 10+ mph speed. However, a buyer who primarily does light walks on the treadmill would have completely different needs. Another important criteria for me is foldable and easy to move. My NordicTrack meets this criteria well, while larger and heavier commercial type models will not. There are also specific features that are also important for some buyers and not others. For example, I like the built in fan, adjustable tension/cushioning, having a place to store my laptop, having compartments that will hold a water bottle and remote, and having displays that list speed and incline in big letters. I thought I’d like the HR monitor, but found it to be too inaccurate compared to measuring my HR with my hand/finger.
I’d suggest thinking about what features are important to you and trying some different types of treadmills out – not just in stores, but places where you can get a real workout in, such as in gyms, exercise rooms, or at a friend’s place. You can also find some review sites online, in addition to places like Amazon.
I bought my Healthrider 900 HRC at a garage dale for $100. It’s foldable, but very heavy. I leave it open all the time and use it for a 3 to 5 mile run, 1-3 times per week depending on the weather. I’ve had it for about 5 years and haven’t had any problems. When something goes wrong with it, it’ll go to the landfill. $100 well spent.
I doubt many used treadmills have excess mileage. As OP is not using it for running etc, used is a great option, most people who won't look at used have no means to transport a heavy awkward item. Pay $100 for that service if you find a used option and you potentially have a bargain.
I completely agree with @Sybylla regarding buying used. The used treadmill I bought was in mint condition and the seller was overjoyed that I was willing to take it away. In retrospect, I probably could have had it for less $100.
I used GoShare.co to transport my treadmill, which is kind of like Uber for moving. Their standard rate for a guy with a truck is $10 + $0.99/min. It was a relatively short distance, so the total was under $50. There are many similar services.