Happydad isn’t interested in returning to his old gym (Planet Fitness) when/if it reopens. The county rec. center I used to go to won’t be opening soon either. So we think it’s time to get our own treadmill. The basement is finished so there is plenty of room for one. We would not need one that folds. But folding would be OK too as we could stash it under the guest bed if/when we have house guests again.
We would be walking, but almost certainly not jogging, and definitely unlikely to ever run on it. So we need speed-up, slow-down, increase (and then reduce) incline, heart-rate check, timer, distance. Anything beyond that would be gravy. Programmable routes might be fun to have but aren’t necessary. A shelf for a smart phone, iPad, or book would be handy. We don’t need wi-fi capability to link us to trainers.
If you are unlikely to ever jog/run on it, you can get a basic and simple treadmill for far under $2k. For example, I have a Norditrack, which I bought used for $200. It still works great after ~5 years of hard usage, including HIIT at 12mph + 7% incline. It serves my purposes well, but I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it for you, as I expect you have different priorities than I do.
If you are still going out with COVID-19, it would probably be helpful to test out a few different models and get a better feel about what things you like and don’t like while walking. In my neighborhood, they have a few used ones on NextDoor, and some of the stores that sell new ones are open. Once you have some models in mind, you can read owner review comments, including comments on things like reliability and assembly (if buying new).
Bought a cheap treadmill, it was fine while it worked. About 5 years I think. We then bought a nice treadmill from a local store, bought a base model Precor. Well worth the extra money. They delivered it and set it up. You can get a base precor for not much over $2000.
Just buy from Costco and have it delivered and set up, if you are not running you don’t need $$, but get a good incline, 15% at least IMO. You are smart to not pay for any tech as IME they are the first to fail. IMO you can get under 1K and have something last for years. The HR contacts are IME useless, get your own HRM to use. IMO get a heart rate strap to use with your phone, so Bluetooth. There are some great apps now that you can use with Bluetooth and ANT equipment.
I went high end and did a lot of research. I got my Landice L3 (I think- maybe it’s L7)) in 2014 and it’s going strong. It was pretty expensive. I rely a lot on the HR readout on the screen since I do heart rate training a lot- and I run. I think a lower end Precor would be a good bet for you. I’ve had some friends who have done well with the Nordictrack and some who had a lot of repair issues. If you have a long stride, you want a longer bed.
@abasket - Not many. He was walking for about half an hour four or five times a week, and I was doing about half an hour three times a week. I have no idea what his pace was. Mine wasn’t that fast. So maybe 2 or 3 miles a day between the both of us, and maybe max. 5 times a week each. 15 to 20 miles total? We aren’t looking for super fitness, just for maintaining decent cardiac health.
Usage does make a difference. Also, the user’s weight. If the ‘mill weighs less than the person using it, then it will be very unstable and shaky while the person runs.
@BunsenBurner - Clearly we are basic treadmill people. I’m just hoping for some suggestions for specific models to look at before we head out all masked up to do the shopping.
See if you have a Play Again Sports by you. They will have used and some new units. I have seen some really great deals on Precour and other known brands. You might be able to find a great bargain this way.
Also keep in mind local stores need sales now. There might be some big incentives on floor models.
You are probably picking a bad time to buy as everyone and his dog is doing the same. Prices won’t be competitive. Costco has 1 treadmill online. That is not normal LOL.
I would do a test at a store before buying a treadmill. I love the treadmills at my gym but when I stay in a hotel I find them disappointing to even walk on.
I agree that trying out several before you decide is the best course but for these times, recommendations may have to suffice.
We have a fairly basic Spirit treadmill that is sturdy and has needed no repairs since we bought it 15 years earlier. We got it at a local fitness shop for under $1500 and tried out several before settling on this one.
It has held up very well over the years, does not have any loose or rattling parts, and except for the slightly wheezy track at higher speeds, we have no complaints about its condition.
It folds up vertically to save space and has
A wide and long track (DH runs when he uses it),
Incline levels up to 12,
20 fitness programs,
Quarter mile distance tracking screen
Speed up, slow down and incline up/down buttons on the panel as well as on the side holding bars
Water bottle & phone slots and a place to keep an iPad,
Heart rate monitoring band as well as a safety device that can be clipped to your clothes and will stop the treadmill if you fall.
The only negative I can think of is that it’s too big to fit through the door unless dismantled completely. The shop installed it for us in the room where it currently lives.
With knee and foot problems, I cannot use it much now and would love to get rid of it to get an elliptical instead.
Proform you could get a free treadmill with 3 year IFit family membership. (total over 3 years is like $1400 or something like that).
I have a very hard time being motivated at home. I LOVE ifit and the classes they have which keeps me going. I have a NT bike and I keep seeing these great walking series and I almost want to buy a treadmill too. Luckily ifit can be on the go now through the app. Ive walked through my neighborhood while listening/watching the Egypt series for example. Super informative.
