Help me please!
I am in the very early process of thinking about getting a treadmill. However, it is a very large purchase and I do not just have a couple of thousand lyin about collecting dust. So, I need to research, research, research!!!
I have heard a few of you lovely ladies talking about working out on your treadmills and was wondering if you could let me in on the pros and cons of your equip, and possible steer me in the right directions. Best places to purchase, best buys, what type I should be thinking about, if I should spend that extra couple hundred bucks on so special feature.
Please anything would be great.
Virginia

Virginia, I just bought an el-cheapo ($599) from the Sears catalogue. It's going to be set up this morning. I'll let you know what I think of it and will also be interested in hearing what the other chicks say.

Virginia, about two weeks ago we got a SportCraft TX-400 from Canadian Tire. It was regularly 1000 bucks on sale for 500. So far we really like it. It's not the best by any means, but adequate for our needs.
If you're planning on running on it, make sure you get one that will "take it". Some of them are intended only for walking.

Run on it? Are you nuts? I am going to just stroll at the slowest speed for a decade or so!
Darn jocks!

Here's the one I bought. Sale ends January 30.
http://www6.sears.ca/webapp/wcs/stor...ctId=157983059

Thanks Ruthxxx and Ellis,
I appreciate any input. Like I said it will be a while before I get it but just checking it out for now.
Ruth, nice to hear from you sweetie! Love hearing from you both.
Virginia
P.S. It is so cold to actually walk outside these days. My daughter walked back home from the bus stop this morning, nearly frozen stiff. Poor thing was crying and shivering. I snuggled with her to get her warmed up, but I think her ears, (one in particular) took the brunt of the cold. It is still purple and that was this morning around 8 am.
Maybe now, MAYBE, she will wear her hat, I doubt it. Twelve years old, grade 7 and thinks she knows everything! Live and learn I guess.
Virginia

Check the local classified ads...there are a lot of people selling $1000 treadmills for $300 because they have been used as a coatrack for the past 2 years.

You can use them for that too? Wow! I thought that was just step machines.

By the way, chicks, I have been on it. On the advice of my physiotherapist, I'll be doing two five minute sessions per day for a while. That sure won't burn up many calories but will strengthen my knee and get me started.

My el-cheapo works fine but what the heck do I know.

That's great, Ruth!! Good for you! (you're doing better than me right now... I'd better get on it!)

Hi Ladies.
If I can't get outside for my daily 3 mile hike, I walk a treadmill. The one I have now is my second one. In general, if you are only going to walk, not run, then aim for a lighter (and somewhat cheaper) model. BUT, make sure it is STURDY. I would get one that had the LARGEST walking area that you can afford. To me THAT was the most important feature. My first one was cheap and small and I fell off it many times when I would run out of walking tread, or slightly lost my balance a step or two. If you are tall, like I am (5'9"), make sure the support bar (where you might hold onto to steady yourself) fits you comfortably. Electronically, mine measures the time, distance, calories burned, FAT calories burned, and miles per hour. I would forgo the calorie counter if it saves you some bucks, but the timer and milage counters are a must. Some have electronic or manual incline adjustment. Unless you really want a challenge, I would forgo that as well. I don't use my electronic incline feature at all. If I want to increase intensity, I just walk faster. Some useful additions are cup holders. Mine has two and I put my water bottle in one and the phone, or remote control in the other. Look to see if there is a place to hang a towel. I usually hold a washcloth in my hand to "towel off". Another thing....treadmilling to me can be very boring. I improved my "commitment" to get on the darn thing when I was able to put a TV in front of it. Then you can kinda...'zone out'. Plus staring at the meters can make it seem like the time is going by VEEEERRRYYYYY SSSLLLOOOOOWWWWLLLY. I only look down during the commercials! My sister listens to music CD's she has put together. SHe chose the music beat to correspond to her workout. Even though I would MUCH rather walk outside, treadmilling does engage different sets muscles than normal walking does.....balance for one! So I try to think about the benefits of that. The new one I have now ran around $750 and I got it on sale for about $500. ALso, do you have sporting resale shops near you? If you have an idea of what you would like, they will call you if they get one in. Hope that helps!
Sweetpea

Good advice, Sweetpea! Thank you!

I thought of you just now when I was on my treadmill. I had to TEAR my eyes away from the timer.