I am thinking of buying a treadmill. I can't go walking in the sun because I have Lupus so I have to avoid is which is hard living in Florida. And I am tired of only doing the walking dvds. I am looking for a treadmill I can walk and eventually run on - something with incline and if possible interval programs. What kind are you using and how do you like it? If possible please tell me how much it cost.
Thanks
I LOVE it. I've had a cheap treadmill before and it was awful loud and rickety... it just ended up being a clothes rack. This one feels a lot like the ones in the gym but with a smaller price tag. Its by no means cheap, ($1500) but for the price point it's a great deal. It has some cool bonus features like speakers you can hook your MP3 player up to, and it will match a programed heart rate you ask it to keep you at... comes with the HR strap too.
I'd definitely recommend going to stores and trying the treadmills (after the research). I have a knee problem and it was imperitive for me to find a treadmill that would be gentle for my knee after pounding day in and out. I walked and ran on the treadmills in the store and watched how my knee felt. And I did try the Sole F85 and I didn't like it as much. But everyone's body is different.
I found the treadmill doctorand Runner's world sites very informative & helpful without any sales pitch. They have reviews and detailed information on almost all brands. Not to mention RW has forums with people discussing what they like or don't like about certain models. After, I decided on my budget and narrowed my choices (after reading) of the models I wanted to try we went store to store trying them out. Some of the stores I went to - Dicks Sporting goods, Fitness Resource, Sears, another specialty store - sorry can't remember the name . I look at my treadmill as my investment as it is for my health. It was worth all that research as I love my treadmill. I spent a lot on it but it was worth every penny of it. I have a Landice L7 Pro Sports Trainer. All parts and motor is lifetime warranty (part warranty etc is another thing you have to look for when buying a treadmill). I'd suggest decide on a budget and then go thru the above sites for detailed information. Don't fall for the sales pitch of the sales guy at the store. It is you and your body that should be able to tell you which make/model is better for you .
BTW I did used to own a cheap $180 treadmill. That was my initial investment as I wasn't sure I'd stick with it. But, once, I started working out regularly and knew this is for life I went ahead and got me a better one. As the old one was definitely not meant for doing a whole lot.
The Landice treadmill IS really nice, but beware they are quite spendy. So if you're on the budget you might not want to get your heart set on one unless you can find it used. If budget is of no concern you might want to check out the models most of the gyms carry too... (PreCor StarTrac) True is also supposed to be a good model, but I couldn't find any locally to try out.
If money was no option I probably would have went with a gym model, but to tell you the truth I don't really really miss not having one of those because mine feels enough like a gym treadmill.
Beware when looking at online reviews some of them are "planted" so do lots of research.
Also, I'd avoid "Proform" treadmills they are kinda junky and break down easily.
I have a Sole F60 (I think) it's one step down from the F85 and cost $999.00 I just got it a couple months ago and I love it!! I had an old Nordictrack before this one. This is so much quieter and smoother, plus it has dual fans and the speakers built in, it's great.
The Landice treadmill IS really nice, but beware they are quite spendy. So if you're on the budget you might not want to get your heart set on one unless you can find it used. If budget is of no concern you might want to check out the models most of the gyms carry too... (PreCor StarTrac) True is also supposed to be a good model, but I couldn't find any locally to try out....
Idealmuse, Landice = expensive, I agree. It was a matter of what felt comfortable for my knee at that time. After trying Sole, True, Pacemaster, Nordic Track, Life Fitness etc...I narrowed it down to True PS 100/PS500/PS800 and Landice. Finally, it was a choice between True PS800 & Landice L7 Pro Trainer (which cost the same). Landice won hands down for me despite the sales dude for True giving me a great deal. Like I said, it all depends how your body feels after you walk/run on them for few minutes. Hence, I said, you HAVE to try them. Search for specialty gym equipment stores that are selling different brands. Do the research and then go shopping.
Just an FYI for Landice - if you buy used or not from the local dealer (within 60 mile radius of your home) your lifetime warranty is void. You can give them a call and ask them what to do in case you don't have a dealer near your city. So, watch out for that. Per Landice site - "Warranty applies to original owner only, except in cases where a spouse, child or domestic partner, is named as a"Beneficiary" on the "Warranty Registration Card" within 30 days of initial installation..."
borntobefine, Another thing you can try is go to your local gym and ask them if you can try few treadmills as you're in the market for buying one. It doesn't hurt to ask. Some gyms might let you try for couple minutes. This way you can try several models.
Oh get good running shoes. I can't stress this enough. Go to a running shoe store and get yourself fitted for a proper shoe for your gait. Do that before you go treadmill hunting. It will make a difference.
My DH bought mine last summer. It's a NordicTrack A2105. Sorry, I don't know how much it was, but it was on sale at Sears and we had it delivered and set up. It has incline, mph, programs for weight loss, a fan, and a log "booK". I love watching the calories burned as I walk.
I read lots of reviews, and found a lot of people were not happy with the "cheeper" versions, so I looked for something with more quality. Still runs great!
I have a Nordic Track also, the Elite XT, which I don't know if they sell anymore or not. Love it. Smooth, quiet, easy to assemble, love the tv, speakers sound good, easy to adjust the platform, good assortment of programs. $1599 I believe on sale. I believe it is similar to the 7500 that they currently sell? Or sold a few weeks ago at least.
I haven't had a ProForm treadmill, but I did have a ProForm elliptical that broke after 3 months of use...
Last edited by Shannon in ATL; 07-16-2009 at 03:04 PM.
Unfortunately my budget is only around $700 and I just cannot find anything I like that is less than $1600. I am back in school so I have to be really frugal.
I am contemplating tabling the treadmill purchase for a year to give me a chance to add to the budget. There is a gym near me open 24 hours on weekday with a $99 a year special. They do not have any classes - just weights, some really great treadmills and ellipticals. I plan to spend the weekend going to some more stores before I make a final decision.
Thanks for all the feedback guys.
I've have had a Key's treadmill for over 10 years and have never had a problem. I have it in a small bedroom in front of a TV where I can put in a DVD to keep my mind occupied. I also installed a ceiling fan to help keep me cooled down. I used to walk outside but I always found an excuse why I couldn't walk (too hot, too cold, too rainy, too dark, etc.). Now, no excuses and I can control the incline.
borntobefine, have you checked out Craigslist or Freecycle websites? It's quite possible someone might be selling their treadmill via craigslist and you can always negotiate the price with the seller. Also, freecyle is a good site where loads of people give away stuff free. Check them out and you never know what you may find.
Here's some other sites to get you started on budget treadmills.
Feedback on Treadmills please
. I look at my treadmill as my investment as it is for my health. It was worth all that research as I love my treadmill. I spent a lot on it but it was worth every penny of it. I have a 
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