Incline trainer, to buy or not

chunt87

There is an incline trainer by freemotion at the local y which I love. I love it so much since my knees started hurting from jogging that it helps to get a good workout when my joints don't like to cooperate with me. I have been looking at the nordictrack incline trainer with how much I like this machine. I do have a good amount of space but have read conflicting reviews of the machine itself. I would see myself using it daily if I had it.

So current owners of such mystical machines of magic awesomeness, was it worth it and have you had any issues and if it isnt a nordictrack incline trainer what kind is it?

chunt87

bump

LKArgh

Are you sure this is a good alternative to running, as in giving you the rest you need? Wouldn't walking be safer?

chunt87

I feel like it is a good alternative, when I was running quite a bit I was experiencing lots of joint stiffness. I really like the one at my gym, and after being done using it I am tired but I am not stiff the next day. Does anyone who has one of these have anything good or bad to say about it?

nicwoj99

I bought a Nordictrac incline trainer over 4-5 years ago....moved a few times....so one complaint is how I put it together after each move. it's a little creaky now, my bad.... but it still runs great. If I had help putting it together each time, it would be fine. it's just awkward task by oneself.
the model I bought goes up to 40%.
I don't like the water bottle holder on mine. when inclined it tilts backwards, so bottles don't stay in. plus the holders are large and not deep, so the bottles move a lot when running and tv remotes fall out.
when it dies, I would not hesitate on buying another one. I like running on it because the motor is in the back, making the whole platform more giving.
and when you get up to 20%++ it's tough. I've watched entire movies and just walked.
I don't know the quality on the new machines, but if they are equivalent to mine, all I have to say is I have used the treadmill almost everyday. $1500 well spent for all those years.

festerw

If you have an issue with the machine be prepared to wait for repairs. We have 2 that took over 2 weeks just to get parts and another 2 weeks for a service call, it's bad enough that our equipment provider stopped selling them.

WalkingAlong

I don't have an incline trainer but a treadmill that goes to 15%. I use it mostly for incline work, really. Running disagrees with my knees. Incline walking is great.

Cardio machines are available for sale used for steep discounts. I paid $400 for a 1-year-old, $2400 treadmill with 32 miles on it.

chunt87

Great to know I will look into some used ones given your story walkingalong. And thanks for the input everyone. If I do buy one I will keep in mind that repairs can take a while and that maybe ill be lucky like nicwoj and have no issues at all