Treadmill worth the investment?

Katie_Y89

I am highly considering buying a treadmill off my friend's mom for $200. I really want one and have for a long time and I feel it will help me achieve my wt loss goals. I'm just very hesitant because I bought a gold gym exercise bike from goodwill and I never use it. Butni feel like I don't get that much of a workou in on the bike as iIwould a treadmill and iI'd liketo start running.
Getting a gym membership would be a huge inconvenience and would never be used. It be nice to have the treadmill available whenever.

Is it worth it??

TavistockToad

Have you tried running on a treadmill? I'd go to the gym and try one out before buying one.

I can't run on a treadmill, I run outside.

Francl27

I'd do it in a heartbeat if I had the room for one, as long as it had good incline options. But I also use my bike while watching TV all the time.

jemhh

I don't think we can answer that for you. We have a treadmill and I use it a lot. Other people let theirs sit and gather dust.

SonyaCele

treadmills are a dime a dozen, most people can't give them away. 200$ seems a lot, when you can get them for 25$ at most thrift stores. Even if its a high end top of the line, most people that wanna get rid of them have to pay someone to take them away.

And if its worth the investment, that's only if you will use it. I have one in my garage, i use it enough to make it worth it for me to keep it. But i use the one at the gym also. Home treadmills need maintenance and repairs and track adjustments and stuff, so keep that in mind also. I like the gym treadmills because their maintenance guys keep them running in peak condition.

elenab386

Mmmm I was like you, I wanted one so badly so I got a treadmill , used it for a while then got bored of it and sold it for half its price. Therefore, if you really make a fixed schedule and actually commit to using it then of course it will be a great investment of your money towards your body!!

cheliebee

I got one for free and used it all the time until it broke and we got rid of it rather than trying to fix it. It was free. Now I use the treadmill at the gym.

nordlead2005

Unless you enjoy running more than biking you might as well just use the bike you already have. They will burn pretty close to the same calories assuming you put in an equal overall effort.

DaddieCat

Depends on how old and how well used. It might seem like a good deal but maintenance might end up making not so. If you have to replace the belt and the decking it might end up cheaper to buy a new one. Just saying.

Katie_Y89

Thanks for the responses! I found one on Craigslist for $125 but the timer/mileage is broken which is a definite bummer.

earlnabby

Katie_Y89 wrote: »

I am highly considering buying a treadmill off my friend's mom for $200. I really want one and have for a long time and I feel it will help me achieve my wt loss goals. I'm just very hesitant because I bought a gold gym exercise bike from goodwill and I never use it. Butni feel like I don't get that much of a workou in on the bike as iIwould a treadmill and iI'd liketo start running.
Getting a gym membership would be a huge inconvenience and would never be used. It be nice to have the treadmill available whenever.

Is it worth it??

You can't go too wrong for $200. Having said that, buying a treadmill was not worth it for me. I just prefer actually going somewhere. The fresh air and sunshine are an added bonus.

carmkizzle

Katie_Y89 wrote: »

I am highly considering buying a treadmill off my friend's mom for $200. I really want one and have for a long time and I feel it will help me achieve my wt loss goals. I'm just very hesitant because I bought a gold gym exercise bike from goodwill and I never use it. Butni feel like I don't get that much of a workou in on the bike as iIwould a treadmill and iI'd liketo start running.
Getting a gym membership would be a huge inconvenience and would never be used. It be nice to have the treadmill available whenever.

Is it worth it??

It may be worth it if you use it on a consistent basis. You said you hardly use the bike - any reason you think the treadmill will be used more? I mean, I know you said you'd "like to start running". Before I'd invest in something like that, I'd make sure I'm committed to a routine of working out on a consistent basis, which in your case, might mean using the machine you currently have . Put the $200 into savings, in the meantime.

BrianSharpe

You can run outside for free and it's far more interesting! Either way you need running shoes so you'd be $200 ahead by skipping the treadmill.

CooCooPuff

It would definitely be worth it for me just to avoid running outdoors in the Texas summers.

Katie_Y89

That would be nice but right now not an option. It's winter here and plus it's not the best neighborhood. One of my old teachers got mugged while running in our hood. Plus I can only go at night due to being a stay at home mom of a 13 month old.

BrianSharpe wrote: »

You can run outside for free and it's far more interesting! Either way you need running shoes so you'd be $200 ahead by skipping the treadmill.

jaga13

We bought a used treadmill for $200 a few years ago. Best investment!! Cheaper than a gym and much closer commute . I sometimes will choose to use it for just a few minutes when I have some time to kill (in addition to my regular runs). You can't beat the convenience. We also have a tv in the same room. I can't watch it when I run, but I can definitely enjoy a show and walk. It also helps with bad weather (I'm not running in the snow). And I've used it when my kids were napping at home

diane1223

I had one and sold it. I would rather walk outside or with a friend. Also, i like the walking away the pounds dvd's too.

callsitlikeiseeit

i cant even walk on a treadmill without dying of boredom

id buy an elliptical though, if i had room for it

Carpercia

Download Couch 2 5K app. Get outside, start running.
Treadmill not required.

Really the only value I had in a treadmill is something that is more complex - something that will push you to do intervals. Other than that, outside is much better in my opinion and experience.

SolotoCEO

I bought a high-end treadmill and found that I much preferred walking outside. It became a very expensive clothes hanger. If you really think you'll use it - go for it. If not...outside walking/running doesn't cost a thing.

samgamgee

One of the best purchases of my life! Got mine new for about £130 about two months ago and I've used it every day since (apart from when we were moving house and unpacking). I've got to Week 9 of Couch to 5 K on it which I'd never have done without it because like, ew outdoors and weather and people. It fits into my lazy lifestyle perfectly. I often just walk on it slowly while watching TV or a film rather than sitting on my bum.

Packerjohn

Katie_Y89 wrote: »

I am highly considering buying a treadmill off my friend's mom for $200. I really want one and have for a long time and I feel it will help me achieve my wt loss goals. I'm just very hesitant because I bought a gold gym exercise bike from goodwill and I never use it. Butni feel like I don't get that much of a workou in on the bike as iIwould a treadmill and iI'd liketo start running.
Getting a gym membership would be a huge inconvenience and would never be used. It be nice to have the treadmill available whenever.

Is it worth it??

First would you use it? If so, what kind is it? New treadmills can go from $250-$3000 and up. If you're paying $200 for one that is $300 new, it isn't worth it. If it's a $2000 one and it works, you're in business. If you're serious, find the model and see what they go for new.

Katie_Y89

There is no way I can afford a $2000 treadmill lol!! I can barely afford this one! I am having my friend send me the model number so I can research it before buying it to make sure its what I am looking for

Packerjohn wrote: »

Katie_Y89 wrote: »

I am highly considering buying a treadmill off my friend's mom for $200. I really want one and have for a long time and I feel it will help me achieve my wt loss goals. I'm just very hesitant because I bought a gold gym exercise bike from goodwill and I never use it. Butni feel like I don't get that much of a workou in on the bike as iIwould a treadmill and iI'd liketo start running.
Getting a gym membership would be a huge inconvenience and would never be used. It be nice to have the treadmill available whenever.

Is it worth it??

First would you use it? If so, what kind is it? New treadmills can go from $250-$3000 and up. If you're paying $200 for one that is $300 new, it isn't worth it. If it's a $2000 one and it works, you're in business. If you're serious, find the model and see what they go for new.

Rocknut53

I bought a treadmill, then I got a dog. So most of my exercise happens outdoors (living next to Forest Service trail head makes it easy). The treadmill is nice for when it's below 0 and I don't really want to walk or hike. I also have a stationery bike for variety. The treadmill was expensive, the bike was $5, no regrets on either purchase. Give it a try.

WalkingAlong

Packerjohn wrote: »

Katie_Y89 wrote: »

I am highly considering buying a treadmill off my friend's mom for $200. I really want one and have for a long time and I feel it will help me achieve my wt loss goals. I'm just very hesitant because I bought a gold gym exercise bike from goodwill and I never use it. Butni feel like I don't get that much of a workou in on the bike as iIwould a treadmill and iI'd liketo start running.
Getting a gym membership would be a huge inconvenience and would never be used. It be nice to have the treadmill available whenever.

Is it worth it??

First would you use it? If so, what kind is it? New treadmills can go from $250-$3000 and up. If you're paying $200 for one that is $300 new, it isn't worth it. If it's a $2000 one and it works, you're in business. If you're serious, find the model and see what they go for new.

I agree.

I love mine. It's a $2400 treadmill I picked up for under $400 many years ago. I go months without using it but I like knowing it's always there and if I didn't have one I'd want one. I like incline better than speed.

If it's a good deal you can probably sell it for what you paid for it, if you don't use it.

YeaYeaPueblo

The treadmill itself matters. I bought one last summer and paid about $800 for it. Worth every penny!! I've logged about 200 miles on it, and use it every other day. I live in Alaska where outdoor running with two toddlers is just not feasible during the winter. My treadmill has been a godsend.

I agree with others, research the machine. Create a checklist of what you want on yours before you buy the first one that comes your way. I'm tall and needed a longer platform and taller frame, it was a must for me.

cb2bslim

It really depends on you. Yes, do your research on it. I had one given to me by my parents. It came in handy since I cannot walk outside due to road safety. It's a very old treadmill (short and narrow tread, tip machine and pull pins on legs to adjust incline, top speed of 5.0 mph, crank handle for the speed lol). I bought a HR monitor and lost almost all of my weight by food logging and walking while watching my recorded shows. Free MFP. Free treadmill, Free weight loss, Free healthy life. Hopefully I didn't make you all jealous, not for the "free" stuff but because my treadmill has a crank handle LMAO.

Sillybee727

I got one for about $125 off Craigslist and it's great so far. I have a LO too and it's been cold, so it can be easy to make excuses ( or have no daycare) to get to the gym or to run/walk outside. Because of the treadmill in the basement I just got my exercise in and can head off to bed happy with myself.

SwindonJogger

i have a Technogym treadmill. It was expensive, but i use it to supplement my running regime. I have found a ton of fantastic interval workouts on Pinterest and they are far from boring. If you just trudge on them at the same pace I could see them being boring but interval workouts where you vary the interval/tempo every couple of minutes make the time fly and burn a ton of calories.

tkphotogirl

I've had mine for around two and a half years and it has paid for itself many times over. I got it when I found out I needed a hysterectomy so I could start walking at home as part of my recovery (and not be stranded outside if I got too tired). Since then it's had a lot of use - if I'm short on steps for the day I walk on it and watch music videos on youtube, I use it for warmups now that I have free weights at home, and I'm currently halfway through couch210k. I get very self-conscious about running outside, plus I often get the urge to exercise after 10pm (and running outside in the dark is even less appealing). So I vote yes but everyone's circumstances and preferences are different, so it's really down to whether *you* believe you would use it.

nordlead2005

cb2bslim wrote: »

It really depends on you. Yes, do your research on it. I had one given to me by my parents. It came in handy since I cannot walk outside due to road safety. It's a very old treadmill (short and narrow tread, tip machine and pull pins on legs to adjust incline, top speed of 5.0 mph, crank handle for the speed lol). I bought a HR monitor and lost almost all of my weight by food logging and walking while watching my recorded shows. Free MFP. Free treadmill, Free weight loss, Free healthy life. Hopefully I didn't make you all jealous, not for the "free" stuff but because my treadmill has a crank handle LMAO.

I'm jealous. I paid $50 for mine (I think, I can't remember, maybe $25) and it sounds the same only it uses a knob instead of a crank handle.

The one we have I bought because my wife wanted it. I've probably used it more than she has. It wasn't a bad investment for whatever I paid, but if she didn't want it I wouldn't have bought it.