Treadmills

charlottemilton

Hi everybody,

I need to buy a treadmill because I need to be able to walk and maybe run eventually. My doctor has suggested a treadmill as opposed to outside walking because of some health and related safety issues. I am up to walking a mile at a time now and could probably go farther. I need suggestions on features that I should look for and why I would want them, and on brands that will hold up to overweight people.

Thanks in advance.

Charlotte

gonnasee33

I was in the market for a treadmill a while ago .. If your future plans might include running I would recommend spending the extra money on a machine with at least an 18x55 inch belt and the 2.5 CHP motor.. Other than those things some "nice-cessitys" would be an audio input jack and built in speakers. Some treadmill manufacturers (nordic trac , proform for example) offer iFit Live compatible machines. essentially with iFit live you can purchase an additional wireless adapter for the machine that allows to to plot a run / walk on google maps , DL that data to the treadmill and it will automatically adust the incline and speed based on that downloaded map data.

donrdon

I was in the market for a treadmill a while ago .. If your future plans might include running I would recommend spending the extra money on a machine with at least an 18x55 inch belt and the 2.5 CHP motor.. Other than those things some "nice-cessitys" would be an audio input jack and built in speakers. Some treadmill manufacturers (nordic trac , proform for example) offer iFit Live compatible machines. essentially with iFit live you can purchase an additional wireless adapter for the machine that allows to to plot a run / walk on google maps , DL that data to the treadmill and it will automatically adust the incline and speed based on that downloaded map data.

I agree with this. As with a lot of things, you get what you pay for. That said, there are a lot of good " used" treadmills out there (bought and not used for many miles) for a reasonable price. I personally own a Nordictrack 1750, I don't use it much as I run outside but when I do need it (crappy weather) it meets all my needs.

davemunger

Get the softest, most-padded treadmill you can afford. Your feet will thank you!

charlottemilton

So far I understand that I need a bigger walking surface 18 X 55 or bigger and a soft padded tread surface. Any other suggestions?