Treadmill for a big guy

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fpsmoto
fpsmoto Posts: 31
in Fitness and Exercise
I've been considering buying one lately for my home and wanted to know if there were any treadmills out there for 400+ pound guys like myself. I feel like I would have much greater success using a treadmill at home than at a gym and I definitely have the space in my house for one. Are there many things I need to take into account when buying one, other than the weight it can support?

I'd like to find one that is relatively inexpensive and I don't need one with all the bells and whistles, just something that can help me become more active.

Replies

  • stackhsc
    stackhsc Posts: 439 Member
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    hey man, first good luck on your journey :)
    i started out on a treadmill, i never had the foresight to try to find one strong enough or rated strong enough. when i busted it after losing a pile of weight when i was looking for a new one i did and basically at that time found anything rated for bigger folks just isnt cheap. likely you will be mainly walking to start out? if so try to find a decent used one and go from there, if you find you are using it and you want something stronger etc go for it.
    BTW you may think you dont want bells and whistles but generally speaking the more creature comforts on it they more you will probably enjoy it. TM get really old really fast for most.
  • fpsmoto
    fpsmoto Posts: 31
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    Thanks for the advice!
  • meshashesha2012
    meshashesha2012 Posts: 8,326 Member
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    a gym quality one might work since they are made for lots of use. you might be able to find a gym that's looking to upgrade their current machines and have a perfectly good older treadmill they can sell cheaply.
  • FlashMorehouse
    FlashMorehouse Posts: 138 Member
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    Try looking on craigslist for a gym that is going out of business. They still won't be cheap but they should be good quality and much cheaper than new.
  • cakebatter07
    cakebatter07 Posts: 814 Member
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    Yeah, try finding one from a gym. Check craigslist and call up local gyms. Good luck! :)
  • SwindonJogger
    SwindonJogger Posts: 325 Member
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    Walking outside not an option ? Way cheaper and in my opinion more fun.
    Treadmills that can handle your weight will need to be of the commercial variety. So you are looking at brands like Lifefitness, Cybex,Precor,Star Trac,Landis. These types will cost several thousands. Anything cheaper will burn out or fall apart very rapidly.
    You will need a non-folding treadmill and a continuous motor of at least 3hp, preferably 5 or more. The belt will need to be around 20 by 60 inches in size to accommodate your stride as a big guy.
    I would recommend getting fitted for proper running shoes at a specialist store and buying a pedometer to track progress.
    If not an option then scouring for a 2nd hand ex-gym model is a way forward.

    The very best of luck in your weight loss journey.
  • JUDDDing
    JUDDDing Posts: 1,367 Member
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    If you are just planning to walk, I'd just buy a mid-market (Nordic track, Spirit, Sole, Precor, Reebok,etc) treadmill. Preferably used. And preferably non-folding (more sturdy design).

    They rate out at 300+ limits, have decent sized motors, etc. And walking puts quite a bit less stress on it than running.

    If you are going to be running any time soon - I'd go to the gym for that til you get down to 300ish. Those commercial quality machines are really sturdy, but also thousands of dollars.

    Here in my area, you can get something like this off Craigslist for < $600.
  • dbmata
    dbmata Posts: 12,951 Member
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    Judging from what I've seen in my little pissant corner of Washington, a good quality one from a gym that's closing will still run you around $1k.

    That's a lot of months membership at a gym.
  • JUDDDing
    JUDDDing Posts: 1,367 Member
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    I don't need one with all the bells and whistles, just something that can help me become more active.

    Oh, 1 bell you do want (IMO) is quickset buttons for each mph. Mine does +-2 mph and I think it is a hassle, especially for things like intervals (like you do in c25k or similar programs).

    Another is perhaps heart rate capability. Not the silly grippy ones - those are pointless. But the ability to use a chest strap with it.
  • paulandrachelk
    paulandrachelk Posts: 280 Member
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    Tread length is a big deal for big guys so compare several.
  • fpsmoto
    fpsmoto Posts: 31
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    Thanks for all the great replies. This information will be important if I do decide to purchase a treadmill. For now though, I think it might be best to just bite the bullet and get a gym membership.

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