should i invest in a treadmill ?

do you want a treadmill?

I just tossed mine about 6 months ago as it just collects dust...

I do lift yes...not hard to get into at all.

You could start with body weight exercises google convict conditioning or you are your own gym...

There are lots of full body and /or cardio workouts on fitnessblender.com too...

I would take advantage of that warehouse space and do body weight and walking/running/HIIT workouts.

I second YouTube videos. Look up FitnessBlender.com. Treadmills are torture devices. Do HIIT or cardio kickboxing or something. I think investing in some dumbbells or a kettlebell or two would be better than a treadmill - and you can use those with FitnessBlender routines as well. If you don't have the time to commit to a proper lifting program, then at least do SOME resistance training until you're ready.

I'd vote Yes!
I love walking, but since losing my dogs the lovely long walks stopped, it was too tough for me to go on my walks without them. So, I dusted off my old treadmill, turned up the radio and off I went....it's not quite the same, but it works for me now.
I also have a bad knee (ligament damage) and have found that walking on an incline and gradually strengthening my quads by doing bridges and squats (really baby ones to start with and stopping before it hurt) has helped tremendously.

So, yes, I'd say a treadmill is a great idea if you enjoy walking and will use it.

I used a cheap treadmill several times when I started and restarted. I had trouble sticking to it, noisy, boring, painful. I'm glad I didn't spend much. I got a new recumbent exercise bike ($120 walmart). It was quiet, I could sit and read, watch TV, etc. 30 lbs later, invested in the real thing, then Gym membership, then running, then weight lifting, and finally swimming. SW 245 CW 183-190 (cut-maintenance).

If you can afford the treadmill go for it, at the very least, it will be a learning experience to bigger and better things.

Treadmills are torture devices.

False... they are clothes racks.

Crap knees and cheap treadmills are not a good combo.

If you have knee problems I would strongly advise against low intensity, steady state jogging as that will probably just make it worse.

Of course that advice could be considered to be complete boll*x. Personally I've had reconstructive surgery on knees and ankles and I currently run about 40km/ week, predominantly trails, and I'm half way through a half marathon training cycle.

Running with the correct form can help issues around the knees and ankles, but a treadmill really isn't going to encourage the stimulation that'll do that. Trail running has a lot of potential to help, because the different stresses and movements create a significant amount of fine control around the joints and help build up the muscles.

That said I do agree that low intensity walking really isn't hugely beneficial, one needs to use a mixed programme of sessions to get the best from it. Focus on form, and work up to more challenging sessions over time.

So I'd agree with various upthread that a dreadmill isn't a sound investment for you. If you really can't run outside then find something else; swim, row, resistance training. You'll get some benefit now from bodyweight training so no need for any investment at all until you've got more experience..

I would not buy it. Dust collector for me.

I bought those weighted cuffs and ankle bracelets and wore them during the day. It is taxing in the beginning. i´d start like that. Maybe get something liek fitbit, just to see how much you move during the day. Try parking your car further away from work (or even better, buy a bike and ride that to work if that is possible).

But don´t go waisting hundreds of dollars on somethign that will most likely be the bane of your existences as you will not use it and constantly remind you of that as well.

I see some different opinions on here, but as someone who also works 12 hour shift...days and graves....I have found my treadmill to be VERY beneficial. Often the gym is closed on days that I work because of my hours and even when I'm off I'm usually getting my crew rest, so it's nice to have the treadmill to fall back on. Especially in South Florida where it has been raining buckets and when I lived in Washington and it was rainy/snowy outside. I feel I don't have an excuse to say "screw it I don't feel like working out today" when I have a treadmill. So if I can't make it to the gym and don't feel like doing much else, I can at least get myself to get in a treadmill workout. I had knee issues also from overdoing it at plyometrics and the option to walk on a slight incline or a quicker pace is still helpful. It has been useful while pregnant also and all I've been doing is walking on it and utilizing my HRM. I found some awesome HIIT treadmill routines online that were challenging and effective.

Different strokes, different folks. But I am one who actually uses my treadmill, not just for collecting dust, and yes I did get a nicer one...forget the cheapy ones!

We are on our second treadmill and wore the first one out. We don't live in an area that is conducive to running outside, and my husband rehabbed a knee injury by walking on a steep incline. If you are likely to use it go for it, otherwise as other have said it ends up as a clothes rack

If you have bad knees I would not get a treadmill but either a stationary bike or elliptical which are both easier on your knees. I also use Bandlastics, which are resistance bands to strengthen my muscles.
Stef.