Treadmill?

I want one SOOO bad! That's funny the people you have talked to don't like them. I'm interested in hearing why, I would like to get one myself sometime soon.

I prefer to run outside and don't really like running on a treadmill but have one for the same reason. I don't like running in the dark or the rain. It is nice to have the option to run indoors, especially when I am training for an event. I bought a ProForm 590 because it was reasonable priced ($600) and got good reviews on Consumer Reports. I just didn't want to invest more than I had to because I will run outside over the treadmill any day.

it seems like the outdoor runners hate the monotony having known the diversity of the outside.

If you are worried about investing in a treadmill that you may not like- why not get a temporary membership at a close gym for like... the three ugliest months of cold winter. That way you can find out if you want to invest in a treadmill of if it makes you want to die.

Personally, I was a treadmill runner, but I've started changing to a track, and outside in general and I don't think I can go back.


ack! I'm sorry, I clearly didn't read your last paragraph.

I got a $1200 treadmill at Costco for $900. Not a huge savings, but I wanted a good one that wasn't used so that I knew the history of the machine. Mine also has adjustable cushioning going from running on a pillow to running on an un-giving (street-like) surface.

It is very different than running outside. The trick is to make sure to always run with at least a 1% incline to help your body keep the same stride as outdoors. I think its totally worth having a treadmill at home (even with a gym membership) so that no matter what the weather or how lazy you feel or the time of day, you won't have an excuse to not do something.

Total opposite.....I've never tried running outdoors, only on a treadmill at the gym. If I could I would buy a treadmill to use at home. Running outside sounds scary to me!!

I live in Canada, and running outside in the winter is physically impossible some days. With temperatures below -30 to -40 in the very depths of January and February and icy roads it can be dangerous. So, last year I invested in a treadmill, and it was the best thing I could have done! I did get it on sale at Canadian Tire, I paid $700 on a half price sale. I read the reviews before purchasing, it is not the top of the line but not bad. I was told it could not handle running over 10mph, but I run anywhere from 5.5 mph to 8 mph, and have never had a problem. Some days, it is so miserable out, but I have no excuse not to workout. When I had a gym membership, I was always finding excuses not to go I was 240 pounds when I bought it, and never had a problem ( it is rated to 250).

I can tell you that I am not a single Mom however I am a very busy Mom of two smaller boys and I work 45-50 hrs a week. Having the energy to go to the Gym on a regular basis in the evening was a struggle for me. The other reason for being torn on going to the gym is missing time with my boys because on Gym nights I would usually only see them about 45 mins before bed time. My Husband and I got a good deal from a co-worker of his on a Treadmill that retails about 700.00. I use it now in the morning about 3-5 days a week. It has helped me with my jogging. I have also done some jogging outside and on an indoor track to switch things up. It is different but I think it all helps with endurance and training. Using the treadmill is convenient for me because I do it in the mornings when they are still sleeping. I get my time with them , still lose weight and am able to run am loving more and more. Good luck.

If I buy another expensive exercise machine for my house it will be used. You can find stuff so much cheaper on ebay or craigslist. I bought my bowflex brand new for $1000 and now I can't even sell it for $300 because there are always so many people selling workout equipment for cheap.

I have two disabled children so all my marathon training has been done inside on the treadmill (I know!). But it works out great for our family. I would suggest looking into what makes a treadmill a good one. If you are serious about running on it for years to come, invest the money in a good one. I researched back in 2007 and ended up buying a Sole F 83. It's been a great investment (price $1700 roughly). I've trained for 14 1/2 marathons and 3 fulls on it so far and am currently training for marathon #4. It's held up super!

Make sure what you buy you try out first. Run on it, really run on it. Don't be worried about what other people around you are thinking. Go all out. You'll need to know how it feels under your feet and if it shakes at all. If it shakes - don't buy it! Also the motor is a really important feature to know about. Make sure you research this good before buying. Those cheaper treadmills out there are fine for someone walking or maybe just starting out jogging but if running is your goal, you need a motor that can handle it. Also the better made treadmills come with really great warranties. I would highly recommend going to a store that only sells fitness equipment and trying out what they have. Then you can go to the Sears, Sports Authority, Costco type stores and try those. I think you'll see the difference quickly and you can decide what is better for your needs.

Edit to add: try treadmilladvisor.com for reviews and advice. Great site!

Like you, I prefer running outdoors, but the summer in Miami are too hot. My husband I bought a treadmill. Ours is a SmoothFitness 9.75 (ballpark $1,500 including delivery and setup). We absolutely love it. I can run when it's hot, rainy, whatever.

Do your homework on them to determine which model is best for you. You might be able to find one on Craigslist as well. Some good deals can be had there.

I'd love to run outdoors regularly, but like you, I have a little one & that means that finding the time is often a problem. I have a treadmill and LOVE IT. Really the only time I have for working out is when she's asleep (naps or after bed time) and obviously I can't just put her down and head out for a run - having a treadmill means I can just slip into the basement once she's out and get my run on, no worries, no excuses.

If I can make a suggestion though, it might be worth it to wait until the new year to pick one up if you can swing it - seems like all the fitness equipment goes on sale then (guess there's a lot of people making resolutions? ;D). Last December my old treadmill finally bit the dust and in January I managed to score an $1800 NordicTrack for under $700 on sale.

Personally, I think the investment is well worth it.

I would also check Craigslist too. You would not believe the deals you can find on there! A friend of mine bought a high end treadmill she found on Craigs list for $100! The woman she bought it from just "wanted it out of the house".