Treadmill Suggestions?

Dani53

Dani53

Cathlete
With the big 4-0 coming up in November, I am being asked by my husband what I would like for my birthday. I have been giving it a lot of thought and I think I really want a treadmill. The problem is that all the reviews I have read scare me. I went through Consumer Reports and they show a lot of the most popular brands as being the lemons.

Basically, I get the impression that you get what you pay for. Who has one? What kind is it, and do you love it? I just think with the winters we have it would be nice to have more indoor options. Space is tight and so one that folds would be nice too.

I know this has been discussed before, but I am really getting serious with doing it, and making a descision about which one. Help!!:eek:
 
I've heard that the Landice brand (I think that's what it's called) are the very best. In fact they have a lifetime warranty and they will abide by that warranty even if you aren't the orginal owner. The salesperson told me that he's heard of people including their treadmills in wills and the warranty still applies. I thought it was interesting anyway.
But they are super expensive. I think they run about 4-5k. I'm not sure how much you're willing to spend but based on my research, I'd rather get one that is supposed to last forever. I just can't afford it.:(
carolyn
 
Dani-I bought a weslow brand 5 years ago from k-mart and it still works great! I payed 350 dollars for it. It has all th displays etc and cup holder for water etc. That is all I know and my 2 cents worth.

Terri
 
I traded an old lawn mower for a four year old Proform, (usually a Sears carried brand). It's taken a beating for 2 years and is fine. Most are made well now, but would never buy one for life as technology changes and you're stuck with a late model coz you paid a zillion bucks.

Stick to the absolutes and you'll be OK.

1) At LEAST a 1.5hp continuous duty motor...2.0 and up is even better.

2) The belt/tread never needs lubricated and is reversible...just in case you're not a techy and don't care that one side of the tread out lives your desire for new features.

3) Shock Absorption! Be sure it rates/feels well here. And if you want to all out run, at least a 48" long tread.

4) These are more personal, but if you've never had a treadmill, you'll regret not getting powered-incline. The amt of incline, the speed it reaches, and the weight max is user choice. Ususally up to at least 10% and 10mph.

The rocker switches on the handles are awesome for speed/incline control and some now have remotes! Remember, if you're a heart rate watcher, grabbing pulse readers at some fixed location is a major pain...and risky. New wireless chest straps-sorta like Polar's-are available now! A 'quiet' motor is a must. Oh, and most of them will fold up. Man, maybe I should sell treadmills.

Anywho, you won't go wrong if you get a known brand, durable motor and tread that exeeds the weight of the users. The rest is icing on the cake! Enjoy.
 
Hi Dani!

I have been researching treadmills because I want one SSOOOOO badly. The cold weather is right around the corner and I confess that I am a 'fair-weather runner'.

This site has some great reviews on recommended home treadmills:

http://www.treadmilldoctor.com/

Good Luck!

Tammy
 
I have one made by "Vision", cost about $1800, has a heart rate monitor ( straps around your chest and there is an electronic readout on the panel)...auto incline etc. They have a website, I believe.
 
I have a Precor and I love it. It was between that and the Landice. Both are pricey, but I think worth it. I had a Proform for Sears that did last me about 10 years and basically just wore out. I can feel a huge difference between that old Proform and my Precor. Of course that difference could have nothing to do with the price scale and have more to do with the advances in technology. My advice would be to shop for info (as you're doing) and then go out to see and try the various brands. You'll love a treadmill!

Lorrie
 
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