Treadmills: Who's got one?

[Sonny]

...and what kind? I should also ask about Elliptical machines.

[ST77]

Yep a Horizon T101, had it just over a year now used it 3 times a week for about 6 months and it held up great, had 2 foot surgery's and plan on getting back on it next week.

[donlfaulkner]

I found that treadmills make excellent clothes racks except that they take up much more room than a closet. They do, however, allow better access to ones clothes.

[Redneck]

Originally Posted by donlfaulkner

I found that treadmills make excellent clothes racks except that they take up much more room than a closet. They do, however, allow better access to ones clothes.

+1
Probably the most boring exercise ever. We had one, used it just a couple of times and then simply couldn't motivate ourselves anymore.

[contributor_M]

Can't think of the name of mine atm... (just finished using it and I'm catching my breath), but they are great for those days when the weather sucks (like today), and when you want to get a workout in, but are pressed for time.

I've not regretted one bit since I got mine. It doesn't beat running outside, but still, it gets used.

Thing is, people get one, try it out, and then become unmotivated fast. I would say that it's due to it being so accessible, but still, if you are determined to use it, then go for it.

[lscottpht]

Originally Posted by donlfaulkner

I found that treadmills make excellent clothes racks except that they take up much more room than a closet. They do, however, allow better access to ones clothes.

+2

I've had 3. I own none now lol.

[revjvegas]

for reasons listed above is exactly why I refuse to purchase any exercise equipment for the home; that's why I have a gym membership which I can cancel at any time.

[JohnT]

Ellipticals are better. I use both treadmill and elliptical at the gym, and the treadmill bores me to tears. The senior trainer suggested an elliptical for home when I asked him his opinion. It's a better overall workout with lower impact.

[texkam]

We have a NordicTrac that is several years old and has had a lot of use. No problems (knock on wood). My wife lays a 1x6 across the handrails as a flat book rest. We never use all the fancy functions.

[janikphoto]

Originally Posted by revjvegas

for reasons listed above is exactly why I refuse to purchase any exercise equipment for the home; that's why I have a gym membership which I can cancel at any time.

Exactly! We use the treadmills all the time at the gym, and I've noticed my endurance increase over the months, but I know we wouldn't use it at home.

Originally Posted by JohnT

Ellipticals are better. I use both treadmill and elliptical at the gym, and the treadmill bores me to tears. The senior trainer suggested an elliptical for home when I asked him his opinion. It's a better overall workout with lower impact.

I have tried both, but I have trouble getting the elliptical to feel right. The treadmill CAN be boring, but the gym has a TV with closed caption AND I have my ipod playing music. Between the TV, ipod and watching the clock/milage on the treadmill, I can make it through 20 minutes of running without getting bored. Unless you are training for an actual run, you don't need more than 20 minutes of running for your workout. After that (or before the run, depending on what doctor you believe) you go and do some weight machines to focus on toning of specific areas.

[qnr]

Originally Posted by revjvegas

for reasons listed above is exactly why I refuse to purchase any exercise equipment for the home; that's why I have a gym membership which I can cancel at any time.

I lucked out. I picked mine up at the "used furniture depot" which is what my wife and I call the area of our apartment complex where furniture and appliances are dumped by maintenance when people move out of the apartment complex and leave stuff behind. I've put a good 1,700 miles on it and it cost me nothing more than lugging it 20 yards to my house.

Edit: Well, I say it cost nothing, but that doesn't factor in electricity and possible disapproving stares from neighbors, I suppose. :)

[brewercm]

The problem with home elipticals is they aren't made very well unless you are willing to spend decent money. I like using these when I can make it to the gym since my back can't handle the impact of treadmils or running longer than a couple of minutes.

I think as far as home gym equipment goes, the only workout they ever get is when I'm moving them into the house, then room to room, then finally out of the house.

[jkderby]

Yup. i call it a concrete sidewalk. LOL

[todd_a]

I got one that my step-mom didn't use any more for free! I built a table that sits in front of it and usually do low intensity (walking) cardio and I can play on my computer while doing it. I also sometimes pop a movie into the portable dvd player and some earbuds and end up walking on it over an hour.
Treadmills are just like any other tool - you have to figure out how to best use it to get the results you are looking for.

[ggeen]

I had a Proform treadmill. When I talked to the guys at Plano Sports Authority they had some question for me.

For running you will want a higher rated motor. Mine was rated at 2.25 watts. Probably the minimum for running. For walking only, you could save money on <2W.

Look at the weight rating. Mine was rated at 300 pounds. That is more than enough for me.

Look for ones with built in shocks system. It will be easier on your knees.

Look at min and max speeds and the increments Usually 0.1 mph

Look at the elevation. Mine was 0 - 12 degrees. Some now come with declines, too.

Other features include hear/rate monitor, distance and time readouts. Don't be fooled by the calorie burn information. It is all bogus anyway.

Above all, talk to the sales people. Ask for someone who knows what they are talking about. I got lucky. Some have built in TVs, radios, fans, all sorts of things to make you buy one.