Cardio machines at home

[kdiaz]

I consider myself a runner. I run 4 to 5 miles daily, whether it be interval training or long runs. I have completed 2 half marathons. I have always advised my friends not to get cardio equipment for their house. I have seen it just sit there unused, be used as a climbing toys by children, or it just collected dust. Besides, there is a certain element to your work out when you are in a gym environment that you can't get at home.

However, I am now considering getting a treadmill. I have a 5 yr old and I have just started a job that is a little more demanding. I have a couple of questions. I am considering buying a gently used treadmill or a cheap treadmill. So far, I have only looked here, http://www.fitnessunlimited.net/treadmills.asp. All I really care about is speed and time. I don't need all of the extras. So here are my questions:

1) Is the difference between expensive treadmills and cheap ones, just the amount of things that you are able to do with it, such as count calories, incline, etc.... Or does it make a difference as to how it is for your knees, etc?

2) Does anyone have a brand they recommend or a good store where you can get a good deal?

Krissy

[kdiaz]

Okay, so nobody has replied to my post, but I did make a trip to Sears last night to check out their fitness equipment. The man that helped us basically said that the cheap ones are just for walking. They are built for fast running or even fast jogging and will break down easily. This is the 400.00 range.

Then you have the middle of the road treadmills, in the 600 to 700 dollar range. These are good for light jogging, but not necessarily interval training where you are running at high speeds.

Then of course, you get in to the 1000 to 2000 dollar range and you get what you pay for.....

I am going to talk to some more people though, this is just one person's opinion, would love to hear from some people!

[Boss Man]

Lynne, (Fitoverforty), is the one to asa here. She's used a tonne of them. Personally I've never used Treadmills, as I just don't think they're my bag so to speak .

[cuchulain]

Check on craigslist or quite a few credit unions in my area have swap sheets so they might in yours. Always some high quality at a low price because of non use and they are getting rid if them.

[Bretes]

Hi kdiaz,
I have Smooth company tread mill at home and I will suggest you for smooth company also as like name it runs smooth.
While buying I too searched on net and found these brands:
Bowflex, Nordictrac, Smooth, Sole and Gold’s Gym.

[Jentry07]

I have a home treadmill and love it! I agree when work and life gets demanding, it's hard making it to the gym. That is why I gave in and got my own, it's so much more convenient being able to have the access to a treadmill right in your home. I have a NordicTrack C900 for around 1000 dollars, and it's been really amazing for me. Try http://www.nordictrackcoupons.com and they have loads of discounted NordicTrack treadmills. That is where I found mine.
If you do interval training, I would recommend not going for those 400 dollar treadmills, they won't support the intensity intervals. I do intervals on mine and feel it's able to handle the intense runs and cushions a whole lot better. It has all those "bells and whistles", yet still pretty inexpensive compared to others I've found. It also has that google maps trail runs, so you never get bored. It will automatically set your inclines as you run for the different trails. It really helps with marathon training I think, as I just ran my first half marathon. But you need that incline to help you train for the hills.
Hope this helps and you find what you are looking for! Good luck!

[lacespace]

I am one of those that won't buy until I know the pros and cons about the product. It seems like there are so many treadmills what is the difference? I found this site http://www.treadmillcomparison.com and it is a great place to go and read reviews about treadmills. Keep in mind that cost will reflect the materials used and option buttons. Good luck with your purchase!

[Lemonq]

Hi Krissy.

How did you go finding a treadmill.
Amazon are selling a great one at the moment.

Check it out on my site..
http://www.athomeshoppingmall.com
Under the fitness tab

Product Discription :-

Get a great workout in your home with the quiet and smooth continuous-duty Horizon T101 treadmill, which can reach speeds up to 10 miles per hour. Perfect for rigorous training routines, the T101 has a 2.25 hp (horsepower) incline motor with a 0 to 10-percent grade and speed increments of 0.5 mph. It's easily storable, thanks to Horizon's exclusive FeatherLIGHT lift, which incorporates two hydraulic shocks to assist you when raising and lowering the deck. They even hold the deck in place above 45 degrees, eliminating drops. Other features include PerfectFLEX deck cushioning, Sonic Surround speakers with MP3 compatibility, pulse grip heart rate monitoring, and a COOLfit workout fan. The computer console has three orange LED windows, LED brickyard, and target/workout LED indicators. You'll be able to challenge yourself with nine programming options that include three targets (time, distance, calories) and three workouts (manual, intervals, weight loss).

[GaryC]

Hey Krissy..

How are you? I hope you are keeping well.. have you done anymore research?

I have used treadmills as part of my cardio workout regime for a number of years now. I have used good quality professional treadmills you find in the gyms.. and I have had cheap/expensive machines in my home. I think its always a case of you get what you pay for. I have found, through my experience that the expensive treadmills are better around. I am talking about the machines that are in the $600-700 + range

As regards to your questions...

1. The difference between cheap and expensive treadmills have a number of different factors. The more expensive treadmills are better built, have better features and functionality etc etc. They have less of a chance of breaking down (The good brands) and come with quality elements.

2. As regards to a brand.. I would recommend two...

I would check out Sole and Horizon. I find that these machines are great for quality, reliability and "bells and whistles"
I have been doing a little research and found these two reviews online. Check out the Sole F80 treadmill -> http://itsabouttreadmills.com/product/sole-f80-treadmill/ machine and the Horizon t101 -> http://itsabouttreadmills.com/product/horizon-t101-treadmill/. This site is a great little resource for treadmill reviews. These machines are under/over $1k.. so it should give you some options..

Hope this helps

Gary