Which treadmill????

mistic65 · 04-27-2008, 05:57 PM

I have a Nordictrac eliptical machine, its about 7-8 yrs old, ive been doing about 20 to 30 min a day. Id like to start breaking up the routine with a treadmill, I looked at a Sole machine today, was impressed, it had speed and incline adjustments on handles. Ive never been on a treadmill before, so today on the Sole is at Dicks Sporting Goods is my only experience. Ive seen on the shopping chanels, Proform, they seem good also.
Any input or opinions would be appreciated.

I also would like to possibly maybe give the Couch 2 5K a try......

happydog · 04-28-2008, 02:24 PM

Hi Mistic,

If you have some time online, there are 2 or 3 really good websites that compare and rate treadmills. I'm not sure if I can post the direct links here, but if you google "treadmill reviews" you will find them. I'd also read up on the reviews in Consumer Reports, since we get that magazine already.

I did a LOT of research in January before ultimately buying a NordicTrack one... I bought it via NordicTrack and it had to be delivered. I'd narrowed down my choices to a couple brands (and with my budget in mind) and then searched around for the best prices... meaning a store, a "sale" price in a store, vs. online, etc. Most of the online places will offer free shipping, but beware that that may or may NOT include bringing the gigantic, heavy thing INTO your home and setting it up! We live in a rural area and I could not even have "in home set up" as an option... I got "curb delivery" and had to get it in the house myself... but I did it. (Stubborn, I am.)

As part of my process, I did go to a local Sear's store and walk on some NordicTrack ones there, and some ProForms... as those are the brands they seem to carry. But Sears did not carry the exact "model" that I wanted... yet at least I was able to be ON some and feel how sturdy they are, etc. I also looked at some sporting goods stores, but they did not have the brands I was most interested in. Still, it was helpful to see them in "real life" and feel how sturdy (or not) they are, how much space they really take up, etc.

I think if possible, it's ideal to get ON some, in the various sporting goods stores, during your process.

I have been really pleased with mine thus far. It is also sturdy and heavy enough (with a powerful enough motor) that my husband could use it if he wants to... he's 6'4" and 230, and the cheaper ones were too wobbly for him, or even said a weight limit of around 200 lbs.

Definitely do some reading online if you can. You can compare features and prices, and see what other shoppers have said about each one, etc.

Many of them today seem to come with built-in speakers to plug your iPod (or any MP3 player) in right there on the console, and that is pretty cool and handy. Many also come with an actual TV monitor thing, so you can hook that up and watch TV shows or a DVD, etc. (I did not opt for this due to our rural location and weird TV hook-up situation). But they do look pretty cool. At the same time, don't let all these extra "accessory" things sway you too much... you are buying something as an investment in your health, and a good, powerful motor is clearly the MOST important, and the length and width of the belt matters a lot too.

Best of luck with your choice... it's a big investment but one you can really enjoy and benefit from.

Michelle

mamagiff · 04-28-2008, 03:10 PM

I have a Bowflex treadmill with a longer bed and heavier weight limit because DH and I both use it. We will be moving it into a different area of the basement so DS can use it too. The ceiling is too low for DS to use it where it is now. He is 6'6" tall.

I just found out that I have severe osteoarthritis in my knee so I can't use it much anymore. Dr. wants me to do mostly biking instead. I can only do about 10 minutes at a time now on the treadmill. But with DH in the military, he uses it often and now DS wants to do it so it will be moved so someone gets to use it!

meb2004 · 04-28-2008, 08:54 PM

Hey!! I just bought a Sole F80 and LOVE it! Read the reviews online and remember that more money now may mean a longer lasting treadmill. I tested the Sole at dick's after lots of online research, but bought directly from the manufacturer since I read some people had problems when purchasing through dick's.

04-27-2008, 05:57 PM	#1
mistic65 Senior LCF Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Long Island NY Posts: 147 Gallery: mistic65 Stats: 180-172-130 5'2 WOE: lo carb/ my way Start Date: 02-08	Which treadmill???? I have a Nordictrac eliptical machine, its about 7-8 yrs old, ive been doing about 20 to 30 min a day. Id like to start breaking up the routine with a treadmill, I looked at a Sole machine today, was impressed, it had speed and incline adjustments on handles. Ive never been on a treadmill before, so today on the Sole is at Dicks Sporting Goods is my only experience. Ive seen on the shopping chanels, Proform, they seem good also. Any input or opinions would be appreciated. I also would like to possibly maybe give the Couch 2 5K a try......

04-28-2008, 02:24 PM	#2
happydog Senior LCF Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Missouri Posts: 157 Gallery: happydog Stats: 152/134/134 WOE: Eating "Clean" and beating cancer Start Date: August 2007	Hi Mistic, If you have some time online, there are 2 or 3 really good websites that compare and rate treadmills. I'm not sure if I can post the direct links here, but if you google "treadmill reviews" you will find them. I'd also read up on the reviews in Consumer Reports, since we get that magazine already. I did a LOT of research in January before ultimately buying a NordicTrack one... I bought it via NordicTrack and it had to be delivered. I'd narrowed down my choices to a couple brands (and with my budget in mind) and then searched around for the best prices... meaning a store, a "sale" price in a store, vs. online, etc. Most of the online places will offer free shipping, but beware that that may or may NOT include bringing the gigantic, heavy thing INTO your home and setting it up! We live in a rural area and I could not even have "in home set up" as an option... I got "curb delivery" and had to get it in the house myself... but I did it. (Stubborn, I am.) As part of my process, I did go to a local Sear's store and walk on some NordicTrack ones there, and some ProForms... as those are the brands they seem to carry. But Sears did not carry the exact "model" that I wanted... yet at least I was able to be ON some and feel how sturdy they are, etc. I also looked at some sporting goods stores, but they did not have the brands I was most interested in. Still, it was helpful to see them in "real life" and feel how sturdy (or not) they are, how much space they really take up, etc. I think if possible, it's ideal to get ON some, in the various sporting goods stores, during your process. I have been really pleased with mine thus far. It is also sturdy and heavy enough (with a powerful enough motor) that my husband could use it if he wants to... he's 6'4" and 230, and the cheaper ones were too wobbly for him, or even said a weight limit of around 200 lbs. Definitely do some reading online if you can. You can compare features and prices, and see what other shoppers have said about each one, etc. Many of them today seem to come with built-in speakers to plug your iPod (or any MP3 player) in right there on the console, and that is pretty cool and handy. Many also come with an actual TV monitor thing, so you can hook that up and watch TV shows or a DVD, etc. (I did not opt for this due to our rural location and weird TV hook-up situation). But they do look pretty cool. At the same time, don't let all these extra "accessory" things sway you too much... you are buying something as an investment in your health, and a good, powerful motor is clearly the MOST important, and the length and width of the belt matters a lot too. Best of luck with your choice... it's a big investment but one you can really enjoy and benefit from. Michelle __________________ Michelle Started Atkins 4/27/03, lost 20 lbs Re-Started Low-Carb 5/04 Now eating "clean" for health and for life!

04-28-2008, 03:10 PM	#3
mamagiff Bike Tart Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: right down the road from Bong Recreation Area! Posts: 29,201 Gallery: mamagiff WOE: Switched to Atkins Start Date: 3/24/08	I have a Bowflex treadmill with a longer bed and heavier weight limit because DH and I both use it. We will be moving it into a different area of the basement so DS can use it too. The ceiling is too low for DS to use it where it is now. He is 6'6" tall. I just found out that I have severe osteoarthritis in my knee so I can't use it much anymore. Dr. wants me to do mostly biking instead. I can only do about 10 minutes at a time now on the treadmill. But with DH in the military, he uses it often and now DS wants to do it so it will be moved so someone gets to use it! __________________ Linda We gladly feast on those who would subdue us! - Addams Family Creed My Space and My bike rides 643.1(chip, chip, chip)/2000 miles biking in 2008

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04-28-2008, 08:54 PM	#4
meb2004 Senior LCF Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: kentucky Posts: 515 Gallery: meb2004 Stats: 146/ don't want to know right now /130 5'9" WOE: atkins / weston price / whole foods Start Date: February 2004	Hey!! I just bought a Sole F80 and LOVE it! Read the reviews online and remember that more money now may mean a longer lasting treadmill. I tested the Sole at dick's after lots of online research, but bought directly from the manufacturer since I read some people had problems when purchasing through dick's.