There is not much market for used ones.

No luck yet.

Even if you're only using it occasionally, cheap ones break down easily.

Why not get a stepper? They aren't expensive, you can stow it easily. I put mine under my couch. I use it and watch TV.



http://m.target.com/p/the-step-workout-system/-/A-10098343

You can even get DVDs for different workouts. I just use mine for stepping though. It gets my heart rate up and that's all that matters.

unfortunately, I was in a car accident a few years ago and my knee and back were injured, so walking or swimming is my best bet (my knee wouldn't be able to tolerate the up-and-down of a stepper), but I can't do either in bad weather, so I'd really like to buy a treadmill for that reason.

My doctor says I can use an exercise bike.

No joke, this cheap one is very useful. I sit on the edge of my bed and use it. It's very sturdy, made out of cast iron or something:

http://www.amazon.com/Stamina-15-0120-InStride-Cycle-XL/dp/B000PEM63K

it was marketed as an under-the-desk unit, but my first thought was if you could really get a good workout. What is your experience? Does it just work your legs or can you elevate your heart rate as well?

but it does seem to build endurance.

I do have to have it on something so that it does not slip. A wooden floor works for that for me.

Or Nick. Thanks!

we have a couple around here and $300 will get you a nice machine.

"Play It Again Sports" is a chain around here.

ETA check the googles for your area

But thanks for the advice! I'll look into similar stores.

Think it was like 130 bucks.

Weslo Cadence 55

I'm 6'1" and it is a little small for me but OK for occasional use.

http://www.kmart.com/weslo-cadence-55-treadmill/p-080W599974110001P

(I'm significantly shorter. )

Don't have the hassle of having it your house, getting rid of it when it breaks or you no longer want it.

I've bought 2 in my lifetime. Never got my money's worth out of either of them. Now I go to a local gym, at least 3-4 times a week. For some reason having to make time in my day to go to the gym works out better for me. I think with the treadmill I just always thought, well it's there I can use it anytime and ended up never using it.

I already wasted money on a gym membership and never went. It just doesn't work in my schedule. I work freelance so my daytime and weekend hours are bizarre and I do lots of theater so my evenings are usually booked. I would use a treadmill often.

Seems I see working treadmills come up in the free section every few weeks.

that's why I was hoping someone here could recommend a make and model. There's too many to choose from, so I thought maybe someone had a good personal experience to share.

you're probably looking at fit not quality. If you're in a hurry, just swing by some stores that stock low end models and see how they fit your needs such as ease of starting/stopping, hand holds etc.

Otherwise, like I said, I see them come up for free on craigslist all the time it seems. Create a bookmark to your local free section on CL and just make sure to glance at it at least once a day. At that price it really doesn't matter the quality or comfort, it's more a matter of transport and being the first to get to it.

Best of luck finding something you can use.

I do wish I had more to spend. I just don't have it in the budget.

My mom bought a new one from Sears fairly cheap, I think maybe $150 to $200 tops. It only lasted about a year, and that was even after having the repair person out to fix it once. I never felt comfortable doing anything more than a brisk walk on that treadmill and it seemed pretty flimsy.

I would either spend a bit more to get a good one or see about a good second hand one. I'd probably not go for a new inexpensive one.

do I buy a used one and risk not knowing it's history or buy a new one that's cheaper. I keep putting the word out to friends in case someone has one sitting in their closet that they'd like me to take off of the hands.

Was there today. Everything is on sale. Don't know if they are a national chain.

Thank you! Looks like they have several in my price range and a few have fairly decent ratings. I'll go check it out!

Let us know what you get.

I was very surprised to hear they were closing all their stores. Apparently they are in debt for Billions. billions!!

Sport Chalet is closing also.

but as I mentioned in my post, I'm looking for an alternative during inclement weather.