Your opinion wanted....Treadmills....My guy and I want to buy some form of

treadmill because its about the only form of excercise we both are willing to commit to. We're talking two guys, 180-200 lb range, using a machine daily, until we get the results we want.

Any suggestions as to name brands of treadmills that won't fall apart from our girth.

an elliptical provides a much more serious (and gentle on joints) workout than a treadmill. You have the option of using arm motion also..... The elliptical we bought is under $200 but solid enough for my hubby (240 lbs)

just a thought....

I'll never get on another treadmill again in my life. I vote for an eliptical, Rowdy.

What I like about it is that you can adjust the tension and incline to focus specific areas...your calves, or your hamstrings, or the ever important gluteals!

i have been wanting to buy one for some time.

for $200?

:hi:
I got it new about three years ago, but you might want to
check out "Play it again sports" if they have a store near you - they sell used equipment for a pretty good deal.

rather than the treadmill, you might want to consider joining an outfit with a pool. You'll get a better cardio work-out and won't do the hammer job on your lower extremities.

Barring that, you can learn a lot about individual units when you examine them just by giving them a sturdy shaking. Be wary of buyng something like this over the internet.

Very good quality. About $700.00. Get the higher end models. They are worth it.

I used it every day until I got a VERY bad case of runners knee. I am just now after about two months able to walk on it without pain. I lost about 40lb's before I hurt my knee. I put about 10 back on since.

My biggest mistake was not warming up enough.

If you were not a physical type of person before, I might suggest you buy a cycle machine instead of a threadmill. There are several different types that can give you a great workout, but spare you possible knee injuries

Why don't you save your money and just take a daily walk?

Of course it's Fall and Winter's coming soon but you can dress for it. On the other hand maybe live in a part of the country where the weather is really extreme this time of year.

It's just that personally I find outside activity more relaxing than being cooped up indoors.

Unless you are pretty short, I would be hesitant to describe 180-200 pounds as "girth." Certainly drop a few pounds, but I doubt either of you are truly obese.

Peace.

I kid you not. Check it out

http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/bmi/calc-bmi.htm

I wish I was 165 lb's

But if there's one overriding theme here at DU, it's that you can't trust our government.

According to BMI, Tom Cruise is overweight.

she said an elliptical cycle was a better workout, she also recommended used equipment, there's a national chain store that sells
them used, she said that used equipment is a good deal, because most
of it just sits in the corner until people get rid of it.

if you can swing precor, it is fabulous. But that is pretty deluxe.
If not, nordic track would be alright.

Just walk outside. Most people who get treadmills end up using them to dry clothes or stack books on. Try walking around outside more. Go for a walk after dinner, whatever. Take the stairs. Park as far from the store as possible rather than as close as possible. If you're close enough, walk to school or work. If you're still set on getting a treadmill, however, get a used one from an online auction or sporting goods store. That way you won't lose as much when you decide to get rid of it to make room for a bigger TV.

don't waste your money, the preponderance of exercise equipment purchased for home use ends up in garage sales. Get outside, walk, run, whatever, but outside is best for your mind and body.

too. i want something that will get my arms too. i like the sound of the one below. i am very much into buying a used though. i know most arent used. might as well get one well below the selling price, just in case, wink

Short answer: Lamar Hiker:: http://www.allegromedical.com/exercise_fitness/treadmills/universal_fitness/lamar_hiker_hiking_simulator.P214439 (But this company has other models for you to choose from.)

Long Answer:

I've been around and up and down this whole question. Over the past few years I've tried 3 treadmills of the discount store variety, in the $150-$250 variety, and smashed against the wall.

The first one taught all the problems---weak motor, ever loosening band that needed that allen wrench deally all the time, with poor results, and finally the motor gave out.

Then came 2 yrs of walking in the park, 3 times per week. O.K., it lasted that long, but the downsides were clear: First of all, the ONLY time to do it was early morning because of the day's heat here. Also, you have to change clothes, DRIVE to the park, DRIVE back, change clothes again. Doing it at dusk was not an option because: PARK, DARK, risk of unsavory characters.

Then the 3rd yr when winter came, I thought I'd take a short time off and to my surprise, this turned into a WHOLE YEAR that I was off.

During this time I thought the non-motorized type of 'mill was "natural". The most exercise I got was putting it together. This is the "Flintstone" variety, that you make move with your feet. I got on it ONCE and never again. It took up space, brand new, for that year off. It also didn't help that it had a PERMANENT incline that made it like TRUDGING AGAINST GRAVITY impossibly.

Then I had to get serious and needed to know whether ANY treadmill would work for me. I tried a bit pricier one, with a stronger motor, and it worked fine for me, but with the usual problems of adjusting the band. Meanwhile, there were these commercials from a professional fitness place, featuring "real" ones, of the $1000-and-up type.

The showroom was packed with all these HUMONGOUS ones. There was ONE (this one) that had a footbed of only FOUR feet. It supposedly has a "lifetime" (of the original buyer) guarantee. But their 800 # salesman honestly says that he doesn't know of anybody who has had a treadmill for 20 years.

Regardless of the model---a powerful motor and its variety of programs---motorized ELEVATING---are what matter.

The obvious benefits: No weather problems. No TIME problems. You can do it anytime your changing schedule allows. No clothes problems. Just don the socks and you're good to go. AND you have your remote control for whatever visuals make it go FAST.

I have not missed A SINGLE DAY, 30 minutes/day, since March 1.

First of all, the ONLY time to do it was early morning because of the day's heat here. Also, you have to change clothes, DRIVE to the park, DRIVE back, change clothes again. Doing it at dusk was not an option because: PARK, DARK, risk of unsavory characters.

When I dropped my gym membership, I still needed a way to get good cardio. Walking outside is fine, time and weather permitting, and I continue to do so. However, for anytime walking in the convenience of home, I started using a Leslie Sansone Walk Away The Pounds video. I now have 15 different WATP workouts, which I use in rotation six days a week. (I also do a couple of Slim In 6 workouts, 10-Minute Solutions, and I lift weights at least three days a week.)

The basics for some of us getting up in years is "just move for 30 minutes per day" --------not athlete-type training.

So after the first 4 or 5 months, when I talked to the "fitness specialist" (salesman) who sold me the machine, I said, "I haven't missed a SINGLE day, but my belly hasn't gone down and I haven't lost any weight."

He said, "I'm going to tell you a secret. It's all about NUMBERS. (Of calories.)"

I said, "Before you do, you need to know that I DRINK BEER. The calories burned per 30 minutes' treadmill session is 170 calories."

He said, "Well, if you drink 15 (HIS example, not MINE) beers of the 99 calorie beer, you're taking IN ONE THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED calories, while burning 170."

and keeps on ticking(sorry Timex). This is such a wide open discussion. Treadmill or Elliptical? Indoor or outdoor? What are your goals? What is your current fitness level? How are your knees? Any fitness expert will tell you running is the most complete all around cardio exercise you can do. If they tell you otherwise, they are lying. But is it for everyone? No. If your knees are bad, go with the elliptical. I personally can't stand the trapped feeling of the same motion path over and over. Treadmills give you the freedom of your own natural motion at whatever speed you can handle. Try out some different machines at a local fitness center or store. Generally, you get what you pay for. I've had my $599 Pro-Form for ten years now and it will probably need replaced soon. We just payed $750 for a NordicTrack Elliptical for my wife and within two weeks we were sending the console back for a replacement.(the little fan wouldn't shut off, which kept draining the batteries) I prefer my treadmill near a large exterior window to look outside while I run. My wife watches TV with music headphones. You'll find out what works for you. I mix in outdoor runs to break things up and also own a cheap multi gym for weight training. I also do extensive stretching and exercise after each running session. I lost sixty pounds and have successfully maintained it now for years. I usually average three day per week workouts, sometimes two, other times four per week. It all averages out if you find the will power and motivation to keep at it. And don't over do it. Everyday workouts will burn you out and run you down. You must give your body rest days to recover. Sorry so long, but just wanted to be thorough. Good luck!

Either spend the money to buy pro-equipment, or join a gym with same.

Regardless, 80% of home gym equipment goes the route of the dustbunny the first year.

I use it for 40 minutes every other day, more or less, and my ex trained for half-marathons on it, so it's been used quite a bit, and it's been faultless.

It has a heartrate monitor, and, best of all, it volds up vertically when you're not using it. I live in a loft now, and I need all the space I can get.

For the record, I have bad feet, and I find running on a good treadmill far easier than running on natural surfaces or pavement... training/stretching properly will help you avoid injuries. Most high-end running shoe places offer free "running clubs" where you can go and learn stretching and run with other beginners if you're interested.

And you can usually get a good one uses...

I got a schwin, with the arm motion, for 40 bucks...

Yeah, I'm talking like they have at the health club. Mine's a Pro-Form 735CS.

This is what I wound up getting several years ago, the first time I started earning a decent paycheck:

- Speed as well as incline. (So you can add more resistance as you get in better shape.)

- Exercise programs plugged in. Some you can also now downlown more routines off the 'net. This provides some variety than just turning the thing on and jogging for x amount of time.

- Display that shows you how far along you are on the "lap." Also shows your speed, calories burned. It's fun and keeps you motivated.

- Heart monitor in the handle (you may or may not want that.) But I find it helpful to monitor my heartrate.

- Look for a cushion under the belt, too where you will be walking/running. Otherwise the belt wears out a lot faster. And you can hurt yourself pounding on it over time.

- Stop key that you can press or yank off you at any time if you suddenly feel faint or ill. You want to be able to stop that puppy IMMEDIATELY!!

You won't be sorry if you look for at least those attributes. I've had mine for 5 years now and I haven't outgrown it yet. Here's pics of mine:

so you don't have to put them on hangers right out of the dryer, you know?