OT: MGoConsumerReports: Treadmill Edition

Submitted by Hotel Putingrad on

As you may have noticed, I've put on some weight in the past year. (About 15 pounds, to be precise.) My blood pressure, glucose and cholesterol levels were all within healthy ranges when last checked, but I don't sleep as well or have nearly as much energy anymore. I don't live close to a gym, and Minnesota winters favor a climate controlled workout environment.

So my question is, what is the best treadmill value out there? Is buying used from 2nd Wind Outlet a viable strategy? What should I prioritize in my buying decision? Are warranties necessary?

I mostly envision myself just running during halftimes this fall until I get back to my fighting weight, and then reevaluating.

Thoughts?

BlueWon

July 14th, 2018 at 5:15 PM ^

I bought a health club quality Precor elliptical 16 years ago and it still works great -- never had a problem with it.

Don't do treadmills due to two basketball-related knee surgeries. Ellipticals are very easy on the joints.

FLwolvfan22

July 14th, 2018 at 5:27 PM ^

Lately I've become dissatisfied with dad bod. I started a three mile brisk walk with a 25lb plate in an old back pack I have. That, and apple cider vinegar twice a day and not eating until noon helped shrink the spare tire, going to keep doing it M-F

DetroitBlue

July 15th, 2018 at 9:24 AM ^

yeah, body glide/vaseline works to an extent but on my long rucks it always seems to wear off. i could always stop and reapply but once i get going i really hate to stop.

i’m training for a pretty intense event right now which involves once-weekly rucks of somewhere between 10-20 miles. i’ve kind of reserved myself that there’s no of avoiding serious discomfort when you’re under weight for for 2-5+ hours

House Mother

July 14th, 2018 at 5:28 PM ^

Landice  treadmills are excellent, but pricey. If you can find a used one, you won’t be sorry. Very sturdy, good selection of options/programs. I am using mine as I write this. Their footprint is a little large, thus the sturdiness.

xtramelanin

July 14th, 2018 at 5:53 PM ^

ever since george jetson got sucked into that one treadmill, i've been afraid of treadmills

(insert humorous gif with jetson going round and round, that is, if you had mgoblog 2.0 or you possess a computer sciences degree and can figure out 3.0)

two more serious comments: elliptical >> treadmill.  more exercise of various body parts, less pounding on the body

second one is this, and again, i'm not kidding:  go outside and run.  we live up north and there is no weather besides active, overhead right then, lightning that keeps me from my runs.  i'm not much of a runner, not fast, but the woods are a great way to spend 45-75 minutes to start your day.  and you can dress for cold.  i always run with the k-9 to keep her in shape for bird season.  when its warm i'll ride a mountain bike for about half the time of a normal run, then do, say, half my normal run.  the dog wouldn't make it with the heat and candidly not my favorite either. 

pz

July 14th, 2018 at 6:13 PM ^

When I lived in Minneapolis, I bought a used one from 2nd wind for about $500 (if I remember correctly) and put it in the basement in front of an old tv and it worked out just fine.

My sister still lives in MN and when I moved away, I gave it to her. It’s been 7 years and as far as I know it is still kicking with the occasional waxing and tuneup.

That’d be my recommendation for sure, though I do have to say that it is a bit monotonous and I still tried to get outside for runs if possible even when it was brutally cold. That was always more satisfying even if it required some serious bundling up. The good thing about the twin cities was I lived near the chain of lakes where the paths were always cleared. 

1VaBlue1

July 14th, 2018 at 6:43 PM ^

I'm going to second the suggestion for an elliptical - same great running workout, but without the stress that actuall running puts on your joints.  You can get a second hand Life Fitness X9 model pretty cheaply.  Those are what were in all the clubs 15-20 years ago, and they are solid.  A bit dated with the red LED readout and beeps, but still has the heart rate monitoring.  And they provide an excellent workout.

evenyoubrutus

July 14th, 2018 at 8:24 PM ^

I strongly recommend a treadclimber. This is a cross between a treadmill and a stair climber (and an elliptical?). Check YouTube to see how it works. It's very efficient in terms of calorie burning and low impact. 

wolverinestuckinEL

July 14th, 2018 at 8:38 PM ^

Precors are good, I have a Nordictrack commercial 1750 that's lasted me 8 years averaging 30 miles a week on it.  Get something with a good motor and learn how to replace small bolts yourself because things will break.  As long as it's not the motor they are pretty easy dyi projects.  Usually $1000-$1500 will get you something dependable unless you want bells and whistles.  

holding1973

July 14th, 2018 at 9:02 PM ^

I sold high end treadmills for years...the best home non-commercial treads in those days were Precor, True, Landice, Life fitness.

Best "Bang for Buck" or "high middle" was a Pacemaster.

My info may be a little out of date, but i think these brands are still around

These brands cost more but they're worth it. A treadmill is a big wear and tear device and these machines are built & engineered way better

 

holding1973

July 14th, 2018 at 9:22 PM ^

I sold 2 high end rowing machine brands, "Concept II" & "the Water Rower"

They both worked great and were high quality

(only 2 because they weren't the volume sellers that treadmills and ellipticals were)

I loved the Water Rower because it looked great and it stood up on end to cut it's foot print while not in use (they're really long so they stick out). 

Water Rowers come in wood grains and you can pick the grain you like such as, Cherry Wood

Figure $900 - $1200 for most models brand new

There may be used ones out there

 

 

jblaze

July 14th, 2018 at 9:16 PM ^

I have a bodyguard (520). It doesn’t get as much usage as it should, but is very high quality. I’d recommend 2 things:

1) get a brand that can easily be serviced by a local shop/ tech. You don’t have to buy it there (although if they price match, why not), but if you need any service done, it will be much easier. 

2) get one with a keypad, where you can punch in your speed for interval training. 

Also, don’t get a Nordic track. They are actually decent quality/ value ones, but the service is a huge PIA with them (local guys won’t/ can’t do it). 

mvp

July 14th, 2018 at 10:27 PM ^

No judgment about a treadmill, getting one would likely be a smart move but here's my experience:

Exercise because it is good for you, makes you feel better, makes you sleep better, and reduces stress.

If you want to lose weight, you have to EAT better not exercise more.

MfanItalia

July 15th, 2018 at 2:31 AM ^

I don’t have recommendations for equipment but I’ve often timed long workouts during football games. You’re going to watch them anyway so might as well get in a workout, and commercials are great for hard intervals. Depending on the game time, work out during first half and then enjoy the watching higher intensity second half with a cold beverage.

MottNP

July 17th, 2018 at 1:29 AM ^

Get a Peloton spin bike.  I’ve had one since the beginning and they are beyond awesome.  And if you insist on a treadmill, you can pre-order the Peloton “Tread” which will be released in the Fall.  Preliminary reviews from the NYC studio are awesome.  Equipment is high quality, instructors are amazing, and once you find your ‘group’, the community is amazing.  Feel free to email for more info, and/or a discount code.  if you’re in the A2 area, you’re also welcome to come see...  Side note: is “MGoSpin” in this group???  If any other Peloton folks are in here, I’m StaceyGoBLUE