Tuesday, January 29, 2008

A Treadmill

So I'm thinking I need to step up my game a bit and I think a Treadmill would be a pretty good start to the whole fitness life change. But I don't know what to do. I really don't want to spend a lot. Well, cause I don't really have a lot to spend. So, there are 3 in the classifieds (2 are $300, 1 is $200) and all of these seem like they'd be fine. But who knows right?

Then, there is a treadmill reasonably priced at Wal-Mart where we'd get an extra 10% off the price. So I think this seems the most logical choice. But I'm wanting to know if any of you have some advice.

5 comments:

Michele said...

Aubrey -

This treadmill looks great! I bought a treadmill from Walmart about 3 years ago and I still love it!
I'd say it's a go!
~Michele

Em said...

Aubrey...my two cents. First, do you want the treadmill for walking or running? Do you have bad joints at all (knees or hips)? If you are looking to walk, then maybe start jogging/running as you get more fit (AND you don't really suffer from joint problems), a treadmill is probably the way to go. If you just want to be able to walk indoors and/or sometimes have joint problems, I have a cheaper suggestion:

http://www.walmart.com/search/search-ng.do?search_constraint=0&search_query=Walk+Away+the+Pounds&ic=24_0

These walking videos are so great for beginners on up...they really are for any fitness level. We do the 2-mile walk 2-3 times per week at work (the ladies in the office), and I do the 3-mile at home a couple more times a week. If workout videos bore you (which I completely understand, they bore me sometimes, too), just turn down the volume and pump up your own music in the background. The moves are simple enough (and repetitive enough) to follow that you don't really need to her the lady talk.

I'm all for treadmills, and we have one in our basement, actually. Unfortunately, it doesn't really get used. I do have bad knees and a bad ankle, so that is a big part of it for me, but I think the bigger thing is that it is just a little too boring for me. Even if I'm watching TV or listening to music while I'm doing it, I hate not being able to move around more...from side-to-side, etc. And this is coming from something who really, truly loves running.

Again, just my two cents, but wanted to give you another option to consider. :)

Aubrey said...

Thanks girls. I was doing a bit of research online and I'm not sure that I can go with a treadmill like that. Especially if Darrell wants to use it. They said not to buy one less that $1000 and also gave tips about the frame, motor warranty, etc. So I might get that video first and then see what Darrell says about investing in the treadmill. I used to use one in college, and I loved it. But I also used the weight machine on a pretty regular basis and I just can't see myself using that on my own. I thought with the treadmill, I could do it while watching my hours of tv shows. I mostly don't exercise now cause I just don't know what to do with 3# weights and a couple of exercise balls. I should just get my act together and do the videos that came with the balls. I'm just being plan ol' lazy. We'll see.

Here's the new one I'm looking at.

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=8056774

It is significantly more expensive, but maybe that's what I need. With a 20 yr motor warranty and lifetime frame warranty, I think it would serve us well. And it is a longer running surface and 325# weight maximum.

Kate said...

Aubrey, I read this last night, but I wanted to compose my thoughts before I replied.

We invested in a treadmill a couple of years ago and it is the best work-out investment we've made. However, we both like to run and neither of us mind running on a treadmill. Like Em mentioned, some people, even if they like to run, can't fathom running on a treadmill.

We bought ours from Sears and it cost somewhere in the range of $800(but I think that might have been on sale). It is a nice machine and I don't mind it, but my brother has run on it and mentioned that he doesn't always like it. The thing about home treadmills is that they are not the same as the ones in the gym. They aren't as sturdy and the belts aren't usually as big. The more expensive home models are better, but they still aren't exact. But, I've adjusted to this and I no longer mind it, and I can get a good work out on our treadmill.

That being said, I'm not sure I'd recommend buying a cheaper home version. I've used those before and have not been happy with them. At times I felt like I was going to run off the front of the machine or tip the whole thing over on myself, it felt that flimsy. So, I guess what I'm trying to say is, if you are going to make the investment, I think the second option you posted is the better way to go. Obviously, it is alot more expensive, so different things will need to weigh in on that. I'm just afraid you might not be happy with the first one.

Also, if you do buy one, definitely look for a warranty, we've used ours more than once now!

I agree with Em that work-out tapes are good investments because they are generally cheap and don't take up alot of room. In particular, I'm a fan of Tae Bo. Another option, if you are looking for something to do while watching tv, would maybe be a jump rope. So simple, but yet can get your heartrate up and be a good workout.

let me do some more thinking and get back to you on other work-outs to do while watching tv.

Aubrey said...

Yes, I have decided to skip the cheaper treadmill. I just don't think it will hold up to Darrell and my usage on it. So we are going to go with a more expensive model if we decide to get it this year. We have vacillated on this subject for years. Maybe this is the year.

As for a jumprope, I LOVE that idea, but our ceiling fans are not condusive to jumping. So that's out. I think I really just have to get it in my head to work. Period. I still think I'm going to do best with a treadmill. I don't know that I'll run on it. I've never been a runner. Maybe I'll become one?

I'm so glad to have such real advice. That's what's most important on a subject like this.