Gonna be getting one this weekend. What things should I look for? I'll be running on it mostly. I found a Pro Form model with 2.5 HP, mid-support cushion, 18 in. x 55 in. belt for $699.

But is that too much? I just heard that you need a strong motor and good cushioning if you plan on running a lot and want the treadmill to last. They're are definetly cheaper ones with 2HP motors for 399 or so.

Thoughts? Thanks!

 

In all honesty... with my professional opinion (though I do mortgaging currently... it is just a winter "off-season" gig... I still have my own business performing Athletic Training and Sports med with athletes during their off-season- the summer)

Treadmills... are... worthless!!

They are very versitile, but unfortunately... the average treadmill will become nothing more than an expensive clothesline in the basement. Not to discredit your commitment, but the unfortunate issue with Treadmills... is they lack effeciency. When success is a dominate motivator... a lack there of will lead to the average health enthusiast "falling off the wagon" to soon.

If you think about it... when walking on a treadmill, you are only doing about half of the work. You only use your anterior musclature (hip flexors, abdominal groups, Quadriceps, and calves- for stability). Your posterior groups (Glutes, hams, lowerback) become neglected. This is bad, because they are used more dominately in walking or running. The neglect of these muscles, thru over-training on a treadmill, will lead to deficiencies. Not to mention... you are NOT propelling yourself on a treadmill... you are simply lifting your foot up, and setting it down... letting the pad bring it back for you. So you'll burn HALF of the calories!! 20 mins on a treadmill ='s about 60 cals for the average person... 20mins on a Eliptical ='s about 110... much more. (it takes about 3000cal to burn one lbs of fat! do the math!)

In the process of lifting, and setting... a lot of people experience back, knee or shin pain from treadmills... biomechanically, it will throw off your natural gait when walking. Forcing more pressureo on the arch of the foot. That takes away from the foots ability to absorb impact... and thus distributes it through the shin... knee... back... until SOMETHING finally gives!

So in all honesty... get a multi-function weight training unit (MUCH MORE EFFECIENT- every lbs of muslce you gain ='s 50-60cal a day more, that you burn naturally with your metabolism!!!!!), or go with a Eliptical, step machine... or something like that... less wear and tear on the body... and it burns more calories!!


hope this helped... jk

 

unless u are willing to spend about a couple grand on a treadmill they are worthless. For 600 bucks, when u try running on your treadmill, either the whole thing will shake or the part where u run on is unstable during running.

 

I have to agree with the previous comments. I go to the gym almost daily for weight lifting, and i see the same people running constantly on the treadmills. In my 2 years of going there and seeing the same people use them i've concluded that they are worthless. If you want to run go outside and do it. If it's cold out, put on a coat. There is NO reason to ever use much less buy a treadmill.

 

Thanks for the info, but let me ask some questions. I hope the same people wil answer.

I've been following a workout program for 2 months now. I have gained 20 lbs so far (mostly muscle but some fat) and now weigh 195. This is the most successful workout program I have ever done so I am a big believer in what the author of the program says.

I am getting ready to move to the fat loss phase of the program, which incorporates aerobics. According to this program, the key to burning fat and getting definition is to increase yoru heart rate to your target rate and keep it there for 30 minutes. Doin this daily along with the proper diet results in fat loss and low body fat = muscle definition.

So, are you saying that I can't achieve my target heart rate with a treadmill? I know better... So, instead, are you saying that I could achieve my target heart rate much more easily with another machine? And also not have it be as hard on my body (joints, etc.) ?

I just want to clarify what your saying. I'm looking to stay at my target heart rate for 30 min everyday and want the machine thats best for that. I've tried elipticals. They were awkward at first, but I assume you get use to them?

Thanks.

 

I was always brought up "russian" style when it came to physical activities. This means no machines and no short cuts. When I go lift i use ONLY free weights, i don't do cardio but if I did i would NOT use any machine, treadmill, eliptical, stairmaster or anything. Go outside and run, ski, swim, and run up and down some stairs if you want. Machines are for women and old people, i mean that 100%.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Brutewes
Thanks for the info, but let me ask some questions.

 

The program is called MuscleNOW.

Its not just achieving the target heart rate...its staying at it for 30 minutes, and during the right time of day (first thing in the morning for example.) I will be running outside when I can, but that won't always be possible. I have a pool, but like you said it doesn't burn a lot of fat.

Do you not think I'll get good results from 30 min of elliptical at least 5 times a week while following a high protein / low carb diet and continuing my weight lifting program (which is 5 days a week.) ?

I'm leaning toward an elliptical from what I've been hearing. How's this one look?

Elliptical

 

one with long arms.....this way it can hold more towels. The freakin thing is nothing more than a glorified towel rack! My ex-beeyatch made me buy one...did all this research spent a wad of money and I think she used it twice for running...then the towel rack theory set in

 

run outside, I hear it's pretty cheap.