[rtravers]

<p>I'm in the final month of my grueling resistance training program.  I've been managing 20-30 miles of running weekly, but it's been a struggle to maintain that with all of the high resistance I've been doing!  I am, however, starting to see muscles poppin' all over, and I'm feeling great, and seeing the body fat numbers on my Tanita scale go lower and lower.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>As I look forward to winter and increasing my mileage and becoming a runner again instead of a pushup and Burpee machine, I want to install a treadmill at home for those inevitable dark winter mornings.  I can handle darkness of the predawn hours.  I can handle snow and cold. But I can't handle ice in the dark. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>I tried looking at the "Gears and Reviews" section here on this site, but every treadmill seems to be ranked "Number 2"!  And I can't seem to find any real reviews and comments!  So, I'm asking for advice from you all!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I don't need anything fancy.  I tend to run in "manual" mode on my treadmills, anyway, so fancy programming options aren't necessary.  I have a flat screen TV in my exercise room and lots of DVDs, so it doesn't need to have a DVD player or anything distracting.  It just needs to be a good, functional treadmill.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>My DH's personal trainer swears by the Woodway treadmills. Anyone have any advice with regard to that brand?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Thanks a bunch in advance for any advice!!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>--Robin</p>

 

[Pink]

<p>Hi Robin -</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I've had my Precor TM for 12+ years and love it.  When I first bought it, I was a little tentative spending that much, but it has been sooooo worth it!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I only use the manual mode also . . .</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Good Luck in your search!</p>

 

[OrangeMat]

<p>Hi Robin. We have the <a href="http://hubpages.com/hub/Pacemaster-Pro-Plus" target="_blank">Pacemaster Pro Plus</a>, bought it 14 years ago, and only recently needed to get the belt replaced. It's the same model I've seen in various physical therapy facilities, but it's considered the home-use model. I've also only used it in manual mode, and I highly recommend it. Definitely one of the best investments we ever made. Good luck!</p>

 

[mcsolar99]

<p>nordictrack commercial 1500; was under $1000 when i bought it from costco... actually it was the reason i became a costco member in the first place.  pretty basic, but well-built, and it goes up to 12mph.  i'd recommend it... 2 1/2 years and maybe 1200 miles with no troubles.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>i got the recommendation from the treadmill doctor site.  it seems fairly even-handed.  they have reviews of woodway.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a href="http://www.treadmilldoctor.com/Treadmill-Reviews/Treadmill-Review-Brand-Index" target="_blank">http://www.treadmilldoctor.com/Treadmill-Reviews/Treadmill-Review-Brand-</a><a href="http://www.treadmilldoctor.com/Treadmill-Reviews/Treadmill-Review-Brand-Index" target="_blank">Index</a></p>

 

[evanflein]

<p>I have a Horizon Fitness something or other. Sorry not more specific, I think it's the 5.0t Elite or some stupid name like that. It was on sale after Thanksgiving a couple years ago. Sometimes it makes funny noises on start up, but it was around $1300 and has been very good.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I think most treadmills available to the home market are going to be pretty good these days. It's important that you know what you'll be using it for and what you need/don't need (and you've got a good idea it sounds like).</p>
<p> </p>
<ul><li>Warranty is important. I can't remember what mine is, but I fully expect the company to be no longer in existence before the motor warranty runs out (something like 30 years).</li>
<li>Mine doesn't show pace, just speed. I find that highly annoying, but didn't even think of it when we were looking at machines.</li>
<li>Programs are nice, but if you mainly use the manual settings, they're just "noise." What is nice is to have a couple of customized program settings, where you can set up your own interval program or hill workout, etc.</li>
<li>Fold up model or solid (set with the track down)? Depends on your available space, really. Mine folds up, and when I was looking, I'd heard those weren't as sturdy. A guy I know who works on exercise equipment said that was true 20 years ago, not so much now. (he recommended my current model because he knew I wanted a low maintenance machine... he'd worked on my Nordic Track recumbent bike that kept falling apart... got the company to take it back for full refund 2 yrs later)</li>
</ul><p> </p>
<p>I put a helluva lot of miles on my treadmill. In the midst of winter, I rarely run outside during the week, and even crank out 15-20 milers on the 'mill when it's really cold. It's been moved to the garage now, so we'll see how that works out this winter.</p>

 

[Pink]

<br><br><div class="quote-container"><span>Quote:</span>
<div class="quote-block">Originally Posted by <strong>evanflein</strong> <a href="/forum/thread/70497/treadmill-recommendations#post_1952031"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border-bottom:0px solid;border-left:0px solid;border-top:0px solid;border-right:0px solid;"></a><br><br><p> It's been moved to the garage now, so we'll see how that works out this winter.</p>
</div>
</div>
<p><br><br>
Brrrrrr!  Is your garage heated?  <img alt="smile.gif" class="bbcode_smiley" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies//smile.gif"></p>

 

[evanflein]

<p>Of course it's heated! Just a little drafty and cooler than the rest of the house. My car lives in there, and he likes being warm.</p>