I am thinking about getting a treadmill as exercise for me is pretty tough. I have some medical issues and feel the treadmill will be easier on my body.

I have heard so many stories about people getting them and never using them.

I know this is something I had to do on my own and I want to do it, just want some input from you guys.

They are not cheap and I just want to make sure I am making the right choice for me.

:rolleyes2: Thanks in advance! :thumbup:

My husband and I bought a nice treadmill in January and it sat and collected dust for many months. Now, since I had my surgery I have used it much more than ever. I got one with an incline option so I set it at a 3% incline and walk briskly. I add a little bit more time each time I walk. I have three young children so I have to find the right time to exercise. I would recommend getting a treadmill for sure.

When I first got it I used it heaps as I was unfit, heavy and embarrassed to run in public. As I got fitter, I ran outside more and more.

Now the treadmill gets a better workout in winter, when its raining. In summer, it doesnt get used alot except for those 40 degrees celcius days when its just too hot to exercise outside.

I run further distances now, like 10kms and I'd fall asleep and shoot off the back of the treadmill trying to run for an hour on it. But I make up circuits, run a bit, jump off, do squats, run a bit more, jump off for push ups etc.

It got me out and running and it is a backup for bad weather or inability to get outside while its still light. I'd definitely call it money well spent!

I have one for sale...used maybe 4 times! Does that answer your question? I bypass my treadmill which cost $2,000 & go to the gym. Doesn't make any sense.

I LOVE my treadmill. It has been there for me in cold days, hot days and especially the days after my surgery when I had gas pains. I hope it will last awhile. At least until I reach my goal or until my fat ass goes down a little more.

My treadmill is 3 years old and has probably 4 years of use! I use it when the outside weather is snow/ice/sleet; the students who rent my apartment use it as well in Sept-Mar.

I put on my IPOD, grab my 2 litre bottle of Water, and get a break from the work waiting upstairs in the house!

I bought mine on E-bay last year by a company that actually comes to your house to service it should there ever be any issues. I loved mine, but had to buy a rather heavy duty one because I weighed over 300 pounds when I first got it. I used mine 5-7 days a week for the first few months after surgery, but like everyone else, I used it less as I felt more comfortable working out in public. I needed to add weight resistance to my workouts, too. My suggestion? Look on Craigslist.com to find one that someone else is selling. I just sold mine last month for only $600. because I moved to a complex that has a gym. Buy one that's used. Don't buy one full price if you're not sure you'll use it. Good luck! I loved mine, but I use one in public now.....

I just bought one a week ago off of craigslist.com. The family paid $2,000 for this nice pro form treadmill but the mom got fibromyalgia pretty bad and could no longer use it. It does have a weight limit of 350 pounds.

They sold it to me for $175 and were super nice people across town. So definitely look into your local craigs list. I've used it every day almost. I'm so glad we went this route. We looked into those 2nd hand sports equipment stores but they wanted almost full price.

We bought ours about a year ago for about $1000 at Costco...even has the built in TV, which helps the time go faster. I used it a lot when we first got it and was on the Alli diet/pills and I lost a bunch of weight. I haven't used it in about 4 mo. as the osteoarthritis in my back flared. I told myself I couldn't, but you can set the thing at a snails pace so I know I could have walked some...the truth was I'd started to gain some weight back and I lost motivation. I've started using it again this week as I'm starting the 6 mo. diet. I used to teach exercise classes, yes me-LOL, so I know the treadmill is one of the best options for heavy people (easy on the joints to walk). Craig's list is a perfect idea!

I love my treadmill. I would suggest that you purchase one that is heavy duty (stability thing) and definately with an incline. You can do many leg, butt, and arm exercises on their as well. Just for example; you can do your arm exercises with free weights while your walking, walk backwards with the treadmill inclined for your butt and legs, walk sideways for your thighs, ect. When you put the treadmills incline up and speed down you are getting a very good workout that is working alot of different muscles than just regular walking. It has changed the look of my body and gotton rid of some strange bumps in some very difficult to get rid of areas. I would definately say it is an awesome investment. I do live in WI so the weather is crumby for serveral months out of the year. That could influence me.

You can do many leg, butt, and arm exercises on their as well. Just for example; you can do your arm exercises with free weights while your walking, walk backwards with the treadmill inclined for your butt and legs, walk sideways for your thighs, ect.

Great idea...never thought to walk sideways and backwards on it! Maybe I'll wait until I'm steadier walking forward!

Band_Groupie, it sounds like you and I have the same treadmilll. I love it. The only problem is that it does get to be boring if you don't vary it up. I was using it consistently and even for couch to 5 k until my knee flared up and I was told to rest it for a week or two. I did, the pain went away, but I got out of the habit of exercising. I'm starting back up Friday.