Treadmills

Is there a Sam's Club or BJ's wholesale near you?  In RI those stores sometimes have them on sale and you can get them pretty cheap. 

 There is BJ's (I think) near me, but I'm not a member and have no desire to be. I don't know anyone who is either. Interesting idea about the gym, but I would think those models might not fold up. I'll see though! Most gyms around here are new or small and not likely to be getting rid of old equip anytime soon.

Right now there's a ton posted on CL within an easy drive from my house. In fact, there's an astonishing number of them! I'm telling the SO tonight that he's mission is to research all of this for me lol. I'm overwhelmed (and lazy heh).

I know I WILL use whatever treadmill I get. Particularly if it's in my house and in front of the television 

About a month before Christmas I got a treadmill off Craigslist.  Like someone else said, I watched the ads for about six months before I struck!  I was waiting for someone who just wanted to get rid of their decent treadmill, which fortuntately I found.  We got a True, which was over $2000 when they bought it.  We paid $50.  If it doesn't last, who cares!  Like you said, there are a ton out there.  Like you too, I knew we would use it.  I really got it for walking, but I've even started jogging a bit.  Also, since you say you want it for in front of the TV, a quality one will probably be the only one quiet enough.  I definitey second the CL idea!

 I have noise reduction (DJ quality) headphones at home that I'd use with it, so noise factor won't be too big of a deal. Those headphones block out a ridiculous amount of external noise. Glad to hear others have had good luck with CL! I think I'll go that route. I'm just poor and it seems like CL will be a good gamble. The only downside is I will have to find someone with a bigger car or truck (or someone selling willing to deliver for some extra cash) as both the significant other and I have subcompact cars.

Yeah, and they are also ridiculously heavy so any extra help you can get will be awesome.

 As a runner and longtime student of exercise physiology I can tell you that most kinesiologists would recommend that you incorporate resistance training into the regiment along with aerobic work. In fact if you could only choose one, I would go for the resistance training, this could be as cheap as a few weights, elastic resistance bands or something small like those door pulley/elastic systems.

 I say forget the treadmill, work on resistance and walk on the nice winter days.

Corinthian, while I do appreciate the advice...I don't particularly enjoy walking in the winter (or really any forms of winter sports), hence the need for a treadmill. I do go out walking for the dog only, but I need much more than that. My cardio health is crap and to ME that's most important of all. On my doctor's advice, I need to improve my cardio health, like yesterday. 

There is no doubt that strength training is important. I believe I mentioned that I have free weights and will be picking up a workout bench (simple one to just use with the free weights) as well, so I won't be forgetting about the treadmill. I am MUCH more likely this time of the year to use a treadmill with either a book or DVD than I am to spend any more time than necessary outdoors.

Again, I appreciate the advice, but I actually do know how to exercise. I'm just lazy and I know a treadmill is going to help me kick start getting back into shape.

DH bought us a very nice treadmill, it does not fold up but it is commercial grade, so very quiet and I hope it lasts a long time.  ANyway, it's in front of our tv so we can watch tv or even play wii while on it and I like to plop my laptop on the console and surf while walking. One day I did 5 miles without even realizing it just surfing away.

I am currently sitting on my duff tho at the moment LOL.

 Definitely watch craigslist, especially after the holidays a few weeks when people will realize they're not going to use their christmas gift treadmill. :)

I have an elliptical at home and I love it.  I like that I can go forwards and backwards, and use my arms.  Also no impact like running or a treadmill.  I got mine new off eBay, but it was a discontinued model.  Retailed for $700 at the time and I got it for $250.  I don't need all the gimmicks like pre-programmed workouts and such.  Also it has a great stride length, which is the MOST important thing when looking into ellipticals if you're not spending more than $1000.  The cheaper ones have a really crappy stride length, thus you're not really getting a work out.  I read that it should be 17 or more and mine is 18 (the really cheap ellipticals are all like 14-16 or don't even advertise what it is).  I went from 152lbs to 125lbs in just a few months, basically got rid of a chronic joint problem in my right foot (tried tons of treatments and ultimately just keeping myself skinny is what helps), and brought my HDL, LDL, BMI, and glucose levels all in the optimal range.

Liesje

Also it has a great stride length, which is the MOST important thing when looking into ellipticals if you're not spending more than $1000. 

The belt length is also something to consider when picking your treadmill too.  You probably are already aware but just in case.  My father actually pointed it out to me when I was looking at them. 

willowchow

Liesje

Also it has a great stride length, which is the MOST important thing when looking into ellipticals if you're not spending more than $1000. 

The belt length is also something to consider when picking your treadmill too.  You probably are already aware but just in case.  My father actually pointed it out to me when I was looking at them. 

 

The length and width on a treadmill are my most important concerns.  I am pretty tall, 5'9" and I want to be able to run on it.  Plus I want to be able to run my dogs on it too.  Onyx is pretty small, but Crusher is 80+ pounds with a long torso, so he needs a long track.  Obviously, the dogs won't be able to get all of their exercise on a treadmill, but if I can at least burn the edge off on those nights when the girls have gone to bed and I can't leave, it would help.  

huskymom

willowchow

Liesje

Also it has a great stride length, which is the MOST important thing when looking into ellipticals if you're not spending more than $1000. 

The belt length is also something to consider when picking your treadmill too.  You probably are already aware but just in case.  My father actually pointed it out to me when I was looking at them. 

 

Lies, what is a good stride length for an elliptical? 

The length and width on a treadmill are my most important concerns.  I am pretty tall, 5'9" and I want to be able to run on it.  Plus I want to be able to run my dogs on it too.  Onyx is pretty small, but Crusher is 80+ pounds with a long torso, so he needs a long track.  Obviously, the dogs won't be able to get all of their exercise on a treadmill, but if I can at least burn the edge off on those nights when the girls have gone to bed and I can't leave, it would help.  

I believe 17-18 or more.  That's what mine is and it feels great and really works me hard, considering I only paid $250 and ellipticals can run $3K or more.

I thought of getting a treadmill so I could roadwork my dogs but could not find one long enough for their stride.

 Ya, that's the only reason I want a treadmill over an elliptical.  I like ellipticals better, they're easier on my knees and just generally feel better, but I've yet to hear of a dog using one, lol.  I'll never find one long enough for a good gait from Crusher, but stretched out, he's got to be at least 6 1/2 feet, and tracks seem to only go to 60".  But like I said, I only want it to take the edge off when I can't get out with them. 

Can an elliptical fold up though when not in use? The biggest downside to all of this is my living situation. We have a great condo, but it's limiting in terms of space. Things that can fold up and be leaned against a wall (or in the case of the exercise bench under a bed/closet) are key.

I started looking online at some treadmills and did come across the whole belt length issue, which I hadn't though of. My stride is not very big so hopefully it won't be an issue (and if I can't use it for Ari, not biggie, it would have been a nice perk). 

So much to consider!