[Fredi]

Hi everyone. We’re thinking of getting a treadmill and are wondering what we should expect to pay? Annual gym membership for both is about $1900 but we don’t really do much besides running and stretching so a home treadmill might be better value. We’re not fussed about it having lots of gadgets and technology, we just want a simple, basic but sturdy one for lots of running (DH usually runs at 13-14km/h).

Thanks in advance!

[spersephone]

Go to a dedicated fitness shop (not somewhere like Rebel Sport) and check out what they've got. From about $1500 you can get a reasonably good one that will do what you want. As your husband is already a fast runner (I can comfortably sustain 10km/h, but sometimes try to do 12 - I even got up to 14 for one WHOLE minute recently!), he needs one that will allow him to improve. So go for one that goes up to at least 16km/h, preferably 18km/h.

Automatic incline is brilliant because it works different muscles. And lately I've been unable to get in the mood to run, but I can always walk, so to make it more of a real workout, I increase the incline continually and then decrease it so I really do get my heart rate going without trying to run.

The better models start from about $2000, but for $1500 you should get a decent one. Much less than that and you may not be very happy with it.

Look for weight ratings, speed, incline levels and check the warranty.

Most good shops will let you get on and have a go to see how it feels for you.

[purple_daisy]

Check out lifespan fitness on ebay. They have a shop in Melbourne (I think) but also the ebay store. We got a Torque which is one of the higher level models for well under the comparative treadmills in stores. (About $800 from memory - last year).

I was a bit nervous about buying online, but the treadmill is fantastic. A very sturdy design with good quality parts, goes up to about 18km I think, auto incline multiple levels, LCD display, and even has an mp3 plug for your ipod just like the ones at the gym. It can take a runner up to 100kg so is built strong. It has the basics like quickstarts at 5km, 8km, 12km but you can also use programs that change up the speeds and inclines if you like that sort of thing. Has a HR monitor built into the arms as well.

Delivery was fast and affordable and I'm very happy with the purchase.

HTH

[Fredi]

Thanks for the very helpful info! I’m hoping to spend no more than $1,500 so am grateful for the tips.