When you decide you want to get fit and lose a few pounds, buying a treadmill running machine can be a really wise option. Many people find it hard to go outside running, because they think people will stare at them, making them feel self-conscious. Or the weather might not be very conducive to outside running. Imagine how many people decide to lose weight as a New Year’s Resolution, and then, seeing the January snow, think maybe they’ll just cut down on candy instead!
With a running treadmill, it doesn’t matter what the weather is like outside, and there will not be anyone hanging around teasing you. You will be nicely hidden away at home, losing those pounds in the warmth while watching TV.
The next big question concerns the cost. How much do these running machines cost? And where can I find cheap treadmills? There are two broad groups of running machine: the manual ones and the motorized ones. So if you want a cheap treadmill, your best option is the manual version. They are cheap to buy and cheap to run, as you are the one who powers them by moving the belt with your feet as your run. Sometimes they can be quite flimsy though, so be careful of the false economy of getting one, only to break it and need another.
The alternative is the motorized treadmill. These can cost several hundreds up to several thousands of dollars, depending on which features you require. Aim to get a really basic model which can still allow you to run on it – in other words make sure the motor is a good powerful one. The running deck needs to able to incline at the touch of a control button, while you continue running. It is best to have a few pre-programmed routines on it to alleviate boredom. And it needs to have a big, red emergency stop button, for safety in case you get into difficulty during exercise.
Things you will not need are built in heart rate monitors – you can buy them separately cheaper in the future. You will also not need to buy a treadmill with a built in TV – yes, they exist!
To find cheap treadmills, look for secondhand ones advertised in local newspapers or even yard sales. The best time to buy good ones is in February and March, after the vast majority of people have quit their New Year’s Resolutions. You can also ask down your local sports center or gym, especially if they are buying in newer machines. They might just be willing to sell you an old one rather than throwing it out. If not, they might be “in the know” about somebody who is looking to sell one at a reasonable price.
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