So, you’ve decided that you want to buy a treadmill. But as you start to shop for one, you quickly realize that they can be pretty expensive. Sure, there are some really cheap treadmills out there, but will they last? And do they have the features that you want? As you add quality and features, the prices go up quickly. One way to get a quality treadmill at a reasonable price is to buy it used. But should you buy a used treadmill?

Reasons To Buy a Used Treadmill

Obviously, the number one reason is to save money. But there is much more to it than just pinching pennies. The money you can save by buying a used treadmill might make difference between actually buying one or deciding that you can’t afford it. And of course, you’re much better off buying one, since it’s a great way to help you achieve your fitness goals. Whether you are looking to burn fat, lose weight and get in shape, or simply maintain your current fitness level, the convenience of having a running machine at home can make the difference between working out regularly and not working out at all.

And by buying your electric treadmill used can get you a lot more for your money. You can get the extra quality of a machine that will last. And you can get the bells and whistles found in higher end running machines — which might add just the motivation you need to really enjoy and look forward to your treadmill workouts. And that’s what it’s all about: staying motivated and working out at the highest exercise level that you can. No piece of exercise equipment is going to help you stay fit if you don’t use it on a regular basis.

Used Treadmills You Should Consider

So, what kind of used treadmills should you consider? Although it might be obvious, the best used treadmills are the ones that have had the least amount of use. You want to buy one from a person who bought it as the result of an optimistic New Year’s resolution to lose the holiday weight they gained, but then never used it past the end of January. You want the treadmill that has been being used as an en extra closet hanger or coat rack. You want the treadmill that hasn’t been turned on in months.

You also want a quality treadmill that has the features you want and need. It won’t do you any good to buy a really low quality treadmill. Even if it hasn’t been used much, at worst it’s likely to break down on you quickly and at best it simply may not be able to provide the quality treadmill workouts that you need.

Ideally, you also want to buy a treadmill locally so that you can see it, touch it, and try it out yourself. It’s possible to buy one online and have it shipped to you, but unless the seller can make you confident that it’s in good shape, you won’t know about any problems until it’s too late. If you can take it for a test run — literally — then you’ll be much more confident that it’s in the condition that you want. Also, if you able to meet the seller face-to-face and possibly even pick it up yourself, you may be able to haggle a bit and negotiate an even better price.

Another good option for a used treadmill is a refurbished treadmill purchased from a second hand store like Play It Again Sports. Such stores will often check out the treadmill for you and offer you a warranty. Having a decent warranty is certainly a good way to feel more confident about your purchase.

Used Treadmills You Should Avoid

While there are lots of good options for buying a good used treadmill, there are plenty of used treadmills that you want o avoid. To state the obvious again, don’t buy one that you know has gotten tons of use. Don’t by a treadmill from the super fitness couple that likes to brag that they each spend an hour on the treadmill every day of the week. Similarly, don’t buy one from a gym. While it might be a super high quality treadmill, it was likely used 8-12 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Also, don’t buy one from the person who is “upgrading” to a better model. If the treadmill isn’t good enough for them, it’s probably not good enough for you, either.

How To Evaluate Used Treadmills

There are number of things you should look at when you are looking at a specific treadmill and deciding whether or not to buy it. Check out the other articles in our Used Treadmill Buying Guide for tips and advice on what to look for and what to avoid. If you go about it wisely and thoughtfully, you can save a bundle and get a great workout, all at the same time!

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You can get a great deal on a treadmill by buying a used one. But you have to be careful that you are getting a quality machine that will last — you want to avoid used treadmills that are at the end of their life. When deciding whether or not buy a specific machine, there are a few important treadmill features that you must be sure to check before you buy it and get it home. Use these tips to evaluate a used treadmill before you buy it, and you’ll increase the chances that your purchase is a good one.

First, Find Out How Much Treadmill Has Been Used

It’s important to find out how much the treadmill has been used. Ask the current owner how much they used it and why they want to sell it. Many people are overly ambitious about their home exercise plans and soon find themselves with expensive equipment they’ve never used. That’s the perfect person from whom to buy. On the other hand, if they used it for an hour every day for the last five years, then you might want to think twice about buying that one.

Once you feel comfortable that the treadmill hasn’t been used to it’s breaking point, check out the following items to help you assess how much life is left in it.

1. Check Out the Treadmill Motor

It’s very important to make sure the treadmill’s motor is still in good shape. After all, it’s an electric treadmill! Run the treadmill all the way from warm-up to maximum speed. It might get a little louder as the speed increases, but it shouldn’t get too much louder. And it should sound just as smooth at every level. You don’t want to hear any new noises or thumps as the speed increases.

Once you’ve tried it with no one on it, turn it off, get on it yourself, and try it out starting at warm-up speed. (You should definitely have brought your running shoes with you to check out the treadmill.) Crank it to whatever top speed you feel you can safely handle. Make sure the motor still sounds good at all the speed levels.

2. Check Out the Treadmill Belt

The next most important feature is the belt. With the treadmill off, inspect it carefully all the way around and check for any fraying –especially around the edges on both sides. Watch it carefully at higher speeds and check for sliding or skipping. If you see it sliding or skipping, don’t buy it. A skip at high speed can be very dangerous because it might cause you to slip or trip. You could get really hurt if that happens. Also check to make sure the belt is not rubbing against the frame anywhere. It likely won’t be worth the time or money to fix it if you find that the belt needs to be replaced. This is a treadmill running machine, and without the belt you won’t be running anywhere!

3. Test the Incline

Don’t buy a treadmill without an incline. The incline offers many benefits from burning more calories to building more muscle. The steeper the incline, the more you’ll build and tone your calf, thigh, and buttocks muscles. In fact, University of Georgia researchers found that each stride of running uphill works 9% more of your muscles than the same stride and effort at a level run. And if you’re still not convinced, researchers in England discovered that if you want to match the energy required to run on a flat, level surface outside, you need to set your treadmill incline at 1% incline. Otherwise, it’s like running downhill.

So, be sure to check out the incline! Your treadmill should go up to at least 10% incline — preferably a little bit more. As the treadmill moves up, make sure it goes smoothly with out bumping or jerking. Test it while the treadmill is running at a moderate to high speed, both with and without you on it.

4. Test the Display

The final important piece to test is the display. First, be sure that the display is practical and easy to use. Can you read the displays well? Does it clearly show the time, speed and incline? Are there easy-to-use buttons to set the time and manually adjust the speed and incline?

Does this electric treadmill have pre-programmed workouts? Pre-programmed treadmill workouts automatically adjust the speed and incline to target your specific workout goals, such as losing weight, burning fat, or building endurance. This variety can be a great way to keep your workouts interesting and fun, which will hopefully help keep you motivated. If the treadmill has pre-programmed workouts, briefly try a few of them. (You won’t have time to run the full workouts.)

While you look at the display, check it for signs of wear or damage. Used treadmills can take a real beating on the display from dripping sweat and spilled beverages. While it’s OK if the surface of the display is a bit scratched, make sure that the electronic part of the display is clear and bright. If it’s hazy or foggy, there might be sweat or spilled drinks getting into the display and damaging it.

Be Happy With Your Treadmill Running Machine

Buying a used treadmill can really be a great way to save some money. But remember, this treadmill will be your running machine, and you want to make sure that you will be happy and satisfied using it for running. So check it it carefully and make sure you’ll be happy with it. Can you live with a broken cup holder if it saved you a bundle? Or will you be annoyed every time you see it? Are the buttons easy to use, or will they frustrate you and prevent you from enjoying your workouts. You don’t want anything that might zap your motivation. And of course, you want it to last — a broken treadmill won’t give you a workout! So use these tips to help increase the odds that you’ll make a good choice and be happy with your purchase. No matter how good a deal you get, it’s still going to cost you a fair amount of time, effort, and money — so go about it thoughtfully and well informed.

References:

• Runner’s World: “Buying A Used Treadmill”
• eHow: “How to Buy a Used Treadmill”
• LIVESTRONG.com: “Benefits of Incline Treadmills on the Muscles”
• Men’s Health: “To Hill and Back”
• Consumer Reports: “Treadmill Guide – Treadmill Features”

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Everyone likes to save money. And buying a used treadmill can be a real money saver. But be careful, or you might end up stuck with a piece of junk that you can’t use and can’t easily lose — a treadmill won’t fit in your trashcan and you’ll likely have to pay (again) to get rid of it if it breaks or runs too poorly. Use these 5 tips to make sure you make a smart purchase.

1. Only Buy a Good Model From a Reputable Brand

Low end machines are cheap for a reason. Don’t get stuck with someone else’s bad purchase. Make sure you buy a good model from a reputable brand.

What treadmill brands are reputable and what models are good? Ask a knowledgeable person at your local gym or do some research online. (But be careful to avoid online sites that get paid for referrals to specific manufacturers.) Consumer Reports likes models from Sole, NordicTrack, Livestrong, Horizon, Precor, Landice, PaceMaster, AFG, Vision, Proform, Gold’s Gym, and Life Span.

If in doubt, don’t get snookered by the bells and whistles. As a rule of thumb, look for an electric treadmill with a 1.5 continuous horsepower motora and a good suspension system. That’s what will server you best. If it also has a lot of other features, great. But those are the two most important features.

2. Ask a Lot of Questions — And Make Sure You Get the Right Answers

Don’t be shy. Even if you are getting a good price, you’re still spending a lot of money. Here are questions to ask about your spiffy new-to-you treadmill running machine:

• Why are you selling it?
  “Upgrading to better model” is a bad answer. “Never used it and need the money” is what you’d like to hear.
• How often was the treadmill used?
  Almost never is better than 40 minutes/day.
• How many people have owned the treadmill?
  1 is the best answer.
• Where was the treadmill kept?
  Living room or bedroom is better than musty basement that flooded last spring.

If you are buying from a store, you should also ask these questions:

• Is there a warranty?
  Some stores like Play It Again Sports will give you a good warranty that includes coming to your home for repairs and maintenance.
• Do you have service records for the treadmill maintenance?
  Hopefully this one isn’t a lemon that’s been repaired repeatedly.

3. Take a Test Run

You’re going to be running on it. So when you go see it, bring your running shoes and take if for a 5 or 10 minute spin. Again, don’t be shy. If there’s a problem, you want to know about it before you write a check and lug the thing home in the truck you had to borrow from your friend. If they don’t want you to try it, then you should be suspicious — leave and buy one from someone else.

Pay attention while your are running. Does the suspension feel OK? Do you hear loud sounds or feel shakes? Does the incline work? Do the bells and whistles work? If it has a heart rate monitor, does it work?

4. Look For Wear and Tear

Take a close look at the entire treadmill. Is anything broken or particularly worn out? Pay special attention to the belt and make sure it’s not frayed or otherwise worn out.

Use your common sense. Superficial items like scratches, dings, or a broken cup holder likely don’t matter — especially if you are getting a good price. In fact, you can use cosmetic flaws as a way to negotiate the price down. But if anything important (like the belt) looks damaged, you may want to move on to another seller.

5. Don’t Buy Too Old A Model — 5 Years Or Less Is Best

No matter how reputable the treadmill manufacturer, an electric treadmill is not going to last forever — especially used treadmills. So try to get one that’s less than 5 years old. But again, use your common sense here. If the owner never used it, it still looks brand new, and it was stored in a good location (not a moldy basement) then a 6 year old model for a great price is likely worth getting. That sure sounds better than a 2 year old used treadmill that was used twice a day by a fitness fanatical couple.

There Are Plenty of Used Treadmill Deals Out There

Lot’s of people set ambitious New Year’s resolutions and buy a quality treadmill to burn off their holiday weight gain and finally get in shape. But lot’s of them give up quickly and end up using their treadmills as closet racks for their extra clothes. Be patient, hunt around for the right treadmill, and use these tips make a smart purchase. You can save some money and get in shape at the same time. If you stick with it, having a treadmill in your home is really on of the most convenient way to get and stay in shape!

References:

• Men’s Fitness: “Home Gym Dos and Don’ts”
• Runner’s World: “Buying A Used Treadmill”
• Consumer Reports: “Recommended Treadmills”

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Today, increasing numbers of people are getting more and more concerned about their physical health. Because of the increasing numbers of cases of heart related diseases, diabetes, and obesity, you have the right to be concerned about your physical well-being. This is why many people are now enrolling in gyms and are now starting working out as part of their daily routines to get and maintain a healthy body and healthy heart.

Besides, through exercising, you will not only have a healthy body and healthy heart, you will also obtain a great looking body that you can be proud off. In fact, many people exercises in order to have a better looking body. You can never deny the fact that a good looking and muscular body produces more sex appeal and is considered to be more attractive than having that extra flab and looking like the Pillsbury doughboy or too thin that you look like a scarecrow. Having a great looking body also produces indirect benefits to you, such as having more self-confidence and a significant increase in self-esteem.

Health benefits and physical appearance are the two main reasons why more and more people are considering working out. However, what if you find working out in the gym boring or embarrassing. Many people get insecure about working out in the public and for this reason they simply don’t continue their workout routines in the gym.

However, you can still workout even if you don’t go to the gym. The machines you see in the gym can be obtained at a very affordable price. There are home fitness equipments that you can purchase and use right at the comforts of your own home. These home fitness equipments can work wonders for you and get that great looking body that you have always wanted of having. Not only that, most home fitness equipments available today are designed to be compact to suit small homes, such as an apartment. It can be folded and stored neatly when not in use and it can provide that same high quality workout that you would get in a gym.

So, if you are a full time parent where you always need to keep a constant lookout for your kids, you can consider getting home fitness equipment where you can both take care of your body and watch your kids. You will also enjoy your workouts because you can watch your favorite TV shows while you workout.

There are different home fitness equipments available in the market today. You have to realize the fact that you should choose the right home fitness equipment in order to have a high quality workout. First of all, you have to choose home fitness equipment that will give you a full body workout and also exercise equipment that will be able to exercise your heart. The best home fitness equipment for this job is cardiovascular exercise machines. Treadmills and elliptical trainers are two of the best cardiovascular exercise equipments available.

You can also consider getting weight training exercise equipments for muscle development.

These are some of the home fitness equipments available in the market today. With the right home fitness equipment, you will be able to get a high quality workout and get that healthy and great looking body you have always wanted.

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There are a hundred lots of home fitness equipment nowadays that are sold in the market. Do not make the mistake in buying something and then regretting why you bought it after a day or two. Home fitness equipments vary and you should always have one good reason to buy it. Don’t believe on everything commercials tell you about the equipment. Some equipment may seem easy to use on television but n fact will not really work for you. Try to ask yourself first of these questions before you grab your wallet and buy that equipment.

Do you need it? The equipment should suit your interests and needs. The activities that you will do with that equipment should be challenging and something to enjoy on. Buying equipment is never a guarantee that you will use it especially if it is something new that makes it harder to use. Make sure that you already know the equipment and that it is something that you already tried in a fitness club. Start from buying small equipments that are aligned to your interests.

Can you afford it? Don’t be fooled with the thought that you will be forced to use something because you spent too much money for it. Expensive equipments are never an assurance that you will use them or that they are effective for you. Always consider how much are you willing to pay for certain equipment. Also ask yourself iif it is worth it. Always check on the quality before you buy equipment. The price may be too low but consider that the quality can also be low. Or it may be expensive but then the quality is not that good. You can try choosing on cheaper alternatives but not sacrificing the quality of the equipment.

You may also want to check out for some used equipments. Most of the time, this is where you find a better deal. You can even find equipments that do not seem to have been used at a very low rate. Or you can find the equipment 3 months old but the price is almost half the original.

Do you have enough space for it? This is often what buyers forget to consider. Try to consider first where to place a treadmill before buying it. Before you buy something, make sure you know where you will place it. Your place may not accommodate the equipment. Plan ahead and make sure that the equipment can be placed in your home without causing any hassle.

Is it safe for you? If you have existing conditions, be sure to check with your doctor to make sure that the equipment will be safe for you. Some equipment may be painful to use and might cause harm to your body. So make sure to try it first be fore you buy it.

It also suggested that you first consider if a gym near you already has that equipment. You can save money by just registering to that gym and use that equipment compared the price you will spend if you will buy that product.

Buying fitness equipments should be bought with consideration. Do not buy by impulse. Always ask the opinion of a professional gym instructor before you buy something.

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How do you regularly stay fit, healthy and flexible? A hale and hearty diet of nutritious fruits and vegetables is the key as well as regular and continuous exercise.

The best exercise is one that you are really, sincerely going to be doing on a regular basis. You have many options, such as push-ups, stretches, jumping jacks or regular jogging. Even walking can be effective. However, many people prefer to work out using home fitness equipment and machines.

The following are a few basic and important things to consider when buying home fitness exercise equipment.

Do not believe what you see and hear

At least not everything, it is good if you assess all those claims home gym fitness equipment manufacturers declare in their advertisements and infomercials. It is so hard to accept as true for example some statements that assure people that they will lose several pounds off their weight in as little as seven days or that you will decrease your pants size in one month. Even with the assistance of dietary supplements, it is not possible to accomplish changes as major as these in just a few weeks, much less days. Home fitness exercise equipment is not magic.

Fat Burner is a No Burner

Be skeptical about claims that say you will be able to burn a tremendous amount of fat in a specific area of your body, such as the hips, thighs, waist just by applying a specific type of ointment or lotion, etc. The only sure way to burn all those fat way is by changing what you eat. Exercise is the best solution to work out every area of the body where you want to get rid of fat.

The only testimonial that counts is yours

Before and after pictures of people who claim that they were able to lose weight because of using such and such home fitness equipment may or may not be true. If ever they are, their experience is purely personal and that is no assurance that your unique body weight, body make-up will also undergo the same change they went through.

Read the fine print

It is always advisable to read the fine print of anything. Though you believe that the fitness equipment you are planning to purchase is a good one, reading the fine print really wouldn’t hurt as it may say that you also have to decrease your calorie intake and not just rely on what the machine could do for you.

Do the math

There are advertising statements that say you could pay off the home gym equipment in a number of easy payments or by paying a mere thirty nine ninety five a month. Do not forget to inquire about shipping and handling costs and include that in your calculation. Also, add-on the required sales tax, delivery fees, set-up fees. Know all the details before you purchase.

Guarantee the warranty

It is best that you consider asking about details on their thirty day money back guarantee. Though this could sound good to you as the consumer, it may or may not actually do you good if for example you are going to return the item. You may actually pay for the humongous shipping cost and it could cost you more than what you could guarantee to receive in thirty days.

Call customer service

Make sure you contact their customer service hotline. Usually, they have toll-free numbers that you must be able to easily contact as well as a customer service representative who must be glad to be able to take your call and answer thoroughly all or any questions you may have about the home fitness equipment as well as any promised services.

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