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!