Treadmills

[runningjogging]

This is a post for traffic (sorry - well, not entirely sorry, but...)

I am desperate to buy a bloody treadmill and can't.

I'm normally at the gym 3-4 times a week almost exclusively on the treadmill, I run up to 10k albeit relatively slowly, and I also do a lot of brisk walking at max incline. It helped me lost a massive amount of weight last year.

Since lockdown I have been trying to go out running here, but I can't measure my pace or distance (I don't have the sort of whizzy phone that does anything like that) and if I'm honest I actually find it really difficult running outside. So much uneven terrain if I go to our local open space, and so many people if I try and run on the streets instead. Plus it seems physically harder running not on a treadmill and I can't get the incline work I usually would because I live in a very flat area, no hills for miles! Even though I'm trying to watch my diet, I'm gaining weight and losing tone :(

So I've been trying for the last month to secure a treadmill. Amazon are currently looking like the best bet but they wont have stock til June. Sports Direct had some but the delivery times arent to be trusted, some people ordered in March and are still waiting. Argos have some showing as in stock with delivery in 7 days until you check out and then they have none!

I've tried everywhere I can think of. Even FB Marketplace, however although I'm willing to pay 6-700 for a new one, maybe more if I have to, I don't want to pay anywhere near that for a second hand one, and most of those for sale round here are 4-500 which seems like a big gamble to me. Plus I'm not entirely sure I'd get it in my car.

Has anyone seen one anywhere? Or ideas of other places to try? Or what else I can do? (other than persevere with the outdoor running, but I'm really not enjoying it)

I do fully appreciate this is a First World Problem btw.

[Glowcat]

Could you do intervals? So when you’re out do brisk walking, one minute of fast running, then more brisk walking and repeat? It’s really effective. You could work on strength training at home. This kind of stuff.

www.runnersworld.com/training/a20805692/10-essential-strength-exercises-for-runners/

[BIWI]

Try here

[Glowcat]

I just scrolled down my link. 1, 2 and 8 are the kind of thing I do at home. I’d break if I tried 3 and 7 is for circus performers.

[rbe78]

I have found our local independent shops have been far better at sourcing things than chains - try searching to see if you have any independent sports/exercise shops near you.

[runningjogging]

Unfortunately the Sportstech delivery times are end of June onwards so much the same as Amazon. Which may have to do if all else fails but I feel like I'll be the size of a house by then!

I'll give intervals a go but I'm not sure it's a substitute for my treadmill. If they reopened our gym tomorrow I'd risk going. However October seems more likely.

[Glowcat]

I know what you mean. I love the peace of treadmill running. You don’t have to look out for stones or dog poo or people.

[Glowcat]

Interval training isn’t my favourite thing but it really works as long as you give it your all on the fast bits. Hopefully it’ll fill the gap until you get back to your gym.

[cologne4711]

I have never run on a dreadmill and much prefer outside running, so I would say persevere, but I absolutely get the people dodging annoyance.

On the plus side gyms may be able to reopen to some degree in July, you may not have to wait until October.

Could you cycle outside? It doesn't use up as many calories but people dodging is much easier. Admittedly you have to worry about cars but you say it's flat where you live so it would be quite easy.

[ferretface]

I don't know if anyone is selling at the mo but we got ours just before lockdown on eBay. I would buy one that's been personal use only rather than commercial refurbished.

Rather than travelling to collect it courier companies can pick up and deliver -we used a company we found on Shiply.

It's been an absolute godsend so hope you manage to get one. You would also need a good fan as rooms heat up quickly when using it.

[runningjogging]

It's molehills and generally uneven ground that plague me when running outside, thankfully not too much dog poo.

Will try ebay and see if I have any better luck there.

Did find a localish small chain who can deliver in 7 days but their cheapest treadmill is £1300 - ouch!

[HarrietTheShy]

Ebay is probably your best bet, atm. Keep trying Argos, though. The Reebok i Run 4 was in stock for delivery last week ( I know two people who bought).

[BIWI]

I don't know how you can bear running on a treadmill though - it's so boring!

Much prefer running outside in a park - more to look at.

[Glowcat]

Running outside I run faster and get a different buzz. Running on a treadmill I have music on but I zone out everything else. I suppose it’s like soaking in a hot bath - a good kind of dull.

[sarahcoffeelover]

I don't want to sound like 'one of those' but if you're trying to lose weight running isn't the most effective. Work on building your muscle mass with some body weight resistance exercises... there are so many live classes on Instagram or videos on YouTube. You can do these all in the comfort of your own home.

As an aside I have a treadmill I'm trying to sell but it's in a storage unit and I'm not allowed to access it

[Pukkatea]

When you say running outside is physically harder, does that mean you're then stopping and not doing it? Obviously the best workout is one that you will do, but don't be disheartened if you can't run your usual speed or distance...you will adjust. Running outside IS harder, which is why it's also better for you. The repetitive motion of the treadmill isn't that great for developing fitness. For distance, you could map out a route on mapmyrun which will tell you km.

[Milssofadoesntreallyfit]

For pace you could use a a Ton Tom, Garmin watch, they are cheaper than treadmills.
Uneven ground will challenge your body, inclines, hills same thing.
Personally, I like running and used to go to the gym a lot but never used the treadmills. Hated them then still do now.
Best bits about running, the freedom to run anywhere, fresh air, change of scenery, different terrains challenging you.
You still have the choice to walk, jog or run and the GPS watches can help with pace, set workouts just like a treadmill but you have the above benefits.

[runningjogging]

I've already lost over 6st last year, I have about another 2st to go.

On a treadmill I can stick to a pace a bit more, outside I can't gauge how fast i'm running, I have to keep looking down to check I don't trip over things or go down a hole, or I'm having to run round things or stop because people are coming towards me, or are ahead of me, and there's not room to pass. It throws me out completely. I stop or slow down and can't get going again. Whereas on the treadmill I'm just happily in my own little world and can go for an hour or more.

There are no hills or inclines here, really none. My road is on a slight slope, thats about it. I have one bit of open space I can run around. Everywhere else is pavements and because its a very busy, urban area there are always people in the streets.

[HarrietTheShy]

I've already lost over 6st last year, I have about another 2st to go.

Amazing! Congrats.

[PilatesPeach]

I run although outside, what about

www.fitness-superstore.co.uk/fitness-equipment/treadmills

no idea on stock or anything just came up on a search or

www.decathlon.co.uk/C-870916-treadmills

[PilatesPeach]

Btw Congrats on weight loss OP way to go and totally understand your determination to keep running etc

[NoDavNoLav]

Congratulations with the weight loss OP, that's very inspiring!

[Bluntness100]

Wow, well done op that’s am amazing weight loss. I understand fully what you’re saying re running outside I also dislike it, and much prefer the tread mill.

[Hagisonthehill]

Keep looking OP,my mum just bought one.She said you just had to keep rechecking for stock.

[alittlequinnie]

I live in a really busy urban area and I mapped out a route on google maps and worked out the exercise I would get and the calories burned etc.

I used to cycle to work and back every day and am doing a very very very brisk walk every morning instead.

I go out at about 7 am and this morning I only bumped into one other person walking around.

Maybe try that while you wait for your treadmill?

[runningjogging]

I contacted Argos by live chat in the end to try and work out why it was showing as available for delivery and then out of stock - they told me they're not delivering treadmills (which is clearly not true!) or heavy items (ditto).

Back to the drawing board...

ps thanks for the kind comments on my weight loss. I do still have a way to go (at least 2st just to get to normal BMI, I was massive when I started ) but hoping to get there this year!