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Original poster

Treadmill

33 replies

georgedawes · 10/04/2022 17:37

So I know you get what you pay for, but unfortunately I don't have the budget for a great treadmill. I really just want to do couch to 5k and get myself to a point where I can run that far outside. What should I look our for in terms of motor size and speeds? I'm a bit overweight but not above normal size limits. Essentially I just want to get myself running 5k (very slowly) and would prefer for various reasons to do that at home.

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Original poster
georgedawes · 26/04/2022 21:43

That's really helpful, thank you

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BitOutOfPractice · 26/04/2022 07:19

One tip I’d give you, as you’re just starting, put the treadmill on a slight incline. It’s easier on your knees and will make the transition to running outside easier if you wish to do so. As you get fitter, you can increase and vary it. (Nike Run Club app has some great varied treadmill workouts).

in the meantime, enjoy c25k 🙂

Original poster
georgedawes · 26/04/2022 06:49

Thanks for the support! I've done my second c25k run and finding it good so far and easier to fit in then outside. I really like the treadmill but getting used to the speeds - currently running slower than a lot walk! But I'm doing it so I'll take that :)

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BitOutOfPractice · 25/04/2022 22:37

I’m another just arrived to give you a thumbs up for treadmill running. I hope you have many happy miles on your new machine! Ignore the running snobs!

Ikeameatballs · 25/04/2022 22:33

I’m pleased you got something @georgedawes . I just wanted to support you in choosing treadmill running. I did C25K but found it really hard to keep up in the winter/bad weather. I started running on a treadmill at the gym and haven’t looked back, I do 5K three times/week now and my fitness is so much improved. Good luck!

JM10 · 24/04/2022 13:57

I also much prefer running on a treadmill to running outdoors.

We've got a reebook one, rebook one something. It was about £500.

CorsicaDreaming · 23/04/2022 17:44

georgedawes · 10/04/2022 17:51

Thanks everyone. It may well end up as a clothes horse - who knows - but the indoor factor is for various reasons, a big plus with me. I've seen one locally for £150 on FB but can't work out if it's passable for a complete novice or not. Should I be looking for a minimum speed or horse power for the motor? Bearing in mind I'll never be running at any great speed!

It might be worth googling for reviews of that one - or seeing if it's on Amazon and teading those reviews. That would give you an idea what others thought of it.

Ohquietone · 23/04/2022 17:22

I’m thinking of investing in a Nordic track treadmill but dithering between a treadmill and a bike.

Original poster
georgedawes · 23/04/2022 17:20

Just popping back to say I got a Reebok treadmill RRP £800ish for £175 second hand. It's early days but I love it!

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Roselilly36 · 15/04/2022 19:38

Have you tried JTX Fitness, DH is from there, used most days, must be 8 years old, survived a house move etc.

Spudlet · 15/04/2022 19:03

There’s a Facebook group called Run Mummy Run - it’s a really supportive women’s running community, with runners at all levels and of all types celebrated and supported. If you join that, I strongly suspect you’d get some good advice on what to look for in a treadmill, and support with the C25K as well. 👍

EnolaAlone · 15/04/2022 18:59

My parents have a Roger Black treadmill which they like. Think it was meant to be £400 but they got it on sale a bit cheaper.

WhatHaveIFound · 15/04/2022 18:39

Have a look on FB or eBay. I've just sold one for £400. Not bad considering we bought it off eBay for £50 more than that ten years ago.

With ours you could check how many miles had been run on it and by listening to it running you could hear that there were no belt issues.

LarryUnderwood · 15/04/2022 18:35

I've got this one. It's good for walking and gentle jogging, perfect for couch to 5k and it folds up. Basic, no good if you want to do serious running but ideal for what you want. www.amazon.co.uk/Dripex-Treadmill-Under-Desk-Motorized-Bluetooth/dp/B08G513CSZ?tag=mumsnetforu03-21

mrswishywashywoo · 15/04/2022 18:32

I bought one from Decathlon at the start of the first lockdown, I think it was about £300. Folds up and we store it in the garage. It was a life saviour when I had to isolate several times, I just put it in the garden and used it every single day. It's still going strong, I'd definitely recommend it.

WouldBeGood · 10/04/2022 18:46

Mine is perfectly fine for running (well, my efforts!) on.

I looked for one that was long enough and wise enough, and a reasonable speed. Looked up the reviews to be sure, and was very pleased with it, though o don’t use it now I’m back to the gym

Original poster
georgedawes · 10/04/2022 18:42

Nope not misinterpreted - of course I know why the more expensive treadmills are worth it. I'm sure they are but that doesn't change my budget or desire to run a little indoors for the time being. Still interested if anyone wants to answer my original questions..

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TheSnowyOwl · 10/04/2022 18:24

I’ve run indoors on all kinds of treadmills and unless they are around £1k upwards, running outdoors is much more preferable and my joints notice the difference. That’s why it’s much more pleasant to run outdoors unless you want to spend a reasonable amount on a treadmill. It’s not more pleasant because of the weather or the scenery if that’s what you misinterpreted.

Original poster
georgedawes · 10/04/2022 18:20

But that's not what you said - you said run outside. In any case, others have answered which have been helpful. I will buy second hand if I can find something suitable and was really looking for an idea of what spec was needed as a minimum, rather than a blanket don't do it.

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TheSnowyOwl · 10/04/2022 18:14

@georgedawes

Everyone always types that reply when people ask for treadmill recommendations! It's not really relevant is it? I was asking for help around treadmill recommendations...
It’s only relevant because you don’t want to spend the sort of money that you need in order to get a treadmill that’s worthwhile and enjoyable to use. I agree with hiring one if you don’t want to run outside and you don’t want to buy a decent one. The cheap ones are cheap for a reason.
Original poster
georgedawes · 10/04/2022 17:58

Sadly 1k completely outside my price range. Cheap and cheerful will have to do!

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ArtOfTheImpossible · 10/04/2022 17:53

Another vote for John Lewis here, mine was about £1k around 8 years ago and still going strong

Original poster
georgedawes · 10/04/2022 17:51

Oh I didn't know you could hire! Off to google

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Original poster
georgedawes · 10/04/2022 17:51

Thanks everyone. It may well end up as a clothes horse - who knows - but the indoor factor is for various reasons, a big plus with me. I've seen one locally for £150 on FB but can't work out if it's passable for a complete novice or not. Should I be looking for a minimum speed or horse power for the motor? Bearing in mind I'll never be running at any great speed!

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Ohquietone · 10/04/2022 17:49

You could rent a treadmill. I’ve been considering one for a while as I have two children with Sen and don’t have the time to go out walking. I was looking at Nordic track. But came across a site where you could hire a treadmill which might be worth it to give you an idea if you’d use it.