Posted: 3/10/2007 3:14:39 PM EDT
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Brief health history: 50 Y/O male, 5' 10", 175 lbs. Quit smoking 7 months ago, basically a non-drinker (a beer or two per week), right knee surgery for torn meniscus two years ago. I just picked up a like-new Proform treadmill a week or so ago and want to start using it to get basic cardio and endurance workout. It has the iFit feature and I have the software program to build a custom workout to automatically control the treadmill. So, what recommendations can anyone make for a beginners workout? Links to any sites with programs on them? Only condition I have to make is no jogging...it hurts my knee (and I loathe running). I appreciate any and all help. |
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I don't know what to recommend exactly. I do know what you should stay away from:NordicTrack. I'm about to go through my second running deck in less than a year. The sad part is is for 5 months of that year the damned thing has been tits up. Warranty service sucks. I'd spring the extra cash for a LifeFitness or something else a gym uses. |
I also killed a NordicTrack treadmill in less than a year. Definitely to be avoided. As far as the workout goes, the treadmill should have some hill programs built in, no? They ought to be a good start. Good luck. |
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It doesn't have any programs built into it, but did come with a CD that hooks up to it and controls things. The CD has two workouts on it, a fat burner (which I don't need) and an interval workout which is too much for me at the moment (and hurts my knee). The iFit software I found allows me to write a workout program setting speed, slope, and time, then have the treadmill run it. I guess instead of me wasting time with trial and error writing something that's good for a beginner, I'm looking for advice. Thanks, guys...I do appreciate your help. |
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You might want to consider an elliptical machine. They are less stressful on knees and gives you about the same workout as a treadmill. I used one after busting my knee during a marathon. My orthopedic surgeon suggested I cut back running. I didn't really listen to him and it took me over 3 months to recover. During that time I used the elliptical machine to supplement my runnning. |
I've heard that. But since I have a treadmill, I'm not going out and buying an elliptical...I just won't run on my treadmill. And I'm OK with that...I HATE running. 
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| Considering your knee surgery I wouldn't run on a treadmill. A good rowing machine like from www.concept2.com would give you a better work-out than just running, and it will be much easier on your knees. I got one for free from someone, and I will never go back to a treadmill.z |
Sorry pal. That just doesn't wash. I had a treadmill that I had for years with no problems. Even ran with boots on it. No damage to the running deck. Years later it wore out. The Nordic Trac was tits up within 2 months of getting it thanks to the weak ass running deck. Waited a month for warranty service and parts. Finally, fixed it myself. Ran for another 2 months on it before the belt wore out. Ended up not getting it fixed for another four months. I've had the thing for 11 months and four or five of that has been sitting collecting dust. The current running deck is sagging and about to break. |
I gotta go with mrjones944 on this one. Most of the stuff you buy in places like Modell's or Sears is crap. Brands like Proform, NordicTrack, Icon, Healthrider, etc aren't built to stand up to serious use like running several miles or more a day. These machines are built for soccer moms who will use them for a week and then hang clothes on them. Obviously there are exceptions to the rule, as your experience shows. However I spent a lot of time researching treadmills before I bought my second one and came to the conclusion that with treadmills, you definitely get what you pay for. Of course, YMMV. 
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Lets just say I have some experience in the matter that reaches slightly further than your two experiences. I have sold every treadmill known to man but mainly the middle to upper end treads. People who buy the nordic tracs and especially proforms simply do not do research or else they probably wouldnt have bought it in the first place. So because you had a treadmill that lasted for years does not excuse the vast majority of proform owners who are looking at a broken tread within the first 6-12 months. |
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You're right, I didn't research. I should have. I can and did, however, compare the two for build quality. The proform I had beat the NT on just about every level. There's nothing like getting a treadmill home and *hoping* that the materials used are better than the old one. DOW, you're exactly right. You get what you pay for. So what do you gents recommend? I had been looking at Sole or Smooth for the next treadmill. |
Both those brands get high marks from what I've read. Read this. Good stuff. |
| The one thing about the sole line of treadmills is the warranty. Because they are sold at Dicks and what not you are totally screwed once you get it home. However, the Spirit brand is esentially the same exact treadmill as Spirit (well technically the parent company) makes the treads for Sole. However, under the Spirit brand you get a much better warranty and good aftermarket support as they are sold more in specialty shops. Folding tread look for the xt200 or non-folding look for the xt800 spirits. The xt800 was an impressive looking machine but for a little less money you can get a bodyguard t240 which uses better materials and has a 10 year parts warranty. If you are a heavier guy I would run on it to make sure that the console doesnt sway more than you like but in comparison to a proform it should feel like a tank. The bodyguards can be had for as little as $1500 though the ave selling price as of last month was like $1650. |