Treadmills

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Yep! I am going to discuss treadmills today because I hate love running!

Hubs and I are in the search for a treadmill.  We currently have an elliptical machine but would love to add a treadmill to our collection so that when it is crappy outside I can still run or at the bare minimum walk (plus, Hubs hogs the elliptical machine...lol).  Shhhhhh! Don't tell him I said that! ;-)

I have been doing a lot of research on treadmills and have learned a lot!  My dad taught me at a VERY young age that if I wanted something I had better do all the research on the topic before I even think about asking for it (you should have seen the report I typed up when I wanted a goldfish).  Smart man that father of mine is, smart man!  Okay, back to the treadmill research.  For instance, one of the most important factors is CHP (continuous duty horsepower).  If you are looking for a treadmill purely for running then you want at least a 3.0 or higher CHP.  Don't I sound soooooo smart?!? lol

But here is my problem:

We are not marathon runners, nor are we mini-marathon runners.  I would say we are more of a 3-6 mile runners (6 probably being the max that my poor knees could handle) and I am fine with that.  But here is the problem- there are people who will tell you not to purchase a treadmill under $1,500 because it is junk and will break after a couple of years.  Then there are others who say that those $1,000< treadmills are GREAT!  Crap! Who do I listen to?!?

I see both sides to the argument.
A. Don't purchase anything under $1,500

• There is so much that can go wrong with a treadmill, so many moving parts (ie- the motor).  
• The warranties on treadmills $1,500 and up are pretty much lifetime warranties
• It is an investment.  You pay more up front but it will last.
• You get what you pay for in most situations
• The cheaper treadmills are geared more towards walking
• Cheaper treadmills will require more maintenance and upkeep

B. $1,000 or less treadmills are perfectly fine

• Of course they tell you that anything under $1,500 is crap.....they want you to spend more
• You are saving money
• The big cost difference is brand name
• You just aren't getting all the bells and whistles
• The people who get the $1,500 or higher treadmills are marathon/mini-marathon runners

So, you can see my dilemma.  Another option we have considered is finding a used treadmill (like a used Precor which normally retails at $2,500 or more).  My only issue with used is you never really know what you are getting.  Eeks!

Have any of you purchased used work out equipment? Was it a success?!? Any tips on treadmills?!

Have a great Thursday! One more day until the weekend!