OT: Treadmills

[8893]

I bought a mid-level Precor more than 15 years ago and still use it several times a week. Had the platform replaced once under the original warranty and no other issues. Based on my research then, they appeared to be the closest to professional quality for home use.

Lol. So, I lied. I have a Pacemaster, not a Precor. I remembered that I narrowed it down to Precor and Pacemaster and I guess I forgot which one I bought until I got on it this morning and this thread came to mind.

Apparently Pacemaster is not in business anymore; but if you can find a used one I can attest that it is durable. Like others have mentioned, I focused more on that and less on bells and whistles. I did get the longer deck because I am 6'2" and have a long stride.

As for outside vs. inside, no question I'd rather be outside. But this is undeniably true:

Treadmills are better on your knees than running outside. It’s still harder on knees than other exercise, but better than running on sidewalks, road, and probably most tracks.

Worst outside surface is concrete sidewalks, as they are the most dense; asphalt (i.e., road) is much better; and obviously tracks and trails are even better. But a decent treadmill should be kinder to your knees (and other joints) than most outdoor surfaces.

 

[imno1]

Lol. So, I lied. I have a Pacemaster, not a Precor. I remembered that I narrowed it down to Precor and Pacemaster and I guess I forgot which one I bought until I got on it this morning and this thread came to mind.

Apparently Pacemaster is not in business anymore; but if you can find a used one I can attest that it is durable. Like others have mentioned, I focused more on that and less on bells and whistles. I did get the longer deck because I am 6'2" and have a long stride.

As for outside vs. inside, no question I'd rather be outside. But this is undeniably true:



Worst outside surface is concrete sidewalks, as they are the most dense; asphalt (i.e., road) is much matter; and obviously tracks and trails are even better. But a decent treadmill should be kinder to your knees (and other joints) than most outdoor surfaces.

I also have a Pacemaster. Don't use it much but they made a great product.

 

[WallStreetHusky]

Last winter my wife bought a Life Fitness T3. It was pretty expensive but she said she wanted to buy a really good one that could incline. The whole family uses it and so far so good, although we haven't had it that long so I can't tell you about its durability.

T3 Treadmill

The T3 Treadmill is designed with form and function in mind. Sleek, aesthetically pleasing curves complement any home. The T3 Treadmill is a streamlined choice for any home exerciser, but durable enough to withstand plenty of miles. Choose from console options including the new Track Connect 2.0...

shop.lifefitness.com

Life Fitness T3 Review (2026) | TreadmillReviews

Part of the Life Fitness family of exercise equipment, the T3 brings commercial club quality to your home. Check out our specs to determine if this treadmill is right for you.

www.treadmillreviews.net

Maybe this site that reviews treadmills would help you.

Treadmill Reviews: Best Treadmills for Running & Home Use 2026

We tested the best Treadmills for running, walking, and home workouts. Find the top-rated Treadmills for every budget and fitness level.

www.treadmillreviews.net

I second on the Life Fitness treadmill. I have had a T5 for close to 20 years and have pounded out a lot of miles on it. The thing is a tank. I specifically got it for the Flexdeck, which has a lot more give and you dont get as much pressure and shock per stride because of the give of the Flexdeck. If you are older and prone to knee issues, I highly recommend. I used to be an avid street runner until I got older and my joints couldnt handle the pounding. This has really done the trick and allowed me to keep running.

 

[ctchamps]

I don't know much about treadmills, but here is a picture of Haley Mills.

View attachment 58593

Hope it helps!

Yep. Had a childhood crush over Haley.

 

[ctchamps]

Had a huge crush on her...

Great minds! Lol

 

[HuskyHawk]

Why does anyone buy an expensive treadmill instead of just running outside? Fairly avid runner, never understood that. Whatever gets you exercising is great. Just mever understood

Weather, bugs, easier on your knees? Also, if you consider running or walking boring, you can put it in front of a TV.

I'm a walker, not runner, and I prefer outdoor walking especially on our rail trail. The street I like less. But if it's cold, wet, too buggy, too hot and humid, I'll stick with indoors thanks.

 

[temery]

Amazon product ASIN B082KT4K4S

 

[temery]

Treadmills are better on your knees than running outside. It’s still harder on knees than other exercise, but better than running on sidewalks, road, and probably most tracks.

People who can actually run on a treadmill are freaks of nature. Everyone else = George Jetson.

 

[temery]

Consumerreports.com review treadmills. Good info available, but I was shocked at the prices for the top treadmills.

 

[Conndog]

For what it’s worth, running technique matters too. I ran a fair amount after knee surgery, and I changed my running style to landing more on the balls of my feet (or more on the front of the foot) as opposed to the heel. This allows more leg muscles to help absorb impact which made sense to me. But wow did my quads hurt when I first tried this- the first few days were agony before I adjusted to the change.

 

[Improviser]

For what it’s worth, running technique matters too. I ran a fair amount after knee surgery, and I changed my running style to landing more on the balls of my feet (or more on the front of the foot) as opposed to the heel. This allows more leg muscles to help absorb impact which made sense to me. But wow did my quads hurt when I first tried this- the first few days were agony before I adjusted to the change.

Weather, bugs, easier on your knees? Also, if you consider running or walking boring, you can put it in front of a TV.

I'm a walker, not runner, and I prefer outdoor walking especially on our rail trail. The street I like less. But if it's cold, wet, too buggy, too hot and humid, I'll stick with indoors thanks.

I am a walker too. A walking tip is to look straight ahead maybe 10 feet when you walk. This keeps your posture upright, and prevents slouching. Also, tuck the chin and avoid the tendency to project the head forward..

 

[imno1]

I am a walker too. A walking tip is to look straight ahead maybe 10 feet when you walk. This keeps your posture upright, and prevents slouching. Also, tuck the chin and avoid the tendency to project the head forward..

Also one foot forward and then the opposite foot forward. Trust me. I've been walking most my life.

 

[Improviser]

Also one foot forward and then the opposite foot forward. Trust me. I've been walking most my life.

That sounds like a plan. I thought that is how most people walk.

Not such a bad idea either for a few minutes, to walk backwards on a field or track, to exercise different muscles, or do occasional side-steps too.

As a short variation, I like to butt kick a few times as I walk forward and then butt kick as I walk backwards.

Trust me. It gets the heart rate up because I use the MyZone app which measures heart rate.

I've been walking most of my life and hope I can continue to do so.

 

[Ratso]

i have a life fitnesses elliptical machine for 12 yrs and it’s working fine. the digital weight adjustment stopped working but everything else is on point.