Treadmills - What to look out for

[okitoki]

Hi all...
As I am now working towards getting my knee "up and running" (so to speak) after my recent knee operation...
Was looking at getting a treadmill as part of my physio to recovery and strengthen and get my ass in to shape as well.... Plus my better half is also looking at getting fit again, and since every time when we used to go to the gym, all she does is run on the treadmills... (so kind of pointless for her to join a gym?)... plus its not safe for her to jog around my areas since there seem to be recent muggings and bashing by locals around my area...

anywho... Im sitting at 115kg and she is say 50kg (never dared to ask )... what would be a good machine to look out for? what would be a beneficial feature that I need, etc... Im always wary of sales people since they would just show you the best money could buy (which may have too many features to my needs) or best you can afford (which may not be suitable for my needs)

rent or buy? Anyone you can recommend?

Thanks in advance

[HughDMan]

I wouldn't suggest a treadmill for recovery work with a knee. I would of thought low impact would be the go ie swimming, walking.
My wife walks with a buddy early in the morning, as the muggers and bashers generally don't like early starts.
I'd just go to a shop with a large range and try them all.
Also ex-hire treadmills may save you some pennies.
A cross trainer might be ideal as they are low impact as well. A good one can be bought for around $1000.
Good Luck...

[okitoki]

thanks HughDman... Yeah, I have a x-trainer already in the house, but thought I would start off with walking on the treadmill rather than jog or run (but will for later once the knee is recovered)... swimming will be another option since we have a public pool around my area.

unfortunately, GF is a late waker, and likes to jog/run after work... plus she finds it "pointless" to walk around the block as she doesnt have a destination (but she is OK with jogging on the same spot on a treadmill? can never understand women )

Looking at Fleet Fitness Disposals website right now... trying to workout what are the difference between each model

[Desmo]

As stated, a treadmill (even just for walking) will shock your joint, I wouldn't even consider one as a physio tool for yourself until your knee is well and truly healed.

[xphread]

Aeroplanes trying to take off?

[Barfridge]

Have you talked to your doctor / physio, and asked them what they recommend? I'd be surprised if a treadmill was on the list.

[okitoki]

not yet... Haven't spoken to the physio regarding the recovery process (This Sat will be my 1st proper session)... Not planning to "walk" right away...
The question of getting a treadmill is more for later on once Im ok by the physio to start my "walking" routine... However, since it is also my GF's bday coming up, I thought I might also see if I can get a present that she and I can use

I do appreciate everyone's concern... and I definitely won't use it until ok by the Physio

Aeroplanes trying to take off?

Currently feel like a Qantas A380 with a crack wing

[Desmo]

Happy Birthday baby, thought you could do with dropping a few kilos and toning up.
Good luck with that

[Professor Redfern]

Unless hugh is wheel chair bound he has to walk, every single day, probably for teh rest of his life. High impact walking aint the best idea but he does need to get back into it somehow and a treadmill with shock absorbers and a constantly easy surface is not a bad way.


Get a pair of vibrams so you stop heal striking and have a look at these treadmills at auction.

Ross's Auctioneers & Valuers :: Huge Surfware, Baby Shop and Gym Equipment Auction

[okitoki]

Happy Birthday baby, thought you could do with dropping a few kilos and toning up.
Good luck with that

either that or a new Dyson Vacuum cleaner... wonder which one has a higher rate of survivability

Ross's Auctioneers & Valuers :: Huge Surfware, Baby Shop and Gym Equipment Auction

Thanks for the link... forgot about them

[Commander Keen]

The footpath is free

[Darkbyte]

I wouldn't suggest a treadmill for recovery work with a knee. I would of thought low impact would be the go ie swimming, walking.

Depends what he did and where he is up to in his recorvery.


----

It will be interesting to see what the physio says. I was doing squats and using a stationary bike weeks before I was allowed to run (injury to MCL). I still had to wear a hinged brace for the first few weeks of running because I am allergic to strapping tape.

Treadmils may be a better place to start than pounding the pavement because you are able to keep them flat. One of the first things I was told not to do was walk up any hills.

As for treadmills, I like the ones that allow you to set the incline automatically. Never really used the programs. The one I use has an inbuilt fan, that is nice. It doesnt really cool you down but its nice to have some air circulating. Just make sure that it is long enough to suit your stride.

Heart rate monitoring is a bit meh, fun for a few weeks then it doesnt matter so much

*points down* you really do need to have the room for one. A tv point near by wouldnt be a bad idea either.

[RRossi]

All I can say is Rent one!

the wife had a health kick a few months back, went out an bought a Tread mill (1.5K), she used it all of 5 times now it sits in the garage collecting dust, her excuse is "there is not enought room to put it in front of the TV "

no-shit we live in a town house, they never listen.

Join a gym, rent one or just walk around the block, they are a pain in the ass unless you have the room so it can be set up all the time

just my 2c

RR

[Dirty32]

One just popped up today, for $100 in the General Goods for sale section...
Jump on that!

For $100, you can try it for a month or 2, figure out whether your using it enough and its good enough to keep, or its worth upgrading to a better machine... If you find that you arent using it, its only cost $100.

Win, Win!

[HughDMan]

Or buy rrossis

[drifter]

First off, I would recommend renting, so that you don't blow money on something that will end up holding un-folded washing after a few months.

Secondly, I find the treadmill is too high impact for knees. I would definitely check with a physio before outlaying any $$ on any equipment.

[shan]

Ross's Auctioneers & Valuers :: Huge Surfware, Baby Shop and Gym Equipment Auction