Advice on Getting a New Treadmill (Budget < $1000)

johnnybravo on 16/03/2019 - 21:33
Last edited 20/03/2019 - 21:37

Hi,

I'm having a bit of a pickle in finding a decent treadmill (too many Chrome tabs open trying to compare specs) that doesn't really break the bank (Budget is $1000). Yes, I agree we can run outside too however partner wants to run at home as it is more private. We are sure it won't be clothes hanger in future either.

Based on my readings so far, I think the main things to look out for were motor, running area, shock absorption and auto incline. Is there anything else I need to be aware of in terms of basic features?

So far, I've been to Rebel and Life Fitness. Is there any other place that I check for treadmills in person? Also, do anyone have any recommendation regarding any particular brand? I thought the Life Fitness Apex looked nice but it was slightly over our budget. Same with Proform and NordicTrack - the iFit feature looked really cool but I understand it's more a nice-to-have rather than a basic feature.

Any help would be highly appreciated.

Cheers.

Update - Thanks everyone for your feedback. It was very valuable. I have contacted my local council to determine the next hard rubbish collection date. Also, keeping an eye out for Gumtree and FB. Given that we need to get one by the end of the month, if we are not able to source any decent used ones, we will go with a new one. Thanks again.

Sports & Outdoors Treadmill

Comments

  • BenK-Oz on 16/03/2019 - 21:55
    +20

    buy a second hand one for cheap until you are sure that you use it, then consider one?

    • johnnybravo on 16/03/2019 - 23:33

      I did look around Gumtree but some of them are very poorly maintained. Will keep looking though.

      • soan papdi on 17/03/2019 - 15:48

        Please PM me, not sure what specs you're looking for but we can chat. Doesn't look like PM is turned on in your profile.

      • Tech5 on 17/03/2019 - 18:58
        +2

        How easy really is it for a treadmill to break anyway. I've got a 10 year old one at my family house that has been used every day without issues

      • abuch47 on 17/03/2019 - 21:18

        If your in Adelaide (or anyone else that is) I'm looking to move an older hardly used commercial level treadmill. It's a big heavy MFer.

  • pegaxs on 16/03/2019 - 21:59
    +8

    Gumtree or wait for hard garbage night. Usually heaps of them that people are trying to give away.

    • johnnybravo on 16/03/2019 - 23:34

      I did look around Gumtree but some of them are very poorly maintained. I'll also keep out an eye for the Garage sale maybe. Hope I might get lucky with that one.

      How do I check the "hard garbage night" in my area? Is there a particular day when the dumping happens?

      • pegaxs on 17/03/2019 - 10:28

        Just ring your local council and ask them when it is. They will let you know and you go around about a week before it is and there should be plenty of them laying around.

        • johnnybravo on 17/03/2019 - 16:43

          Will call them tomorrow and find out.

      • lainey13 on 17/03/2019 - 21:15

        Moreland hard rubbish is this week… eg Brunswick area.

  • altomic on 16/03/2019 - 21:59
    +8

    wait for hard rubbish collection and take your pick of the 100s that litter the nature strips.

    • johnnybravo on 16/03/2019 - 23:35

      Similar to pegaxs above, how do I check the "hard rubbish collection" in my area? Is there a particular day when the dumping happens?

      • altomic on 17/03/2019 - 00:35

        contact the council. or google it.

        • johnnybravo on 17/03/2019 - 12:42

          Checked on my council page and there is an option for booking a time to pick up. Will call them tomorrow to find out if any of the people in our area is having a pick up done. Thanks for the suggestion.

      • ihbh on 17/03/2019 - 07:55

        Do you see piles of hard rubbish around every now and then? Keep note of days they correspond to. E.g. mine is first Tuesday of month.

    • barbarella on 17/03/2019 - 10:06

      and what if the one you drag home is not working????

      • pegaxs on 17/03/2019 - 10:28
        +2

        Who cares. It's hard garbage week. You just stick it back out the front and it gets collected.

        • barbarella on 17/03/2019 - 10:36
          +2

          I care 'cos I'm just a little old lady with limited grunt lol

          • pegaxs on 17/03/2019 - 10:39
            +2

            @barbarella: So, you have enough grunt to pick it up 3 blocks away, get it home, set it up, test it, but not enough to get it another 30 feet out of your house and back onto the nature strip??

            Son, daughter, nephew, niece, grandkids, neighbour? AirTasker?

            • Zachary on 17/03/2019 - 13:57
              +2

              @pegaxs: I can just imagine some grandma lifting a treadmill with her extremely toned manly-like body and going "yeah now this'll be a good workout!" flexing and shit broforce style…..hahahaha

          • GregMonarch on 19/03/2019 - 07:41

            @barbarella: Well, a little old lady probably isn't going to be running OR using a treadmill. Not only is it hard on the joints, but running outside is a high fall risk - and inside not much better because treadmills have a rubber mat which shoes and feet can 'catch' on unless you have high continuous concentration to lift your feet high and clean on every single step = a broken hip.

            An older person would probably be better off 'running' (walking quickly, but doing it longer) along the beach - on the sand that is smooth a couple of meters back from the waterline - or - getting a rowing machine. Now you're sitting down with no fall risk, and I forget the % now, but I think they exercise something like 84% of muscles (more than running). So it's not only safer, it means less jarring, and less time required for the same 'workout'.

            If going this route, only get a "Concept 2" or "WaterRower". The others may work for a while, but nearly all them have no parts available. The two I mentioned list their parts online and both are used by professional gyms (the Concept 2 being the most-frequently used).

      • ihbh on 17/03/2019 - 12:53
        +3

        Knock on the door it's outside and ask if it's still working. :)

      • josho9 on 18/03/2019 - 21:51

        Presumably you can test it before dragging it home?

  • Zachary on 16/03/2019 - 22:45
    +2

    We are sure it won't be clothes hanger in future either.

    2 months later becomes a clothes hanger or a makeshift table

    partner wants to run at home as it is more private

    Afraid to show her nice figure outside in public? …or just have social anxiety…like everyone else on this forum, including me?

    • johnnybravo on 16/03/2019 - 23:37
      +3

      We had a treadmill before and were very happy with it - used a few times a week for almost 3 years. Had to sell due to move and not enough space at the time to accommodate it in the new place. One of our worst decisions in hindsight but we just didn't have the space so we had to let it go.

      • barbarella on 17/03/2019 - 10:09
        +3

        my story is the same ;( …sold mine as I was down-sizing - now I wish I hadn't :( and, like you, I am looking to buy another but unsure of which ones are long-lasting/good value etc etc etc - thanks for putting this post up :)

    • johnnybravo on 16/03/2019 - 23:41
      +4

      @Zachary: Afraid to show her nice figure outside in public? …or just have social anxiety…like everyone else on this forum, including me?

      Both of us are like that so privacy is important :)

    • Lastchancetosee on 17/03/2019 - 15:08
      +2

      We want one for the same reason, can do it at home, at any hour, no matter risk of walking outside late at night.

      • kevsta on 18/03/2019 - 10:51
        +3

        I use to jog at night, with a torch in hand. Bad move… tripped on uneven pavement and face planted into the asphalt.

        • Zachary on 18/03/2019 - 12:02
          -2

          HAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHA I guess your torch wasn't all that useful, now was it? haha…

          Also make sure to spray some of that bug repellent on ya too…..blasted insects flying everywhere at night…..if you're gonna attempt this….

        • johnnybravo on 20/03/2019 - 21:17

          This! It's one of the reason treadmills are simply amazing. There is no time limit - I can run or walk at 3 am and I don't have to worry about falling over.

          Btw, hope you are ok now. I had a colleague at work who had a similar situation and I think he had fractured his hand. So I totally understand what you mean.

  • Diji1 on 16/03/2019 - 23:31
    +1

    Agreed with the suggestions of buy second hand.

    This is because treadmills, stationary cycles and rowers take a beating and cheap just doesn't last.

    If you find that you want to continue after 6 months or whatever then you should be looking at high quality commercial brands like you see in a gym.

    • johnnybravo on 16/03/2019 - 23:39

      I've been looking at Gumtree regularly so really hoping something good turns up there. Most of them were very poorly maintained so quite reluctant to get something.

      We need to get something in the next fortnight so if I don't find anything decent second hand, new it is.

  • khued on 16/03/2019 - 23:50

    Get a Prowler sled instead.

  • adam on 17/03/2019 - 00:01
    +3

    I think new ones are way overpriced, and on the otherhand so many people never use them and sell them on GumTree that you can get them really cheap. I don't think you can get better value for money than a 2nd hand one. Even if something goes wrong you can probably get 5 of them 2nd hand for the price of a new one.

    • johnnybravo on 17/03/2019 - 12:44

      True; so I'm scouring on Gumtree and hope something good turns up.

  • jiberz on 17/03/2019 - 06:07
    +1

    I had an older version very similar to this(mine looked slightly bulkier):
    https://www.nordictrackfitness.com.au/product/treadmills/25/…

    Again when I bought it was basically 3k to 1.5k. I realise this is over budget but I found my one be a pretty good quality, easily handled higher speeds and running. The cons were springs became noisy after awhile when running and there is more bounce than a commercial treadmill. I used to semi regularly for 3 years and then gave to my parents who still use it. The question is if you will be running? If you are running you need something decent.

    • johnnybravo on 17/03/2019 - 12:45

      That's an amazing one - the current price of the T10 is $1499 and it seems to have a lot of features - if only our budget allowed it :(

  • barbarella on 17/03/2019 - 10:22

    Are the CRANE brand ones any good?? bought from Aldi …a local was selling one…

  • askme69 on 17/03/2019 - 10:44
    +1

    Have you and your partner ever ran before?
    how long ago?
    Do you want to get fit or lose weight?

    If you want to get fit, buy a treadmill or spin bike ( i recommend trialing a 7 day or 1 month free) gym membership and see if your Bodies can stand up to it.

    If it's to lose weight (ABS are made in the kitchen).

    $1k treadmill will not cut it or last.

    • johnnybravo on 17/03/2019 - 12:49
      +1

      Yes, we did run before. We sold our previous treadmill around 2 years back as we couldn't accommodate it in the new place at the time.

      Both of us were not entirely comfortable running outside - preferred running in the comfort of our own home. We both have taken gym memberships before and did not find it as useful as we would like. We would like to be fit and lost weight and we managed fine with the previous treadmill so we wanted to stick with treadmill itself.

  • kronicmacstigator on 17/03/2019 - 10:55
    +2

    Just stole this for $359.10 posted…

    https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/NEW-NORFLEX-3-0P-Electric-Treadm…

    Oh… plus I know the factory. There was $50 profit or so in this so I was happy to buy just one! I wouldn't be buying from any other manufacturer in China when they are that damn good!

    • johnnybravo on 17/03/2019 - 12:52

      That looks like a nice option - thanks for the suggestion :)

      • kronicmacstigator on 17/03/2019 - 13:07

        Except they've 'sold out' of that particular model and I'm pretty sure the factory canned that specific one :(

        • johnnybravo on 17/03/2019 - 16:47

          That's unfortunate. Oh well, I'll keep looking. Never thought there would be some decent options on Ebay.

          • kronicmacstigator on 17/03/2019 - 16:50

            @johnnybravo: There were three brands I hunted last night new, but Norflex is the cheapest. Keep in mind, there is one seller of Norflex on eBay… not to mention it's a 'house' brand. The treadmills are on a contract deal/OEM from the factory in China which I cannot reveal. Bloody good treadmills but they just tend to have different names on them. Sort through them and you'll see what I mean.

            Norflex, Proflex and Everfit are the three brands out of the same factory :) Pumped20 is 20% off mytopia and 10% off ebay with another code at 4pm. Happy hunting if you go down that path. I wouldn't of bought one if I didn't have faith in it!

          • GregMonarch on 19/03/2019 - 07:51

            @johnnybravo: "2 available". Obviously they only list a few at a time for whatever reason.

            • kronicmacstigator on 19/03/2019 - 21:42

              @GregMonarch: They've just updated it, for a couple of days they had none for sale?

              Anyway, mine's just arrived and I've bolted it together. Apart from a few niggles in regards to bolts (there is enough to get the main body together) and slight build quality faults overall for the price it's a very well designed machine. I'm in love with it! If I paid $1500 I'd be ringing up the retailer and dumping it back. But for $359 delivered? Absolute score!

  • Triple J on 17/03/2019 - 11:18
    +3

    Choice magazine last reviewed treadmills in late October 2017.The top recommendation was Lifespan Fitness Apex with a score of 78% for $1100 . Lifespan Fitness Boost -R also recommended & in your budget scored 75% & also recommended & in your budget with a score of 70% was Orbit Starstrider Ss248 for $900.

    • barbarella on 17/03/2019 - 12:38
      +2

      thx heaps

    • barbarella on 17/03/2019 - 16:23
      +3

      I just bought a Lifespan Fitness Apex :)

      • Triple J on 17/03/2019 - 16:27

        Good on you !Happy walking.

    • johnnybravo on 17/03/2019 - 16:48
      +1

      Thanks for pointing it out. Will check with my local library if I can get an e-copy if not a hard copy.

      • Triple J on 17/03/2019 - 17:30

        The online review was dated October 30th 2017 so I imagine it would be printed in November or possibly Decembers magazine .

    • sacah on 17/03/2019 - 19:35
      +2

      We bought the Boost R from Lifespan, great for me walking and wife running. Was less than me paying for a years gym membership and all I did there was treadmill or the cross country skiing thing. We got cash back through CashRewards too.

      • johnnybravo on 17/03/2019 - 22:12

        Same here - when we both went to the gym, all we did was the cardio equipment. Of the treadmill, bike, cross trainer and rower, we felt the treadmill was best for our needs.

        Btw, how long have you had the Boost-R treadmill? In terms of your wife's running, is she a full-on runner or fast jogger? Just wanted to get your thoughts on the performance at higher speeds. I tested it out at 10 kph and it wasn't bad - a little bit wobbly; I felt the Apex to be more stable. I was not 100% confident to try higher speeds on the Boost-R and Apex to see if the wobbling would get more prominent.

        Out of interest, where did you buy the treadmill from? How did you get the CashRewards? I saw a seller on Ebay selling the Lifespan treadmills however with cashbacks on Ebay currently disabled, I wasn't sure if that was the most economical way.

        • sacah on 18/03/2019 - 23:07

          Wifes more a jogger than straight runner, 10km/h is probably about what she'd get to tops. Is fine for her, she hasn't ever commented on it feeling unstable, was it on solid flooring and well balanced?
          We've had it about 6 months. If you are going to get close to the max speed of a treadmill I'd want to go in store and try them out first, as usually the advertised top speed is mostly theoretical (-:

          We bought it from Lifespans website, that is where cashrewards had 7% cash back. Be aware they send 1 delivery guy, it's a 2 person job so you will need to help him. If you have a vehicle that can transport one, you can also look at their ex-demo/refurbed models.

          • johnnybravo on 20/03/2019 - 21:13

            @sacah:

            Wifes more a jogger than straight runner, 10km/h is probably about what she'd get to tops. Is fine for her, she hasn't ever commented on it feeling unstable, was it on solid flooring and well balanced?

            Yeah, I had gone to their showroom and tested it out. My max running speed would not be greater than 13 kph (that too only for a minute or two at a time). Definitely not going to run at 18 kph on a treadmill - that's just asking for trouble :)

            We bought it from Lifespans website, that is where cashrewards had 7% cash back. Be aware they send 1 delivery guy, it's a 2 person job so you will need to help him. If you have a vehicle that can transport one, you can also look at their ex-demo/refurbed models.

            Thanks for that - didn't know that CR had a tie up with Lifespan. Just checked and it looks like you need a Visa card and cannot use Paypal. Was that the same with you?

            • sacah on 28/03/2019 - 20:33

              @johnnybravo: Yes, I think we had to use a Visa card, I usually have a few credit cards hanging around for the sign up bonuses (-:

    • johnnybravo on 17/03/2019 - 13:00
      +6

      Not to sound disrespectful but I suggest you see my responses previously. My partner and I prefer to run in the comfort of our own home. Some people prefer it way.

      And we have used a treadmill in the past - in fact for 3 whole years without any issues so don't worry about it being a hard rubbish.

      • tessel on 17/03/2019 - 14:15

        Couldn't agree more. A treadmill is a lot easier on your body/joints than the road or ground. I have a Lifespan Fitness Torque treadmill. However, as others have suggested look at a second hand one first. You'll know quickly if you will keep at it and should buy a new one. We liked the Lifespan so much that bought a rowing machine and spin bike, all the same brand. We still have those and they continue to get used.

        • Seedy seed on 17/03/2019 - 16:07
          +4

          A treadmill is one of those things id buy new, so many parts to (profanity) up on you and warranty ect.

          • johnnybravo on 18/03/2019 - 09:53

            @Seedy seed: We did think about it so still weighing up the options. Someone had mentioned previously that with the price of the new treadmill, you could get probably 3 used ones so it may be worth the risk. So I'm keeping out an eye for any well-maintained used treadmill too.

          • BartholemewH on 18/03/2019 - 17:35

            @Seedy seed: I transported my huge ebay unit on its side a few years ago (against the instructions probably) and it has never been the same. The belt rubs no matter how its adjusted/lubed.

  • footyboy on 17/03/2019 - 13:24
    -1

    Run outside. Free and more fun.

    • [Deactivated] on 18/03/2019 - 08:30

      why are you getting negged?

      • Allwentmarching on 19/03/2019 - 13:26
        +1

        Because people always say run outside whenever anyone asks about treadmills as if they havent thought of that. But there are lots of reasons why people arent able to run outside - personal safety, having children they cant leave, living in a really hot or really rainy place, no footpaths, etc etc.

  • ledifni on 17/03/2019 - 15:58
    +1

    Seriously consider a used one from local gumtree, facebook, garage/moving out sales, at least you might be able to try before you buy. Hard rubbish is free but would be a waste of time if you pick up a bad one. Tip: if "key" has been lost, DIY it with a strong magnet.

    If you insist on brand new, make sure you don't pay RRP, else hand over your ozbargain membership.

    • johnnybravo on 18/03/2019 - 10:04

      Thanks for the tip. I'll check out FB - never used it to buy stuff so might have to search for it.

      Definitely not paying RRP if buying new - too much of an ozbargainer to pay full price on any item let alone a treadmill :)

  • spinningfree on 17/03/2019 - 21:24
    +1

    Direct from the nordictrack or proform website is cheaper than Rebel and includes free delivery. They at times have really good sales if you keep an eye out.

    • johnnybravo on 18/03/2019 - 09:51

      Will do; thank you!

  • Sleeken on 18/03/2019 - 01:23
    +1

    I can recommend Bodyworx as a brand - we bought our a year ago and use it multiple time a week without any issues, very comfortable to run on. We paid $1500 because we wanted a larger running mat & motor but the cheaper models seemed just as sturdy. Not sure about under 1k - though found these https://www.fitonline.com.au/bodyworx-treadmills-australia/

    • johnnybravo on 18/03/2019 - 10:06

      Thanks for your suggestion. I did see that brand name come up a few times in US websites; not so in the Oz ones. Nor did I see it in the Choice magazine so I did not know they sold it in Australia. Will have a look. Thanks!

  • shaybisc on 18/03/2019 - 08:58
    +1

    Choice recommends these two

    https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Lifespan-Fitness-APEX-Choice-Rec…

    https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Lifespan-Fitness-BOOST-R-Choice-…

    Not sure why. Don't have a subscription any more.

    • johnnybravo on 18/03/2019 - 10:02

      I did try both of them recently; definitely preferred the Apex to the Boost-R. More running area and quite stable. I managed to get a copy of the Choice magazine from my library so will be reading that this afternoon to get more info.

  • Sinful on 18/03/2019 - 13:58

    I bought this from Amazon for $800 with free shipping.
    I really like it, comes nearly all set up.

    Treadmill By Endurance - Spirit Treadmill Running Exercise Machine with Auto Incline.

    Edit: Check reviews of this on Amazon.

    • johnnybravo on 20/03/2019 - 21:19

      Will do. I think I did see that name in the Choice magazine.

  • t_c on 18/03/2019 - 17:20
    +1

    Ex commercial from auction site. Like this.

    https://www.graysonline.com/lot/0013-8011368/sporting--leisu…

  • dogboy on 18/03/2019 - 17:36
    +2

    I got given one a few years back. Then I couldn't get rid of it so gave it to a neighbour. That neighbour then gave it to another neighbour. These things are worthless. Get one second hand for almost nothing.

  • kronicmacstigator on 18/03/2019 - 19:50

    Johnnybravo, just sent you a PM!

    Don't forget the 10% off voucher if you give the trigger a squeeze!

  • tukangbakso on 18/03/2019 - 21:26

    I would definitely recommend Lifespan Boost-R, bought it through a eBay 20% off here for around 900ish.. and i love it.. have had it for almost a year and a half now.. and still works perfectly fine.. ypu should look into it

  • Repi on 18/03/2019 - 22:23

    Keep an eye on here https://www.graysonline.com/search.aspx?q=treadmill sometimes a gym closes

  • [Deactivated] on 18/03/2019 - 23:37
    +1

    Just for fun:

    Probably not one sold via long infomercials on television (first ones on Australian TV I believe)

    https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/canadian-super…

    Original model even smaller than this and without fancy electronics (people blind to the inherent scam of treadmill too small to even properly walk on let alone run, sold millions around the world)

    www.advertisingarchives.co.uk/detail/19107/1/Magazine-Advert…

  • Shiny Mew on 19/03/2019 - 08:21
    +1

    Hard rubbish. No kidding, I picked one up a few years ago that wasn't working, replaced the fuse and it's been as good as gold.

  • shaybisc on 19/03/2019 - 10:56

    I can't see the advantages of a treadmill for home use over an exercise bike. Or a cross trainer bike like this if you want to work the arms.

    https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/FREE-POST-NEW-Assault-Air-Bike-D…

    Less floor space. Less maintenance.

    • Allwentmarching on 19/03/2019 - 13:27

      treadmill is far better for weight loss.

  • Allwentmarching on 19/03/2019 - 15:27

    Sorry to be negative OP but Ive had a fairly bad run with a treadmills. I gave up when a gym opened near my house.
    Unless you have space for a commercial one (eg non folding) which are very expensive, I think they are prone to problems.
    Well Ive been through 2 higher end ones and despite maintaining them according to instructions belt and circuit board would die.

    • johnnybravo on 20/03/2019 - 21:22

      That's quite unfortunate. The treadmill we had previously had no issues at all for 3 whole years and we used it quite regularly. Personally I wouldn't even call that high end - it was more medium category and we loved it.

  • CheeryCheapskate on 29/03/2019 - 10:39

    I was in the same position but decided on outdoors running instead (I run at a reasonably high speed; I managed to break two temporarily in commercial gyms over the years). For under $1000, I was looking at the Lifespan Torque 2 and 3 for around $800 second hand but you'll need help for collection. But you just need to keep an eye out for them on eBay and Gumtree.

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