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We bought a Nordic Track Commercial model from Cost Co last year for about $750. I am a wide/oversized load model, so we needed the sturdy bed and belt and the better motor. The treadmill has stood up very well; getting it up two flights of stairs was a stone b1tch, however.

Ally

When we bought one about 7 years ago, the most expensive model carried at Wal-Mart was $400. The leap from that to the LEAST expensive model sold at sporting goods stores was so big, we decided to go with the $400 model.

It has worked very well for us. After a few years we had to replace the belt/track, about $100, when it started slipping. (Bought the new one off eBay. It was a bit of a hassle to replace.) After that repair, it was back to as good as new.

I purchased a ProForm Sport 1100 about 2 years ago. The one it replaced was a really old ProForm model with a narrow belt and a manual incline adjuster. This one does everything I want it to (except exercise for me) and cost around $700. I see it's even a bit cheaper today from Sports Authority where I got mine. It goes from 1 mph up to 10 mph with .1mph increments. Tilt incline adjust (separate motor) that goes from 0 up to 10° in .5° increments. Also has a 3-speed fan you can turn on to blow in your face to keep you cool. A pulse rate monitor if you grip the front handle area. Also has 8 different exercise programs, and one you can customize to your liking. I don't use these but do use the manual mode almost everyday for walking 2 miles/day.

ProForm Sport 1100 product review

I know nothing about treadmills. I'm of the bloke school of excersise. make it part of your commute, then you have to do it. Currently I ride my bike to/from work (about 4 miles each way).

Another alternate is to join a gym that is convenient to your travel to and from work. Honestly, I prefer the gym to all else when trying to get into shape. While I have a good bit of my own stuff, nothing beats (for me) the edge I get in the gym. I routinely lift more and workout harder because I am in the gym for a purpose.

Most gyms right now have some aggressive plans due to the economy. You should be under $500 a year for membership. Also, if you have (a) child(ren), you might want to look into the good old YMCA. I was a member primarily for my daughter's swim lessons. However, both my wife and I have also joined in some separate classes for ourselves. Again, being in a purpose built facility seems to do much more for me than the equipment at home.

Matthew Gilchrest wrote:Another alternate is to join a gym that is convenient to your travel to and from work.

I had a different take on that when I was getting my B.M.E. The bulk of the time, I used my bike to get back and forth to school, and for local lessons. Going to school / work WAS my gym

FWIW, I tried it once in Nashville, and about got run over 3 times. Haven't tried again.

We have an ancient treadmill but it still gets the job done, but I prefer my nordic Trak skier so I get an upper body work out as well.

Their regular use goes in and out of cycles so when not in use, they both make great clothes racks also....

ken k

I have a Healthrider that I bought from Costco about six years ago. It has been fine although not really made for running if you weigh over 250 lbs. I've had to replace some parts over time including the main electrical controller. The website I've found with the most truthful reviews can be found at http://www.treadmilldoctor.com/Treadmil ... -Treadmill.

$400 ProForm model, bought about 4 years ago. The belt has slipped a bit over time but is easy to adjust. Buy something better than a ProForm. A buddy of mine bought a $1,000 Nordictrack from Sears, very very nice.

PaceMaster brand. Bought mine Dec 2001 no problems or repairs since i got it. Use it fairly regularly. Have done a 16 mile run on it while watching one of the "lord of the rings" movies. Cost about $2500 back in 2001. Fitness Resource is where I bought it. Unless you've done extensive research, I'd go to a place like fitness resource where the employees know the products