Should I Buy a Treadmill?

mr-anderson on 16/09/2016 - 00:17

Hi all, just wondering what your opinions are especially treadmill owners out there?

My reasons are:

  • I go out walking/jogging at 5am.
  • It's dark and there's no one around until 6.30am.
  • Neighbourhood is safe-ish but you never know when something might happen.
  • Had two previous encounters with big angry dogs, luckily owners were around but in our area, dogs escaping from their yards are common.

Why I'm hesistant:

  • I can't put it inside if it's too loud (might wake wife and kids up - small house)
  • If I put it outside or in the garage, I might not use it or it becomes sun-damaged.
  • Expensive.
  • Might get forgotten and left aside and not used forever.
  • Second hand ones are hard to come by for me to try out (due to rural location).

Please help me decide and thank you for your opinions :)

Sports & Outdoors

Comments

  • Riczter on 16/09/2016 - 01:30

    Where abouts are you located? My parents are selling one…

  • mr-anderson on 16/09/2016 - 03:29

    Hahaha that's a coincidence :) I'm in Geraldton, WA.

    • Riczter on 16/09/2016 - 14:01

      Ah, bit of a trek then :P

  • loulou1 on 16/09/2016 - 06:31
    +3

    Try and find anyone who has one and used it for more than a month or two. Most people, myself included, buy them with good intentions but soon enough they end up being used as an expensive clothes horse.

    • ChillBro on 16/09/2016 - 07:03

      expensive clothes horse.

      Glad I'm not the only one!

      And at OP, Treadmills shouldn't be left outside where the lube under the belt can dry out or it can be damaged by rain/other elements. You'd be looking to spend about 1k including shipping (not sure how much more expensive it is to ship to a rural area) for a decent treadmill which doesn't make a loud thump with every step.

    • Praeto on 17/09/2016 - 12:50

      This was pretty much my experience. I think I used it for a couple of months before I started just bushwalking etc again.

  • BensonP on 16/09/2016 - 06:32
    +2

    In my experience, buying exercise equipment is a waste of time. More oftem than not, they just become an expensive clothes hangdr used to dry wet towels.

    I would consider a gym membership. That way the equipment is newer, well maintained and there is much more equipment to choose from.

  • Mythreesons on 16/09/2016 - 06:56

    Mine is noisey, I couldn't use it if anyone was sleeping in the house. I wouldn't put it outside, the mats need to be looked after so the sun is the last thing you need on it ,unless you could find some sort of cover for when your not using it to keep the sun and dust off it.

  • chumlee on 16/09/2016 - 07:05
    -1

    Buy a punching bag, skipping rope kettle bell etc and leave hem outside and do a half hour high intensity workout daily instead. Incorporate some burpees and jumps etc

  • c64 on 16/09/2016 - 07:16
    +2

    with indoor exercise equipment, i find that there is more of a temptation to quit early. a powerful fan is also needed because you get really hot stationary. ultimately i find it much nicer just to walk/cycle around the neighbourhood listening to a podcast.

  • dan76n on 16/09/2016 - 07:47
    +1

    Good on you for getting out at 5am during winter.
    Personally I'd stick with the early morning walk/run approach as the days are only getting longer and warmer now. You should also notice an increase in people out joining you to as we get closer to summer.
    With regards to dogs I'd just report them to council if they are a threat.
    I'm not a fan of treadmills as they are boring and costly for one that will actually last the test of time.
    Most cheaper ones don't fail because they just don't get used.
    The benefit of being outdoors is that your mind gets distracted with the surroundings so time passes quicker meaning you will exercise longer.

  • shaybisc on 16/09/2016 - 08:25

    Running is boring too, apart from the thrill of being menaced by dogs and cars.

    • PinzVidz on 16/09/2016 - 11:42

      menaced by dogs and cars

      Read this too quick, thought you mentioned dogs and cats, lol.

  • Austin 316 on 16/09/2016 - 08:45
    +2

    Trust me you would get bored in the house soon (within a month). Running outside is the preferred way to go. I would rather join a gym for winter and go back to running outside in summer.

    • cuteseal on 16/09/2016 - 09:35
      +1

      Would second this approach… I can count on two hands the number of times I've actually used my top of the line treadmill.
      I keep telling myself one day, but prefer to walk outside instead.
      Good thing I got it cheap off a friend… :D

  • supnigs super skids on 16/09/2016 - 09:09

    Treadmills are pretty crap for running for young people. Outside is much better.

    They are great for old people because of the suspension in the mat. It lessens the damage / shock associated with running.

    Early morning usage though would be very noisy so why not try a cross trainer/ hill climb machine. They are much quieter and takes up less space and also tones your ass too.

    Nice butt is way to go so get a cross trainer ok

  • mr-anderson on 16/09/2016 - 10:03

    Thanks for the advice everyone. I think I will continue with the walking/running outdoors, maybe invest in dog proof clothing ;)

    Cross trainer might be an idea, I don't think they cost very much either. Mrs Anderson wouldn't mind a nice ass lol.

  • Ryanek on 16/09/2016 - 11:09
    -1

    For protection, carry a hammer while you run. You can also fantasise you're Thor to give you extra motivation.

    • mr-anderson on 16/09/2016 - 19:17

      Hahaha I actually carry a big police flashlight/torch with me just in case plus it's still very dark so I have to use it every now and then.

  • atris17 on 16/09/2016 - 11:21
    +1

    Have u consider a bicycle ??? You can use it outdoor to travel from A-B

    Then u can use some sort of device to keep the bicycke stationary , and it will then become a gym bike

    • mr-anderson on 16/09/2016 - 19:20

      I do have a bicycle and I use it two to three times a week, maybe I'll use it more often!

  • dizluzion on 18/09/2016 - 16:10
    +1

    There's no replacement for outside fresh air - not only good for the body, but also the mind. Plus you can't go Pokemon hunting on a treadmill ;)

  • serpserpserp on 19/09/2016 - 20:39

    This is ozb. Tell us where we can get a cheap (non second hand) treadmill! Can you bargain down at Rebel/Harvey Norman etc?

  • Floatzel on 26/09/2016 - 12:42

    As @dizluzion said, don't stick at home and go out for the pokemons!!
    Besides, I'd recommend jogging outside, for the fresh air and there would be chances for you to meet someone who loves running like you.

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