Manual or Motorised Treadmill?

[kirsty72]

I am looking to start the C25K again very soon, but being self conscious at the moment, I wanted to start off on a treadmill.

What do people recommend when purchasing a treadmill? A manual or motorised one?

Many thanks

[Beek Graduate]

I acquired a manual treadmill earlier this year but it was a waste of space. I would not recommend a manual one.

[danzargo Graduate]

I've not run on a treadmill, but I would imagine that the manual one would be a bloomin' nightmare - especially as BEEK has experience of using one.

I know you're feeling self conscious, but I've only ever run outside and have never ever had anyone say to me "I say old chap, you look ridiculous in that lycra clobber you're wearing. How on Earth do you allow people to see you dressed like that?"!!! No-one gives a s**t about joggers and the best thing about doing it in the fresh air is that you feel FANTASTIC! Think of your lungs breathing in the spring air, your nostrils filled with the smell of flowers and trees and cut grass, your view constantly changing as you cover a lot of ground. You don't get ANY of this on a treadmill. I'm only trying to gently coax you into the great outdoors but I totally understand if for now, it's not for you.

All the best!

[poppypug Graduate in reply to danzargo]

Wow Dan, you convinced me and I already run outside ! Well said ! xxx

[Ullyrunner Graduate]

I have a motorised treadmill for the really cold and icy days, but much prefer running outside - at least there is loads to look at. I don't meet many people on my runs but I do think you become sort of invisible and anonymous - so I wouldn't worry too much. Find somewhere quiet if you can to get started. It won't be long before you'll get to the stage where you couldn't give a rats a**e about what anyone else thinks because you will be feeling so darned proud of yourself!

Good luc k and keep us posted about your progress.

[Ullyrunner Graduate]

I meant to say that I got mine second hand on gumtree.

[kirsty72 in reply to Ullyrunner]

Excellent thank you.

I have asthma and a lung condition called Bronchiectasis, so for me to run outside on occasions is not wise, hence the treadmill. But once my lungs start improving, then I will venture outside. x

[jacky-f Graduate]

My mum bought a manual treadmill a few years ago. It is totally useless, it's difficult to even walk on it and impossible to run on. The belt either is really stiff and gets stuck, then suddenly you get to a loose section and it shoots out behind you.

I joined a gym to use their treadmill when I first started C25K as I felt very self conscious about running outside for 60 seconds at a time, so I know the heavy duty, very expensive ones are very good to use.

[ju-ju- Graduate]

Go and enjoy the great outdoors and ? run where there aren't many people....the treadmill takes the soul out of running....either way good luck and most importantly enjoy it