Running machines at home?

[Runningmummy]

Having graduated a couple of months ago I'm looking at getting a running machine at home as my other half is away most of the week and I can't run leaving the children home alone!

Does anyone have any recommendations for models that are sturdy but also fold up? We're watching a Proform one on eBay at the moment....

Thank you!

[runsusyrun Graduate]

Have a look at the reviews on Amazon, there are usually loads and more so on the US site. I spend days reading reviews before I bought mine. I got one from Maxima Fitness, very happy with it. Just be sure to check on the max speed as some treadmills are more suited to speed walking rather than running.

HTH

[BJR67BJR]

Paid £500 for a Reebok machine from Argos online. Good piece of kit and very solid. Well worth the extra few pounds. I believe in "Buy cheap = Buy twice"

[Runningmummy Graduate]

Thanks both - budget is up to £500 (am frantically selling things on eBay to raise funds!) so hoping to get something sturdy enough for me and hubby - not at same time though

[keepntabs Graduate]

My only suggestion is that if you do buy one on eBay, please buy the extended warranty.

[shelleymcb Graduate]

I bought a reebok one second hand off ebay for about £180. have had it about a year now. very pleased with it. I would definately recommend reebok &, even though it was secondhand, their customer service is fantastic. I had a problem with the belt inside & they emailed me the engineers service manual with fault finder details & names, nos of all the parts. we managed to sort it out without having to buy a new bit but as I said they were more than happy to save me their £100 call out fee.

mines a T3.1. it has automatic incline (great feature) & does fold up, but is a big machine & does still take up lots of room.

I would try & find one with a long & wide running belt if you can. mine also has lots of programes although I havent used them. when it gets used we have a fan set up next to it to keep you cool

argos prices differ from week to week & when they do reduce the reebok ones they tend to halve the price so worth keeping an eye with them. also boots sell them & their prices were reasonable when I was looking for mine.

good luck. shelley

[Runningmummy Graduate]

Thanks again all - we bought the Proform one off Ebay and it seems great so far, long wide running belt, built in fan and CD player and the option to pre-programme your favourite running routines. Here's to many happy evenings pounding the treadmill!