On the Other Hand:
"That's a lot of money for something you'll use for the first week"
(I won't tell you who said this but they are not, I repeat NOT married to me)
"Treadmills are famous for breaking down...and really expensive to repair!"
This of course, jogged my insatiable curiousity as to who would be right.
Before I tell you my conclusion, I'll lay out the best advantages and disadvantages about owning a treadmill from my experience, so that you can decide for yourself if they are REALLY worth the money.
First, the Disadvantages:
1) Treadmills DO Break Down
(one note: you have to USE them to encounter this problem)
And the repairs can cost you. One way to get around this (especially if you know you'll be using the treadmill a lot) is to invest in a high quality treadmill with a solid warranty (especially on the motor, which is the most expensive thing to fix). That way you're covered if something does go wrong with your treadmill.
2) Once You Have the Treadmill, You Might Not Use It.
This is always a danger with anything you buy, I admit. A friend recently purchased an expensive infomercial exercise machine (I don't exactly know what it's called but it swings you around in the air and nausea usually follows). She now uses it for a clothes horse.
One way to get around this: if you don't LIKE walking or jogging as a form of exercise, DON'T BUY A TREADMILL.
I personally love walking and hate swinging around in the air, hence my decision to buy a treadmill. (I do use mine quite often, much to my husband's amazement.)
3) Lack of ability to cross-train.
This could be a problem for the die-hard training people. I'm not die-hard so it doesn't bother me.
However, many treadmills come with inclines, different training programs, and/or free weights built in, so that can be a big help if you want variety in your workout.
Now, the Advantages:
1) CONVENIENCE. CONVENIENCE. CONVENIENCE!
You can exercise WHENEVER you want, no matter the weather, in the luxury and comfort of your own home.
You can also wear WHATEVER you like. Not having to worry if my workout clothes are coordinated or if my hair is sticking up at obscene angles (as I would in the gym), really does make a difference.
This convenience actually increases the likelihood that you're going to exercise. If you're serious about making an investment in exercise and health, why not stack the deck for success? (It was a long, expensive 6 months before I realized I was never actually going to USE my gym pass).
2) You Have the Flexibility to Get in Shape FAST
One of the reasons for this is that you have the option of doing mini-workouts (10-20 minutes).
Going to the gym for ten minutes just isn't worth it, right? With your own treadmill you can do ten minutes in the morning, ten at lunch and ten minutes after dinner and still reap the benefits of a 30 minute workout.
According to the experts, it all adds up on the calories-burned scale.
Having the flexibility to workout for as long (or as little) as you want also increases the likelihood that you WILL exercise on those days you just don't feel like it (who can't do ten minutes?).
That sense of accomplishment builds on itself and before you know it your waistline is shrinking faster than you thought possible.
3) Outside-snow, Inside-warm
Need I say more?
For those of us who REFUSE to walk outside in winter (or in a rainstorm), a treadmill will allow us to keep our summer-svelte figures so we don't have to panic at the first signs of spring. This is also great around Christmas time when the Christmas party dresses come out, along with all the extra chocolate.
With the luxury of a home treadmill to use all year round, you can escape the panic that comes with the first signs of spring (and watch all your friends do the mad dash to the gym instead!)
Considering the above advantages and disadvantages, is a treadmill REALLY worth the money?
For those people who are looking for exercise convenience, don't like trudging through the snow, and want to be able to fit exercise in at their selected time and in their choice of atmosphere, yes - they are more than worth the money.
I've gotten my money out of my treadmill and then some. (Take that you naysayers!)
For me, it's been an investment in my health that has paid huge dividends (especially around Christmas party time).
If you're looking for a treadmill and want to save some money, I recommend Smooth Fitness.
Their treadmills have been top rated by Runner's World, Prevention Magazine, Treadmill Doctor and more.
