Shopping Around For A Treadmill

Last week I received an email from a runner-friend in the UK asking for advice on a treadmill purchase. He’s never been a fan of indoor running (the “dreadmill” as he calls it), but is gearing up for a Spring ’09 marathon and wants to make the most of the inclement British winter.

My knowledge of the UK treadmill market is not that good (been living in the US since 2001), but I offered to do some research and get back to him.

To be honest, I was staggered by the sheer number of brands and models now available, with features ranging from flat screen displays to 40% inclines! Our home treadmill is probably about 8 years old and I know for a fact there weren’t that many to choose from back in the day. Nothing is straightforward is it?

Anyway, based on my friend’s current budget, I came up with several suggestions, and after careful review I think he’s leaning towards the Reebok range of treadmills.

Although better known for their apparel than their exercise machines, Reebok seem to have a solid line-up of models, from the entry level 3 Series right up to the feature-packed 7 Series.

My personal recommendation was the T 3.1, cunningly described as the “entry model of the performance series”. Speed and incline, although not the fastest and steepest, will be more than adequate for my middle-of-the-pack friend, and I’m sure he’ll make the most of the 27 built in exercise programs. One of his comments about treadmill running was the lack of variety and the mundane “plod, plod, plod” on a moving belt. With the T 3.1 he can just choose a program and follow along.

Compared to some of the other brands, the 2HP motor seems to lack a little in the power department, but my friend isn’t the heaviest guy on the starting line and I’m sure this won’t be a problem. Actually the motor is backed by a 10 year warranty, so any issues will be covered for many a mile. Incidentally, the stylish space saving frame has a lifetime warranty. Nice touch Reebok.

Treadmill training doesn’t have to be monotonous and are no longer just an indoor substitute for road miles. In fact treadmill workouts are a key component of my winter training and guarantee me at least one quality session per week.

Good luck with your treadmill selection and here’s to a productive winter of running!