Treadmills are gym machines for cardio training. Every serious gym has at least a treadmill.
When purchasing a secondhand treadmill, there are a few things to consider.
In this buying guide for used treadmills, I will show you all the things to consider, the best brands, and how to take care of used treadmills among other things.
Let’s begin the journey to buying a used treadmill for your cardio fitness, weight loss, or whatever your goal for buying a treadmill is.
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Where to Buy Your Used Treadmill Today?
a) Treadmill Costco
Costco has some of the cheapest treadmills in its stores and is a Fortune 500 company.
You can get great quality brands from them. The retailer has a presence in many places across the United States and also online.
b) Treadmill on Walmart
Walmart is the largest retailer in the world. It has over eleven thousand stores worldwide and a strong presence online.
The retailer is known for its low priced products especially in-store. Its treadmills are also good quality and original items.
c) EBay treadmills
EBay can best be described as a consumer-to-consumer platform. Companies and individuals use it to advertise and sell their items.
You can find good items on EBay.
However, you must be careful as some of the sellers are not legitimate. So always investigate sellers when buying new or used items on the platform.
d) Treadmill sears
Sears have some good treadmills.
The retailer, which announced that it would remain open recently despite financial troubles, has been a trusted American brand for years.
Sears now has an online presence and plenty of discounts on its items including treadmills. You can buy some of the cheapest treadmills from them.
e) Used treadmills for sale by owner
You can by treadmills from owners. Just look online on Facebook, Craigslist and so on to find yard/ garage sales and go check if you can pick a couple of items.
Individuals are usually more likely to give you very significant discounts, so make sure to ask. And also make sure to inspect the treadmill. You don’t want to spend money on something you cannot use.
f) Used treadmill Amazon
Amazon is the largest online retailer in the world. It is also the best place from which to buy a treadmill – both used and unused.
The advantages of buying a treadmill on Amazon are many.
First, the company has many legitimate sellers, this means you will be able to find some who sell cheaper than others.
Second, Amazon has got plenty of discounts and benefits for its frequent shoppers.
So buying a treadmill through the company will put you in a great position to get discounts or earn rewards.
Thirdly, the retailer has good return policy. In some cases, they will ensure that you get a replacement or a full refund if the item you buy is faulty.
Lastly, it has fast shipping. It is because of these many reasons that I recommend it over the others.
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Some Top Brands and Types of Treadmills
- NordicTrack Treadmills
NordicTrack treadmills are some of the best available on the market.
They are perfect for those who want to burn weight or train for running competitions. Of the several treadmills made by the company, the most popular one is the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 treadmill.
NordicTrack Commercial 1750
As the name of this treadmill suggests, it is a commercial treadmill. However, it is not just sturdy like any other commercial treadmill.
It is also pretty superior quality in terms of finishing and technology.
The construction of this treadmill is perfect. It is sturdy and well-built and features a high-quality finish that gives it such a futuristic look.
Key features
- 7-inch high-definition touchscreen
- Comes with a library of fat-burning high-intensity cardio workouts
- Has a powerful and smart running motor
- Allows you to run as if you are running outdoors using Google Maps integrated technology
- Tracks your performance in real time helping you keep motivated and accountable
- Can have multiple training profiles allowing members of your family to use it
- Can incline to help you burn more fat
Other NordicTrack Treadmills include
- Commercial Series Treadmills (of which the 1750 is a part)
- Treadmill Desks (very innovative treadmills)
- Incline Trainers
- T Series Treadmills.
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- ProForm
ProForm is one of the most recognized fitness brands in the US and has been making innovative equipment such as treadmills for over thirty years.
The company has over one hundred patents on its innovative products.
One of the company’s bestselling machines is SMART Performance 800i.
Smart Performance 800i
This is one of the smartest treadmills you will find in 2019. It performs extremely well according to many reviewers and it comes with a host of digital and innovative features.
Key features
- Has a 14-inch smart high-definition touchscreen display
- Includes membership to top coaching classes that can be streamed on the display
- Powered by a strong and powerful motor
- Easy to use and control
- Can be quickly inclined or declined
Other ProForm Treadmills Include
- PRO SERIES treadmills (best known for their professional quality)
- POWER SERIES treadmills (best known for their powerful motors and construction)
- PERFORMANCE SERIES treadmills (Have some of the best finishes).
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Bowflex
This company begun in 1986 and has been making home fitness equipment ever since. Its best products are innovative cardio training machines.
One of this company’s bestselling treadmills is the BOWFLEX BXT226.
BOWFLEX BXT226
This machine is built for maximum performance.
So whether you want to run, jog, or just walk, you will most likely get better results using this than using other treadmills.
This is because its design and features are based on solid research by the manufacturer.
Key features
- A media rack
- A console that is focused on calorie burning
- Features a special speaker system
- Includes 9 unique workouts
- Great for high speed calorie-burning runs (up to 19.3 kilometres per hour)
- Has a unique stowable design
Other BOWFLEX models include
As of now, there are only two models being sold by the company:
- The BOWFLEX BXT226
- The BOWFLEX BXT326
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Precor
Precor is renowned for performance treadmills. It is also a brand known for making extremely reliable workout machines.
One of the company’s most popular treadmills is the TRM885.
TRM 885
This Precor treadmill is all about efficiency, performance, comfort, and reliability. It is one of those treadmills that feels very comfortable and easy to run on.
The manufacturer claims its comfort is a result of its research based footplant technology that imitates natural running speed and style helping reduce fatigue and stress on the knee joints.
Key features
- Comes with a touchscreen console
- User friendly
- Tracks multiple performance stats
- Comes with an accessories holder
- Has a unique footplant tech that makes running feel easier and natural
- Has transport wheels for easy moving
- Has an emergency stop
Other Precor treadmill models
Modern Precor treadmills are part of its Experience Series. They include TRM 885, TRM 880, TRM 865, TRM 860, TRM 835, TRM 830, TRM 781, TRM 761, TRM 661 and others.
They are known for performance and reliability.
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LifeSpan
This brand makes dope treadmills. The TR200i folding treadmill is just one of them.
LifeSpan TR1200i treadmill
This LifeSpan treadmill happens to be one of the best low-priced treadmills on the market. It is incredible for running, jogging, and walking.
One of its key features is that it is inbuilt with multiple shock absorbers that will cushion your joints, back and knees when you are running on it.
Key features
- It has a fun compact storage design
- Has shock absorbers for fun running
- Includes a vibrant colour display to show you your real-time performance
- Extremely easy to control
- Has Bluetooth connectivity
- Includes multiple cardio workout programs
- Has a heavy duty motor for maximum and reliable performance
- Has a good user weight capacity of 300 pounds
Other LifeSpan treadmills include:
- Home Fitness treadmills (TR3000i, TR4000i, and TR5500i models)
- Commercial treadmills (TR7000i, TR6000i, and TR8000i models). These are heavy duty treadmills for the gym.
- Treadmill desks (TR800-DT3 and TR800-DT5). Very innovative treadmills and perfect for those who lead busy lives.
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Life Fitness
This is a great American brand and the T3 treadmill is one of its best.
T3 treadmill
Gorgeous treadmill that will look good in your home and will help you burn plenty of weight.
Key features
- This is a well-designed treadmill. Very pleasing to the eyes
- Has sensors that monitor everything including the heart rate
- Easy to operate
- Has a shock absorption system
Other Life Fitness treadmills
- PCS treadmill
- T5 treadmill
- F3 folding treadmill
- T3 treadmill
- F1 smart treadmill.
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Star Trac
Star Trac makes quality exercise machines. The Star Trac Freerunner 10TRX model is a pretty decent treadmill.
Star Trac Freerunner 10TRX
This is an innovative machine with patented design elements
Key features
- A functional suspension system that feels like running/ jogging on the field
- Has a maximum user weight capacity of 500 pounds
- Has a heart rate monitor. Tracks other stats too
- Has a decent maximum speed of 15 mph
- Can be stopped instantly by simply pushing a button
Other Star Trac treadmills include
- 8TRX treadmill
- 8CT Cross Trainer
- 4TR model
- STRX treadmill
These are but some of the many Star Trac models. They are all pretty decent.
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Sunny Health & Fitness
This brand is not as well-known as the other ones on this list but its treadmills are pretty cheap and certainly work okay.
This brand’s top treadmill is the SF-T4400.
Sunny Health & Fitness Inclining Treadmill (SF-T4400)
This is an award winning cardio training machine. It is also one of the most affordable ones available online.
Key features
- Has a relatively decent running space
- Has a max speed of 9MPh and can incline 5 degrees
- Can be folded for easy storage
- Has controls on the handrails for easy starting, stopping, and speed control
- Has an LCD screen for tracking various stats including your pulse and calories burned
Other Sunny Health treadmills
The other treadmills include the SF-T7878, SF-T7873, 8730G, SF-T7874, and the 7750P.
Most of these treadmills have space-saving designs and are good for those shopping on a budget.
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Weslo
This is newish fitness brand but it is already making waves in the industry.
The Weslo Cadence G 59 is their flagship treadmill.
The Weslo Cadence G 59
Premium and well-built treadmill with a powerful performance to match.
Key features
- Comfortable to run on
- Can be folded up to save space
- Has speed control
- Can be inclined for extra burn
- Has a large monitor and a decent motor (10MPH speed)
- Has a decent 275 pounds max weight capacity
Other treadmills
Weslo® Cadence G 5.9, G 7.0, G 5.9i, R 5.2, and the Weslo CrossWalk 5.2t are some of the other treadmills made by this company.
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XTERRA Fitness
This is a fast rising fitness equipment manufacturer. Their TRX3500 machine is a thing of beauty.
TRX3500 Treadmill
This stunning treadmill has got what it takes to help you lose fat, to get fitter, or to train for competitions.
Key features
- Has a large deck
- Comes with a large LCD display
- Has easily accessible incline and speed controls on the handlebar
- Includes 30 training programs for users of different fitness levels
- Has a sound system, speakers, and a cooling fan
- Run by a powerful 3 horsepower motor
Other treadmills
Other treadmills include the heavy-duty TRX2500, the award-winning TRX4500, and the budget-friendly TR150 treadmills.
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11. Cybex
Many commercial gyms have Cybex machines. The most common ones are usually cardio exercisers. The highest selling one right now is the R SERIES treadmill.
R SERIES TREADMILL
Key features
- Innovatively designed to provide better results
- Has a powerful 8 horsepower motor
- Has a smart suspension system to match how you run and prevent injuries
- Comes with a touchscreen console
Other Cybex treadmills
The only other treadmill currently being made by Cybex is the V SERIES treadmill.
5 Reasons Why Buying Used Treadmills is Okay
- Because they are often cheap.
- They are often good quality.
- Some are usually in very good condition.
- Some usually have warranties.
- Because quite a number are refurbished and as good as new.
How to Make Sure You Are Buying the Right Equipment
The only way to make sure is to inspect. If you are buying a treadmill locally, make sure you inspect it and try to use it.
If you are buying it online, make sure you create a list of the important details you would like to know about and ask the seller to fill it.
If it is on a site where you cannot do this, check all the details and specs.
By doing these things you will know for sure if you are buying the right thing.
View Top Brands on AMAZON for Both Used and New Treadmills!
Best Features to Consider Before Buying
- Cost
I know this is not really a feature but you’ve got to look at the price.
When buying used, you got to make sure that the treadmill you are buying is actually worth what you are paying for.
If you are buying new, make sure the machine is worth every cent you will be paying for it.
- The horsepower
The best treadmills are those with motors. The power of a motor is measured in horsepower.
When looking for a treadmill, get one with more than 2CHP (continuous horsepower). If you are heavy get even higher horsepower.
The bigger the horsepower number, the more powerful the motor.
- Weight capacity
The best treadmills have high weight capacities.
So if you are a large person, consider getting a treadmill with a higher weight capacity. Running on lower weight capacity treadmills could result in them breaking down.
- Control panel
Only consider buying a treadmill, if it has an easy to reach and use panel. Anything else will be too much of a hassle to use.
- Programs
Nowadays, many treadmills come with special cardio, weight loss, and fitness workout programs.
Make sure the one you want to buy has the right programs for you to achieve the goal you want to achieve.
- Cushioning
Pick only treadmills that have shock absorbers in their running beds. This will prevent your knees from getting injured if you are a frequent runner.
- Incline
Only consider getting a treadmill, if it has an incline function.
Treadmills that can incline will challenge your body more and provide you with better results faster.
- Speed and stability
In terms of speed, only get a treadmill that can goes up to a high speed such as 12 MPH because always running at lower speeds is just a waste of time.
And if you are considering to run at high speeds, make sure that the treadmill has stabilizers, otherwise, you will be frustrated during the whole time due to instability.
The Best Treadmill for Home
Probably the LifeSpan TR1200i treadmill because it is one of the best low-priced treadmills on the market. It is ideal for running, jogging, and walking.
Many people love it because it is inbuilt with multiple shock absorbers that cushion joints and knees during high speed runs.
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Used Vs New Treadmills Equipment
New treadmills are ridiculously expensive.
This is the reason why used treadmills on eBay and other marketplaces usually sell quickly since they are often way cheaper.
Although used treadmills are sometimes of poorer quality than new ones, this is rarely the case.
If you look at the right places, you can find good quality brand name secondhand treadmills at very low prices. Search for some brands here!
Differences Between Commercial Vs Professional Vs Home Fitness Equipment
Commercial fitness equipment are for use in gyms and fitness centres. These pieces of equipment are usually sturdier and more expensive than home fitness equipment (meant for home gyms).
Professional fitness machines are built for professionals; they are built to significantly improve the performance of athletes.
For example, professional treadmills have longer running spaces and can go to very high speeds than normal machines. Because they are built to help you more they are often expensive.
How to Take Care of Used Gym Equipment
By the time you are buying a piece of used gym equipment, it often has already seen months or years or action.
This means that you will need to take proper care of it to ensure it continues working well.
Proper care involves doing several things.
First, you will have to clean the piece of equipment daily or four times weekly because the body oils and sweat left on the equipment will break down the upholstery and the metals unless removed.
To clean frames, wipe them with a wet cloth and then dry them.
Upholstery should be cleaned using warm water with very little soap and then dried with a clean and dry cloth.
Second, you will have to oil moving parts using a good silicone lubricant. Do not use oil lubes as they often damage powder-coated pieces of equipment.
Third, on surfaces where rust appears, use a rust removing spray immediately to address the problem and to avoid the spread of the rust.
Lastly, many pieces of gym equipment have screws, bolts, cables, and other elements that may need tightening or replacement every now and then.
So make sure you inspect your used gym machines regularly and tighten everything that needs tightening and replace anything that needs replacing.
If you don’t do so, an equipment could become unsafe or could end up getting damaged and too expensive to repair.
Conclusion
As it is evident in the article above, used treadmills can provide you with good value.
They can help you get fit.
They can also help you lose weight and become healthier.
To choose a decent treadmill, you have got to inspect it carefully to make sure it is working and that it is what you want.
If you don’t you may end up regretting buy a used treadmill.
Lastly, when you get a good used treadmill you need to maintain it to extend its life. If you don’t, it might end up breaking down.
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