Buying a Treadmill - Any Advice on Where to Go or What Brand to Buy??

We bought a treadmill a few years ago and haven't had any problems. It is a Vision Fitness T9450. We paid $2000 for it, and bought it from Second Wind (it was new). (don't know if they have 2nd Wind around here...we just moved here) We also got the thick pad that goes under it. I think that is important to help the machine as well as absorb your own running shocks? Good luck!

Buy a Nordictrack! They make THE BEST. I have had one for ten years and it works like a charm. Very durable and smoth operating. Check out Sears Outlet in Bridgeville. When I bought mine ten years ago, I got it there for 500, but the Sears store was selling the same one for 1000! It had a few scratches on it which didn't bother me at all and I still got the awesome warranty!

Nordictrack - that's what we have and like it a lot - heavier and well built. We bought it at Sears, but the Craigslist suggestion is a good one too. You may be able to pick up a decent one used. As far as safety around children, just keep the cord out of reach when you aren't using it. Our safety key/cord is hidden away from our 5 year old, who would want to try it if he could

I've had my Proform for years and love it. I bought it at Sears on sale. I think it depends on what you're going to use it for to determine the best one. Are you going to walk on it or run on it? Mine is for running, so it has extra shocks and a wider surface area. I would definitely take your walking/running shoes to an exercise store and try them out before purchasing one. You might find one you like, then find it for cheaper on craigslist. Good luck!

You should try craigslist. People buy them so often and don't use them.

Also be very careful with the kids and exercise equipment. It is highly dangerous for kids.

Didn't a celebrities 5 yr old child just die from being hung or something on the cord of a treadmill? I only remember the story vaguely.

Ok here it is, It was Mike Tyson's daughter.

Heres a link to the story.
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/05/27/the-danger-of-tr...

K.,
I bought a Nordic Track at Sears about 5 years ago. I really like it because it folds for storage and it has a removable key that will prevent my kids from accidentally turning it on if I am not around. I agree with getting the pad to place beneath it.

All good advice.. I just want to add if you do get one, it is great to have one with a TV built in. Makes it so much easier to get through a workout!