Treadmill Tips for First-timer

Exercise equipment after a few months seem to be glorified clothes hangers as interest wanes. At least that's what happened to me. Enrolling in a YMCA or exercise club would let you sample different equipment, but that can get costly, especially if you weigh in the cost of gas and your time traveling to/from to get to club. The plus is there may be classes for your baby, but you'll probably be attending with her, at least the first little bit and that defeats the purpose of you getting exercise for you!

What I would suggest is to invest your money in downloading a bunch of songs on an Ipod and go walk your neighborhood. Drive a little ways and walk different neighborhoods or even trails for variety.

The absolutely best piece of exercise equipment I have is the Ipod (for motivation) and 2) finding a friend, or friends, who also want to walk (also for motivation). Take your girl with you too, by all means, but YOU need the adult conversation or music.

When I want extra cardio, I jump rope or vary my walking route with bigger hills.

Save your money on the smaller sized cute clothes you'll be having to buy!

Have to totally agree with Susan on this one...it's one of those things that if you aren't really into it then, you don't do it. Personally, we've had a treadmill in the house I live in for the last 3 years and I think I've used it only when it's been too cold to go outside and walk.

When I was starting to feel the need to reduce my weight and get healhty after my son I put together a home workout just from www.about.com and www.fitpregnancy.com. I count calories at www.caloriecount.about.com, and lost all my desired weight in just about 7 months...it was about 30 lbs total. I did it with an exercise ball and some rubber bandy things I bought at Target.

I also watched what I ate and did at least 30 minutes of core workout a day. I still maintain the same workout and am healthier than I've been in a long time!!

Walking on a treadmill is great, but I honestly don't have that kind of motivation daily and I wish I did. My Mom uses it, so if you're one of those people who can remain motivated and get past your fear of falling...GO FOR IT.

Otherwise, there are alternatives. Good Luck!

Hi Diedra, I first started the tredmill about a year ago, and it's great, you can start as slow as you need to, the speed is adgustable, I staerted and either 2 or 3 cause one is way to slow, also the one we have has a place to hold on to if you feel like you may fall off, my balance isn't all that great either, and I never feel off, I used to get on the treadmill during Smallviel and walk through the whole episode, but when i first started i did 20 minutes 3 times a day. if you stick with it, and really watch what you eat, how much you eat, and when you eat, you can loose weight with the treadmill. J. L.

We had a treadmill years ago. It was well used in the beginning, being a 'novelty' and all. Then zippo, it just sat there in the room like a big elephant.

It has to be something that you REALLY think you will use, and will suit your way of wanting to exercise.

For me, well, I rather do exercise videos or just go walking outside. And now we have the Wii Fit... and we REALLY love it! It was a good deal from Costco at Christmas time. It keeps track of each person and their current weight status and goals... and you can do all kinds of exercises with it... ie: yoga, strength training, aerobics, walking, running etc. and it's interactive. Even Hula Hooping. I really like it and my family all uses it to 'exercise.' It's fun and doesn't feel like exercising.

I would also get a balance ball (which we got ours from Costoc or even Ross sells them) and it's real great too. And maybe get a light hand-weight set, like 3 pounds or something. Weight resistance is a great way to lose weight too.. .in addition to cardio exercises. It'll tighten you up and tone you.

Yah, the thing with exercise machines is, you need to know for sure that it will suit you. Otherwise, it just sits there in the room taking up space. That's what happened with us. I have a smallish stair climbing thing too, that I had since college, and it's great. But I just don't use it much. Even if done in front of the tv, I just find the machines too boring.

Since you love to walk... maybe just do that. It's free. And then vary it by your pacing and doing intervals of walking then sprinting... this is what gets the body in shape too.
Or, put your baby in a jogging stroller, and take her out at the same time you get your exercise.
Or, there are exercise groups for Mommies, like "Stroller Strides" etc.
Here is the link for Stroller Strides:
http://www.strollerstrides.com/search.php

Well just some thoughts.
Good luck to you and all the best,
Susan

My tip would be to try one out before making the purchase. Look into a bootcamp academy in your area that uses the treadmill or join a really cheap gym or some gyms have two weeks free, etc.. just to see if you like it. It's not worth spending the money if you aren't going to use it. Duh, that is why you are asking your question! LOL!! I have a Sole F85- my Dad sent me. I was using it a lot, but I was also doing kickboxing and most recently I joined Crossfit - www.cfomurrieta.com or main site www.crossfit.com I'm too new to Crossfit to write a testimonial but I have a great feeling about it. I've been in to fitness my whole life but this seems to be the first thing I've done that is working my whole body & I believe will give me the results I want. I've done Stroller Strides - great workout, especially post baby, my kids are older/bigger so I stopped, but I did it for 3 years and I have nothing but good things to say. I'll still use my treadmill, especially for speedwork and those days where I just need to move but don't feel like doing anything else. So for me, I'll probably always use it a bit, my husband uses it and my kids as well, so I don't think it will ever become a landing spot for clothes, etc.. I'd say though if you were willing to make the investment in a treadmill then maybe do something else - something that will shed the pounds but that you will also enjoy, something where you are surrounded by others to motivate/push you - we never push ourselves hard enough when we workout alone. You don't have to run to lose weight. Cardio is important but so is strength training.

Best wishes whatever you decide!!
M.

I would NOT recommend a treadmill... a few reasons:

They don't give you as good of a workout as actually running. You don't need the strength and endurance to perpetuate your own momentum on a treadmill. Example: I can run 5 miles on a treadmill but on a road I can't even run a mile.

If you have a problem with balance as it is, you'll fall right over after you get off the thing when you've been working it.

I suggest you get yourself a good jogging stroller and whether you actually jog or just walk, the added weight of your child will aid in getting your heart rate up.

--OR-- find another activity you actually enjoy! The only thing you're going to stick to is one you love.

You got boatloads of good advice already to consider (Maura, Angela, Liane, et al), so I won't try to steer you to or from any particular exercise (running, walking, treadmill, elliptical...). I think that regardless which one you choose (and you should always choose an exercise, and not just rely on dieting), you need a WARM UP first. I'm chiming in because I used to coach gymnastics... Those kids were light and lithe, but because they were trying such challenging things for them (in terms of strength, balance and coordination), it has parallels to what you are embarking on. First, SIT and work your ankles around, what we call "joint rotations". Use your hands to work on your feet/ankles. This loosens them up and makes them stronger for the use you are about to put them to. Also, LAY back and pull your knees up, and rotate your legs around too. You want to work virtually every joint in your lower body, from your hips down to your toes, WITHOUT stressing them. No weight yet, just easy motion. In other words, work them in before you work them out.

As for weight loss, I think you should set goals of about 10-15 lbs at time, so you don't feel it is all or nothing. And you WILL notice the difference at each gate. I'm a man, so don't shoot me for my male-biased opinion, but I think you will feel and be very attractive once you break through 150 lbs...

I wish you luck. I'm sure if you pick something (even just easy strolling), you'll have some success. : )

Take it slow, don't get discouraged. Walk a bit, jog a bit...try to work up to 10 minutes of slow jogging, then continue to walk. Gradually work up. Good luck! I started running after giving birth to my second child, (couldn't lose the weight)...now I'm training for my 5th marathon.

Hi D.,

I decided to get an elliptical machine rather than a treadmill because it is no-impact (I have arthritic knees and can't take the pounding of running). The machine is great. It allows you to work arms and legs at the same time and, depending on the one you get, will have a variety of manual and programable features. Because you're working your arms at the same time using the handles that move in sync with the pedals, there's generally no issue with balance. And, because the pedals are in a fixed position and your foot doesn't move on them, there is little risk of twisting a joint. The only physiological problem with ellipticals is that your feet tend to fall asleep after about 1/2 hour, but I've found I can just stop for a couple of seconds and shake my feet awake, then continue.

I keep my elliptical in front of the TV and watch a show while I "run", which eliminates the tedium. Since the machine offers resistance, even a slow walking pace gives a decent workout. As with most exercise, you should warm up well, start slow, and build up speedy an length of workout over time. I started at 15min/day, covering ~ 1/2 mile and now routinely run for an hour, covering 4 miles.

A good elliptical will cost about the same as a good treadmill. We opted for a high-end model (cost was $1200), mainly because it came with a lifetime warranty on the wheel brake (the core of the machine) and 7 yrs parts and labor on the motor and other parts (can't remember the brand, though -- email me if you're interested and I'll check out the machine when I get home). We felt that this was important because everyone in the house (me, hubby, down to one teen now) uses the machine pretty much everyday, so it gets heavy use. Some machines can take up a pretty big footprint, but there are others that you can fold up and others that have a small base (these tend to be less stable, though). I do not recommend the Gazelle -- it's very flimsy.

I would suggest that you go to a big sporting goods store, Sears, and a store that specializes in fitness equipment. Different stores will sell different quality of machines. Try out a lot of machines: whether you decide on an elliptical or a treadmill, you have to know that the machine is right for you, and the only way to do that is to try them out. It's a big purchase, so don't be impatient. I shopped for about a month, and went back to the store several times to make sure I really liked the machine before I bought it. After you've picked out what you're interested in, comparison shopping and waiting for sales can save you a little money.

I used to hate treadmills, but now I love them! If you start with walking until you start to get used to it you should be able to move on to running without a problem. Make sure you always wear the safety clip so that if you do fall it will shut off. You can buy treadmills with different widths. I'd recommend getting one with the widest width so you have more room to walk/run. This may sound silly, but don't look around while you are walking, running. Keep your eyes focused in front of you and that should help you not feel like you'll lose your balance. Good luck! Hope that helped.

Hi D.:

Running is not necessary and honestly if you don't like it and don't feel you are good at it, you won't stick to it. Intervals are a better way to go for weightloss and safer on the joints and knees. You can warm up at a light pace, then increase your speed and incline. Then reduce your speed to an easier pace for a minute or 2, then increase it again. This will rev your metabolism and increase your abilities. If you go to your own pace and push a little bit, you will see results. Don't forget some plyometrics- holding in push-up position, crunches (use only ab muscles not pulling neck etc.), lunges and if you have some dumbbells and a excercise ball you can find hundreds of excercises to do in your home. This will increase your muscle mass and flexibility. Muscle burns more fat so that you can lose weight easier. Very important. Yoga/Pilates are great for sculpting lean muscles and stretching. There are many good videos and online info. If you want to get a video check out reviews on Amazon/self.com or other fitness site. Good Luck!

I bought a used exercise bike and it mostly sat until I hurt my knee and then I needed it for rehab. I loved it once I got into it. Then I started traveling for work. About the only thing I could count on in the gyms at the hotels, where they had one, was a treadmill. I wasn't so interested but gave it a go and I really got into it. Start slow and vary your workouts. Soon you might start running. Get one that you can control the speed and, if you can afford it one that you can raise up. A slight incline will give you a tremendous workout. Check out used treadmills as many people buy them and then use them to hang clothes on. I would also encourage you to do this because until you get it, you won't really know if you will use it yourself. Be sure to wear good walking shoes. It is a great idea to alternate workouts. Light weights are great and really important to a woman's bone strength and density.

Hi D.,

Have you thought about an elliptical trainer instead? We've had one for years, and we love it. A treadmill can be jarring on your hips--especially if you use the incline feature. The elliptical is fun--kind of like riding a bike standing up--and your arms get a work-out too.

Happy hunting!
D.
P.S. I bought my first elliptical at Sears and the second one at Costco. I'd recommend both places.

If you don't like running, then it may be challenging for you to keep with it. I personally hate running as I suffer from shin splints every time I tried, but I love walking and yoga. Before baby,I loved yoga so much I went almost everyday for 90 - 120 minute classes and lost weight just doing that. I also lived in NYC at the time so I was walking everywhere!

Now here in San Diego with baby, yoga is a rare event but I try to walk almost everyday. Once a week I walk 3 miles with a bunch of other moms, and frequently go to a local park where the walk involves a serious hill.

Perhaps you have good walks where you live? Or if you want to do the treadmill, then the others have good advice - you can start slow to get used to the motion and then start changing the incline to get a burn going!

do you have a buggy to push your baby why not take baby for walk when you have time day or evening and just walk . as far as is conenient or try walkimg round the house from room to room and back use a timer and increase the timeas you see fit good luck A. mother of 4 adults no hills

I''m not sure if you're dead set on a treadmill, but... I just got a wii and wii fit. It's the best! It has all kinds of different activities to do, plus it keeps track of your progress for you. I think it's the next best thing to having a personal trainer. I got both from Amazon for a little under $400. I need to lose 40 lbs too, and I think this is really gonna help me. Plus it's really fun, which I think is the key to staying motivated!

I would try a few treadmills out at your local gyms. Most gyms will have a free trial day or
week. I have several free trial days at our local spa in San Clemente, CA. You may want
to start a or join a group of moms who walk w/ or w/out babies. Babies love the outdoors.
T. C

Hi- I have a treadmill that I WALK on. Not a runner, I have bursitis in my hips if I walk over 4.3. You can completely lose weight walking if you don't want to run. I did pre-baby and now I am doing it again post babe! For me, they key is to walk for at least 30 minutes and I walk at 4.0 and sometimes I vary the incline. I have it in front of a TV and try to at least walk 3-5 miles at a time, so I stay on for about 45-60 min. Good Luck.

Hello. I don't know much about the different types of treadmills. However I do occasionally use one at home. I like to walk and I run short distances several times per week (3 miles at a time). Since I started the running, however, which I do outdoors, not on the treadmill, I find the treadmill really bores me. However, if you set yours up someplace where you can see a TV or if the machine is quiet enough that you can hear some energized music over the treadmill you might have better success with it. (I don't have an area in my house that accommodates the TV and treadmill in the same place!) Walking or running on the treadmill is great cardio and an excellent way to burn fat if you're disciplined enough to do it regularly. I find I get way too bored. Also I do a much faster pace when I'm outdoors. So before you spend the money, you might want to try going outside for a walk or run and see if that fits in with your schedule better than relying on a machine at home. If so, it's free, it's portable workout (you can walk or run nearly anywhere you travel) and you wouldn't worry about falling off the treadmill. Of course, it's possible to fall or trip anywhere, so if you take up outdoor walking, always carry a cell phone and emrgency contact info with you, and of course also choose a safe route and let someone know where you are before you take off. ... If you'd really prefer the treadmill, try asking around at local gyms about what brands and models they use. You might be able to get a freebie guest pass for a day or a week at the gym to let you try out their treadmills. The ones they use might be far pricier than what's available for use at home but it can't hurt to ask. Another note: either indoors on the treadmill or outdoors, make sure you wear appropriate shoes! NOT el cheapo Payless all-purpose tennis shoes like a lot of beginning exercisers try to get away with! Go to a good athletic shoe store (ex: The Running Center, in Temecula and I think in O.C., too). They will check out your build, your feet, the way you walk, etc., and recommend the right shoe for you. Do not freak out at the expensive shoes. They are 100 percent necessary and could potentially save you a ton of $$ trying to fix damaged or painful knees, hips, ankles, back, etc. down the road. Meanwhile, good for you for doing something for your health and yourself. Good luck and have fun!

You've got a lot of good advice already. I also don't like running, but I do it anyways. We have a Nordick Track treadmill that we got from Costco (about 5 years ago). I also recommend getting one with the widest and longest belt. The belt size and motor size are the two most important things to consider when buying a treadmill.

We also purchased a Nordic Track for my FIL about 3 years ago and just bought one for my parents this past Christmas.

I would definitely recommend going to a store that had a bunch of treadmills for you to try. Actually RUN on them and see if the length and width of the belt feel comfortable for you with your run/walk stride. Is there enough room width wise for you to move around and not risk tripping and falling? And definitely get a good lifetime warranty for the motor. I believe that Nordic Track comes with a lifetime motor warranty. Proform, the other brand we considered with all 3 treadmill purchases came with a 1-5 year motor warranty. We paid between $600 and $1200 for the models that we bought.

My FIL is an avid runner, so we got him the one with all the bells and whistles for about $1000. DH and run/jog a lot, but don't care about all the bells and whistles, so we paid about $1200 for a better motor, and for my parents we got a shorter belt and smaller motor because they would be using it only for walking and paid about $600 for it. We got a really good deal at Sears for my parents one, got a really good deal at Sams Club for my FIL's one, and found the best price for the model we have at Costco.

With that said, if you are new to exercising or don't want to fork out the money to get a really good treadmill, I would find other ways to get your cardio in. Run/walk with a friend (I do this twice a week with my best friend), join a Stroller Strides group (where you walk/exercise with your baby), etc. Then from there if you feel that you will be dedicated to running, then spend the money for a good treadmill.

Either way, I definitely recommend getting fitted for the right type of shoe. Even if you are just walking a few miles a week on a treadmill. Having the right shoe will help prevent injuries, help cushion your spine from the impact, etc. Any good running store should be able to look at your gait/stride and foot imprint and be able to tell you what type of shoe will be best for you. And they should be able to find a shoe that fits you perfectly. I like Road Runner Sports and Movin' Shoes. There is no charge for the "tests" they do to find the right shoe for you. And the price of the shoes are comparable to most other stores. Most of my shoes have been in the $80 to $90 range, which is average for a good run/walk shoe.

And most importantly, find something that is FUN for you to do :). I get bored easily, so I am always changing up my routine.

I think you could just put the treadmill on a steep incline instead of running - when I do get on my treadmill (which is not too often), I burn a lot of calories keeping the incline over 5. I think it is also much gentler on your joints. Interval training, where you alternate going really steep on the incline with lower incline, is supposed to be very effective.

I agree with the previous respondents who said to try a treadmill before buying one. A good one can be very expensive. The cheap ones don't last very long. I use the ones at our gym when I have to (e.g. when it's raining or icy); but I'd much rather walk or run outdoors. I personally find treadmill running boring compared to being outdoors. A treadmill also takes up a lot of space.

If I lived in a cold climate and didn't have access to a free gym (that's one of the perks of working for the US military), then I would probably get a treadmill or exercise bike (I live in a cold, wet area but have the free gym). Otherwise, I'd use the money that I would have spent on a treadmill for comfortable, sturdy walking shoes and a jogging stroller for your little one (and you'd have plenty left over). You said that you like to walk. Why not find nice places to walk outdoors while pushing your daughter in the stroller. You benefit from the extra calorie burn and muscle building from pushing the stroller. Your daughter will get some fresh air and see Mom exercising. You would be setting a great example for your daughter by doing an exercise that you enjoy with her.

You don't have to run to lose weight. I have a friend who slowly modified her diet and got onto a walking program. She ended up losing over 100 lbs. Another friend of mine lost 40 lbs. by walking during his lunch hour and bringing his lunch to work instead of going out to restaurants with his co-workers.

Good luck!

I have a Healthrider H550i treadmill that I use at home and I love it. I am a military spouse with 4 kids at home and got the treadmill so that I could get back into shape and not have to take all the kids out.
Useing a treadmill isn't hard. Mine has speeds from 1 mph to 12 mph and an incline that goes 0%-10% grade. So you can start out slow and work up as you get into better shape. I also like the treadmill because it's easier on my joints than the concrete or asphault and I can use it anytime rain or shine.

Hello D., Congratulation on your baby girl ,I'm a mother of 2 and i'm a little over weight and I love to walk too. I know it so hard to lose, but just go slow and walk and don't over do it for the frist time good luck.
L..B.

Hi D.,
I love to walk, hate to run. The treadmill is great. I just walk slow to start out and once I increase my stamina, I walk faster until I can do about 4 or 5 mph for at least 40 minutes. It helps to play music or watch tv so you don't get bored.

I don't know which brand to get but I like the treadmills that have bars that reach the full length of the treadmill - not just at the front of the treadmill.

If you are serious about it, it's worth investing in a good one. Consumer reports.com is probably a good place to look for advice.

Hope this helps!

PS - I'm also doing Weight Watchers and just lost 15 pounds - it's really flexible on what you can eat - maybe check it out too.

Good luck!

I grew up with a treadmill in the house and can say that it got used next to never. Keep in mind you are stationary in one place while on it, and it's easy to put that off until the last thing of your day (but by then you are too tired!). I now have my own home and family and can honestly say that I'd much rather be outside running. I run approx 8-10 miles per week, but started out by just simply walking with my daughter. Up until she was 3 I had her in a jogging stroller and would take her out with me while I ran. She loved it and it was great motivation for me to push myself a little harder because she loved it when we went "fast."

My advice is to invest in a good pair of running shoes and a jogging stroller and take your little one out for some fresh air while you are working out. It's alot cheaper (not a drain on your electricity bill either) and you involve your child in a healthy lifestyle.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

Good Morning. My Husband and I are selling our treadmill for $250.00. I am not sure of the make or model (I am at work) I can get it for you though if you like. It has only been used a handfull of times. It is the spacesaver type. Please let me know if you are intrested. We live in Simi Valley.

Good Morning D.,

Congratualations on your new baby!

I haven't had any children yet. But I've battled weight my entire life. I don't battle weight anymore. I've tried every diet and excercise on the market for over 20 years. I could never maintain my weight and never get to my goal weight. I started looking at another area - allergies. I started researching allergies and learning about what prevents the body from loosing weight and normalizing.

Two things to consider with regard to Great Health: 1. Allergies and 2. Deficiencies. When both are addressed the body normalizes.

I just walk 1 mile, 4 times a week. And I eat what I want. And my body is normalizing for the 1st time in my life. I am going to an NAET allergist to eliminate allergies. What I found out is that if the body is allergic to what you are putting in it, it will not normalize no matter what you do. So, I just go to my allergy treatments work on optimal health and walk and my body is normalizing. So far, I've lost 20 pounds and I have 47 more pounds to go.

You may want to log onto NAET.com and look into having a NAET allergist test you for food allergies. The testing is nominal or free depending on the allergist. As far as I know, NAET allergists are the only doctors in the world who eliminate allergies. So this is priceless!

If you want to have books about this go to Amazon.com - 1. Say Goodbye to Illness by Dr. Devi Nambudripad and 2. Prescription for Nutritional Healing by Balch.

Be Well.

N.