What to Know Before You Buy a Treadmill or Walking Pad

Winter is the time when many become exercise enthusiasts. At least for a little while. Maybe some of you are waiting for the New Year to officially plan for a new you. But maybe some of the rest of you are like me and have been looking over all of the Black Friday sales in hopes of finding the perfect exercise equipment.

For a long time, I had a treadmill that I loved. During my year of running a mile every day, that treadmill gave out after about 10 years of usefulness. A friend passed along a free treadmill which was so kind. But that one was never quite as steady, so it sat in our basement after a few years use and then we passed it along to another family for free. Bonus points for the fact that they did move it out of our basement.

Now that I have asthma, conditions are not always right for me to walk outside. Extreme hot or cold temperatures really bother my lungs, and we seem to have lots of varying degrees here in Nebraska. We live in the middle of farmer’s fields which means planting and harvest time is also not so great. I want to move more and inside seems like the safest place for me right now.

At first, I was convinced that I needed a walking pad. I liked the portability and being able to work out in our living room as opposed to our darker basement. But storage is at premium on our main level. Also, many reviews noted that these machines are not as sturdy and often cause falls. Probably not the best plan for this middle-aged mom who can be clumsy while walking on the ground.

During the spring of 2020, I bought an elliptical trainer from Body Basic in Lincoln. (That piece of equipment still works great – I just know I need some workout versatility!) This local sporting equipment store is mentioned in my 100 Things to Do in Lincoln Before You Die book. After I read countless reviews and recommendations, I was feeling a bit lost. Shopping local again felt like a way better option to be able to talk to a real person. I decided to visit Body Basics to get actual advice as opposed to listening to paid promotional “experts.”

Dave Stoupa has been working at Body Basic since 1988, and in 1995, he and his wife, Deb, purchased the Lincoln location. Thankfully he was working when I stopped by the store this week. He was able to give me a lot of input in helping me decide what fitness equipment to buy. So did my cousin who happens to work for the Body Basics in Omaha. The rest are my own observations.

Used Equipment

Normally treadmills last about 7,000 hours. Any used equipment that they sell has been evaluated by their mechanical personnel. All machines have at least half of their lives left. While purchasing used equipment locally can seem like a bargain, if the equipment has not been evaluated, what seems like a great deal may not be at all. Body Basic had two used treadmills that were very appealing, both for the price point and for how well the machines operated.
Sometimes the changes that happen between older and newer models is minimal. If you want to buy a used treadmill, find out if the updates to a newer machine were cosmetic or operational.
The sturdiness of the frame determines if the machine is comfortable to use. Smaller machines will be shaky.
The motor is also important. Perhaps I should have mentioned this part first. Even if you do not intend to run ten miles per hour, the fact that the machine is capable of doing that speed means that the slower speeds will not tap out the motor.
Older treadmills may have a lot of miles. Even if the machine was not used much, dust can still cause problems. Try to know the history before you buy used equipment.

New Equipment

The warranty matters. At body basics, new equipment comes with a one-year labor and ten-year parts warranty. Considering that the equipment that Body Basics sells is at a higher level, that means that they are trusting that few repairs will be necessary. But if one is investing in exercise equipment, knowing that the machine will last matters.
Again, ask what the difference is between newer and older models. Often treadmill companies do basic upgrades. Sometimes paying for a new model makes sense. Sometimes it might not.

Amenities

Today’s treadmills come with lots of options. The one my sister-in-law has allows her to follow worldwide rath paths – her treadmill adjusts according to the course. Since I am wanting to walk instead of run, that did not matter to me as much although I might be glad mine has that option.
I wanted to make sure that the ledge was adequate enough for a book. I hope to make a dent in my paperback tbr (to-be-read) pile. Some treadmills come equipped with televisions or tablet stands.
Knowing how hard you are working out is another bonus. I like the fact that mine can let me know how hard I am working out. I do not want to overexert myself, but I also know that I tend to wimp out. Strolling sounds better than striding. But moving faster will help me in the long run. I also am glad that the one that I have has dual water bottle capability.

Walking Pads

The price point is appealing. Walking pads are very affordable. Yet the sellers are making a profit. Dave (the Body Basics owner) pointed out to me that if one does the reverse math, by the time that retail mark-up, shipping costs and production costs are taken away, very little is spent on the machine mechanics. You get what you pay for. This is also true if you buy a cheaper treadmill. If you want new technology and plan to replace your treadmill every few years, buying a cheaper machine might make sense. But probably not.
This new type of device is usually just for walking and has a smaller motor. This means that if you want a brisk walk, you could tap out the machine.
With tracks that are shorter and narrower, they may not be the best option for taller people. These smaller paths can lead to falls, and this was concerning for me.
Some walking pads are heavier than others. Heavier machines are more stable, but then they are less portable. They are not space saving if you cannot move them.
Read the reviews. Almost all online walking pads had fairly substantial complaints. Since this is newer technology, time might be needed to prove if a machine is worth the investment.
If one wants to work and walk, desks are available that work with treadmills with a bigger motor. This might be an option if you want the walking pad features.

Maintenance

Like all pieces of equipment, one needs to maintain it. Treadmills need to be lubricated to protect the wood base about every six months. Dust the equipment fairly often. If you cannot use the machine for a bit, consider covering it with a tarp.

My Purchase

See my Instagram post to learn more about the three treadmills that I considered purchasing. Body Basics might be out of the Spirit Treadmill that I purchased, but they do have newer models available. My husband had mentioned to me that he was unwilling to bring another treadmill down to our basement. The great news for me is the fact that Body Basics offers free delivery AND set up. That is not an option with online treadmill purchases, or if it is, you could end up paying extra or have a random person set up your treadmill who is not trained. Equipment that breaks right away is problematic. Whatever machine you buy, exercise equipment is a great gift because your health is a great investment.

Disclosure

None is needed. I was not given a discount or any sort of perk to buy my treadmill. Since I purchased a 2024 model, it was on closeout but with the same warranty. More importantly, I will be getting a solid treadmill at a good price while supporting a local business. I feel more than satisfied with my purchase, and I can’t wait to start putting on the miles. I have to wait less than a week for delivery!