Treadmill Desk

How To Buy A Treadmill Desk: Features, Tips & Ideas for Buying Treadmills


For the most part when you set out to buy a treadmill desk, you really are buying a treadmill and a desk in two separate transactions. You can watch a newscast from Good Morning America on treadmill desks in the workplace.

TREADMILL BUYING FEATURES & CONSIDERATIONS


Let’s discuss the major factors when buying a treadmill: features, price, storage, durability and performance.


“WITH QUALITY, YOU ONLY PAY ONCE”


I remember walking into a client’s office once, and above her desk was a sign that said, “With Quality, You Only Pay Once.” That really has stuck with me through the years and I have tended to honor that credo when buying cars, or when I bought my treadmill.


Of course, the corollary to that is, “You get what you pay,” which is especially true when buying a treadmill. Treadmill pricing seems to cluster around cheap (less than $1,000), moderate (up to $2,500) and expensive (over $2,500). My suggestion, which will not work for everyone, is to buy the highest quality treadmill you can find, even if that means buying a used one. The main reason why is the deck of the treadmill. You are pounding it over and over and over, and cheap treadmills, well, they have cheap decks and they break. You end with an $800 treadmill that worked for less than a year and now will take another $800 to repair, replace and fix the treadmill. You could have just bought a quality, used treadmill for that same $1,600.


Again, generally, the higher the cost, the better treadmill machine will have due to sturdier components and construction and design issues. Of course if you are not going to use your treadmill desk much, or if you are on a tight budget, a less expensive treadmill machine may work for you.


I bought a used Landice L7 and an L8. They list for over $3,500 each and I bought them used on craigslist.org for $1,000 each. These are workhorses of treadmills. It took about 2 months of searching craigslist and ebay to find one. Below, I have some treadmill buying tips on how I did my searches at eBay.com and Craigslist.or for you.


MEASURE TWICE – CUT ONCE


There is an old adage, “Measure twice, cut once,” that applies to your decision to buy a treadmill desk. If you can go to your local health club, YMCA, gym, friends home or whatever to actually see if you can tolerate and work standing up. I think many people think they can, but either they have a keyboard/mouse problem or they don’t have the stamina to stand (walk) all day.


TREADMILL MOTOR HORSEPOWER (HP)


The motor is probably one of the most important factors as it is running when you are. Horsepower (HP) ratings can vary, but what you want is the “continuous horsepower rating.” Ideally, the higher the better, and, at a very minimum you need at least a 1.5 HP and ideally a 2.5+ HP rating. Also examine the warranty period for the motor – the longer the better – take nothing shorter than a year with a new model. Anyone who tells you 90 days, is alerting you that the motor isn’t very reliable.


TREADMILL DIMENSIONS


There is a fine line between the physical footprint and overall size of the treadmill and size of the treadmill deck for you to utilize. The treadmill dimension you should be most concerned with is the belt size which shows the usable exercise surface. The deck belt length should accommodate you if you run or walk.


FOLDING TREADMILL VS. NON-FOLDING TREADMILL


The reason you would take a folding treadmill over a nonfolding treadmill is portability. You can fold the treadmill and hide it away, where as the non-folding treadmill is always out and in view. Although folding treadmills have improved, in my opinion, the fixed, non-folding models are more durable and reliable. If you are examining a folding treadmill consider the following factors: stability, just how small it really is when folded, folding ease, body weight capacity, and if it has wheels to allow it to be easily hidden.

Here is video of a folding treadmill from HSN.


INTANGIBLE TREADMILL FEATURES


Intangible treadmill features include many factors such as: aesthetics (does it look right?), ergonomics (how hard is it to adjust to your height and weight or maneuver the treadmill?), controls (can you readily adjust exercise levels?), design elements (is the treadmill deck grip adequate and are the hand grips safe for you?), readability (can you see, and understand, the display?), construction quality (does the machine look and feel durable and reliable for your needs?) and overall workout sensation (how do you feel when you are working out on a treadmill?).


TREADMILL SAFETY


Treadmill safety is an issue as nobody wants a treadmill accident. Safety features include: stop button size and location, safety key, electrical and physical instruction issues as well as simple things like the ease and safety involved when closing a folding treadmill model.


Another key issue in treadmill safety is where you physically locate your treadmill in your home. In home usage, you want to be sure to leave 18″ of clearance on each side and 4’ of clearance to the rear of the treadmill. Keep the power cord away from heated surfaces and also away from the treadmill belt itself.


I have included some very brief videos on treadmill accidents and treadmill safety. Essentially you can watch people on their video doing stupid things, so you will know what not to do!


WHERE TO STORE / PLACE YOUR TREADMILL


Where you plan to put your treadmill is a major decision, and can lead to marital or roommate discord if you are not careful. Because of this many people opt for a folding treadmill so it can be stored when not in use. That is great when you are tight for space, but in my experience, “out of sight is out of mind,” and you may not use it as much as you should due to having to get it out and set it up each time.


Other issues of where to place your unit include issues like weather, humidity and convenience. A basement or garage may be a dreary workout area, a patio may expose the treadmill (and you) to the elements making for an uncomfortable workout.


One issue I discovered with my treadmill, is that stairs can be a major problem, especially if there is a bend in the stairs. I might suggest taping flat cardboard together to mimic the dimensions of your treadmill and test moving that cardboard around corners and through your home or office if you think you might have a placement issue.


MATCHING HEIGHT & WEIGHT TO TREADMILL MODEL


Your weight and height need to be considered when buying a treadmill. When you run, instead of walk, the impact on the treadmill is greatly increased. If you are over 200 pounds, you will need to purchase a higher rated treadmill to withstand the additional force. As you approach 250 – 300 pounds you will require a treadmill model that has at least a 1″ thick treadmill deck. Another issue is that tall people have a longer walking stride, and a much longer running stride. You will need to have at least a 50″ long walking surface and probably 60″ long for running.

See a video of a very tall person running on a treadmill, and you will recognize why the treadmill dimensions are such an important factor.


TREADMILL MAINTENANCE


For most users seeking a treadmill desk, walking will be the primary consideration for the above factors. For example, here is the treadmill maintenance requirements for a commercial Landice treadmill:


Once a week or as needed:
1. Wipe down display with a mild solution of Non-Phosphate cleaner on damp soft cotton.Cloth should be damp not wet. Once a week or as needed.
2. Wipe down handrails and traction strips with soft cotton cloth and mild soap and water.Cloth should be damp not wet. Once a week or as needed.
3. Vacuum or wipe down the deck area between treadmill belt and frame. Once a week.


Once a Month:
1. Unplug treadmill. Let it sit for 10 minutes. Take off motor cover and vacuum inside the motor area, being very careful not to directly touch the static-sensitive electronics.
2. Slide clean towel under Treadbelt and wipe deck and under the belt. Rotate belt 180º and repeat.
3. Slip Cote under Treadbelt.
4. Check Drive Belt Tension
5. Check Treadbelt Tension and Tracking


Every Six Months:


1. Check Motor Brushes for wear. Dress Commutator if needed


WHERE TO BUY A TREADMILL


You see treadmills everywhere, in sporting good stores, at Sears, at Costco and at specialty exercise equipment retailers. Here are you strategies. For sporting goods stores and Sears, wait until a sale, assuming they will discount the brand you want. My sister did that at Sears and bought a Nordic Trac. With Costco, you can buy pretty much any time because of their pricing model, PLUS they essentially have a free extended arrantly plan built-in with everything you purchase there. At a specialty exercise equipment retailer, you can wait for a sale or just play hardball and ask the salesperson to work with you. The other bonus from a specialty exercise equipment retailer is that they typically will deliver and set-up the treadmill for you.

Click here if you want a free tip on how to buy a treadmill on craiglist or to buy a treadmill on eBay. Again remember, when buying from craigslist.or or eBay.com, delivery is usually not included.


TREADMILL DELIVERY ISSUES


Some treadmill companies may void your warranty if buy a treadmill online and other treadmill companies have restrictions on delivery distances from an authorized dealer. If in doubt, call or email the treadmill company.


If you do buy a treadmill online, you must be aware of delivery issues. This includes everything from having to wait around all day to receive your shipment, to “curbside delivery” which means YOU have to get it inside your house and into the room that you want The Landice L7 I bought weighs over 300 pounds. The L8 weighs 450 pounds.


SHOP AROUND FOR TREADMILL PRICES


After you do your treadmill research and decide on which treadmill is right for you, shop around to receive price quotes from different exercise equipment and retail stores. Ask for a better deal, if they can’t adjust price, frequently they can add free delivery and installation or treadmill accessories or special financing.