Used Vs. New Treadmills

With new models ranging between just under $1,000 and more than $4,000, purchasing a treadmill represents a relatively substantial financial investment for many people. Fortunately, used treadmills provide an excellent alternative to brand new models for people whose wallets don’t need as much exercise as their waistline. When buying used treadmill equipment, the old adage, “you get what you pay for” doesn’t always hold true. There are plenty of gently used in-home and used commercial treadmills available to get the job done. Still, as with anything in life, there are both advantages and disadvantages to buying used treadmills. Performing some research before making a used treadmill purchase will help ensure that people end up with a well-working machine that meets their specific fitness needs.

The Advantages of Used Treadmills

The most obvious advantage to buying used treadmills are the used treadmill prices, which offer substantial discounts when compared to the cost of brand new treadmill models. The average price for a well-made, well-equipped new treadmill model designed for runners is in the $3,000 range. Although used treadmill prices vary, gently-used, high-quality used treadmills are often available for less than $500 – a savings of approximately $2,500. People can use some of their substantial savings from buying used treadmill equipment to purchase new fitness clothing and accessories, or even take a family vacation. Buying used treadmill equipment also puts name-brand treadmill models within reach of people who couldn’t otherwise afford them – hello used NordicTrack! Also, as pointed out by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources in their article, “Green Tips for Every Occasion,” buying used treadmill equipment is “greener” than purchasing new machines.

The Disadvantages of Used Treadmills

Although there are numerous advantages to buying used treadmills, there can also be a few, usually avoidable, disadvantages. Used treadmills may have multiple previous owners and users, some – or all – of which many not have given the machine the tender loving care it deserved. Examining used machines thoroughly before purchase – particularly the belt, motor, and front and rear rollers – will help people ensure they’re receiving the best used treadmills in the best possible condition. Even if the used treadmill was in good condition when purchased, people may find that it requires more frequent maintenance and repairs than its brand new counterpart. Fortunately, regular care and maintenance may help to alleviate this issue.

Where to Find the Best Used Treadmills

Used treadmills are available from a wide variety of local and online sources. Garage sales, secondhand stores and pawnshops usually offer the best used treadmill prices. Treadmills donated to these types of establishments are often barely-used, having spent the majority of their time serving as clothes hangers or providing some other unintended function. People in the market for used treadmills can also scan their local paper for gym closing notifications. Many gyms and fitness centers sell off their used commercial treadmills, such as used Nordic Track machines, when going out of business. Yes, used commercial treadmills may have had many users, but when sold in good condition, they’re still an excellent value – particularly used Proform, Bowflex and NordicTrack models. People can also find used treadmills listed on websites such as Craigslist or eBay. While used treadmills sold on these, and similar websites, are often deeply discounted, it’s important to arrange to inspect them in person before making a purchase.

The high price tags associated with new treadmill models send many people searching for used treadmill options. Although shopping for used fitness equipment, such as treadmills, can be stressful, it doesn’t have to be. There are numerous treadmill reviews available online to help people navigate through the many available brands and feature options. Reading customer reviews will also give people an idea of what they can expect from their new-to-them used treadmill one, three, and even five years down the road. People who have done research on the used treadmill brands and features that are available will find that they’re fully prepared and can make a purchasing decision with confidence. The most important thing for consumers to remember is that the best used treadmills are those that meet their budgetary concerns and fitness needs.