Are manual ones a waste of time? What do you look for in a good basic treadmill?

I have a Life Fitness treadmill..not a basic model though as it has several functions. Not cheap though.

I think something that can give you a gradient, has random, manual and hill modes, calculates mileage and time is essential. Also you don't want it to be too noisy!

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There's a man I know...

Better save up then.

the summers coming now! why would you want to run indoors we have just battled through the wind and rain.

I wanted to replace one of my weekly runs with a treadmill session to reduce my risk of injury firsttimer - I've got a problem with my shins and I've been advised to reduce the intensity of my taining. I've suffered with various biomechanically related injuries since I've taken up running.

I bought a treadmill late last year SE and I am so pleased with it.
As Steve said for a half decent one you do need to spend a few quid.
There are many factors to consider aswel.
I did read a lot of reviews and think it would be worth your while researching before you buy as it would be a lot of money to spend only to find that it's not up to scratch.
The main things that I required were the warranty.Some don't offer as long as others the average seems to be about 1 year parts and labour.
I managed to get 3 years warranty with a 10 yr motor warranty.
The top speed on most treadmills up to about £1000 is about 10 mph I wanted a faster one that that,and mine goes up to 12mph,it also has the other options such as incline,hill work,intervals etc. The treadmill has improved my ability to run at a more constant pace on the road.
The belt width varies aswel,the norm is 18" but you can get some with 20".The extra 2" doesn't sound much but does make a big difference.
If you have room for a fixed then that is probably better(according to what I've read)but they are usually dearer.Mine is a folding type.
The frame work is more reliable if it is welded rather than held together by nuts and bolts as over time they will loosen.
if you look at treadmill doctor they give ratings and comparisons for most price catagories.
My one is a "smooth fitness" make and I can't speak highly enough of it and the service was great.Incidentally,the belt on this model is orthapaedic apparantly,so even kinder on the joints than the average treadmill in it's price range.Don't know how they do that though.
Didn't intend to bore you with an essay!

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FIRST THINGS FIRST

That makes sense SE. I was only joking, i would also really like a treadmill but after reading hot foot 's reply i think they are way out of my price range!!
my shins are a lot better than when i first started but its the knees now giving a bit of discomfort when running especially the first few miles!

You can still get decent enough treadmills for less than that,I'm sure,First timer but I was specific in my requirements.It's also worth checking out the second hand market as I did notice that you can pick up an ex gym type standard treadmill at a very good price.

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FIRST THINGS FIRST

Thanks Hot Foot that was really useful - I'm going to actually check out a gym tomorrow if I decide to get my own its going to take me a while to save.

Firstimer - you have got proper running shoes haven't you? I did 4 miles at club on Thursday. I ran with someone slightly slower than myself and ran at her pace, which was good for both of us. I was wearing my shin supports and my orhtotics felt comfortable and I could fee the benefit of the extra shock absorbing layer and the discomfort has been much reduced so fingers crossed.

Yes SE i got shoes from Alfords running shop in Plymouth, they only looked at the bottom of my old shoes though no gait analysis. I have noticed they are wearing more on the inside of the foot is this a worry? Only had them since just before Christmas so should have life left in them yet, I hope cost £60!!