ObesityHelp

I asked this question of an exercise instructor at our support group a month ago. She said that you need to be sure to get a motorized treadmill -- not a manual one. Beyond that, its a matter of staying motivated.  A co-worker told me she got extra bells and whistles on her treadmill so she could take her pulse and play music and compete with the computer. All those things cost extra though.  Our exercise instructor said that fast motivating music works just as well for most people. She also said you can find used treadmills in the newspaper or at second hand shops. These are usually lightly used because someone didn't use the machine and got rid of it. Beyond that, she didn't have any other advise other than "whatever works best for you".

I got my treadmill pre-op, so the first thing I looked for was weight capacity of 350 pounds. That requires a big motor and was very costly. Other features I looked for: widest possible track, incline feature, heart rate monitor, fan, cup holder. I also wanted one that I could fold up for storage. I also wanted big easy buttons on it, a safety-stop feature, and hand-holds or bars that came back far enough for my comfort. Gee I don't ask much huh? :-) The brand I ended up getting was Keyes (Keys? not sure on the spelling) Healthtrainer and I am VERY happy with it. I got a treadmill for many of the same reasons as you - weather, and scheduling. I wanted a real "no excuses" exercise option. It was my sole exercise for my first year or so post-op. I have been a member of my local Y for years and never went. But as my first year post-op passed and I still had some weight to lose, I knew I had to jack it up now or never. So I started going, hired a trainer to show me around, and am still using her for help with strength training. I was always intimidated by what I called the "butt floss" crowd, too. But ya know what I learned? SOME of those butt floss bunnies are former BIG big girls and they have worked HARD to get those bodies - several have shared their struggles with me and have become my best cheerleaders at the gym. Men, too. One of the bodies I admired from afar belongs to a man who lost 200 lbs over 2 years on his own. I so admire that! I am open about my surgery and get lots of support. Now I love going there & miss both teh working out and my new friends when I have to miss. NEVER woulda thought THIS would be my life a few years ago! One last thought - if they have a PLAY IT AGAIN SAM near you, that is a good source for used or reconditioned high-ticket sports items such as a treadmill, elliptical, home gym, etc. Happy treadmill shopping! Let us know what you end up with, please!

I just got a horizon T95 from Dick's sporting goods. PRice with delivery was $699.00. I research brands on consumer reports and online to find which ones were recommended by price and quality. Mine folds up and is very easy to move around. I love working out on it. I am 9 weeks out and I do 45 minutes a day. An important point to look at when looking for one is the warranties. From what I hear, the motor, parts ,etc can be very expensive to replace. So i made sure I had a good warranty. Good luck on your research.

I really appreciate everyones input....thanks for all the good advice! xoxoxo  Deanna

I NEED TO BE DUMB HERE AND ASK WHAT THE DIFFERENCE IS BETWEEN MANUAL AND OTHER ONE.....I HAD SOMEONE JUST GIVE ME ONE AND I WAS GOING TO TRY IT TONIGHT.  PLUS I JUST HAVE HAD TORN LIGAMENTS IN BOTH KNEES TO CONTEND WITH SO I WANT TO START WALKING BECAUSE I HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO BE VERY ACTIVE FOR THE LAST 4-5 MONTHS.  I THINK THIS ONE IN MANUAL........ THANKS  WENDY