Advice on treadmills for pre and recent post WLS
I'm still awaiting my surgery date, but i expect it to be late march early april. Still wintery, wet and cold weather at that time. I'm looking for a peice of fitness equipment that i can use to help with recovery and prepare for surgery that is low impact and can actually support me without falling apart in a few months.
could anyone recommend some brands or details i should look for? Other than the recommended weight, which itself seems impossible to find >350lbs ... are there other criteria i should look for in terms of motor size and functions? I'm becoming quite frustrated with the lack of options that are in my price range 700$ and are in or ship to canada.
I've wasted months trolling all the used sites like craigslist, kijii, lespac, ebay without much luck. guess that means new? would love to find a used industrial strength one like you find at the gyms, but no idea where to look for those.
any help would be welcomed!
You might actually check with some of your local gyms and see if they are doing any turnover of their old equipment... don't forget hospitals and rehab groups..
It may be just as cost efficient to go to a gym and use their TM until weather clears for outdoor walking and / or you lose down to a point you can buy a smaller TM for the weight. It used to drive me crazy that I couldn't find anything to help someone my size workout - I was the very person who needed it!
I just went in halves with my dad for an awesome treadmill by Proform.
Good luck in your search.
COURAGE TO START, STRENGTH TO ENDURE, RESOLVE TO FINISH
HW 353 SW 317 Original GW 180 Current Wt 170
First 5k 59:18; 5k PR 32:06; 1st 10k 1:20:27; PR 1:08:36
1st Half Marathon 2:48
Pensacola Double Bridge Run 15k- 1:47:34
Three Sprint Triathlons
I know mentally it is hard to wrap our minds around the thought of going to a gym and people not looking at us like a freakshow, to be totally honest I still feel that way some days. Now being not one of the biggest guys in my gym I look at the guys there putting in their work and have total respect for them, and I have found that people have respect for what I do. The truth is that at a good gym everyone is there for 1 reason to get fit and you work hard towards that and people will respect you for it.
When I started going to the gym it was early mornings because I was embarrassed now I go early morning usually because it is easier, but I will hit the gym anytime I have to. I used to see the guys in spin classes and think DAMN no way until my friend Bill got me in one and I was hooked! And when it comes to spin size is not an excuse well actually it is just that. I have seen guys in some of my classes an easy 3 bills. I am so hooked I sat in spin class for 4 hours minus toilet and water bottle refill breaks.
a hassle to get to is not the same as impossible. Most good gyms will do a free trial period. And the biggest thing to fitness is find what you like to do and keep doing that. If you don't like it you won't follow through.
First 5K 9/27/20 46:32 - 11 weeks post op (PR 28:55 8/15/11)
First 10K 7/04/2011 1:03 First 15K 9/18/2011 1:37
First Half Marathon 10/02/2011 2:27:44 (PR 2:24:35)
First Half Ironman 9/30/12 7:32:04
I too have a ProForm but got it on CraigsList for very cheap, so wasn't sweating it if I didn't use it much - and since I train outdoors no matter what the weather, I may be posting it for sale.....
For the weight requirement, I'd consider asking at a Cardiac Rehab gym what brands they use. If your surgeon or bariatric team has a relationship with a gym or rehab center, they'd likely have specialized equipment that they either would have the know-how for your home purchase or maybe you could just work out there until you're ready to buy a standard (cheaper) one.
First ultra: Stone Mill 50 miler 11/15/14 13:44:38, First Full Marathon: Marine Corps 10/27/13 4:57:11, Half Marathon PR 2:04:43 at Shamrock VA Beach Half-Marathon, 12/2/12 First Half-Marathon 2:32:47, 5K PR Run Under the Lights 5K 27:23 on 11/23/13, 10K PR 52:53 Pike's Peek 10K 4/21/13, (1st timed run) Accumen 8K 51:09 10/14/12.
If there's one you're looking at, maybe write/email the manufacturer with the weight question. And although a gym may not be a place to consider if you feel they won't motivate you or you'd feel self conscious, please consider going to a cardiac rehab center. They specialize in the "non-gym-rat-doing-this-for-health" set! I did pre-op sessions there and post-op too, as part of my surgeon's plan.
First ultra: Stone Mill 50 miler 11/15/14 13:44:38, First Full Marathon: Marine Corps 10/27/13 4:57:11, Half Marathon PR 2:04:43 at Shamrock VA Beach Half-Marathon, 12/2/12 First Half-Marathon 2:32:47, 5K PR Run Under the Lights 5K 27:23 on 11/23/13, 10K PR 52:53 Pike's Peek 10K 4/21/13, (1st timed run) Accumen 8K 51:09 10/14/12.
got my surgery date, apr2. so cant wait longer. going to go with
http://www.sears.ca/product/nordictrack-t-70-folding-treadmill/606-000097485-24977
i'll still be over capacity, but hopefully it can hold up until i lose a few poinds.
I've never really used one before outside of a stress test at doctor office a long time ago. is this missing anything i should look for?
May I suggest mall walking. Not sure if it's the same in CA, but in the US many, if not most open between 7-7:30AM and is available for mall walking. It will be almost empty with just any mall walkers, security, and very few employees. IT's free and would give you more time to find something cheaper or wait till you lose some weight per treadmill capacity.
