How to buy a treadmill that doesn’t smoke, smell like burnt rubber, or overheat the first time you use it

Having been the victim of two errant treadmill purchases, I can now pose as an expert and share my wisdom with you (maybe I’ll even write a money-making e-book about it someday).

In any case, here’s what not to do:

Do not buy from people who wear overalls, purport to run nine businesses, advertise on Craigslist and offer to “bring it right over” free of charge. Taking your money is one of their nine businesses, and there’s a reason they want to get rid of the thing.

Do not simply turn on a used treadmill at the store, remark about how quietly it runs, and promptly take it home. Instead, get on the treadmill yourself and see if it starts complaining. You know, whining and making other strange noises.

If you want to try working while walking, turn it down to your preferred speed and give it an honest workout, right in the store. If you’re too embarrassed, get a big boy salesman to do it.
Loud creaky whines, smoke, and burnt rubber smells are a bad sign. If you qualify as portly (e.g. obese), make sure the motor has muscle to move your weight. Until now, I could never figure out why some treadmills were $3500 and some were $350. Now I know. Some were built to be run in gyms, by hefties and skinnies alike, for extended periods of time. Others were meant for people who mean well but will really turn them into a plant stand.

If you’re planning to walk while working, you need a quality treadmill. Take it from the voice of experience. My treadmill was only quiet in the store, just long enough to get the sale. Then, like my kids used to do, it started whining the minute it got through my door. I got to walk on my “gently used” toy for a whole .4 miles before it emanated a strong smell of burning rubber and ground to a creaky halt. And no, I don’t weigh 300 pounds (I’m not even close to that).

Moral of the story: if you don’t like rubbery smoke smells, buy a treadmill with a strong motor and check it out well first.

P.S. I’m taking my second treadmill back today—the second hand store I bought it from is a good place and I know they will work with me.