Getting in shape is a lot easier when you have great weather and many options on where to run, jog or walk. But if you are not so fortunate and do not have a lot of money to spend on a gym membership or fancy equipment, you may wish to look for a used treadmill at a reduced price.
Types
You can find used treadmills online, in the classifieds, at yard sales and popular fitness stores. Bidding sites like eBay, Overstock.com and UBidz join buyers and sellers of used treadmills. Craigslist.com and your local paper also will have listings of used treadmills in your area that can save you hundreds of dollars. Stores like the Sports Authority sometimes sell their floor model for up to 50 percent off the list price. Play It Again Sports sells mostly used sports equipment and can also save you 50 percent or more on a used treadmill.
Features
When searching for a used treadmill, you still want to get the best value. Look for treadmills less than 5 years old that include a service record. Inspect for wear on the belt and note how the machine operates when it is running. Does it shake too much or make any peculiar sounds? These would be reasons to avoid purchasing. Sometimes a treadmill is for sale because the owner never used it as much as they originally believed.
Considerations
Besides eBay and craigslist.com, you can check out pre-owned treadmills at UsedTreadmillsGuide.com. They offer shopping ease by separating the treadmills by brand, such as NordicTrack, Life Fitness, Proform, and others. This allows you to comparison shop and cross-reference other sites.
Warning
Ebay and craigslist.com are popular choices for used items, but you won't have the security of a store with a return policy. Since both sites are like an online garage sale, think buyer beware.
Benefits
Getting the best deal supplies satisfaction and justification for the purchase; the extra money in your pocket is always welcome. New treadmills can cost thousands of dollars, so saving a few hundred by spending a few hours researching and shopping is well worth the time and energy.



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