Question:
Any suggestions for a home treadmill that holds over 300 lbs.?

I joined a gym last year, but was unable to use the cardio equipment because everything except the recumbant bikes had a 300 lbs. weight limit. I want a treadmill at home so I can walk post-op. My neighborhood is very, very hilly, so I'd rather not walk outside. The only treadmills I've found that can hold over 300 lbs. cost well over $2000. Anyone have any suggestions? Thank you!    — [Anonymous] (posted on February 27, 2002)

February 26, 2002
When I started this journey I weighed 400 pounds. I am now down to 338 at 2 1/2 months out. My wife, and I bought our treadmill from Target for 199.00. it was on sale. it said the max weight limit is 250 pounds, but it held me just fine. I would not try to do an all out run, but walking on it should not hurt it. Running on it causes more pressure per square inch, but walking there would not be that much pressure. I don't know about you, but at 400 pounds I could only walk for 5 minutes at a time before I was completely wiped out. Buy one, and go slow until the weight comes off, and then slowly speed up. I started at the lowest setting at 400 ponds, and now I can go up to the aerobic setting, and sustain it longer, and longer as my weight is coming off. I for the life of me cannot remember the brand name of the treadmill, but you should be able to find a similar one at Target, or Walmart.
   — sbinkerd1

February 26, 2002
When I started this journey I weighed 400 pounds. I am now down to 338 at 2 1/2 months out. My wife, and I bought our treadmill from Target for 199.00. it was on sale. it said the max weight limit is 250 pounds, but it held me just fine. I would not try to do an all out run, but walking on it should not hurt it. Running on it causes more pressure per square inch, but walking there would not be that much pressure. I don't know about you, but at 400 pounds I could only walk for 5 minutes at a time before I was completely wiped out. Buy one, and go slow until the weight comes off, and then slowly speed up. I started at the lowest setting at 400 ponds, and now I can go up to the aerobic setting, and sustain it longer, and longer as my weight is coming off. I for the life of me cannot remember the brand name of the treadmill, but you should be able to find a similar one at Target, or Walmart.
   — sbinkerd1

February 27, 2002
Hi and congratulations on your surgery i also looked for a treadmill that would hold over 300 lbs.I couldn't find one that i could afford . I found a gazelle freestyle i love it check one out .I think it is better than a treadmill it was 200 hope this helps.......
   — Julie B.

February 27, 2002
My local news station JUST NOW got finished doing a Consumer's Report special on treadmills. I wasn't paying much attention. They did mention a good one for the $500 range....but they said to make sure you get an extended warranty on any treadmill, one that makes housecalls. Maybe if you log on to C.R. website, you can read about them there. I've been doing "Walk Away the Pounds" which works great. A set of 3 videos and 2 lb. weights included for approx 40-45 bucks. Check into that at QVC.
   — blank first name B.

February 27, 2002
I bought a treadmill several years ago and didn't realize it had a 'limit' of 300 pounds. I called a friend who is an exercise physiologist and he said it would not break with me on it, but the motor would probably wear out earlier.
   — garw

June 28, 2002
Keep your hands on the rails and push down while you walk, this can eliminate up to fifty pounds of stress on the tread motor. These limits are calculated to account for upper limits, assuming the machine is at max. incline and max. speed, you'll be fine. The trick is finding one with a 300lbs limit, most afforadable modles have a 200-250 limit, SPRIT makes a great unit if you have $1000-$2000 to spend.
   — Ray O.