I love my TRUE PS 300. It was more than $500 but totally worth it. I have two little kids yet I'm in great shape. Getting to the gym or out for a run just wasn't happening. Now I just get up 45 minutes early to work out. Love it!

Anonymous wrote:We're eligible for a big discount on the Life Fitness models. Any recommendations on whether the T5 is really worth it (it would cost us about $2200) or the T3 (would cost us about $1600)? Otherwise, we're looking at a refurbished Sole F80, which Sears Outlet has for super cheap. Thanks!

both are great and yes, worth the $$

We're eligible for a big discount on the Life Fitness models. Any recommendations on whether the T5 is really worth it (it would cost us about $2200) or the T3 (would cost us about $1600)? Otherwise, we're looking at a refurbished Sole F80, which Sears Outlet has for super cheap. Thanks!

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thanks for the comments; rethinking the budget. We are willing to buy used, especially if we can get a warranty. Life Fitness actually has one that folds--the F1 Smart Treadmill. Do you think that's worth getting?

I did extensive research and agonized over this. I ended up with the Sole F80 Folding treadmill....it was between that and the LifeFitness one. I'm very happy with the Sole, I picked it for the longer deck, as my DH is 6'3" and I'm 5'9". At the time my DH was 275lbs and we needed something that would be sturdy for him. The deck on the LifeFitness was too short and I feel that you are paying for the brand name. The Sole stacked up even better when it came to the engine and power.

3 years and hundreds of miles later, it is still going strong.

A word of caution, a real treadmill is going to need a dedicated circuit, or at least one that is not loaded with aching else more than maybe a lamp-especially if you are running on any sort of high speed or using the incline, or if you are heavy.

You are not going to find a running treadmill for 500, and probably not even a good used one for that price. You can find a walking treadmill, but it will be flimsy and probably make a total racket.

OP here. Thanks for the comments; rethinking the budget. We are willing to buy used, especially if we can get a warranty. Life Fitness actually has one that folds--the F1 Smart Treadmill. Do you think that's worth getting?

Unless you're willing to buy used, $500 isn't enough to spend on a good treadmill. We got one from Nordic Track more than 5 years ago, on sale for about $1800. It doesn't have all the bells and whistles, but it does incline. And, most importantly, we've put about 25 miles per week on it since we bought it and it's still chugging along.

Agree with 17:24, and anything that folds up is not designed for running. Life Fitness, Precor, True are all good brands.

You will not find a new treadmill that you can run on at that price, unless you are 100lbs and 5 feet tall.

With two small kids at home and my husband traveling a lot for work, I'm having a hard time getting out to run. We've decided to take the plunge on a treadmill, but there are so many to choose from! Does anyone have good suggestions for an affordable ($500 or less) treadmill that's good for running? I expect to run about 10-15 miles a week on it, and would love to be able to do inclines, too. Most of the cheaper models seem to be aimed at walkers. Thanks in advance!