Should I get a Treadmill?

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Did you have a great Halloween?  We sure did!

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Halloween is shaping up to be one of my favorite kiddo holidays.  I absolutely love going trick or treating with everyone!  Claire enjoyed sitting in the stroller and waving “hi!” to everyone.  And Henry LOVED going door to door with his friends.  A bunch of our neighbors get really into it with spooky décor, and Hen ate it up.

 

Other than the Halloween festivities, we had a pretty low-key weekend.  I scooted out of the house for a bit on Saturday to go on a peaceful solo trail run.  It was blissful.   And very challenging – my quads are super sore from this. 

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This run also made me realize that I need new running shoes – my old New Balances 880s are shot.

 

And actually, BFF Nicole and I did a little shoe shopping on Sunday.  She needs new shoes, too, but neither of us could pull the trigger – so we got pedicures instead!  Ahhh.  Now, THAT is really blissful.

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Dark red for the holidays!

 

So – as the title of this blog post suggests, I am thinking about getting a treadmill.  The Husband and I have been rolling this idea around for a few weeks, and we even went to look at a Craigslist treadmill on Sunday.  We probably would’ve bought it, but then I realized that we needed a moving truck to get it home…  That seemed too much to manage with two kids in tow.

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But the idea isn’t entirely dead.  Here’s my YES and NO list for bringing home a treadmill…

 

YES

It’s hard to find time for the adults to exercise with two littles in the house.  Just the timing of C and H’s wakeups/naps/bedtime and the Husband’s work schedule means that I can’t go when I used to go.

And it’s challenging to exercise at the gym because Henry no longer wants to go into childcare.  I don’t want to force him to go.

We feel like we’re throwing away $100 a month at the gym because we rarely go right now.

You can get a $2000 treadmill for about $350 – $450 used.

We have the space for it (spare bedroom).

 

NO

It’s really big, and even though we have the space for it, it’s not like it’s a pretty design element for my guest bedroom.

It’s going to be a bitch to get home.

If I buy a used one, I won’t have a warranty.

It may just become a really expensive place to hang clothes…

 

Thoughts?  Do you have a treadmill? Do you use it?

 

Oh, and one more thing!

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The Operation Beautiful team would like to extend a warm welcome to our new helper, Natalie!  She is helping us revitalize our social media channels. If you love the movement, please follow us!

 

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{ 65 comments }

 

  • Joy November 2, 2015, 6:46 am

    Not a yay or nay here just advice. If you get one put a rubber mat under it so it absorbs the sound. I hated mine because it was too noisy (and I got a good one new) and the problem was that it was on a hardwood floor! Thick rubber quiet treadmill. Especially if you want the kids to nap through your runs

  • Sarah R. November 2, 2015, 7:23 am

    I have a treadmill and I don’t use it year round (I also don’t have kids), I use it more in the winter and went and cold, and dead of summer when it’s a bajillion degrees outside and humidity is through the roof. I bought mine from Costco, and I made sure to get one where the delivery and assembly is included. (I believe you can also pay for this feature on treadmills where it’s not included.) This made it super easy – I didnt have to move a super heavy, over hundred pound box into my basement nor did I have to put it together myself. I bought one that folds up and has wheels on it so you can move it. THIS IS WORTH IT. Being able to fold it up out of the way and wheel it wherever I want has been amazing. And if it’s in a dual purpose room, you could always get a folding panel to put in front of it when it’s folded up and in a corner, so it’s not an eye sore.

  • Lauren November 2, 2015, 7:38 am

    Go for it! I bought this one off Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DIUM8BS/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1) two years ago and am so happy I did. I’ve found that my workouts are more efficient and I love not having to drive to and from the gym. I can do a quick 20 minutes anytime and I’m done! Also, I used to be a runner, but I found that walking on the highest incline worked other muscles that were undertrained and got my heart rate up real fast.

  • Lauren November 2, 2015, 7:39 am

    HI!
    Wanted to chime in because I do have a treadmill and I do use it. I also run outside and just joined a gym for the pool..but it IS really nice to be able to run (even if only for 20-25 mins) if you have a hectic day or your kids are sick and you can’t seem to fit in a workout. Unfortunately I didn’t get a used one, and despite that, still think it’s a great investment!

  • Erin @ Her Heartland Soul November 2, 2015, 7:55 am

    What a cute cow!

  • Jill November 2, 2015, 8:04 am

    No treadmill, but we have (and use) a bike trainer. It doesn’t take up that much more space than our bikes, and it’s been great to have so we can “ride” our road bikes through the winter (rural Canada – tons of ice and snow). I need to start using it more in the mornings before I go to work, since I’m finding it harder to fit in the 2-a-days, but it’s sooooooooooo easy to just lounge in bed, even with the time change this weekend.

    Keep us posted!

  • Sagan November 2, 2015, 8:06 am

    I bought a second-hand treadmill a few years back. I paid a couple hundred $$ for it, and I used it almost daily for maybe 6 months… and then very sporadically for another year or so. After it had been sitting for months unused, we donated it to the local Good Will.

    I certainly feel like I got my money’s worth from it – I really enjoyed having it while I used it! And it was nice to know that I hadn’t spent $2,000 on the thing.

    On the other hand, depending on the treadmill you get, they can be clunky or noisy (not ideal if you’re running while kids are sleeping!)… for me, I really like pacing around my house while reading a book, or doing jumping jacks, or doing high-intensity exercise for 2 – 5 minutes at a time throughout the day. I can’t see myself getting another treadmill any time soon! There are so many other ways to exercise at home without one 🙂

  • Whitney Schmidt November 2, 2015, 8:09 am

    Do you already have a bike trainer? Have you checked out Zwift? That is what I plan to use for my at-home cardio this winter. Takes up way less space than a treadmill.

  • Laura November 2, 2015, 8:11 am

    My fiance bought me a $40 treadmill off Facebook Auction Wars in our area. WorKS great and gets used almost everyday! If you can get one that works for cheap, go for it!

  • Katie November 2, 2015, 8:14 am

    My boys are older now – in grade school. So I just wanted to tell you that finding time gets easier. Maybe a treadmill is a good investment for now and the short term future!

  • Jessica November 2, 2015, 8:23 am

    We are ‘storing’ a treadmill for a friend in our basement (we can use it as much as we like). It wasn’t too bad to move, it could fold and we fit it in the back of another friend’s truck. So you might not needing a moving truck! However, I never use it: I enjoy running for the chance to get outside and enjoy nature. That being said if I was training for a race I’m sure I would use it when I need to get it ‘x’ amount of runs each week. My husband on the other hand has started using it regularly.

  • Carlee November 2, 2015, 8:34 am

    I LOVE having a treadmill in the winter. I ended up training for a marathon mostly on the t-mill because I could get up early, before my son, at 4 (even on weekends) and knock out a lot of miles while watching Netflix on my ipad. It absolutely saved me. I got mine used from a friend. It’s noisy and not at all like a brand new one, but it served me amazingly well. I used it when Gregory was a baby by putting his swing next to it during his late afternoon nap. Normally, I take him running with me but during the winter we had, it wasn’t an option because the sidewalks were never clear.

  • Ellen November 2, 2015, 8:38 am

    We’ve got a 3 year old and a 10-month old and we just bought a treadmill and I LOVE IT. Yesterday during their naps, I snuck downstairs and got in a great run, while watching TV. It was a nightmare to get it inside the door of our house but once it was in, and set up, we haven’t looked back. If you have a third person that can help move it in, I’d line someone up. Those things are crazy heavy especially if you are trying to wiggle them in different directions through a door 🙂

  • Hilary November 2, 2015, 8:43 am

    I’m looking forward to reading these comments because I’m grappling with the same thing right now. My kid hates the gym childcare (whyyyyyy??) and especially with the time change, running outside is hard because I don’t like to do it in the dark. Urggggg. But like you- j worry it will just gather dust and / or clothes. Good luck with your decision!

  • Sara @ LovingOnTheRun November 2, 2015, 9:14 am

    We have a home treadmill and a gym membership. We have the Sole F80 and love it but eventually want to get a more durable treadmill. I find that the one we have isn’t as accurate as I would like when it comes to paces, BUT I love having it. This morning when I woke up to pouring rain it was so nice to have an option instead of skipping my run!

  • Bobbie November 2, 2015, 9:35 am

    We do have a treadmill. Sometimes it gets a lot of use and sometimes it doesn’t. I generally hate running on the treadmill and will ALWAYS choose outside if I can. However, my children are a little older now and it’s more of an option to run outside. I feel like when I had toddlers and babies I did use my treadmill A LOT. It was easier to fit in a treadmill run b/c I could do it during naps/after they went to bed/ before they got up in the morning etc.. I couldn’t leave them alone in the house during those times but I could run in the house. I think it’s worth the investment…especially if you’re going to buy used.

  • Megan B. November 2, 2015, 9:39 am

    I say do it! We just got rid of ours because the only space for it was in our sun room/laundry room, which shares a wall with my daughter’s room. And our treadmill was about 20 years old, so it was pretty loud, and I always worried it would wake her up if I jumped on early morning. Before that though, having the treadmill staring me in the face every day made me run much more often – weather was never an excuse! I sort of miss it.

  • Christine November 2, 2015, 9:53 am

    Hi Caitlin-
    I highly recommend getting a treadmill in your house, I have two girls 3 and 16 months and the only time I can exercise is in the AM before everyone else wakes up. At first it is really hard to get up so early when it is still dark out, but after a while it is nice to have the time to myself. As dedicated as you are to fitness, I think you will most certainly use a treadmill if you purchase.

  • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine November 2, 2015, 10:04 am

    I probably would use it if I had it, but I love my bike! I have a recumbent as well as an upright and now I just got a trainer for my actual bike 😛

  • Amanda November 2, 2015, 10:25 am

    I don’t have one, but that’s only because we don’t have kids yet. Once we do, I will probably need to get one. Could you purchase it from a retailer that offers free delivery and setup?

  • janeen November 2, 2015, 10:26 am

    I love my treadmill and use it way more than I expected, even on nice days when I can’t get outside due to work, schedules, etc. I try to ‘save’ my favorite shows to watch on TV or the iPad for treadmill time, as it motivates me to go longer. I made it over 15 miles one day catching up on House of Cards. One thing to consider is how noisy the model you buy might be, especially if it is near your kids’ rooms and they are sleeping.

  • Stacey November 2, 2015, 10:29 am

    We have an elliptical and go in spurts with how much it gets used. Currently it’s getting more use as winter approaches in Iowa. In the summer…. not so much. I too have a little at home and do not have a gym membership. My workout life during naps are sprints outside (weight circuits in yard), Insanity cardio circuits, tabatas, elliptical intervals, etc… I miss the group atmosphere but it’s something I can’t justify budget-wise for our family so I have let it go. Some day perhaps it’ll work out again 🙂

  • Rebecca November 2, 2015, 10:29 am

    I also had the same debate about getting a treadmill. As luck would have it, an elderly neighbor gifted us one, so no money spent! After having it for one year and through one newborn baby phase (we have two kiddos about your age), here are my thoughts:

    1) We have the treadmill in our sun room (no doors) and it IS ugly. I don’t mind so much, except when we have company.
    2) Finding a time to run can still be challenging. My three year old no longer naps and both kids think it is fun to be behind the treadmill and it makes me very nervous. So, I either have to make sure my oldest is entertained while the younger is napping or run when the dad is home to watch them. I recommend putting back of treadmill very near a wall to avoid having kids behind you when you run. (or just making sure you can see whole room from treadmill to keep track of kids).
    3) We still have our gym membership plus the treadmill. I just can’t give it up. My oldest is going through a phase where he doesn’t love the gym day care, but I’m hoping he will get over it. Our gym also offers lots of other classes for kids, parents morning out, indoor and outdoor pool, basketball court, etc. It is still beneficial for us to have the membership.

    Hope this helps! Good luck!

  • Andrea November 2, 2015, 11:05 am

    In on the same boat regarding a spin bike. I love to spin and it is so nice to not have the impact on my knees(I love running but it will be a while before I’m hard core about it following knee surgery).

    But I could also spend money on a road bike plus trainer. It would be fantastic because I could really wear out my pup. But would I really go out that much?!

    Gah it’s like being a kid in a toy store and not knowing which toy is best.

  • Laura November 2, 2015, 11:16 am

    We love our treadmill!! We recently upgraded to a nicer one (used on craigslist but gym quality). It is mostly used during winter or during hot days in the summer, but it is still SO worth it. Do you have a basement? We have ours in our unfinished basement- my husband mounted a TV and I have all my workout equipment down there so I don’t have to worry about hiding everything. Also, I would go with a higher quality treadmill. Our last one was cheaper and the deck cracked and several other pieces broke (that thankfully my husband was able to fix). Our new one is still pretty loud, but I don’t worry about it down in the basement. Overall, it has made workouts much more doable with small children and a full time job!

    • Caitlin November 2, 2015, 12:12 pm

      No basement 🙁

  • Kristi November 2, 2015, 11:24 am

    Short answer: YES on the treadmill.
    We were able to buy a new one in January when stores were transitioning to the “new models.” So even though it was brand new, we got an $1800 treadmill for $500. We’ve had it for 6 years without issue. It is SO nice to be able to work out whenever we want, and has gotten a ton of use since we had a baby (now toddler ).

  • Reenie November 2, 2015, 11:33 am

    Claire & Maggie’s spots match!! HA!!

    I’d def go with a used one. I bought mine off Craigslist (the guy even delivered it to me ~ and had one of his friends help him get it in my house) and it works great. Do I use it that often… no. But plan on de-cluttering my room to get to it again. HA!!

  • Katy November 2, 2015, 11:36 am

    We bought a used treadmill of Craigslist 11 years ago and it’s still going strong! It is great to be able to run while the baby sleeps and zone out to some trashy tv! It is a pain to get home, but once it’s there, you’re done!

  • Lisa November 2, 2015, 11:37 am

    One thing to consider, when my son was about 6 he and his cousin got on the treadmill at my MILs house. Cousin turned it way up, son went off the back and ended up with a horrible burn on his stomach / chest / chin.

    If my kids were younger, and we had room, I’d probably get one – but would have to have a spot where I could unplug it when not using it.

    • Caitlin November 2, 2015, 12:12 pm

      Excellent idea!!!

  • Jill November 2, 2015, 11:41 am

    I have never heard you say that you run on the treadmill at the gym (but maybe I’m just not remembering!). But that would be my biggest question/piece of advice that you should think about. Do you enjoy running on a treadmill? Personally, I hate it, and would rather run outside in the snow, rain, whatever as opposed to the treadmill. We had a treadmill when we were first married (before kids) and hardly ever used it. It was so hard for me to get up the motivation to do it, and I just came to dread exercise in general. When we moved, we sold it, and I know we will never buy another one. BUT – I know plenty of people who love their treadmill, love catching up on shows, movies, etc while they run. I even tried that, and felt like I would get dizzy when trying to watch tv. I just think it’s a personal preference, so I would recommend running on one quite a few times at your gym before you commit. Good luck!

  • Amy November 2, 2015, 11:44 am

    Get one! I actually got mine before I had my daughter, but now I use it even more! I prefer to run outside, but I love that I have an option if that’s not possible. We actually have it in our bedroom, so I really have no excuse! It was s beast to get in there, but one of our friends just helped my husband.

  • Jessi November 2, 2015, 11:44 am

    Yes, yes to the treadmill. My naptime runs are my sanity these days! My LO sleeps and I get to sweat and shower! I have a jogging stroller too, but this way I don’t have to worry about cold or rain.

  • Abbey November 2, 2015, 11:50 am

    My supervisor has a treadmill instead of a desk in her office! This doesn’t *really* have anything to do with anything, but I think it’s pretty neat. She has a standing desk and her treadmill stands right up against it and she just walks anytime she’s working there.

  • Sara November 2, 2015, 11:56 am

    We got a treadmill after our twins were born and use it constantly. My kids are now 5, 4, 4, and 2. We got it new, but got a middle of the line kind with the warranty. Both my husband and I are usually training for some kind of race (marathon, half-marathon, trail races, etc) – so we alternate who gets to run with the baby monitors on the treadmill and who gets to run outside. We keep it in the garage because we don’t have room inside but we live in a mild area where it only gets to about 32 deg on the cold side and about 80 on the high side so the garage temps are too bad. We have used the warranty to get certain parts repaired so that was well worth it also. Nothing beats running outside but I’d much rather be able to run than have to skip it. We also have indoor bike trainers that we use quite a bit – so maybe that would be an indication of how much you would use a treadmill?

  • Megan November 2, 2015, 12:00 pm

    No!!! We just got rid of ours after a year of basic non use. Thought I’d be on it all the time and let the littles play quietly next to it. Nope. Turned out to be a big waste. Luckily we sold it for as much as we bought it used ( $400) but they are so heavy and ugly. Plus you won’t want to run in your guest bedroom if it’s a beautiful day and you can go outside, even just to walk.

  • Erica D House November 2, 2015, 12:07 pm

    We actually went out yesterday to look at treadmills. Winter in Alaska is not conducive to running!

  • kristinp November 2, 2015, 12:36 pm

    I got a Fuel treadmill several years ago at Dick’s Sporting Goods for about $600 (I think it was on sale – labor day maybe?). It’s basic, goes up and down, 0-12 mph and it’s heavy as hell, but I LOVE it! It’s a great way to get a few miles in when all I want to do is plop on the couch and watch TV. I keep it in the TV room and so it’s easy to just get on and at least walk while I zone out. Best of all, it’s a folding treadmill, so when I need to use the room as my guest room, it’s easy to fold up and roll into the closet. This is the current model of the one I have: http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=49555806

  • Hilary November 2, 2015, 1:00 pm

    Hello!

    I have a treadmill at home and I love it so much. Let me first say that I have always enjoyed running on a treadmill. I think for a person that thinks of it as a dreadmill this wouldn’t work so great. We keep ours in the basement which is key because of the noise. Ours is very noisy, but we got our second hand for free! We moved ours in with a pick up truck and it was ways enough for my boyfriend and his friend to get it downstairs. I find it gives me no excuses when I am having a hard time working out. It cuts off the to and from time to the gym as well, which means I can fit a workout in even if I am short on time. We plan to set up a TV downstairs on the near future as well so I can walk while I watch Netflix as well. I hope this helps! For us there was no downside.

  • Catie November 2, 2015, 1:22 pm

    We just bought a treadmill yesterday! We didn’t need a moving fetch to bring it home, we used my fiancés pick up. Not sure if you can just rent one of those.

  • LMN November 2, 2015, 1:42 pm

    I made deals with myself to use the treadmill. Like, I can only watch tv when I’m on the treadmill, or 15 minutes treadmill = 1 Diet Coke. If you have the discipline, it’s a pretty solid technique. After awhile, no bribery needed! It’s easy to put off exercise bc you think, oh I can do it anytime, it’s in the next room. The self bribery helped the most for that!

  • Amanda November 2, 2015, 2:42 pm

    We have a well-loved treadmill in the house (8 years now!), in our dining room to boot. It does not look nice in there, obviously, but it works and we use it. We bought a floor mat to protect the floor and absorb sound, plus easier to clean the treadmill dust. Buy many lube kits and use them when your treadmill belt is “scheduled” for an oil application. You may also need to become a little handy for troubleshooting the sounds. At this point, I can tell when the dust is collecting and need to remove the cover and clean the insides of dust and hair. I’ve had to become experienced in tightening and loosening the bolts to get the running belt in the right place. I am not able to make gym hours either and my son (also 3 yo) has not gone to gym childcare for more than a year now (issues there and he’s not going back to that environment! Though, I do wonder if we had not pushed his limits and only stayed for 40 mins to an hour back then instead of two hours if things would have been different?). My SO still goes to the gym and has a membership, but it costs much less for just him! If you can swing it, we bought a new machine from the store, paid for delivery and assembly, and had a couple of year warranty while we learned about the maintenance. No regrets. Good luck!

  • Allison November 2, 2015, 2:53 pm

    So we have one and I used to use it before getting pregnant. Not a lot because honestly I don’t like it- the husband bought it and it was a cheaper model. BUT now that we are about to have baby I am planning to use it after the baby is born. I just don’t feel great about gym child care with a tiny little one! Also we have such crazy schedules I hate the thought of taking time a lot to go to the gym while the husband stays home. I want the workout done in the morning or during my lunch break so we can have us time at night after the babe goes down!

  • Krissy November 2, 2015, 3:55 pm

    My parents bought one off of a friend when I was in the later part of high school, and I really enjoyed having it around! The downside was when it broke, there was no warranty, and the repairs were going to be a lot, so it never ended up being fixed.

    Then, A few years ago, my fiancé and I had an elliptical, but got rid of it during a move, and I really regret it now. It was in a time when I wasn’t exercising much, but now I wish I had it all the time! It was so convenient to have around. I definitely think having a cardio machine in the house is worth it, if cardio is mostly what you do at the gym, and getting to the gym sounds like it can be quite the production with the kiddos!

    Also, I love the cow costume! 😀

  • Mandi November 2, 2015, 4:40 pm

    My grandparents have a treadmill in their basement that folds into a standing position. It tucks into the corner and is barely noticeable. Just a thought if you’re trying to avoid the huge space it takes up. And with the no warranty con – if you’re worried it’s not going to get its use, might as well get a used one, see how much you use it and then you can actually invest! I feel like with your dedication to fitness there’s no way it wouldn’t be worth a shot to have.

  • Christine J November 2, 2015, 5:42 pm

    Hands down best investment post kids!! And I live in San Diego. I had friends that were just like “you live in San Diego…run w the jogger stroller,,,”. Just not as easy as it sounds. I use our TM almost daily and would’ve gone insane without it the last 3 years. A thousand times yes. It for sure has made the difference on days where I just need or want to do just a quick run. If I depended on the gym, wouldn’t have done the workout. You can still BE THERE for your kids! Got ours at Costco for about $1000ish. Peace of mind shopping there. And when it’s time to move on from it we will. My kids are about the same ages as your two. Good luck!

  • Larissa November 2, 2015, 6:38 pm

    Hi Caitlin,
    I don’t have children but i have a job that makes getting to the gym difficult. I went with this approach ( save time of driving etc) and went with something a bit smaller, the TRX. I use it for HIIT work outs but its great cause it doesn’t take up much space and allows me to get a great work out in at home. I found that i used to hate using my parents treadmill at home because it always felt too hot when i got going.

  • Eileen November 2, 2015, 9:55 pm

    I think it’s worth the effort to get outside, for everyone! Even if you can only manage 15-20 min pushing the stroller. I go hard while huffing “it’s mama’s time to play!” And in no time Claire will also be in school and you’ll have more options.

  • SHU November 3, 2015, 5:58 am

    We have one, but I don’t use it that often because I usually run outside. That said, I DO use it once every couple of weeks, and could see using it more and more as the kids get older. I also like having it as a backup if Josh has to leave early, or if there’s a storm.

  • Ashley M. [at] (never)homemaker November 3, 2015, 6:45 am

    We just bought a new treadmill because it has already snowed here this year. The cold weather and ice/snow we get in NY means that good winter running sessions are few and far between (esp when pregnant). We went with a new one bevause the warranty was important to us — our old (used) treadmill had a recurring belt problem abd we don’t want to deal with that again.

  • Bethany November 3, 2015, 10:13 am

    Yes! We bought one used from a local gym – it’s great quality. Call around and see if any are available. There are times when it is used a lot and times when it is not used as much. I am not a runner so much as a walker but having the convenience to fit in a 30-60 minute walk. With a full time job – kids in activities – and coaching swim team- and living in a cold climate. It can be a life saver. However- we do have a finished basement so it is hiding down there.

  • Sue November 3, 2015, 10:37 am

    I have two boys and work 32 hrs a week outside of the home. I have found that the best time exercising for me is at 5 AM, but I didn’t want to drive to the gym at that time and head straight to work and miss mornings with the boys so we now have a TM, elliptical, weights, bike trainer & tons of DVDs. There is no reason now that I cannot find time. We bought ours new and it was not an expensive one. I think we have over 5 years out of it and A LOT of miles. When it goes we will buy again!

  • Nicole November 3, 2015, 11:33 am

    After I had my daughter (she’s now 2) it was a no-brainer for us to get a treadmill. I ran outside a lot with her whenever I could, but it became very difficult to manage being able to run with a baby and a full time job. We bought a brand new one (and yes, a good, thick mat and one with wheels and that folds are all key!) and both my husband and I use it regularly. Although I’m 24 weeks pregnant with my second and it’s been much harder for me to run, I still walk on it and I enjoy being able to go for a walk (or run) whenever I want and not worrying about naps or sleep times. With a second baby on the way, I am sure it will be even more of a convenience. I say go for it. Especially since I really believe you will use it.

  • Jade November 3, 2015, 12:48 pm

    I think if you did buy one it would be up to you to keep it from being an expensive clothes hanger. It could be a good investment so you could get a quick workout in when you have time and it’s too cold outside.

  • Lisa C November 3, 2015, 3:29 pm

    Get one! I love mine! I have 4 kids and it’s the only way I get consistent exercise. There’s no relying on the kids’ cooperation (gym) or the weather (outside runs). Worth every penny!

  • Christy November 3, 2015, 6:14 pm

    I love the flexibility of a treadmill at home.. (with kids too!). I love the flexibility of streaming a show if I’m inclined. Used off craigslist worked for me and I got a great deal and it has run fine for 8 years! If you get one that folds up, you might be able to move it into a closet and out of the way when you do have guests?!

  • Dottie (@crazyfitmommy) November 3, 2015, 7:45 pm

    I have a treadmill, and its a total lifesaver on busy days or when the kids don’t want to nap at the same time. I don’t have a gym membership, so days I don’t have the time to get out and run I really need it. Granted its boring compared to running outside, but it works in a pinch.

  • Kim November 3, 2015, 9:47 pm

    If you have the room for it I say buy a used treadmill. It’s really just a belt and a motor so there isn’t much to break. You don’t need a fancy one like at the gym. I had one for years and no, I didn’t use it every day. But it was my no excuse option. When it was August in Texas and 100+ degrees I still had the treadmill in the air conditioning = no excuse. Or if it was raining, still have the treadmill. If I didn’t have time for a full gym session but maybe I did have time for 20 minutes on the treadmill. It was just a good option to have around. Mine was also a fold up so it wasn’t that obtrusive when we wanedt to use the guest room as a guest room.
    Also, your kids are adorable.

  • LizW November 4, 2015, 9:27 am

    Do it!
    We bought one off Craigslist several years ago and use it all the time, especially in the winter and for speedwork. Love it!!

  • Lori November 4, 2015, 11:02 am

    I live in Mooresville, NC. Where did you find a trail to run? My husband loves to run trails and we haven’t really found any good ones yet in this area. (We recently moved from Greensboro – which has lots of trails.)

    • Caitlin November 4, 2015, 11:38 am

      That was in the Baxter Village area!

  • Mandi S November 4, 2015, 2:48 pm

    We just bought a brand new treadmill at Sears on sale for $620 and has a warranty! & yes I love using it. I never had an opportunity to go to the gym and we were spending $65 a month for the membership. So a win in my book

  • Krystal November 4, 2015, 3:49 pm

    I have one and use it all the time. I have it in the garage bc I like to work out when my kiddo is napping and out there i can make as much noise as i want..but i did have it in a guest bedroom at one point. I think it was a good investment. I used to be a “outdoor only” runner but had an ultra scary encounter with some men on a wooded trail one day that turned me into a “treadmill only” runner and im fine with it. I actually like doing interval workouts and incline workouts and blast my music and not have to worry about what im wearing or where im running…..so thats just my two cents 🙂

  • Lindsey November 4, 2015, 10:43 pm

    Absolutely on the treadmill! My kiddos are 10 and 6 and I’ve had my treadmill since my 10 year old was 1. It has been a life saver through training cycles when I could not get out of the house due to sick children, traveling husband, what have you, I always had an option here at the house. It is not my go to, I would prefer an outdoor run anyday, but it is an option on those days when it is a run vs no run due to circumstances where you can’t get out of the house. You will find when your kids get older that you can even run on the treadmill and not worry about their exact whereabouts in the house and their safety. At 10 & 6, they can play independently while I get my run in and we’re all happy. We bought ours at Dick’s (entry level model) and it came with delivery.

    Good luck! And happy running!;)
    Lindsey

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