So, way back in January of this year I had finally had enough of forking out £45 a month for a gym membership where the only piece of equipment I actually used was the treadmill. So armed with some left over Christmas gift money I decided to cancel my membership and purchase my very own treadmill.
Just as a bit of a background, to myself and my running, I started back in 2011. I had just finished University and although had already lost weight (mainly alcohol related, as is most students!) through dieting successfully firstly using Weight Watchers and then general healthy eating and calorie control I needed something more. I want to tone, and to improve my general fitness levels. I have NEVER been sporty, or even active I would say. I've always been the smart one that was always a bit bigger than my sportier sister. But, something clicked. I started running. And found it...well addictive. It's weird how something so painful (to begin with, I may add) can just become ingrained so easily into your routine. It got to the point where I would feel guilty for not running. Anyways, as the years have gone on, I've taken part in races and slowly upped my endurance and distance.
This year was different though, it got cold. Quickly, and sooner than I had hoped, and with noone to run outside with (safely and all) I thought the gym was the next best option. I knew this wouldn't last, so glad I opted for a monthly contract so I could cancel with not much notice.
So, here we are - 4 months down the line with owning my very own treadmill. After a LOT of reviewing a range of different sites, prices, makes and models I finally decided on the Reebok Z8 Run. Not only did this have some amazing reviews from a range of different fitness levels, but it was a steal! I bought it in the sale from Argos for around £380. Basically, after 9 months I would have paid for the treadmill in the amount I was paying for a membership!
 |
| Reebok Z8 Run |
Speed. Well, what can I say - I don't/can't run faster than 8km per hour, so the max speed of 16km per hour is actaully way more than I would need. But obviously, this wouldn't be the case for sprinters (or maybe with runners with longer legs than I!!) It also has a built in mechanical incline, which can reach up to 12%. This hurts! But is brilliant for hill training - I have only used it whilst walking, and I can tell you...Ouch!
The running belt itself is smooth and even when at a fast run, the machine itself is quiet (or as quiet as you would expect it to be when you pounding away on it!).
The 'soft drop' fold system is as it says. It drops. Soft. I myself don't use it much as we have enough space in the conservatory to keep the machine flat but I can see how handy this would be if I didn't have the space. It saves a lot of space when folded which is great.
There are a lot of extras on the machine including short cut keys to specific speeds or incline degrees and it also includes inbuilt speakers which you easily connect via the MP3 input cord supplied. Great way to keep motivation by blaring some music out. They aren't amazing sounding speakers - but who cares? It's not like your playing to a club of people.
Obviously, there are other treadmills maybe more suited for hardcore long distance runners, but for those of you that love to run, but can't do so outside or even don't want to; this machine is perfect. Would highly recommend.
Posts
