Local running store had (has) a pre production Trueform treadmill that once I tried it could not really consider running on a regular one again.
Unfortunately they are $5,500 and don’t even have a motor! http://www.samsarafitness.com/
Really though it is quite an interesting experience, it doesn’t really work unless you have good form but once you do get it going it is kind of magical.
+1 on commercial models. I have a Life Fitness TR-8500 from the late 90s. The statistics screen now shows 107k miles.
Mine is a Life Fitness 9500HR. Yep, might not be the newest but is built like a rock. Since me was own by an older lady, I have very few miles on mine.
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Bodyguard makes bombproof residential / light commercial treadmills that hold up well to higher volume use. I have their T280s in my training studio.
http://www.bodyguardfitness.com/residential/products/36-T280S
Look for the brand name Woodway. If you can’t afford new, then buy used.
Simply the best treadmill made from the standpoint of cushioned running surface. The rubber tank-tread design is twice as soft as any other brand’s surface.
I have to agree with this. If you’re going to put in a lot of miles on a treadmill, woodway is THE way to go IMO. The Woodway Curve is even better and will absolutely kick your ass.
Go here and start reading, they have a buyer’s guide. Treadmills are great when you have little kids and cannot readily leave the house. You’ll be able to wake up before they do and get a run in or get one in after they go to bed. Honestly, probably the most valuable tool I have for training. If you’re spending upwards of 50mpw on it, you’ll want to get something nicer, but I think you can get there with a budget of 1,500-2,000 bucks.
one word, WOODWAY!