Elliptical or Treadmill—Which Is the Better Deal on Craigslist?

Whether it’s a new year’s resolution or just the desire to get into shape, people are searching Craigslist for exercise equipment. There has been a recent uptick in the listing of elliptical trainers, and treadmills are also commonly searched on the classifieds platform. Before the elliptical’s development, treadmills were the most sought-after piece of cardio equipment for the home. Many individuals wonder if the elliptical trainer is preferable to the treadmill. Also, how does the treadmill compare to the elliptical in terms of dependability and effectiveness? Here’s a quick look at the two exercise machines so you can decide which one is best for you. When you are ready, use our Craigslist Search Engine to find the best deal for you!

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Buying a treadmill on Craigslist
Image by Michael Laut from Pixabay

Comparing Treadmills and Ellipticals


They each have the same potential:


The treadmill and the elliptical have the same calorie-burning potential. You can burn the same number of calories on an elliptical trainer as you would on a treadmill. So, it’s safe to say that you can burn as many calories on either a treadmill or an elliptical as you like. Each tool can be effective in your hands, but only if you know how to utilize it.  According to Livefit.com, “In a study published by Harvard Health, 30 minutes on an elliptical machine burns 335 calories for the average 155-pound human. For comparison, the same 155-pound person can burn 372 calories by running on a treadmill at a 10-minute mile pace for 30 minutes.”


Is price a factor?


Treadmills and ellipticals cost differently and typically range from $150 to $11,000, which is a sizable price range. Any of the equipment in this price range might be appropriate for someone, but what is right for you.

You can acquire a good elliptical trainer for under a thousand dollars, making them much more inexpensive than treadmills. There are many low-cost treadmills on the market right now, but a look at their features will likely convince you that an elliptical trainer is a better investment. In terms of cost, it appears that an elliptical is the best option.


Do you have the required amount of room?


While both treadmills and elliptical trainers can take up a lot of room in your home. Because folding treadmills are now available, elliptical trainers are a less desirable option. Treadmills that fold up to take up less room when not in use have become increasingly common, with many brands offering models that meet or exceed the standards set by the consumer goods industry. When compared to folding treadmills, elliptical trainers are undeniably bulkier.


Is the elliptical better than the treadmill? Both pieces of equipment have their advantages and disadvantages, so it comes down to individual preference when deciding which one is ideal for you. Let’s take a look at how to buy a treadmill on Craigslist.

Personal considerations when buying a treadmill on Craigslist:

Getting your hands on the best treadmill on the market will require a substantial investment of time, energy, expertise, feedback, information, and funds. If you want a durable and inexpensive treadmill, it’s not enough to just go to any fitness store and pick one that looks good and is reliable. There are a lot of cheap treadmills on Craigslist, which makes it hard to choose the one that will meet your needs the best.

Learn everything you need to know about purchasing an inclined treadmill so you can make an informed decision the next time you go shopping for one of these popular exercise machines.

Recognize your specific requirements:

Some people prefer treadmills capable of speeds of up to 12 mph, while others are content with machines that can only reach 10 mph. Get a piece of paper and carefully write down your individual specifications before purchasing a treadmill, such as:

  • speed,
  • make,
  • size, and
  • additional features are highly recommended.

Think about how much you’re willing to spend:

The best treadmills can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000. Treadmill prices can skyrocket if they have a lot of fancy features or meet certain modern requirements.

It is recommended that, when looking for treadmills on Craigslist, you stick to a strict budget. Consider purchasing a used or discounted treadmill if money is tight. You should shop around for the best treadmill by comparing prices, features, and warranties offered by different manufacturers. You shouldn’t just buy a treadmill from one company, but rather shop around and see what you find.

How to Buy a Treadmill on Craigslist

Are you in the market for a new treadmill but don’t want to break the bank? Need reliable online treadmill reviews to help you make a decision? Don’t make the mistake of purchasing low-quality treadmills on Craigslist because you’ll end up spending twice as much or, even worse, losing interest in using the equipment.

You should consider what you want and what you need before heading to Craigslist to look for a treadmill. Ask yourself these questions in order to gain clarity about what kind of treadmill you are looking for:

  • What type of features do I want in a treadmill?
  • How much space do I have to accommodate a treadmill?
  • Why would you want to use a treadmill?
  • Why did you decide to purchase a treadmill?
  • Can I afford a treadmill? If money is tight, ask yourself if you plan to do all of your workouts at home, or if you just want some extra equipment to help you out.
  • Should I get you a basic treadmill or one with all the bells and whistles?
  • Which treadmill is ideal for heavy individuals?
  • Is there a limit to how much money you’re willing to spend on a treadmill?
  • Can a low-priced, standard-issue treadmill work just as well?
  • What is a good treadmill manufacturer?

Keep in mind that there are literally hundreds of excellent treadmills available right now on Craigslist. The following are some of the most fundamental features to look for in a treadmill that you should consider when shopping around:

  • adjustable speed and incline,
  • strong construction,
  • built-in safety features,
  • user-friendly controls
  • Get a treadmill with an adequate running surface. A belt that is at least 48 inches in length and 16 inches in width is best.
  • Take your body size into account and make the necessary adjustments.
  • Select a treadmill with a top speed of at least 10 miles per hour if you plan on using it for running.
  • Get a treadmill with no more than a 10% incline to maximize your workout’s difficulty and challenge.
  • Remember that a quality treadmill has shock-absorbing beds and stable belts that don’t wiggle around when you’re working out.