Chuck
04-08-2006, 11:19 PM
I probably got a laugh and strange look from a number of people today. I run on a regular basis and frequent they gym or park trails about six times a week. On work days, a gym is on the way but the treadmills could be full. On weekends, the round trip driving could take 40-60 minutes. Buying a good treadmill is something I've considered. Today I did just that.
The Insight's hatchback allows loading something up to about a yard or meter in width. The treadmill was at the absolute maximum width and fit - that might be questionable. You see, half of it was still hanging out past the hatchback. It had to be loaded front end first since that's the heavy end of the treadmill (where it's motor is). The hatchback was forced up as wide as could be - nearly verticle.
It was about 10 miles to my home. Fortunately it was well before "happy hour". Speed on the freeway was 40-50mph getting 45-55mpg due to the drag from the hatchback door. No close calls on the 225-pound (100kg) treadmill falling out. It took me and the store manager to get it in - me and a neighbor to lift it out.
I will save energy not going to the gym as often. :) One could make a arguement of use of a home treadmill vs. running on a neighboorhood park trail. The motor is rated at 2.25hp (don't know the wattage). From a strictly energy standpoint, the park trail running wins, but there are other factors. It's a mile to the trail, and a major six-lane highway must be crossed. From May to October, running in the daytime in Texas can be from 65F to 105F. :eek: Nightime is nice, but middle of the night is after park hours, might draw attention from a beat cop, might run into trouble, bad time for the body's cycle.... Finally, a tread mill can adjust the incline to 10% as well as the speed. You can mount a fan, DVD player (for a "pain killer") and cup holder.
The Insight's hatchback allows loading something up to about a yard or meter in width. The treadmill was at the absolute maximum width and fit - that might be questionable. You see, half of it was still hanging out past the hatchback. It had to be loaded front end first since that's the heavy end of the treadmill (where it's motor is). The hatchback was forced up as wide as could be - nearly verticle.
It was about 10 miles to my home. Fortunately it was well before "happy hour". Speed on the freeway was 40-50mph getting 45-55mpg due to the drag from the hatchback door. No close calls on the 225-pound (100kg) treadmill falling out. It took me and the store manager to get it in - me and a neighbor to lift it out.
I will save energy not going to the gym as often. :) One could make a arguement of use of a home treadmill vs. running on a neighboorhood park trail. The motor is rated at 2.25hp (don't know the wattage). From a strictly energy standpoint, the park trail running wins, but there are other factors. It's a mile to the trail, and a major six-lane highway must be crossed. From May to October, running in the daytime in Texas can be from 65F to 105F. :eek: Nightime is nice, but middle of the night is after park hours, might draw attention from a beat cop, might run into trouble, bad time for the body's cycle.... Finally, a tread mill can adjust the incline to 10% as well as the speed. You can mount a fan, DVD player (for a "pain killer") and cup holder.