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[[File:Proform Pro 2000.jpg|right|thumb|300px|The [http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0068FVOMO ProForm Pro 2000], the treadmill I use for [[Downhill Running]].]]Using a treadmill can be wonderful or terrible, sometimes both at the same time. You may find yourself using the treadmill out of necessity when traveling, or you may need one for dealing with adverse weather. You may even decide that like me, you can improve your training by using the treadmill for [[Treadmill Descent| downhill running]] or as a [[Treadmill Desk]].
=Advantages of a treadmill=
* A treadmill allows you to run in a relatively comfortable environment regardless of the weather outside. This is a particular boon when there is snow and ice outside, or severe storms. In those conditions it may be impractical or dangerous to run outside.
=Disadvantages of a treadmill=
* One of the biggest disadvantages of a treadmill for many people is that you have to pay attention to where you are on the running belt. This prevents you from relaxing and finding [[Stillness in Motion]].
* Treadmills can be quite inaccurate, so you need to perform [[Treadmill Calibration]].
* Many people find that they have slightly different [[Running Form]] on a treadmill compared with running outside.
=Which treadmill?=
While I cannot review a wide variety of treadmills, I will share with you the treadmill I selected and the rationale I used. I was looking for a treadmill primarily for [[Downhill Running]], and I wanted the cheapest treadmill that I felt would be strong enough to withstand the training stress I would put on it. I was not interested in any of the extra features such as programmable workouts, color display, or anything else that was not core to the functioning of the treadmill. After spending an inordinate amount of time in reading reviews, I selected the [http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0068FVOMO ProForm Pro 2000] based on the following thoughts:
* The ProForm Pro 2000 is highly rated in comparison reviews, and is a Best Buy for folding treadmills on [http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/health/exercise-fitness/treadmills/treadmill-ratings/models/user-reviews/proform-pro-2000-99045898.htm ConsumerReports.org]].
* This is one of the few treadmills that has a decline setting. The decline will only go down to 3%, and, like other treadmills that support decline, the speed is limited even at these modest declines. However, even this limited support gives me a little more confidence that the treadmill will survive doing more extreme declines with the back propped up.
* The ProForm Pro 2000 will go up to a 15% incline, and this range becomes valuable with the back propped up to allow for a wide range of angles.
* It is available from Amazon, a company I know and trust.
=Living with the ProForm Pro 2000=
Having lived with the [http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0068FVOMO ProForm Pro 2000] for a few months, I can make a few observations.
* I've found it a solidly built and effective product. This build quality does mean that it is large and heavy, so moving it is not trivial. Amazon claims that it has a shipping weight of 300 pounds, which seems about right.
* It was just as hard to put together as everybody says, taking two of those several hours of hard work. I'd recommend looking at the assembly instructions in the [https://www.iconservice.com/CustomerService/pdfDownload.do?fileName=PFTL13011.0-321190.pdf&directory=%2fpdf%2f manual] before you buy. It's expensive to have someone put it together for you, but it may be worthwhile depending on your mechanical aptitude.