There are so many treadmills out there – non-motorized, budget, high-end, treadmills built for heavy users and even for dogs – but what are the best treadmills for seniors?
If you are a senior looking to maintain or improve your level of fitness, a good treadmill can be invaluable. It allows you to exercise on a daily basis from the comfort of your own home and at a pace that suits you.
Not only does walking or light jogging on a treadmill bring a range of health benefits, but it can be fun too.
Bluetooth technology makes it easy to use your choice of fitness apps as you train. You can even enjoy a book on your device, or catch up with your favorite show!
Choosing the right treadmill for seniors is not always easy. It is important to find a model suited to your needs, particularly if you have any health issues. This guide is designed to help!
We have put together a list of our favorite models, suitable for varying levels of mobility and fitness.
We’ve also taken a look at how using a treadmill can benefit your health and the features to look out for when making your choice.
Let’s get into it!
The 8 Best Treadmills For Seniors
1. Best Treadmill For Walking – Sunny Health & Fitness T7643 Heavy-Duty Walking Treadmill
2. Best For Injury Recovery – EXERPEUTIC TF2000 Walking Treadmill with Full-Length Hand Rails
3. Best Portable Treadmill For Seniors -Sunny Health & Fitness Folding Incline Treadmill
4. Best Choice For Heavier Users – OMA Treadmill for Hom
6. Best budget treadmill for seniors – Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill
7. Best Manual Option – Fitness Reality TR1000 Manual Treadmill
The benefits of using a treadmill for seniors
Walking on a treadmill (also known as stationary walking) is an excellent, low-impact form of exercise.
Studies show that it can significantly improve your quality of life as you age. Indeed, once you begin walking (or jogging) regularly, you can feel the benefits in a variety of ways!
Your respiratory function improves as your lung capacity grows, so breathing becomes easier.
Your leg and abdominal muscles will strengthen over time, making it easier to walk longer distances in your day-to-day life. Plus, of course, regular exercise helps you burn calories and maintain a healthy weight.
There are other, specific benefits to using a treadmill for seniors.
Research has shown that it can help improve the walking speed and endurance of some people after a stroke. It can also help improve the gait and mobility of people with Parkinson’s disease.
features to look for in a treadmill
#1: Design
Decide whether or not you have space to dedicate to your treadmill, or if you need a model that you can store after use.
Some treadmills feature a compact design or can be folded for storage under a bed.
If you opt for a folding model, ensure that it is lightweight enough for you to move easily. Also, check that it can be folded or unfolded with little effort.
#2: Cushioning
Using a treadmill is far more comfortable than walking or jogging on the road.
That’s because treadmills are equipped with shock absorbers that reduce the stress on your joints.
Ensure that the deck or running belt of the model you choose had good cushioning. This will help protect you from injury and make it comfortable to train for longer.
#3: Handrails
Most treadmills have short handrails.
Depending on your needs, however, you may require extended handrails for additional support as you train. These can help you walk with confidence if you have any stability issues.
#4: Manual or Motorized?
Manual treadmills tend to be cheaper and more lightweight than motorized models. Because they have fewer moving parts they are less likely to go wrong.
You also needn’t worry about the speed being more than you can cope with, as it is fully in your control.
However, manual treadmills are not always ideal for seniors.
Depending on your fitness level, you may find a manual model quite hard work. The incline needed to keep the belt moving means you are constantly walking uphill.
Furthermore, manual models tend to be less smooth and stable than their motorized counterparts.
Ultimately, of course, the choice is yours! We’ve included a manual model in our review below if you feel it would be a better option for you.
#5: Safety Features
Safety features are an important part of any good treadmill. The exact features you’ll need will depend on your own fitness level and mobility, but those worth looking out for include:
- A safety tether – this attaches to your clothing and stops the treadmill instantly if you slip.
- Non-slip grips and running belt
- Extended handlebars
- A low step-on height – is ideal if you have issues with knee or hip flexibility
- A clear start/stop button
The 8 best treadmills for seniors for 2023
#1. Best Treadmill For Walking – Sunny Health & Fitness T7643 Heavy-Duty Walking Treadmill
Weight capacity: 350lbs; Type: Motorized, Walking surface: 44.5 in x 19 in
| Pros | Cons |
| Large walking surface | May be too heavy if you want to move it around often |
| Easy to use | |
| Shock absorption for comfort |
With large, clear buttons and strong, sturdy handrails, this treadmill couldn’t be easier to use.
There are 3 pre-set speed buttons (1, 3, and 5 mph) so you can change your pace without breaking your stride, plus roomy cup holders to keep a drink close at hand.
Although this model folds and unfolds very easily for storage, it’s pretty heavy and probably not ideal for moving around.
But its weight makes it exceptionally stable, whilst the roomy walking area and embedded shock absorption make it very comfortable to use.
#2. Best For Injury Recovery – EXERPEUTIC TF2000 Walking Treadmill with Full-Length Hand Rails
Weight capacity: 300 lbs; Type: Motorized, Walking surface: 50 in x 16 in
| Pros | Cons |
| Longest handrails on the list | May be too bulky for some spaces |
| Superior cushioning reduces joint paint | |
| Tons of safety features |
– Extra long padded handrails, superior cushioning, and a highly visual backlit LCD display
– Designed to reduce joint pain
Specifically designed for seniors or those recovering from an injury, this model has a ton of safety features that make it comfortable to use.
It features the longest handrails of any treadmill in our guide, along with a deck height of just 5 inches and white dashes to show when the belt is moving.
There is also a tether and large stop button to ensure you feel safe at all times.
The 300 lb weight capacity should be enough for most users, but the shock absorption is where this model really shines.
10 deck cushions with additional reinforcement considerably cut down on impact, reducing stress on your joints as you train.
#3. Best Portable Treadmill For Seniors -Sunny Health & Fitness Folding Incline Treadmill
Weight capacity: 220 lbs; Type: Automatic, Walking surface: 49 in x 15.5 in
| Pros | Cons |
| Folds easily with a hydraulic soft drop system | Low weight capacity – not ideal for heavier users |
| 3 manual incline levels | |
| Digital display |
If you are short on space and will need to move your treadmill after every workout, then this model is ideal.
It folds and unfolds easily using a hydraulic soft drop system that lowers the base gently to the floor. You can then roll it away for storage using the transportation wheels at the front.
Do bear in mind that it needs to be stored vertically – the angle of the board when folded makes it too large to fit under a bed.
The different incline levels are a nice feature if you want to make your walks or jogs more challenging. We also like the convenient handrail controls that make it easy to adjust your speed as you train.
This treadmill has a relatively low weight capacity of 220 lbs, so it’s not ideal for larger users.
But its robust construction is designed to support extended workouts and it feels perfectly stable when in use.
#4. Best Choice For Heavier Users – OMA Treadmill for Home
Weight capacity: 350 lbs; Type: Automatic, Walking surface: 49 in x 15.5 in
| Pros | Cons |
| Powerful Motor | High price |
| Sturdiest option in this guide | |
| Versatile and packed with features |
This high-end treadmill is the sturdiest and most fully featured in our guide. It is extremely versatile, ideal for everyone from the exercise beginner to someone looking for a more advanced workout.
The generous deck length and speeds from 0 to 12.4 mph mean that you can comfortably use this machine for either walking, jogging, or running. ž
3 modes and 43 programs give you a lot of variety with your workouts. If you’re lacking in motivation, you’ll find these make exercising a lot more fun!
Made from commercial-thickness steel, this is a robust piece of equipment that you can use with confidence.
Despite its power, the motor runs very quietly and the 6 built-in shock-absorbing cushions protect your joints from stress as you train.
#5. Best For Users With Limited Mobility – Sunny Health & Fitness Walking Treadmill
Weight capacity: 295 lbs; Type: Automatic, Walking surface: 44 in x 19.5 in
| Pros | Cons |
| User-friendly console | Doesn’t fold for storage |
| Multi-grip handrails for support | Deck shorter than usual |
| Low-profile deck |
This treadmill is great because it is specifically designed to be easy to mount and dismount.
The well-cushioned deck requires just a short step up and the non-slip rails are thoughtfully positioned at the top, middle, and sides.
If you’ve been reluctant to try treadmill walking due to issues with balance, you’ll find these will give you the stability and confidence you need.
Designed for walking rather than jogging, this model has a relatively short belt but one with a width comparable to commercial machines. This gives you an extra bit of room for comfort and also helps you feel more secure.
You’ll need a dedicated space for this treadmill as it doesn’t fold for storage. But it has a pretty small footprint thanks to the shorter-than-usual deck and won’t dominate your room too much.
#6. Best budget treadmill for seniors – Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill
Weight capacity: 250 lbs; Type: Automatic, Walking surface: 16 in X 50 in
| Pros | Cons |
| Easy-to-read LCD display | Low weight capacity |
| XTRASoft cushioned deck technology | |
| Easy to fold/unfold |
This may be a budget-friendly treadmill but it still packs an impressive number of features!
With a speed range of 0.5 to 10 mph and a weight capacity of 250 pounds, it has 3 manual incline levels – a real bonus at this price point!
It also comes with hand grip pulse sensors to monitor how hard you are working and a cushioned deck to minimize impact.
The console is definitely on the ‘no frills’ side, but it has all the basics you’ll need, plus pre-set speed buttons to smoothly change pace without interrupting your flow.
#7. Best Manual Option – Fitness Reality TR1000 Manual Treadmill
Weight capacity: 230lbs; Type: Manual, Walking surface: 43 in x 13 ¼ in
| Pros | Cons |
| Offers easier and more challenging walks | Too basic for most users |
| Twin cast iron flywheels | Can’t be used flat |
| Computerized LCD display |
Smooth and quiet, this lightweight manual model is the perfect solution if you are looking for a simple treadmill that you can easily stow away between sessions.
It may be small in size but it has a decent weight capacity of 230 lbs. It can’t be used completely flat which means it won’t be suitable for all users, but the incline levels of 6 and 10 degrees are ideal for anyone looking for a more challenging walk.
A very basic display provides your metrics whilst the long handles provide the security you need if balance is a concern. These are padded with foam, giving a comfortable and safe grip.
#8. Best Value For Money – NordicTrack T Series Treadmills
Weight capacity: 300lbs; Type: Automatic, Walking surface: 20 in X 55 in
| Pros | Cons |
| FlexSelect deck cushioning | App has paid subscription |
| Compatible training app | |
| Amazing value for money |
NordicTrack has a great reputation for producing quality treadmills and this model from its T series doesn’t disappoint.
It ticks all the boxes in terms of performance, with speeds up to 10 mph, and one-touch controls for adjustment of speed and incline.
The deck is roomy enough to walk, jog, or run comfortably and it features the company’s proprietary adjustable cushioning.
If you’re short on space you can use the EasyLift Assist system to effortlessly fold up the deck.
Although compact when folded vertically, there is still quite an angle, so be sure you have room to accommodate this.
One of our favorite features of this model is its compatibility with the training app iFit. Free for the first 30 days, the app gives you access to a huge number of cool workouts, many of which take you on virtual runs in exotic locations.
But if you choose not to subscribe, you also have 20 workouts built into the machine.
The Best Treadmills for seniors: Key Takeaways
Buying a treadmill is one of the best ways to establish an effective and enjoyable daily fitness routine.
The benefits are enormous, helping improve your strength, stamina, and flexibility, whilst enhancing your overall wellbeing.
All the treadmills in this guide were chosen to help you achieve those goals, whether you are new to exercise or a seasoned pro looking to maintain your fitness levels at home.
Looking for the motivation to exercise consistently?
Then why not try our 30 Day Walking Challenge? It’s a great way to safely build your endurance and jumpstart your fitness.
