Aging is an inevitable part of life. With aging, you will experience a reduced metabolism that results in many health complications. Aging also reduces coordination between various body parts. The result is increased injuries and illnesses.
A study published in the NCBI shows that treadmill walking improves balance control in seniors and reduces the risk of falls and accidents.
According to another study published in the journal BMC Geriatrics, treadmill exercising can help seniors improve blood oxygen levels, lung functioning, and the overall quality of life.
In this article, we have listed the best treadmills for seniors, along with a detailed buying guide.
To arrive at this list, our team spoke to physicians and health experts to understand the specific requirements of seniors when it comes to exercising equipment. We spend hundreds of hours scouring through websites, making a list of treadmills that are perfect for seniors.
Online reviews and ratings helped us finalize on our top 5 pick for the best treadmills for older adults.
Our Top 3 Picks At A Glance:
| Lifespan TR4000i | Exerpeutic TF 2000 | Ancheer Folding Treadmill | |
|---|---|---|---|
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| Pros | Comfortable Walking Surface Great Shock Absorbers Anti-Slip Handles Built-In Fitness Programs Heart Rate Monitoring |
Specially Designed for Seniors Comfortable Wide Track Extra-Long Handlebars Easily Movable Heart-Rate Monitoring |
Inexpensive Easy to Use Occupies Less Space Light-Weight Great for Basic Walking |
| Price | CHECK PRICE | CHECK PRICE | CHECK PRICE |
5 Best Treadmills for Seniors Reviewed
#1. LifeSpan TR4000i
This treadmill from LifeSpan is sturdy and built to last. It features a wide running belt with an in-built compression shock technology perfect for senior citizens with joint and knee pains.
This foldable treadmill features the proprietary EZ fold technology, allowing the elderly to fold and open the treadmill without much difficulty.
Features:
LifeSpan 4000i treadmill features a wide 22-inch by 60-inch walking belt. The 1-inch thick belt has 8 independent compression shock absorbers that provide a soft walking and jogging surface.
The handlebars feature non-slip surfaces, providing extra safety, and preventing unwanted accidents when walking.
The in-built features put minimal stress on your joints, knees, and back. If you have conditions such as arthritis, this treadmill is a good choice.
The silent and powerful 3.25 HP motor is great for seniors who like to put in a rigorous workout.
The interactive 7-inch touchscreen is easy to navigate through. Learning the controls is relatively easy irrespective of age. The treadmill also features physical buttons for seniors who would rather stay away from using technology.
Heart rate sensors allow you to keep track of your heart rate. You can choose between in-built heart rate programs, weight management programs, healthy living programs, or can customize your fitness program to your liking.
The built-in patented Intelli-Guard safety feature pauses the belt if you step away from the machine for more than 20 seconds.
Additional features include Bluetooth connectivity and an interactive touchscreen.
Pros:
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- Safe and comfortable walking surface
- Safe and comfortable walking surface
- Anti-slip handles
- Powerful motor
- Preset heart-friendly and weight management workout programs
- Heart Rate monitor
- Physical control buttons for easy settings access
- Sturdy build
- Zero maintenance
- Lifetime warranty on frame and motor
Cons:
- The handlebars can be long
Conclusion:
The LifeSpan 4000i is a sturdy premium treadmill. This machine is a good option for those looking for a well-built, feature-packed treadmill. The treadmill is low on maintenance and has a lifetime warranty.
Why did we Decide to Put this Treadmill on #1 Position?
This treadmill features on the top of our list for being a hassle-free machine that will last long. The built-in safety and comfort features are great for seniors looking for basic workouts and power workouts as well.
Also Read: Best Tradmills Under $1500
#2. NordicTrack Commercial Series 1750
The NordicTrack 1750 treadmill is great for the elderly who wish to experience a full-fledged gym at home. The free iFit membership provides you with a virtual professional gym trainer. This, along with the safety and comfort features, makes the NordicTrack treadmill a perfect addition to your home.
Features:
The functional features include a 22-inch by 60-inch walking track, a silent 3.75 CHP motor for smooth and powerful workout sessions. The smart response motor has in-built cooling technology, perfect for high-intensity workouts.
The motor supports running speeds of up to 12 MPH. The one-touch incline control offers a wide range of incline and decline settings. With the iFit you can experience auto-adjustments of speed and incline as per your training requirements.
The 10 inches smart HD touchscreen is your one-stop training interface. With superfast Wi-Fi capabilities, you can enjoy all the live iFit classes streaming onto your touchscreen. You can also get a virtual experience of training in different tracks and terrains.
The treadmill offers HDMI connectivity. You can stream classes onto your television screen for a realistic feel of your training sessions.
If you wish to go the more traditional route, the treadmill has physical control buttons for different settings such as power, speed, incline, and decline.
The NordicTrack 1750 offers a 10-minute pause feature, allowing you to resume your workout within this time.
The treadmill incorporates patented space-saving and EasyLift assist technologies. It is easily foldable when not in use. The EasyLife Assist makes it easy for older adults to fold and open the treadmill with ease.
Pros:
- Great option for the tech-savvy seniors
- Wide and comfortable tracks
- 8 shock absorbers for reduced stress
- iFit membership for a gym feel at home
- Individually designed workout plans
- Access to virtual gym trainers
- Preset 50 workout options
- EasyLift assist for easy folding and opening of the treadmill
- Powerful motor
- Multiple incline options
- Sturdy, durable, and low maintenance
Cons:
- Heavy
Conclusion:
The inclusion of the iFit program is a great addition to the Nordic Track 1750 treadmill. It is perfect for the elderly who cannot move out of their homes and wish to have a professional gym-like experience.
The NordicTrack 1750 wins a place on our list for being one of the best treadmills for seniors. The motor is silent but powerful. The running track is safe and comfortable. The auto-pause feature is great if you wish to take a break in between. iFit adds a touch of luxury to the whole experience.
#3. Exerpeutic TF2000 Treadmill
The Exerpeutic TF2000 treadmill is specially designed for the elderly. Features such as a low deck, extra-long handlebars, and wide walking track help seniors with a comfortable and safe walk routine.
Features:
The Exerpeutic TF2000 is designed for seniors who prefer basic walking and jogging exercises.
The treadmill has a low deck, making it very easy to climb onto the walking surface. The handlebars are extra long. The padding on the handles provides extra grip and safety when getting on and off the treadmill and when walking or jogging.
An extra-wide 50 inches by 16 inches walking belt with 10 shock absorbing deck cushions provides an extremely comfortable walking surface with great shock absorption.
The walking surface is perfect for those suffering from joint pains and arthritis.
The silent 1.5 HP motor works well and supports speeds between 0.2 MPH to 5MPH. Another good feature is that the speeds auto-increment at 1/10 MPH making the work out process gradual and easy on the seniors.
The LCD screen is bright and easy to read. It displays stats such as speed, distance covered, steps, walked, and heart rate reading.
Other safety features include a safety clip, a manual stop button.
The base of the treadmill includes four stabilizers that hold the treadmill in place and four wheels to easily move the treadmill.
Pros:
- Specially designed for seniors
- Extra-long padded arm handles for comfort and support
- Wider walking decks with shock absorbers for walking comfort
- 10 cushioned shock absorbers to minimize pain when walking
- Convenient LCD monitor to read all stats
- Easily movable
- Supports weight of up to 300 lbs
Cons:
- Cannot be folded, occupies space
Conclusion:
The Exerpeutic TF2000 is the best treadmill for seniors looking to buy a basic treadmill that is safe and comfortable. This treadmill is designed taking into consideration the unique safety requirements of seniors.
It is the best treadmill for seniors with full-length handrails. The Exerpeutic TF2000 incorporates many safety and comfort features, making it one of the best treadmills for senior walking.
#4. Ancheer Folding Treadmill
Looking to buy a home treadmill machine that won’t burn a hole in your pocket? The Ancheer Folding Treadmill is your best choice. The treadmill is compact and foldable. It has all the features you need for a basic walking workout.
Features:
The treadmill features a 14 inch by 40-inch walking belt, which is a tad smaller compared to other commercial treadmills but gets the job done.
The belt is made of an anti-slip lawn texture belt that minimizes slip-ups and accidents. The 10-layered belt with in-built shock absorbers allows for a comfortable and stress-free walking experience.
The cushioning technology minimizes stress on joints, legs, and back.
The silent 1.5 HP motor and walking belt make your workouts silent and disturbance-free. The motor allows for speeds from 0.5 MPH to 6 MPH.
The handrails have heart rate sensors that project your heart rate on to the in-built monitor. The monitor also displays all your standard walking/running stats.
The front control panel has buttons to access controls such as start, stop, pause, and speed increase/decrease.
The treadmill also includes the standard safety features of the safety clip and emergency stop.
It can be manually folded and easily transported with the help of the four wheels at the base. It weighs about 75 pounds and can support weights of up to 220 lb.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Easy to use
- Simple assembly
- Decent walking belt
- Shock absorbers for less stress
- Silent
- Heart rate sensors
- Foldable
Cons:
- Some may find the walking belt small
- Manual folding may be difficult
- The belt needs oiling before every workout session
Conclusion:
Despite the drawbacks, the Ancheer Folding Treadmill is a good choice for those on a tight budget. This treadmill is a basic no-frills model and is easy to use. It is compact, lightweight, and takes up less space.
The Ancheer Folding Treadmill features on our list for being feature-packed at an inexpensive price point. This treadmill is great for basic walkers who are looking to do some stationary walking from the comfort of their home.
#5. Sunny Health and Fitness Smart Treadmill
If you are a tech-savvy senior looking to buy an affordable treadmill with multiple features, you must consider the Sunny Health and Fitness Treadmill.
The treadmill incorporates features such as a digital monitor, Bluetooth connectivity, preset workout programs, and auto incline. The treadmill packs all these at reasonable pricing.
Features:
The treadmill features a 2.2 HP motor and 49.5 inches by 16.5 inches running surface. The motor allows you to reach speeds up to 12 MPH.
The digital monitor allows you to control the treadmill’s settings and track your workout progress. You can choose between one of the 12 preset workout programs.
The handrails have built-in controls that allow you to start/stop and pause your workouts. You can also select up to 12 levels of incline through the buttons on the handrail. The handrails also have a built-in heart-rate monitor that allows you to keep a track of your heart rate
This treadmill is foldable. The Soft Drop Hydraulics system allows you to unfold the treadmill with the push of a button. Folding is easy, and the transportation wheels allow for portability.
Bluetooth connectivity allows you to play your favorite songs/videos or take calls while working out. You can also play your MP3 playlists through the auxiliary connection.
Pros:
- Treaded walking surface for comfort
- Shock absorption deck
- Multifunctional monitor to track your progress
- 12 preset workout options
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Auto-incline function
- Controls on the monitor and handlebars for easier access
- Easy folding and unfolding
Cons:
- Limited warranty of 90 days
Conclusion:
This treadmill strikes the perfect balance between features, functionality, and pricing.
The Sunny Health and Fitness Smart Treadmill finds a place on our list for being feature-rich and affordably priced. This can cater to tech-savvy clients and those looking to buy a decent treadmill for walking and jogging workouts.
Related: Best Treadmill Under $1000 for your Home
What to look for in Treadmills for Seniors: Buying Guide
Aging is associated with a diminishing metabolism. As you age, you will be exposed to chronic conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, heart-related ailments, hypertension, Alzheimer’s, etc. Aging also increases the risk of falls due to posture imbalance.
Walking is a great form of exercise that helps restore balance and prevent falls. It also improves metabolism and the overall quality of life.
However, buying a treadmill for seniors is not the same as buying one for regular use. Since the elderly are prone to falls, the treadmills should have enhanced safety features.
The type of treadmill you use will also depend on the tech-savviness of those using the machine. While some may feel comfortable using technology, others prefer more basic models that wouldn’t need too much meddling around.
Treadmill choice for seniors will also depend on their workout levels. Some seniors can be avid gym-goers, while others may be just starting out.
All these factors must be given due importance when choosing the best treadmills for senior walkers.
Let us look at a few considerations when buying the best treadmills for seniors:
Belt Size and Cushioning:
Seniors require belts with wider width. This will give them a wider walking surface and more shoulder and leg space.
Most older adults may suffer from some form of pain in knee joints, ankles, legs, and back. The treadmill walking belt must have shock absorbers that will absorb all the walking vibrations and provide a soft and walking surface for walkers.
Apart from this anti-slip walking surfaces are an added advantage. They minimize slips and falls when walking.
Handlebars:
The second important consideration when buying the best treadmill for walking and running for older adults is the handlebars. Most commercial treadmills have shorter handlebars.
But when buying a treadmill for a senior, you must buy a treadmill with longer handlebars. This will provide for better arm support when walking.
Handlebars with anti-slip grips are an added bonus. This safety feature minimizes accidents, especially for those with posture issues and stability problems.
Heart Rate Monitors:
This is an extremely important in-built feature that must be included in treadmills for seniors. The elderly, especially those with chronic diabetes and heart conditions, must stay within a limit with respect to heart rate when working out.
Constant monitoring will help them stay within this limit and adjust the walks and jogs accordingly.
Additional Safety Features:
Apart from safe and comfortable walking tracks, features such as safety clips and emergency stop buttons are also important.
Auto-stop and auto-pause features will come in handy when they wish to take a break in between workouts.
Controls:
Most expensive treadmills come with a control panel in the front that has all the switches to control the functioning of the treadmills.
These functions include on/off/pause and incline settings. The control panel also provides settings to access the preset workout programs.
Apart from these, look for a treadmill that has physical control buttons and control buttons on the handlebar. This will provide better access to the seniors to control their workouts.
Most treadmills provide controls on the handlebar along with heart rate sensors that display the heart rate on the monitors.
Additional Features:
The technically strong seniors can opt for treadmills that provide Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. This will allow them to play their favorite songs or shows while working out.
In-built Bluetooth speakers are great motivators and break the monotony of lengthy walking routines.
Many treadmills also allow connecting to mobile apps. This feature allows the other family members as well as the elders’ doctors and physicians to monitor their progress and workout stats such as heart rate and BMI.
These readings may also provide a timely warning of any underlying health issues.
Expensive treadmills sometimes include free fitness memberships. These memberships allow for a full-fledged gym experience without leaving the home.
Such treadmills are great for tech-savvy seniors who have been working out regularly for a long time.
In-built workout programs and included free gym memberships provide encouragement to seniors to work out better and kill the boredom associated with long hours of walking and jogging.
Space Consideration:
Anyone buying a treadmill should consider the space before making the purchase decision.
Treadmills are bulky and take up a lot of space. They must be connected to the power source.
Once delivered, the package must easily fit through your hallways and must be able to reach your room without problems.
Always take measurements of the area where you wish to place the treadmill. This will help you make an informed purchase decision.
In addition, check the item weight and dimensions of the delivered product. Check the delivery and installation instructions beforehand.
These small details will ensure a hassle-free entry of the treadmill machine into your house.
Foldable/ Non-Foldable Treadmills:
Foldable treadmills are great space savers and a must-buy if you have a small house with less space to place the machine.
Most treadmills have wheels at the base to easily move them around.
If an elderly person wants to buy a foldable machine, look for one that has easily foldable mechanisms such as hydraulic lift or easy assist technology. This will put minimal stress on them when opening and folding the treadmill.
Weight of the Treadmill:
If you are looking for a treadmill for a small space, you must also consider the weight. You can buy a light, compact machine in such cases.
But remember that light machines may not always handle high-intensity workouts effectively. If you need a basic space-saving treadmill for routine walks and light jogs, a small compact foldable treadmill is a great option.
For the health-conscious senior who does high-intensity runs, a heavier treadmill machine is preferable.
You must take a call depending on the priorities.
Budget:
The final but crucial factor that decides your treadmill purchase is the budget. Consider the maximum features you can include in the given budget. In other words, go for the best product that money can buy you. Check out our list of the best budget treadmills available.
Give priority to sturdiness and longevity, as treadmills don’t come cheap. You can also consider the brand value and online reviews before making your final purchase decision.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQS)
Should Seniors Use Treadmills?
Treadmills are a great way for seniors to stay active in the comfort of their homes. Many treadmills are specially designed for seniors and have a bunch of comfort and safety features.
Always talk to a medical practitioner or a family physician before starting the elderly on treadmill walking. They will evaluate if treadmill exercises are advisable.
What Is The Best Treadmill for Seniors?
In the course of our research, we have found the LifeSpan TR 4000i to be one of the best treadmills for seniors.
If you are looking for a more inexpensive option, the LifeSpan TR2000 has great safety features and is good for basic walking and jogging exercises.
What is the Best Exercise Machine for Seniors?
Treadmills are a great option for seniors to stay fit and active. They help with basic walking and some jogging. These machines are perfect for avid walkers who can no longer go out due to age-related factors.
Ellipticals are the second-best option.
