9 Best Treadmills for Seniors of 2024

As we approach our golden years, resisting sedentary behaviors and staying active is a key component of maintaining our quality of life and physical health. (1) For seniors who are either unable to go to the gym (or simply uncomfortable going to one), buying one of the best treadmills for home use can be a convenient way to remove some of the hurdles to routine exercise. 

When curating this list of the best treadmills for seniors, our team of fitness professionals prioritized models that catered to those dealing with joint pain, living on tight budgets, or occupying smaller spaces. We tested more than 40 different treadmills, rating each model on a number of important factors, to ensure each profile on this list can satisfy the wants and needs of senior athletes. Here are our picks for the best treadmills for seniors.  

9 Best Treadmills for Seniors of 2024

• Overall Best Treadmill for Seniors: Sole F63
• Best Treadmill for Heavier Seniors: Horizon 7.4 AT
• Best Cushioned Treadmill for Seniors: NordicTrack Commercial 2450
• Best Walking Treadmill for Seniors: ProForm 9000
• Best Manual Treadmill for Seniors: AssaultRunner Pro
• Best Folding Treadmill for Seniors: Echelon Stride-6
• Best Budget Treadmill for Seniors: XTERRA Fitness TR150
• Best Treadmill for Seniors with a Simple Display: Sunny Health and Fitness SF-T4400
• Best Treadmill for Seniors with Programming: Bowflex Treadmill 10

How We Tested the Best Treadmills for Seniors

Our team of certified personal trainers, weightlifting coaches, and nutrition experts have sprinted on more than 40 different treadmills, putting each one through a rigorous testing process. We assigned ratings on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest) in 13 categories, which include factors such as footprint and portability, durability, adjustability, ergonomics, and customizations. 

When selecting the best treadmills for seniors, we eschewed models designed for high-intensity intervals and focused more on factors such as comfort and accessibility. The majority of seniors, after all, aren’t looking for a treadmill to help them improve their marathon time, but one that can help them stay active with brisk walks and jogs. If you’re tired of reading Amazon reviews and are looking for expert-tested machines, our list of the best treadmills for seniors should prove helpful. 

Overall Best Treadmill for Seniors: Sole F63

Our best overall treadmill for seniors — the Sole F63 — comes loaded with features to accommodate seniors. The cushioned 20-inch wide by 60-inch long belt deck is at the higher end of the average and its two-ply belt adds an additional layer of support for those with tender joints. We also like that its 325-pound weight capacity is 25 pounds higher than that we saw on many of the treadmills we tested. 

Sole claims its Cushion Flex Whisper Deck reduces impact by up to 40 percent and, while that exact number is tough to validate, we definitely noticed the shock absorbers easing the impact as we walked, ran, and jogged. Coupled with the two-ply belt, this design aims to provide a much more comfortable experience running on a treadmill than what you’ll find outdoors. 

Kate Meier, a certified personal trainer and BarBend editorial staffer, used the F63 for multiple walking and running workouts. She rated its adjustability and ergonomics a 4.5 out of 5, specifically calling out the belt. “We had testers up to 6-feet tall try it out and the deck was spacious enough for all of them,” she pointed out. “While cheaper machines use a one-ply belt, the F63’s is two-ply — a nice upgrade.”

She did note she felt a bit of a wobble at the highest incline and speed, though this likely won’t affect elderly users in search of low-to-moderate exercise. But the wobble did bring the F63’s durability score down to a 3 out of 5. 

Meier rated the F63’s footprint and portability 5 out of 5, noting that it could easily be folded up for those in small spaces. “Because it’s only 156 pounds — more lightweight than the average treadmill — it could easily be tucked away,” she said. 

Despite its smaller overall size, the step-up height — the height from the floor to the deck — is 8 inches. Compared to smaller machines like the XTERRA TR150, this is 3.5 inches higher, which may be a consideration for some seniors. 

The tech capabilities earned a 4.3 out of 5 from Meier, who noted the Bluetooth connectivity and USB charging port. However, although there are seven preset workouts ready to go, you won’t find interactive programming — like iFIT or Peloton — like you would on the best treadmills with screens.

Read our full Sole F63 Treadmill Review.

Best Treadmill for Heavier Seniors: Horizon 7.4 AT

We picked the Horizon 7.4 AT as the best treadmill for heavier seniors because of its 350-pound weight capacity, which is 50 pounds higher than average. Anyone working around knee discomfort will appreciate Horizon’s Three-Zone Variable Cushioning, which provides shock absorption to help ease the impact on the runner’s joints during sessions. Our tester — a certified personal trainer and nutrition coach — rated its durability a 4.5 out of 5. “The 350-pound weight capacity is a good indication that this machine will last a long time.”

Three-Zone Variable Cushioning is a unique system that responds to impact differently in three areas of the deck. It’s more flexible in the front of the belt, neutral in the middle, and firmer in the back to provide reinforcement as you push off for your next stride. “I truly felt a difference in the cushioning compared to other treadmills,” our tester noted.

At 60 inches long and 22 inches wide, the belt is two inches wider than the average treadmill. “The 7.4 AT is big, so I wouldn’t recommend it for small spaces,” said our tester. “Its size, though, is what allows for its wider belt and higher weight capacity.” Its footprint and portability earned a 3.5 out of 5 score, but the size of the machine may be a benefit for some. 

Its 8.75-inch step-up height is on the higher end of the 7- to 9-inch average, so you may want to test out how high is too high for you before committing to this treadmill. 

Our tester scored the delivery and set up a 4.5 out of 5, but pointed out, “Setting it up was pretty straightforward, but it took me more than an hour.”

Read our full Horizon 7.4 AT Treadmill Review.

Best Cushioned Treadmill for Seniors: NordicTrack Commercial 2450

If you’re concerned about how exercising on a treadmill may affect your joints, we think our pick for the best cushioned treadmill for seniors is a good option. The NordicTrack Commercial 2450 has soft deck cushioning, which our tester, a CrossFit trainer, described as making them feel like “I was bouncing on a cloud instead of pounding the pavement.” The feel was akin to running on turf or grass — just the right amount of bounce.

Noting the cushioning and 60-inch by 20-inch belt deck, our tester rated the 2450’s adjustability and ergonomics a 5 out of 5. “I have had ankle issues in the past,” they said, “so the extra cushioning on the 2450 was a huge plus for me.” Most treadmills have a running surface between 55 and 60 inches long, so this cushioned deck is at the top of that range.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EmOq24_wKXI

Under the hood, the NordicTrack 2450 packs a 3.6 continuous horsepower motor capable of reaching a max speed of 12 miles per hour. “The motor is ideal for any type of workout — walking, jogging, even serious running,” our tester pointed out. “This treadmill felt extremely stable, start to finish.” They rated their workout experience a 4 out of 5.

Its footprint and portability earned a 3 out of 5 rating from our tester. We like its hydraulic folding mechanism, but, at 286 pounds and 78.5 inches long, it can be difficult to move and store. “The wheels make it semi-easy to move around a room,” they said, “but you definitely want help getting it in the house or up the stairs.”

NordicTrack treadmills also feature iFIT integration. iFIT is an app you can access via the 2450’s 22-inch touchscreen that comes with thousands of on-demand classes that encompass a number of modalities and skill levels. Access to iFIT, however, costs an additional $39.99 per month after your 30-day free trial.

Read our full NordicTrack 2450 Treadmill Review.

Best Walking Treadmill for Seniors: ProForm Pro 9000 

Seniors looking for a treadmill for walking may want to consider two features: the incline range and available preset programs. Having a steep incline can allow you to add a bit of a challenge to your walking workouts, while following pre-programmed workouts can provide variety and structure. 

Many treadmills have some kind of incline, but a decline capability is fairly uncommon. “It is pretty rare to see a treadmill with decline,” Kate Meier — a certified personal trainer and BarBend editorial member — pointed out. She rated its adjustability and ergonomics 5 out of 5, and added, “It was also easy to adjust the incline and decline during use — just tap the arrows right under the screen.” 

With over 50 built-in workouts available via the console, you can simply pick one and start moving. However, the ProForm Pro 9000 is also one of the best treadmills with iFIT that we have tested. “The iFIT integration — even though a subscription is $39.99 per month — gives you access to over 16,000 live and on-demand workouts,” Meier said. Those workouts include studio classes and scenic walks through areas like ancient Egypt and Patagonia.

In addition to incline and preset workouts, the ProForm Pro 9000 stands out for its ReBound Pro cushioning system. ProForm describes it as their most advanced system to date, with patented shock absorbers to take stress off your lower-body joints. In general, solid deck cushioning can lead to longer workouts and faster recovery. 

Meier rated its durability 5 out of 5 because of the 300-pound weight capacity, 3.6 CHP motor, and cushioned deck. “I felt like it was steady even at the highest incline levels and speeds,” she said. However, at 251 pounds, it’s pretty heavy, which prompted a 3.5 out of 5 rating for footprint and portability. 

Even though it folds upright, it can be difficult to move. “Even with the wheels, I sort of had to scoot it across the floor,” Meier noted. Another downside of its large size is the step-up height of 9 inches, which is at the upper end of the average range of 7 to 9 inches. This allows space for the decline and incline range, but even with the handrails, it may be difficult for some seniors to climb aboard.

Read our full ProForm Pro 9000 Treadmill Review.

Best Manual Treadmill for Seniors: AssaultRunner Pro 

Manual, curved treadmills differ from motorized units because they are powered by the user, which can result in the user burning more calories than they would on an electric treadmill. (2) Since they have no motor, the power is generated by leading with the ball of the foot to propel the belt, which means more effort is required to keep the belt moving. Our pick for the best manual treadmill for seniors is the AssaultRunner Pro, as its heavy-duty steel construction and powder-coated parts minimize maintenance issues and make it more durable than the average treadmill. 

In fact, after using the AssaultRunner Elite — the similar, but upgraded version of the Pro — our tester rated its durability a 4 out of 5. “I’m only knocking a point because it has some plastic on the sides,” they said. “But I love that it comes with a lifetime warranty for the belt.”

That belt also prompted a 4 out of 5 rating for adjustability and ergonomics. “The heavy, curved tread has thin gaps between the slats,” our tester explained. “That slated rubber surface makes it the ideal belt.” That rubber surface has been shown to be easier on the joints than the hard, flat surface of standard treadmills, research has shown. (3)

While this type of low-impact and shock-absorbing belt can be gentler on joints than motorized treadmills, it could be difficult for some seniors to generate enough force to get the belt started and keep it moving. Also, if you are new to the curved design, it may take some practice to get used to the shape if you have only walked or run on flat surfaces.

The AssaultRunner Pro earned a 3.5 out of 5 in terms of its value. “It’s heavy and doesn’t fold up, but it is absolutely the best value for a non-motorized machine out there,” they said. 

Best Folding Treadmill for Seniors: Echelon Stride-6 

The Echelon Stride-6 is our pick for the best folding treadmill for seniors because its Auto-Fold mechanism allows it to fold completely flat. To do so, simply fold the display down, release the handlebars, tap the red lever with your foot, and watch the machine fold flat automatically — as in, without your help. When folded flat, its height shrinks from 57 inches to 10 inches. 

Its 182-pound weight is roughly 28 to 40 pounds lighter than an average treadmill, prompting a 5 out of 5 rating for its footprint and portability from BarBend editorial member and certified personal trainer Kate Meier, who owns the Echelon Stride — the base model of the Stride-6. “It’s a far more compact treadmill than most because of its ability to fold flat,” she said. “It could easily be tucked away in a corner or even under a bed.” Storage is even easier thanks to its built-in transport wheels. 

We also rated it a 5 out of 5 for adjustability and ergonomics, with Meier specifically calling out its 60-inch belt deck, which is at the top range of the 55 to 60-inch belt you’ll find on the average treadmill. “I also loved the 12 incline settings, along with quick-adjust buttons in the handrails,” Meier noted.

The Echelon Stride-6 does not feature a traditional display, but you can connect a tablet or smartphone via Bluetooth to display stats like steps, calories burned, or heart rate. It comes with a one-year warranty, but Echelon Premier members — subscriptions go for $39.99 a month — get a five-year warranty, not to mention access to Echelon’s app-based programming. 

[Related: The 8 Best Folding Treadmills of 2024]

Best Budget Treadmill for Seniors: XTERRA Fitness TR150 

The XTERRA TR150 Treadmill has a lot of features that you would see in more expensive machines, which is why we picked it as the best budget treadmill for seniors. It costs $394, roughly $1,000 to $1,500 less than the average treadmill, but its max speed of 10 miles per hour, three incline levels, and 250-pound weight capacity are impressive for its price point.

Also, seniors may like that its 5.15-inch step-up height is roughly 2 to 3 inches shorter than many of the treadmills we tested — even the best treadmills under $1,000. For reference, the average step height is between 6 and 7 inches. 

Our tester rated its durability 3 out of 5, questioning the long-term lifespan of the machine. “I’d suspect it may not last as long as more expensive machines,” they said. “The lack of tech and additional parts that support incline might help it last longer.” 

Adjusting the incline on the TR150 works differently than on typical treadmills. Since there’s no mechanism to control the incline, you’ll need to step off the machine and adjust it manually, which may be cumbersome for some seniors.

[Related: The 8 Best Budget Treadmills of 2024]

At 97 pounds, this machine is roughly half the weight of many of the treadmills we tested, but we still wish it had an assisted folding mechanism. “Usually you’ll have a gas shock or hydraulic cylinder to help the deck lower smoothly,” our tester explained. This omission contributed to its 2 out of 5 rating for adjustability and ergonomics.

Best Treadmill for Seniors with a Simple Display: Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T4400 

Monitoring your heart rate is simple on the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T4400, our pick for the best treadmill for seniors with a simple display. Simply grip the pulse sensors on the handrails and you’ll be able to track your heart rate on the LCD display alongside metrics like steps, calories burned, and distance. 

Our tester, a certified personal trainer and nutrition coach, rated their workout experience a 4 out of 5. “The backlit display showed me everything I needed to know,” they said. “The SF-T4400 is probably not the best for serious runners, but for someone looking to stay active or burn some calories, it’s a great machine.”

On either side of the display, you’ll see buttons for the nine preset workouts, which include speed and interval training programs. Below the screen is also where you’ll find the treadmill’s three quick-speed buttons, which allow you to easily set the speed to 2, 4, or 6 miles per hour. Speed can also be adjusted incrementally. 

Our tester also noted its small size and 103-pound weight, which is roughly 100 pounds lighter than many treadmills we’ve tested. They rated its footprint and portability 5 out of 5, though they did make note of the small running surface, which measures just 16 inches wide. “I think it would be OK for most users,” they said, “but the belt deck was just 16 inches wide. That’s 4 inches shorter than the 20-inch standard.” 

The belt is also 6 inches shorter than many treadmills, which tend to have belts between 55 and 60 inches. Since that doesn’t leave a lot of room for long strides, we’d recommend the SF-T4400 for walking and some light jogging rather than running. 

Like other compact treadmills, a positive ramification of its smaller size, however, is a lower step-up height. You’ll need to step just 6.93 inches from the floor to the belt deck, which is about as high as one stair. 

The customizations on the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T4400 earned a 3.5 out of 5 from our tester. “With adjustable speed and the manual incline being really the only customizable feature,” they said, “this treadmill may not be great for someone doing serious training. As a simple or beginner machine, though, I think it’s a good option.”

Best Treadmill for Seniors with Programming: Bowflex Treadmill 10

Seniors interested in starting a new cardio routine — or easing back into one after an injury — may benefit from programmed workouts. We like the Bowflex Treadmill 10 because, in addition to its selection of preset programs, it’s compatible with Bowflex’s built-in dynamic programming platform, JRNY.

JRNY uses machine learning and adaptive workouts to assess your skill level and build a workout program just for you. As you partake in on-demand classes, JRNY tracks your workout data and adjusts to your progress. Access to all of this is $20 per month — after your initial two free months — which is half the cost of popular apps like iFIT and Echelon Fit.

These workouts can be enjoyed on the 10-inch touchscreen, which is also capable of streaming entertainment via apps like Netflix or Prime Video. This prompted a rating of 4.5 out of 5 from our tester. “Even beyond the flashy stuff like Netflix on the display,” they said, “I appreciated ‘smaller’ things like the heart rate monitors on the front handles.”

Our tester’s workout experience earned a 4 out 5 and they emphasized the belt deck. “Its 22-inch wide belt is two inches wider than normal,” they pointed out. “That and the shock absorption made for very comfortable workouts.”

While our tester rated the overall footprint and portability of the Bowflex Treadmill 10 just 2.5 out of 5, they made sure to note the trade-offs. “At 323 pounds, I certainly wouldn’t want to move it around much,” they said, “but that makes for a very stable machine and smooth, steady experience.”

Read our full Bowflex Treadmill 10 Review.

How We Chose the Best Treadmills for Seniors 

Our testing team has personally used over 40 treadmills and is familiar with the features that make a machine suitable for those with joint issues, difficulty balancing, or limited mobility. Here are a few of the factors that guided our picks.

Cushioning

Those with joint issues may have some trepidation about investing in a machine that will require a lot of impact on your lower body. We made it a priority to choose treadmills with cushioned decks that can absorb some of the shock and impact that otherwise would be loaded onto the joints. Compared with walking, jogging, or running on a concrete sidewalk or hard indoor track, the cushioning of a treadmill deck can make a huge difference when it comes to reducing soreness.

Deck Size

The deck size — the space you have to walk, jog, or run on — on an average treadmill is typically around 20 inches wide and 55 to 60 inches long. Since it’s important for seniors to feel comfortable and confident as they exercise, we sought to choose treadmills with decks that wouldn’t make them feel crowded or unbalanced. 

Many of the treadmills on our list have deck sizes of at least 20 inches wide and 60 inches long, with some featuring a 22-inch width. If maintaining your balance is a concern while using your treadmill, take note of the deck size.

Step-Up Height

Sometimes the biggest challenge for seniors using a treadmill can be stepping onto it. Larger machines generally have higher step-up heights of around 8 to 10 inches. The average step in a staircase is around 7 inches high, which is around the step-up height we looked for in our picks. All of the treadmills we included also include handrails for extra stability. 

[Related: The 6 Best Treadmills for Bad Knees of 2024]

What to Consider Before Buying a Treadmill for Seniors

Some of the features in a treadmill that are relevant for seniors may not be obvious or easy to find on a product’s webpage. Companies don’t always list the step-up heights, safety features, or amount of cushioning their treadmills offer. Here are some crucial features to look for.

Low Step-Up Height

How high you need to step to climb aboard your treadmill can be an easily overlooked attribute. For reference, a typical step is around 7 inches in height, so if climbing stairs is a challenge, you will want a machine with a lower step-up height. Most treadmills have handrails for support, but unless you’re a master of the stair climber, it’s worth considering your comfort level when climbing a flight of stairs when deciding the right step-up height for you. 

Your Physical Needs 

If you typically experience knee or ankle pain while walking or jogging, you may be hesitant about starting an exercise regimen. For those with achy joints, treadmills usually have features like shock-absorbing cushioned belt decks that can go a long way in easing the impact of your steps. 

Also, heavier athletes will want to note a treadmill’s weight capacity during their search. On average, treadmills tend to support between 250 and 300 pounds, but we worked to include options that can support up to 400 pounds. 

Your Fitness Goals

Identifying your fitness goals — losing weight, increasing muscle, or recovering after an injury — is the first step in your search for your own treadmill. Consider what kind of treadmill can help you meet those goals. Is it a walking or running treadmill? Do you need an incline? What size motor or maximum speed will you need? Once you establish your goals, then you can look for the features to help you get there.

Different Types of Treadmills for Seniors

The first consideration when purchasing your own treadmill should be determining what type of machine best suits your needs. Are you going to use it for walking or running? Do you need a foldable treadmill to save some space? Do you want to try a manual treadmill? Establish what you need out of your machine, then explore the different available types of treadmills.

For Walking

In general, two features that support the best walking treadmills are the incline range and preset workouts. Adjusting the incline can bring an added challenge to a walk without having to increase the speed and, thus, the risk of losing your balance. 

Often, those who intend to use their treadmill for walking will follow the workout programs that are built into the machine. You may choose to follow an interval training program to work on increasing your endurance or a program that can help you learn how and when to adjust your incline. 

Foldable

If you are short on space in your home, apartment, or garage for a treadmill, foldable machines can quickly reduce the required floor space. Most machines offer some kind of hydraulic folding mechanism to ease the raising and lowering of the belt deck. While upright folding can quickly free up some square footage, flat-folding machines can be stored under a couch or bed.

Manual vs. Motorized

Most treadmills available on the market are motorized. However, some treadmills are completely user-powered. These require more exertion from the user by leading with the ball of the foot to propel the curved belt forward. Manual treadmills are also typically easier on the joints. In general, these machines are considered high intensity, but also very durable. We included a manual option in our list because some seniors may crave the added challenge or feel of a manual treadmill.

Benefits of Treadmills for Seniors

As we age, regular exercise becomes even more important to help maintain one’s physical health. Studies have shown that walking or jogging on a treadmill can help improve cardiovascular function, slow the loss of muscle mass, and reduce the risk for heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and strokes. (4)(5) 

Safety

Choosing the treadmill that matches your circumstances can be a matter of safety. Treadmills at a big-box or boutique gym were chosen to suit the needs of users of all ages and cardiovascular fitness levels. We think it’s important for seniors to prioritize their needs. There are design features that can provide a safer experience for seniors, like low step-up heights, wider running decks, and cushioning to support impact on joints.

Convenience

Traveling to a different location is not only inconvenient, but can be a mental and physical hurdle that could keep you from benefiting from regular physical exercise. Owning your own treadmill can eliminate a lot of common excuses to not exercise. 

Whether it’s raining, you live far from a gym, or have limited transportation options, adding a treadmill to your living room or home gym can make it that much easier to get moving.

Control over the Environment

When you can walk, jog, or run on a treadmill, you are less at the mercy of elements like uneven sidewalks or slippery surfaces. “Using a treadmill just eliminates some avoidable risk,” says Kate Meier, a certified personal trainer who works with seniors. “For people who need to be aware of factors like balance or weather, a treadmill can be a safer option than exercising outdoors.”

Final Word

For older adults, the hurdles to getting enough physical exercise only increase with time. Traveling regularly to a gym can be inconvenient or even impossible for some. Exercising outdoors puts you at the mercy of the weather. The machines available at your fitness center may be too high off the ground or not have enough cushion to support your joints.

Purchasing your own treadmill allows you to choose a machine that’s catered to your needs, which helps remove some of those barriers to regular physical exercise. We aimed to put together an informative and thoughtful list of treadmills that can speak to those in search of a lower-impact machine. Whether you need a higher weight capacity, extra deck cushioning, a wider belt deck, or options for preprogrammed workouts, we think you can find what you need on our list of the best treadmills for seniors.

FAQs

References

1. Santos, D. A., Silva, A. M., Baptista, F., Santos, R., Vale, S., Mota, J., & Sardinha, L. B. (2012). Sedentary behavior and physical activity are independently related to functional fitness in older adults. Experimental gerontology, 47(12), 908–912. 
2. Robertson, Nicholas, “Comparing Calorie Expenditure and Rating of Perceived Exertion between the Curve and a Motorized Treadmill” (2014). EWU Masters Thesis Collection. 268.
3. Encarnación-Martínez, A., Catalá-Vilaplana, I., Berenguer-Vidal, R., Sanchis-Sanchis, R., Ochoa-Puig, B., & Pérez-Soriano, P. (2021). Treadmill and Running Speed Effects on Acceleration Impacts: Curved Non-Motorized Treadmill vs. Conventional Motorized Treadmill. International journal of environmental research and public health, 18(10), 5475. 
4. American College of Sports Medicine Position Stand. Exercise and physical activity for older adults. (1998). Medicine and science in sports and exercise, 30(6), 992–1008.
5. Elsawy, B., & Higgins, K. E. (2010). Physical activity guidelines for older adults. American family physician, 81(1), 55–59.
6. Pirouzi, S., Motealleh, A. R., Fallahzadeh, F., & Fallahzadeh, M. A. (2014). Effectiveness of treadmill training on balance control in elderly people: a randomized controlled clinical trial. Iranian journal of medical sciences, 39(6), 565–570.

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