Whether you want to keep your lymphatic system in superb shape or want to get a full-body workout, buying a treadmill is a great decision. Regardless of your age, a high-quality treadmill is an effective workout tool that anyone can use. If you’re advanced in age, you’ll want to buy the best treadmills for seniors that come with sufficient cushion and stability to keep you safe always.
However, not all treadmills offer the stability and cushioning that seniors need to stay safe while working out. Certain models come with additional features and intuitive consoles that help seniors get the best out of their workouts.
In this article, we’ve compiled the 5 best treadmills for senior citizens that have a perfect blend of performance, comfort, and safety. Additionally, we’ve created a handy buying guide that will help you make an informed decision.
Table of Contents
Advantages of Using a Treadmill
Improves Organ Functions
After a consistent workout, a treadmill will improve the function of your body organs. Being a healthy person is having a healthy body. Using a treadmill to jog, walk, or run can significantly improve your lungs and heart functioning. It will also enhance the oxygen supply to your brain, which will improve your mental state.
Weight Loss
This is one of the primary reasons to own a treadmill. Most people strive to lose weight, and to some, it can be challenging to lose weight with a busy schedule. Investing in a treadmill can help you reach your fitness goals. If you lose burn more calories than you consume, you’ll be on the right track.
Reduces Blood Pressure
If you’ve high cholesterol or blood pressure issues, the best treadmill for seniors is a great remedy. If your heart is functioning smoothly, it won’t struggle to keep everything working. You’ll also improve your HDL levels if you like running on the treadmill for short distances.
Can Improve Sleep
If you struggle with sleep or get uncomfortable, the best treadmill for older adults can improve your sleep. If you spend your working at a desk, watching television, or doing other sedentary activities, your body knows you’re resting. When you want to sleep, you might struggle since you’ve not burned much energy during the day. However, when you work out, your body will tire out and will improve your sleep over time.
FAQs
How Fast Should Seniors Walk on a Treadmill?
How fast you walk on a treadmill is upon you. Always aim at pushing yourself in order to improve your overall health and fitness. However, you shouldn’t turn your treadmill as fast as it can and expect the best! The best walking speed is where you’re out of your comfort zone but not struggling to keep up with the machine.
Is a Treadmill Good for the Elderly?
Treadmills are an excellent way to keep older adults in tiptop shape in a safe environment.
How Far Should a 70-Year-Old Walk?
As long as you feel comfortable, the distance you walk will depend on the type of lifestyle you’ve had throughout your life. However, a 70-year walks between 1 to 4 miles or 2000 and 9000 steps on a treadmill per day. Aim for 4 miles for the best results.
Best Treadmills for Seniors Buying Guide
There are some key features that you should be keen on when buying a treadmill for seniors. You do not want to spend your hard-earned cash on a product that will not work for you. Here are some things you should consider before making the final decision.
Cushioning
The treadmill belt and the rotating mechanism should offer sufficient cushioning and have less impact on the elderly’s joints.
Safety and Stability
Your treadmill should have long and firm handrails. It should have a mechanism for an emergency stop for stopping the machine.
Weight Limit
This is one of the most crucial factors to check on a treadmill. Most of the treadmills for seniors have a weight capacity of between 2500 to 300 pounds. If you’re looking for something that supports more weight, you’ll have to spend more. Ensure you check the weight limit of your machine to avoid disappointments.
Special Programming
Some treadmills on the market come with special built-in programming features. These programs are designed to make your training sessions easier. Some programs are simple timed exercises, while others have a certified trainer guiding you. If you have big fitness goals, go for one with special programming.
Lightweight/Co-Design/Foldable
Many senior citizens live in small apartments or houses with less space. Therefore, buying a foldable treadmill means that the machine will not dominate your living space every time. A great foldable treadmill you can buy is the Lifespan TR1200i folding treadmill.
Low Max Speed
For most seniors, a treadmill with high speeds is a threat to their lives. One can accidentally hit a button, and some machines change speed really fast. A low-speed treadmill will reduce the risk of accidents. However, the treadmill’s motor should be designed to handle low speeds for long hours. A max speed of 4 to 6 mph is sufficient.
Low-Level Deck
The best walking treadmills for the elderly should be lower to the ground and easy to step on without the risk of falls.
Noise Level
This factor doesn’t apply to old guys only- no one wants a noisy treadmill. Most seniors are probably less likely to play loud music to lower the noise of a treadmill.
A treadmill mat can reduce the noise considerably.
Deck Size
The larger the deck size, the better. A large deck will relieve you of the stress of accidentally hitting the side and changing your walking style as a result. A small deck can be ideal for short people provided you’re walking.
Simple Controls
Although there are some tech-savvy seniors out there, a complicated control panel can be overwhelming to most old guys. Therefore, go for a simple console that’s easy to use and has few programs, and doesn’t require any app.
You might also consider getting the old man/woman a manual treadmill.
Best Treadmills for Seniors Reviews
Horizon Fitness T101 Treadmill Series
If you’re looking for a high-quality treadmill for seniors that gives you a quiet and comfortable jog or walk, this is a good choice. The Horizon Fitness T101 Treadmill Series comes with a proprietary cushioning system that gives you the comfort you need for your workouts. It comes with a 2.3 motor with a maximum speed of 10 mph, making it for older people.
This super-friendly treadmill by Horizon Fitness comes equipped with a USB port, Bluetooth connectivity with integrated speakers, and device holders. It has 9 preset exercise programs and a backlit screen to watch TV, incline, and touch seed buttons. It also has a shut-off key.
Features
- 3-zone variable response cushioning
- Built-in speakers
- 2.5 CHP motor
- 0.7-inch thickness
Pros
- Bluetooth enabled
- Comfortable padded handles
- 9 built-in programs
- Great value
Cons
- Not integrated with some apps
Sunny Health & Fitness Electric Slim Folding Running Treadmill
Are you looking for the best fold-up treadmill for seniors? Look no further! The Sunny Health & Fitness Electric Slim Folding Running Treadmill has a maximum weight of 250 lbs, making it ideal for anyone short on weight and space.
It comes with a 20″ wide belt, a large readout, cushioned deck, and a safety clip. The best part about this treadmill is that it folds flat and does not need any assembly.
It has 9 selectable programs and speeds ranging from 0.6-9 mph. This is one of the best walking treadmills.
Features
- Digital monitor
- 9 selectable programs
- 2.5 peak HP
- Device holder
- 250 lb weight capacity
Pros
- Quick speed buttons
- Easy to fold
- Built-in speakers
- Emergency stop clip
Cons
- No incline feature
Sunny Health & Fitness T7643 Heavy Duty Walking Treadmill
The Sunny Health & Fitness T7643 Heavy Duty Walking Treadmill comes with a strong design and has a weight capacity of 350lbs.
This treadmill can go up to 6 mph if you feel 4 mph is not sufficient for you (this is a great walking treadmill).
With this machine, you can easily monitor your time, calories burned, distance, and time thanks to the bright and clear panel. It has a 19.5″ belt that makes it ideal for light jogging and walking. It also has great shock absorption in the deck but has a 2-3% permanent incline.
Features
- 2.5 HP peak DC motor
- 0.5-6.0 MPH speed range
- 350 lbs weight capacity
Pros
- Safety stop
- Solid treadmill
- 3 years frame warranty
Cons
- No heart rate monitor
SOLE, F63 Treadmill, Home Workout Foldable Treadmill
The SOLE, F63 Treadmill, Home Workout Foldable Treadmill is a heavy-duty machine with a 3.0 continuous HP motor that offers speeds from 1-12 mph and 12% inclines. This treadmill comes with a tablet holder and Bluetooth audio speakers that reduce boredom when working out. It also comes with 6 preset programs that include fat-burning and cardio sessions.
Features
- 6 preset programs
- LCD screen
- 3.0 HP motor
- Cushion Flex Whisper Deck
- 15 levels of incline
Pros
- Low-impact design
- Sturdy construction
- Frame and motor lifetime warranty
- Quiet, smooth, and cushioned deck
Cons
- Hard to assembly
EXERPEUTIC TF2000 Recovery Fitness Walking Treadmill
The EXERPEUTIC TF2000 Recovery Fitness Walking Treadmill is an ideal product for anyone looking for a physical therapy machine. This treadmill is an amazing option for seniors who want a little assistance to achieve fitness goals. It comes with a 16-inch wide belt and has a weight capacity of 300 pounds. It comes equipped with full-length walking assistant handrails on the side, making it safe for seniors. Additionally, it has an LCD screen that helps you track your speed, distance, and calories burned, among others.
Features
- 5” low deck height
- Backlit LCD display
- 49″ full-length handrails
- Extended treadmill belt
Pros
- Padded deck
- Two storage spots
- Full-length handrails
- Large display
Cons
- It does not fold up
- Lack built-in workouts
Conclusion
Since the market is flooded with so many models, it can be challenging to find the best treadmills for seniors. However, this guide has made your buying journey easy. Follow our buying guide and select one treadmill that will suit your needs.