The Best Treadmills for Seniors in 2024
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Exercise is essential at any life stage, but as you get older, it becomes increasingly important. Physical activity protects against heart disease, stroke, diabetes and some types of cancer, and can help improve your mental health. Regular exercise may also delay the onset of dementia and improve overall quality of life. Despite the health benefits, many older adults find it difficult to stick to a regular exercise routine.
Having a treadmill in your home can make exercise more convenient and accessible, especially on days when the weather isn’t cooperating with an outdoor walk. But treadmills are an investment—when it comes to money and the space you have to dedicate to them. And every treadmill isn’t suitable for older adults.
To help you out, we’ve narrowed it down to nine of the best treadmills for seniors. While all of the options on this list have features that set them apart, they share some commonalities too: They have cushioned treadmill decks and access to emergency stop buttons or safety keys, plus they’re easy to operate. In addition to our treadmill reviews, we’ve also provided some guidance on how to choose the best one for you.
Our Picks for the Best Treadmill for Seniors:
- Best Fold Up Treadmill for Seniors: NordicTrack EXP7i Treadmill
- Best Walking Treadmill for Seniors: Sole Fitness F65 Treadmill
- Best Smart Treadmill for Seniors: Echelon Stride 5s Smart Treadmill
- Best Treadmill for Seniors with Programming: ProForm Carbon T14 Treadmill
- Best Small Treadmill for Seniors: WalkingPad R1 Pro Foldable Treadmill
- Best Cushioned Treadmill for Seniors: NordicTrack Commercial 2450 Treadmill
- Best Treadmill for Heavier Seniors: Sole Fitness F85 Treadmill
- Best Affordable Treadmill for Seniors: Sunny Health & Fitness Recovery Walking Treadmill
Best Fold Up Treadmill for Seniors: NordicTrack EXP7i Treadmill
NordicTrack
Key features and specs:
- Step up height: 10.5 inches
- Deck size: 20 inches x 55 inches
- Deck cushioning: Runner’s Flex cushioning
- Safety features: Emergency safety key
- Storage: Foldable with transport wheels
- Console: Seven-inch tiltable HD touchscreen
- Controls: Large start and stop buttons, large incline and speed controls, one-touch controls
- Speeds: Zero to 10 miles per hour
- Incline/decline: 12 percent incline
- Programming: Compatible with iFit membership
The NordicTrack EXP7i is a tech-enabled folding treadmill that’s not too complicated—an ideal combination for seniors. It has a seven-inch touchscreen that makes navigating through preset programs (or iFit if you decide to subscribe) really straightforward, plus one-touch controls that let you start and stop the cardio machine and change the interval and speed. The EasyLift Assist system takes some weight off the running belt when folding it for storage and gives it a soft drop when expanding it again. The running deck itself is cushioned to help with shock absorption, which can take pressure off your joints.
Related Post: NordicTrack EXP 14i Review: Pros, Cons, Specs and More
Pros:
- One-touch controls
- EasyLift Assist system that makes it easier to fold
- Cushioned running deck
- Large start and stop buttons
Cons:
- Can use only manual mode without iFit membership
Best Walking Treadmill for Seniors: Sole Fitness F65 Treadmill
Sole
Key features and specs:
- Step up height: Eight inches
- Deck size: 22 inches x 60 inches
- Deck cushioning: N/A
- Safety features: Emergency stop button
- Storage: Foldable with transport wheels
- Console: 7.5-inch backlit LCD display
- Controls: Raised start and stop buttons, large incline, speed and program buttons
- Speeds: 0.5 to 12 miles per hour
- Incline/decline: 15 incline levels
- Programming: Eight built-in workouts, compatible with Studio (Sole’s fitness app)
If you want a treadmill for walking, you can get away with a slightly less powerful motor and save some money in the process. The Sole Fitness F65 has a 3.25-horsepower (HP) motor, which is plenty for walking and light jogging. This treadmill also has an extra-wide running deck—it’s 22 inches compared to the 20 inches of many others—so you won’t feel cramped between the handlebars. To keep the cost down, Sole skipped the large touchscreen on this model, but the straightforward 7.5-inch backlit display makes it easy to track your progress. There are also one-touch controls on the console that let you quickly change speed and incline or navigate to one of the eight preset workout programs.
Pros:
- Extra wide running deck
- Budget-friendly price
- One-touch controls
- Pre-programmed workouts
Cons:
- Heavy
Best Smart Treadmill for Seniors: Echelon Stride 5s Smart Treadmill
Echelon
Key features and specs:
- Step up height: 6.5 inches
- Deck size: 22 inches x 60 inches
- Deck cushioning: Duro-50 Cushioned Suspension
- Safety features: Large emergency stop button, pull out stop lanyard, rear-frame safety rail
- Storage: Front wheels
- Console: 24-inch HD touchscreen
- Controls: One-touch controls, large emergency stop button, handlebar controls
- Speeds: 0.5 to 12.5 miles per hour
- Incline/decline: 15-percent incline
- Programming: Compatible with Echelon Fit
If you want a treadmill with the latest tech, the Echelon Stride 5s Smart Treadmill is our top pick for seniors. It has a large, 24-inch HD touchscreen that rotates 90 degrees, so you can find an ideal viewing angle and/or follow along with workouts when you’re off the treadmill. You can operate the treadmill through the touchscreen or use one-touch buttons to start, stop and/or automatically jump to set speed and incline settings. There’s also an extra large emergency stop button front and center, so if you start losing steam or stumble, you can shut the power down quickly. Speed and incline controls are integrated into the handlebars, which are ergonomically designed to provide a more secure grip. To get the most out of the treadmill, you can subscribe to Echelon’s fitness app which gives you access to more than 1,000 on-demand workouts and dozens of live classes.
Pros:
- Large, rotating touchscreen
- Emergency stop button
- Ergonomic handlebars for added security
Cons:
- Requires a subscription for full functionality
Best Treadmill for Seniors with Programming: ProForm Carbon T14 Treadmill
ProForm
Key features & specs:
- Step up height: 7.5 inches
- Deck size: 20 inches x 55 inches
- Deck cushioning: ISO Flex Cushioning
- Safety features: Safety key, oversized leveling feet
- Storage: Foldable with front wheels
- Console: 14-inch HD touchscreen
- Controls: One-touch speed and incline buttons, large start and stop buttons
- Speeds: Zero to 10 miles per hour
- Incline/decline: 12 percent incline
- Programming: Compatible with iFit
A treadmill with advanced programming is like having a personal trainer in your home. The ProForm Carbon T14 is compatible with iFit, so you can access thousands of workout programs for all fitness levels. But where this treadmill really shines is in its interactive programming. iFit trainers can take you through various destinations around the world via the 14-inch HD touchscreen, remotely adjusting the treadmill’s speed, incline and decline based on the corresponding terrain. If you prefer to control the treadmill on your own, you can override the trainer with large, easy-to-press buttons on the console and on the display itself. The running deck is cushioned for added comfort, and it also has the same EasyLift Assist as the NordicTrack treadmill models, so it folds without a lot of extra effort.
Pros:
- Remote speed and incline adjustments via iFit
- Easy-to-press buttons on console and display
- Extra cushioned running deck
Cons:
- Limited functionality without iFit membership
Best Small Treadmill for Seniors: WalkingPad R1 Pro Foldable Treadmill
WalkingPad
Key features & specs:
- Step up height: N/A
- Deck size: 17.3 inches x 47.2 inches
- Deck cushioning: N/A
- Safety features: Handrail
- Storage: Foldable with lie-flat design
- Console: N/A
- Controls: Remote or app control, automatic speed control function
- Speeds: 0.5 to 6.2 miles per hour
- Incline/decline: N/A
- Programming: N/A
Full-size treadmills require a lot of space. If you’re looking for a more compact treadmill, a walking pad may be a good option. This two-in-one version has a completely flat design, but it comes with a foldable handrail that can help you maintain your balance as you walk. It folds in half when you’re not using it, and can slide under your bed or a couch. You can operate the treadmill with an app or the included remote, or turn on an automatic control function that senses your foot position and changes speed accordingly. Keep in mind that this treadmill has a lower weight capacity than full-size models, and it doesn’t have incline capabilities or any extras like Bluetooth connectivity or a digital display. It also maxes out at a top speed of 6.2 miles per hour, but if you’re looking for a basic model that will help get you moving, this treadmill is probably sufficient.
Pros:
- Folds in half for storage
- Has a handrail for safety
- Comes with a remote control
Cons:
- No emergency stop button
Best Cushioned Treadmill for Seniors: NordicTrack Commercial 2450 Treadmill
NordicTrack
Key features & specs:
- Step up height: 10.5 inches
- Deck size: 20 inches x 60 inches
- Deck cushioning: FlexSelect Cushioning
- Safety features: Emergency safety key, handrails
- Storage: Foldable, transport wheels
- Console: 22-inch pivoting HD touchscreen
- Controls: One-touch controls
- Speeds: Zero to 12 miles per hour
- Incline/decline: 12 percent incline to -3 percent decline
- Programming: Compatible with iFit membership
Most of our top picks have cushioned belts, but the NordicTrack Commercial 2450 has a softer landing surface than most. This absorbs shock and can help reduce impact on your joints, making for a more comfortable experience overall. In addition to its extra cushioning, the deck has a lower step-up height than some other models and one-touch controls that let you change the speed and incline without toggling through all the levels. It has plenty of other features, too, like an extra-large 22-inch touchscreen, decline capabilities and auto-adjust technology that changes speed and incline automatically if you decide to sign up for an iFit membership.
Check out our NordicTrack Commercial 2450 review for more information on this popular treadmill.
Pros:
- Extra deck cushioning
- One-touch controls
- Low step-up height
- Large touchscreen
Cons:
- Expensive
Best Treadmill for Heavier Seniors: Sole Fitness F85 Treadmill
Sole Fitness
Key features & specs:
- Step up height: Eight inches
- Deck size: 22 inches x 60 inches
- Deck cushioning: N/A
- Safety features: Emergency stop safety key
- Storage: Foldable
- Console: 10.1-inch touchscreen display
- Controls: One-touch controls; large, raised start/stop buttons
- Speeds: 0.5 to 12 miles per hour
- Incline/decline: 15 incline levels
- Programming: Six built-in workouts, 12 customizable workout options
A heavier duty version of the F65, the Sole F85 is a better fit for heavier seniors. This model has a maximum weight capacity of 400 pounds—most can accommodate 300 to 350 pounds. This helps prevent lagging and prolongs the lifespan of the motor over time. It has other features that are ideal for seniors, too, like a wider walking surface, a cushioned running belt and large buttons on the display that make operation easier. An emergency stop button is positioned front and center, so you can shut the motor off quickly if needed. Like many Sole treadmills, this model is compatible with Sole’s fitness app, but it also has six preset workout programs, plus the option to add 12 customizable workouts even without the subscription service.
Pros:
- Higher weight capacity than most
- Wide walking surface
- Raised emergency stop button
Cons:
- Expensive
Best Affordable Treadmill for Seniors: Sunny Health & Fitness Recovery Walking Treadmill
Sunny Health & Fitness
Key features & specs:
- Step up height: Two inches
- Deck size: 19.5 inches x 44 inches
- Deck cushioning: Shock-absorbing cushioning
- Safety features: Multi-grip handrails, emergency stop key
- Storage: Transport wheels
- Console: N/A
- Controls: Large start/stop buttons, easy-access speed controls
- Speeds: Zero to five miles per hour
- Incline/decline: N/A
- Programming: N/A
The Sunny Health & Fitness Walking Treadmill is a budget-friendly treadmill that’s designed for older adults. It has a very low deck—it’s only two inches off the ground compared to the six to eight of other treadmills—plus safety handrails that extend almost the full length of the running belt. It also has a very basic display that’s extremely easy to operate. There are large start and stop buttons and arrows that let you control the speed and incline. A basic display shows time, distance and calories burned as you workout. The treadmill doesn’t fold, but it has a lightweight design and transport wheels, so you can roll it out of sight when you’re not using it. Because it has only a 2.5-HP motor, this treadmill caps out at five miles per hour, but it’s ideal for walking and light jogging.
Pros:
- Very low step-up height
- Large start/stop buttons
- Lightweight for easier storage
Cons:
- Doesn’t fold
Treadmill Benefits for Seniors
Regular exercise is essential for staying healthy as you age. It reduces the risk of chronic disease and all-cause mortality. Walking specifically has been shown to improve cardio fitness, body composition and muscular strength in older adults. It can also promote weight loss. If you live in a climate where walking outside isn’t always an option, a treadmill can help keep you active in the off months.
Treadmills can provide all the health benefits of walking, but there are some more targeted benefits, too. Studies show that regularly using a treadmill can improve postural stability and balance control, which can reduce the risk of falls. Treadmills can also improve walking speed over time.
What Should Seniors Consider When Choosing a Treadmill
There are several factors seniors should consider when choosing a treadmill, especially those with limited mobility or those who just aren’t interested in learning new tech to operate a cardio machine. Before purchasing a treadmill, think about the step height, treadmill type, type of controls and whether or not the deck has cushioning.
Low step
All treadmills have a step up height, or the distance between the floor and the top of the treadmill belt. A normal step up height is about seven to nine inches. A lower step makes it easier to get onto the treadmill when you’re ready to use it, so if you have trouble getting on a treadmill, you may want one that’s even lower than that.
Treadmill type
Treadmill types run the gamut. They range from basic machines that have only a handful of features to heavy-duty smart models with large LCD screens. Decide which features you want, and then narrow down your choices based on those. Keep in mind that the more advanced treadmills are usually more expensive, so make sure you’re considering your budget, too.
Easy user controls
Treadmills don’t have to be complicated. Many of them have large buttons and one-touch controls that let you easily change the speed and incline or access preset training programs. Some also have controls integrated into the handlebars for easier control when you’re mid-workout. When choosing a treadmill, check the controls and make sure you’re comfortable operating it.
Cushioned deck
Cushioning on the deck, or running belt, helps absorb shock, which puts less pressure on your joints. Most high-quality treadmills have some degree of cushioning, but some take it a step further and have zoned support for different impact needs. If you’re planning to walk most of the time, basic cushioning will do, but zoned support may be better for light jogging.
Safety features
Safety features are always important, but they’re vital if you're a beginner or prone to falls. When choosing a treadmill, look for safety keys, large emergency stop buttons and/or locks that prevent the running deck from falling down when the treadmill is folded.
Size
You should consider overall size (especially if you have a small space), as well as the size of the running deck and handlebars. A larger running deck can accommodate taller adults and faster speeds. It’s also more convenient for those who have an unsteady gait, since they have more room to move around. Larger handlebars can help keep you upright, but may not be necessary if you don’t need to rely on them for balance.
Easy assembly
Most treadmills require assembly, and some are much more complicated than others. When choosing a treadmill, consider assembly time and effort. Keep in mind that it’s generally recommended to have at least two people put a treadmill together, so you may want to enlist some help or opt for a white glove delivery service that will assemble your home treadmill for you.
How We Chose the Best Treadmills for Seniors
There were a number of factors we considered when choosing the best treadmills for seniors. One of the most important was the safety features. We made sure that all the options on our list have safety keys, emergency stop buttons and/or handrails that can help you maintain your balance as you work out. We also considered whether or not the deck had cushioning, which can help reduce impact and put less pressure on your joints.
Other things that factored into our decision included the step up height, portability, accessibility of the display and controls, deck size and speed and incline ranges. We also considered the price, and made sure to include models that could fit into several different budgets. Customer reviews, brand satisfaction and warranty were also top of mind when narrowing down our picks.
Treadmills for Seniors FAQs
How fast should a senior walk on a treadmill?
It really depends on your fitness level, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that adults over the age of 65 get at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity (brisk walking) each week. On a treadmill, a brisk pace is a speed around 3.0 to 4.5 miles per hour. Make sure you attach the safety key to your body so the treadmill will shut off if the pace is too much for you.
Are treadmills good for seniors?
Treadmills are an excellent piece of fitness equipment for seniors. They’re sturdy, versatile and easy to use, and can help you maintain cardiovascular health. Plus, research shows that walking can help maintain physical and cognitive independence in older adults.
Do seniors need to walk on an incline?
Seniors don’t necessarily need to walk on an incline—it all comes down to your fitness goals and current health status. Walking on an incline is a low-impact way to boost your heart rate and increase the number of calories burned, but it can put extra strain on your leg muscles, which can exacerbate joint-related issues in some seniors.
Final Thoughts
Treadmills are an excellent way to stay active, but all models aren’t a good fit for older adults. The best treadmills for seniors have advanced safety measures and additional comfort features, like a cushioned deck that helps take pressure off your joints. They’re also easy to operate, thanks to large one-touch buttons and/or convenient controls worked into the handlebars. When choosing a treadmill, think about your individual needs, which features are important to you and which ones aren’t.
Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.
