The Best Treadmills for Walking to Help You Hit Your Step Goals in 2024

Boost your cardiovascular health with our top picks for best walking treadmills of 2024.

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Many people use treadmills for running, but you can get a great workout by using a treadmill for walking as well. Walking can improve circulation, support joint health, strengthen your muscles and even keep your bones strong. Yet sometimes, walking outside just isn’t possible for one reason or another. Adding a walking treadmill to a home gym can help you increase your cardio workouts while also offering you the convenience of walking indoors.

Whether you’re interested in intense cardio blasts or walking a few miles at a light pace, it’s important to find a treadmill that accommodates your fitness goals, health needs and budget. Our comprehensive guide to the best treadmills for walking can help you learn what types are available, why treadmills are beneficial, how to use them and anything else you should consider before making a purchase. As a former track and field runner who has trained on treadmills almost daily for more than 15 years, I'm well qualified to explain the ins and outs of this equipment.

Read on for more information on our top picks and how to find the best walking treadmill for your needs.

Our Picks for the Best Treadmills for Walking in 2024:

• Best Overall Treadmill for Walking: NordicTrack Commercial 2450 Treadmill
• Best Smart Treadmill: ProForm Carbon T7 Treadmill
• Best Treadmill for Walking and Running: NordicTrack EXP 7i
• Best Walking Treadmill for Seniors: Sole F63 Treadmill
• Best Folding Treadmill for Walking: Echelon Stride-S Auto Fold Treadmill
• Best Treadmill for Incline Walking: NordicTrack X22i Treadmill 
• Best Treadmill for Walking with Joint Pain: Sole Fitness TT8 Treadmill
• Best Under Desk Treadmill for Walking: Walking Pad P1 Treadmill
• Best Compact Treadmill for Walking: Echelon Stride Auto Fold Treadmill
• Best Budget Treadmill for Walking: ProForm L6 Folding Treadmill

Best Overall Treadmill for Walking: NordicTrack Commercial 2450 Treadmill

NordicTrack

Specs:

• Dimensions: 78.5 inches L x 35.6 inches W x 65 inches H
• Screen: 22-inch rotating HD touchscreen that tilts and pivots
• Weight Capacity: 300 pounds
• Max Speed: 12 miles per hour
• Incline: negative three percent decline to 12 percent incline
• Walking Track: 20 inches W x 60 inches L
• Warranty: 10 years for frame; two years for parts; one year for labor

The NordicTrack Commercial 2450 Treadmill can incline up to 12 percent and decline to negative three percent. It also has a 22-inch smart HD touchscreen,which integrates seamlessly with iFit. If you subscribe to iFit, a trainer will take you on a walking series through white sand beach beaches, the pyramids of Egypt and other scenic locations. The incline, decline and speed of this manual treadmill are automatically adjusted or you can make changes using the buttons on each side of the screen. This treadmill is fully functional without an iFit membership but can only be used in manual mode. If you want to try iFit, a 30-day free trial is offered.

The deck is 60 inches long and 20 inches wide and the step-up height is between 10 and 11 inches to account for the decline option. Underneath the deck, there’s a bar attached to the steel frame that triggers the hydraulic Easy Lift Assist system to fold it up. There are four built-in wheels, but it weighs 303 pounds which may be tough to move. 

Check out our NordicTrack Commercial 2450 treadmill review for more information.

Testing Notes:

One of our expert testers says the NordicTrack Commercial 2450 is an excellent treadmill that provides a great workout experience. She liked the large touchscreen, the quick-select buttons and the cloud-like feel provided by the extra-cushioned deck. On the other hand, she cautions that assembling this high-end treadmill will probably be a two-person job that takes 1-2 hours.

Pros:

• Incline and decline response for more vigorous workouts
• 30-watt premium audio speakers
• Bluetooth headphone and heart rate connectivity
• AutoBreeze fan built into horizontal handlebar

Cons:

• Weight capacity of 300 pounds may exclude some heavier users
• Expensive price tag (over $3,000)

Best Smart Treadmill: ProForm Carbon T7 Treadmill

ProForm

Specs:

• Dimensions: 73.5 inches L x 35.2 inches W x 57.5 inches H
• Screen: Seven-inch smart HD touchscreen
• Weight Capacity: 300 pounds
• Max Speed: 10 miles per hour
• Incline: Up to 10 percent
• Walking Track: 20 inches W x 55 inches L
• Warranty: 10-year warranty for frame; one year for parts and labor

ProForm Carbon T7 Treadmill offers a dynamic personal trainer experience with trainer-led workout programs for home use, going as far as automatically controlling your treadmill’s speed, incline and decline to keep up with the class. This also gives you a hands-free workout where you don’t have to worry about adjusting knobs. While we love this treadmill for its studio class workouts that you can access via a complimentary three-year iFIT Family Membership (which otherwise costs $39/month or $468/year), we love it even more for its foldable design.

As a smaller treadmill, ProForm Carbon T7 takes up minimal space folded or unfolded, but if you need to tuck it away in small spaces, you don’t have to worry about lifting heavy fitness equipment. This folding treadmill is designed with a special EasyLift™ Assist program that allows you to fold the product with just one push. Built-in, powerful shock keeps pressure off of your body while you push to fold, and it’s easy to move around your home, as well. In addition to being convenient, this walking treadmill is also comfortable. ProForm’s Carbon T7 is made with a built-in fan that offers three levels of breeze, plus a cushioned running deck that reduces impact on your feet.

Check out our ProForm Carbon T7 treadmill review for more information.

Testing Notes:

The expert tester who tried the ProForm Carbon T7 had an overall satisfying experience doing an iFIT workout. The quick-adjust speed and incline buttons worked fine, and she liked the touchscreen despite its relatively small size. Although some shaking and noise were more noticeable at higher speeds, she still thinks the treadmill offers a lot of performance and features for the money.

Pros:

• Trainer-led workout programs
• Easily folds up with just one push
• Comes with three-year iFIT Membership

Cons:

• Max speed (10 mph) is on the low side
• Running track may be too short for taller users
• Shorter parts and labor warranty window

Best Treadmill for Walking and Running: NordicTrack EXP 7i

NordicTrack

Specs:

• Dimensions: 70.8 inches L x 34.9 inches W x 59.7 inches H
• Screen: Seven-inch rotating HD touchscreen that tilts
• Weight Capacity: 300 pounds
• Max Speed: 10 miles per hour
• Incline: Zero percent to 12 percent
• Walking Track: 20 inches W x 55 inches L
• Warranty: 10 years for frame; two years for parts; one year for labor

The NordicTrack EXP 7i is the brand's best budget-friendly option for a walking treadmill. You’ll still have a lot of the great features that the NordicTrack 2450 has, but at a smaller scale and price. For instance, the NordicTrack EXP 7i has a smaller seven-inch screen, but you’re still able to stream the subscription-based iFit classes. Throughout your workout, the incline is adjusted automatically to increase the intensity or you can make adjustments using the quick touch buttons. The maximum speed is ten miles per hour, slightly slower than other treadmills on this list but not a dealbreaker if your primary use is walking.

Check out our NordicTrack EXP 7i review for more information on this popular treadmill.

If you have a smaller space, the deck folds to a more compact size and you can move it using the four built-in wheels. While you work out, the fan on the dashboard will help prevent overheating and there’s one water bottle holder. If you want to follow your running or walking workout app or watch your favorite show, there’s an integrated device holder.

The deck has NordicTrack’s patented Runners Flex Cushioning, which works to soften the impact on your joints. It measures 55 inches long and 20 inches wide which is a good size for walking but may feel a little tight for taller users with a longer stride.

Related Post: Walking vs Running: Which Has Better Health Benefits?

Testing Notes:

One of our expert testers found a lot to like about the NordicTrack EXP 7i. She says the length and width of the deck create the ideal size not only for walking but also jogging and running. Features such as Automatic Trainer Control and Google Maps Workout Technology also got a thumbs-up, but she found the 7-inch touchscreen much too small for her liking.

Pros

• Folding design saves space
• Cushioned deck reduces impact on joints
• Device and water bottle storage
• Speed and incline automatically adjusted during iFit classes

Cons

• Touchscreen may be too small for some users
• Weight (228 pounds in box) limits portability

Best Walking Treadmill for Seniors: Sole Fitness F63 Treadmill

SI Showcase

Specs:

• Dimensions: 82 inches L x 35 inches W x 66 inches H
• Screen: 6.5-inch white, back-lit LCD display
• Weight Capacity: 325-pounds
• Max Speed: 12 miles per hour
• Incline: 15 levels
• Walking Track: 20 inches W x 60 inches L
• Warranty: Lifetime for frame and motor; three years for deck, electronics and parts; one year for labor

An extra-wide walking surface makes the Sole F63 treadmill an excellent choice for seniors. As a treadmill that works best for light walks and jogs, the machine comes with 15 incline levels and a 6.5-inch white, back-lit LCD screen, allowing you to clearly see your metrics at all times. While this treadmill doesn’t have a ton of high-end features, it offers a comfortable and customizable walk or jog thanks to its construction. The F63 is compatible with Bluetooth speakers, comes with a tablet holder and even has USB ports to charge your smart devices while you walk.

Its Cushion Flex Whisper Deck also claims to reduce joint impact by up to 40 percent, which may make it the best treadmill for senior adults with arthritis or other joint issues. Plus, this walking treadmill has a large stop switch, so you can quickly end your workout if needed. With solid specs and a quiet motor, this machine is built well with what many reviewers call “quality engineering.” The F63 offers six workout programs and two heart rate programs that offer training at 60 percent and 80 percent max, so hitting your metric goals doesn’t have to be complicated. The treadmill folds up easily, as well.

For more information, see our Sole treadmills brand overview.

Testing Notes:

The expert tester who tried the Sole F63 came away impressed, particularly with the quality of the tech features in comparison to its price. The treadmill changed incline angles smoothly and stayed stable and quiet, although she noticed some shaking at high speed. One thing to be aware of that the weight of the machine could make folding and moving it a bit difficult.

Pros:

• Extra-wide walking surface means you won't feel hemmed in
• Cushioned running deck is easier on the joints
• No subscription necessary

Cons:

• Few high-end features
• Not the best for sprints
• Some users report the fan is weak

Best Folding Treadmill for Walking: Echelon Stride-S Auto Fold Treadmill

Echelon

Specs:

• Dimensions: 74 inches L x 31 inches W x 53 inches H
• Screen: 10-inch HD touchscreen
• Weight Capacity: 300 pounds
• Max Speed: 12 miles per hour
• Incline: 12 incline levels
• Walking Track: 20 inches W x 59 inches L
• Warranty: 12-month limited warranty

As the next step up from Echelon's Stride mode, the Echelon Stride-Sport boasts a few new features as well as a larger design. It offers a 59-inch walking deck, strong 3.5 CHP motor and a 10-inch HD touchscreen. The touchscreen displays a range of performance statistics including pulse, distance, time, speed and calorie burn, and handlebar sensors measure your heart rate. Despite it being a larger treadmill, its auto-fold feature makes it easy to store away and tuck away in any room when not in use. When folded, it stands at 10 inches tall which can fit most living spaces. 

Once you sign up for the Echelon treadmill membership, you get access to thousands of classes from world-renowned instructions, and even access to exclusive races and challenges. Feel like climbing the hills of Spain one day? How about a scenic trip through Singapore? With this treadmill, you'll never get bored.

Pros:

• Auto-fold feature that makes it easily storable
• Echelon membership comes with 40+ daily live classes and 30+ instructors
• Long 59-inch deck
• 3.5 CHP Motor
• 30-day return policy

Cons:

• Only five-year warranty on motor and one-year warranty on parts
• You have to sign up for the membership to access any content

Best Treadmill for Incline Walking: NordicTrack X22i Treadmill

NordicTrack

Specs:

• Dimensions: 70.2 inches L x 39.6 inches W x 71.6 inches H
• Screen: 22-inch HD touchscreen
• Weight Capacity: 300 pounds
• Max Speed: 12 miles per hour
• Incline: Negative six to 40 percent incline levels
• Walking Track: 22.5 inches W x 60 inches L
• Warranty: 10-year frame warranty; two-year parts warranty; one-year labor warranty

The Nordictrack Commercial X22i is a part of NordicTrack’s elite X model series, and with a huge range of features, it’s definitely one of the most versatile and effective machines on the market today. This treadmill comes with six levels of decline and 40 levels of decline—not only is it rare for a treadmill to decline, but this impressive incline range makes it great for all fitness levels.

It has a large 22-inch wide belt that accommodates most users, and it's built with iFit technology, so you can get a customized workout plan for your goals. The iFit technology also allows you to download workouts directly from the internet, so you don't have to spend time planning out your routine.

The treadmill comes with a wireless heart rate monitor and Bluetooth speakers that are compatible with apple devices so you can listen to your preferred music while working out. The large, backlit display also has two three-inch digitally amplified speakers which, besides listening to music, allow you to watch TV while you work out, or hear your trainer's coaching instructions. The NordicTrack X22i also features dual AutoBreeze fans with adjustable intensity—and reviewers report they’re quiet enough not to distract or annoy anyone else in the room with you.

Despite its great features, this machine has only one downside: it's pricier. But if you're willing to spend some extra money on a quality product, you'll be happy with it.

Check out our NordicTrack X22i review for more information.

Testing Notes:

Our expert tester emphasizes the feature that makes the NordicTrack X22i great for incline walking: the 40 incline levels, far surpassing the industry standard of 10. She also liked the sturdy, durable feel of the treadmill and reported no shaking or shifting. Although it has a big price tag, she thinks the X22i could be worth it if you're looking for bells and whistles.

Pros:

• 40 levels of incline
• 22-inch HD touchscreen
• Built-in push bar & sled grips
• Auto Adjust controls allow iFit trainers to change up your incline, decline and speed

Cons:

• Doesn’t fold, so storage won't be easy
• Premium price tag (currently $3,499)
• Several users have complained that the unit is heavy and difficult to assemble

Best Treadmill for Walking with Joint Pain: Sole Fitness TT8 Treadmill

Sole

Specs:

• Dimensions: 82 inches L x 36 inches W x 58 inches H
• Screen: 10.1-inch console with Touch Display
• Weight Capacity: 400 pounds
• Max Speed: 12 miles per hour
• Incline: Negative six percent to 15 percent
• Walking Track: 22 inches W x 60 inches L
• Warranty: Lifetime warranty for frame, motor and deck; two-year warranty for labor 

As our top pick for the best treadmill for walking, the Sole TT8 offers a 22-inch wide tread track, a hard-to-beat price and a lifetime warranty. With a cushioned, quick flex deck and a negative six percent to 15 percent motorized incline, you can feel secure and comfortable even when walking uphill—without taking too much impact on your feet. This cushioning helps create a softer landing with shock absorption. Plus, you can easily switch incline settings from slight to steep, which is why we love this treadmill for walking in particular; thanks to its two motors, you can quickly customize your workouts for increased intensity. You can also use your own devices to watch TV shows and enjoy your favorite music with the integrated tablet holder and Bluetooth speakers.

Sole Fitness is known for producing high-quality parts. The TT8 maintains this tradition, offering three-inch rollers instead of two like typical treadmills, extending the life of the motor and belt. For even more assurance, the Sole TT8 also has a lifetime warranty on its frame, motor and deck. You won't have any trouble choosing Sole TT8 if you're looking for a treadmill that stands out not only for its features, but also for its performance and coverage.

Pros:

• Great range in incline and decline levels
• High weight capacity
• Lifetime frame warranty

Cons:

• No chest strap included
• Non-foldable, which makes it a bit more difficult to move

Related Post: The Best Treadmills for Heavy People

Best Under Desk Treadmill for Walking: WalkingPad P1 Folding Walking Treadmill

WalkingPad

Specs:

• Dimensions: 56.37 inches L x 21.5 inches W x 5 inches H
• Screen: No screen display
• Weight Capacity: 220 pounds
• Max Speed: 3.75 miles per hour
• Incline: No incline levels
• Walking Track: 17 inches W x 47 inches L
• Warranty: One-year warranty

You might think it's impossible to get a great workout as a typical desk-worker, and we don't blame you. But with the WalkingPad P1 Folding Walking Treadmill, you can find time in your day to get some extra steps in—and have fun while doing it.

This treadmill is compact enough (just under 0.5 meters squared when folded) to fit almost any room and has two built-in wheels, so you can easily fold it up and stash it in your office closet when you're not using it. And when you do decide to use it, the WalkingPad P1 is a breeze to set up: just plug in the power cord and adjust the speed on the remote, and you're ready to go.

Another interesting feature of this walking pad is the foot-sensing speed control, which speeds up or slows down the belt depending on your position.

While it doesn’t offer a display, this might not be a downside anyway, as it could get uncomfortable to look down at your feet. Instead, it features a remote that is used to turn the pad on and off.

Overall, the WalkingPad P1 Folding Walking Treadmill is not only lightweight and compact, but a convenient option for people who want to get in some daily exercise but can't make it to the gym.

Testing Notes:

Our expert tester used the Walking Pad P1 while using her laptop and came away fairly impressed. She gives it high marks for easy folding and storage. The top speed felt plenty fast for walking and she found the speed easy to adjust. Still, wasn't convinced of its durability over the long term, and the price seemed high compared with those of similar products.

Pros:

• Ideal for working at home or in the office
• Affordable compared to other walking treadmills
• 180-degree folding
• Easy to store and weighs only 62 pounds
• Remote control lets you turn the pad on and off, and manage speed

Cons:

• No incline levels
• Not suitable for heavier users
• Remote doesn't have a pause button
• Does not come with a display

Best Compact Treadmill for Walking: Echelon Stride Auto-Fold Treadmill

amazon.com

Specs:

• Dimensions: 69 inches L x 31 inches W x 49 inches H
• Screen: 18.5-inch digital touchscreen
• Weight Capacity: 300 pounds
• Max Speed: 12 miles per hour
• Incline: Up to 10 percent
• Walking Track: 20 inches W x 55 inches L
• Warranty: One-year limited warranty on parts and electronics

Storing a treadmill horizontally is a great way to save on space and keep your machine out of sight if you need your home workout area for other activities, like hosting guests. Echelon Stride Auto-Fold Connected Treadmill can fold down to just 10-inches deep, so you can store it under a bed or even under some couches. This compact treadmill is also thin enough to store against a wall. However, don’t be fooled by this machine’s folded dimensions: when unfolded, Echelon Stride offers a large 20-inch x 55-inch running surface that lends itself well to long walks. It also comes with eight programmed workouts and a built-in smart device holder so you can keep your smartphone or tablet handy.

Keep in mind, though, that an Echelon Membership is required at check out and necessary to use all of the treadmill’s connected features, such as live and on-demand walking and running classes that are available 24/7. This costs $34.99/month or $399.99 per year. You can also get a reduced cost if you purchase a two-year membership at $699, saving you $100 in total. While the treadmill only comes with a limited one-year warranty on parts and electronics, you can purchase an extended warranty for $119 for one year or $179 for two years.

Check our our Echelon Stride treadmill review for more information. 

Testing Notes:

This compact treadmill comes fully assembled, and one of our testers was able to get it unboxed and set up in less than 10 minutes. She felt very little shaking even at sprint speed, which should make for a comfortable walking experience. Her takeaway is that this compact but sturdy treadmill, at just 156 pounds, offers a good fit for small spaces like apartments.

Pros:

• Auto-fold feature for easy storage
• Integrated handlebar heart rate sensors
• Vertical and horizontal transport wheels

Cons:

• Echelon membership required
• Limited warranty (one year on parts and electronics)
• Little deck cushioning

Best Budget Treadmill for Walking: ProForm City L6 Treadmill

ProForm

Specs:

• Dimensions: 29 inches W x 70.25 inches L x 44.5 inches T
• Screen: No screen
• Weight Capacity: 250 pounds
• Max Speed: 8.0 miles per hour
• Incline: No incline
• Walking Track: 17.5 inches W x 45 inches L
• Warranty: 10-year frame, one-year parts and labor

At $599, The ProForm L6 Treadmill has enough features to give you a good workout, but not so many that it will take up your entire garage or basement or cost a fortune. The treadmill actually makes a great walking machine due to its eight miles per hour maximum speed, no incline, a 45-inch long walking deck and quick touch buttons that let you change speed.

Want to get the most out of this treadmill? Connect to the Bluetooth-enabled machine with your iFit app and get access to 100+ streaming studio class workouts and hundreds of trainers who provide you direction during your class. There is a 30-day trial to iFit included, after that the monthly fee is $39 plus tax.

With its minimal footprint and only 70.25 inches long, the City L6 is designed to be easy to store away when not in use. It does not have a screen, but the display shows time, distance and calories.

In spite of the fact that this treadmill isn't the fastest or most technologically advanced on the market, if budget and easy storage are what you're most interested in, it could be the treadmill for you.

For more on the ProForm L6, see our ProForm treadmills brand overview. 

Testing Notes:

One of our testers says the ProForm L6 is a pretty good value pick, with a few stipulations. She thinks it would work well for walking or casual jogging, as long as the user is someone of smaller stature. Although she sees the Bluetooth and iFIT capabilities as major selling points, the actual hardware might not offer the same sturdiness as other budget-friendly treadmills.

Pros:

• Affordably priced (currently $599)
• Trainer-control adjusts speed to your workout
• Includes a 30-day iFit trial
• Free shipping

Cons:

• Low top speed (8 mph)
• 250-pound weight capacity rules out some heavier users
• No display (but you can attach your tablet to the console)

Benefits of Walking on a Treadmill

Walking or running on a treadmill offers numerous health benefits, and the best part is, you don’t need an intense workout to experience them. Here are the positive impacts that walking and exercising on a home treadmill can have on your physical, mental and emotional health.

Less stress, more convenience than outdoor walking

Even if you're moving at a mild pace, walking outdoors could put undue stress on your joints and ligaments under certain conditions. You might often find yourself:

• Walking on a hard paved surface
• Making sudden stops and turns to avoid traffic (or even dodge the neighbor's dog)
• Making your way across an uneven or slippery surface if you're walking on grass or a trail

With a walking treadmill, on the other hand, your workout takes place indoors on a cushioned track and a consistent terrain. A treadmill also allows you to do your walking workouts at home or the office whenever it's convenient—no need to check the weather forecast or the traffic report.

Cardiovascular health

Walking can do wonders for your cardiovascular health. As one of the leading ways to prevent heart disease, walking has the power to lower your blood pressure, improve circulation and strengthen your heart. In fact, post-menopausal women who walk just one to two miles a day can lower their blood pressure by nearly 11 points over the course of 24-weeks, or a six month period. Women who walk just 30-minutes a day can reduce their risk of stroke by 20 percent. Walking at a brisk pace can up that number to 40 percent. Still, research shows that people of all ages can benefit from walking, and suggests that people aim for a minimum of 150-minutes of exercise per week. That’s the equivalent of working out for 30-minutes at least five times a week. Plus, data shows that some walking is better than none, so even squeezing in 10-minutes can be beneficial to your health.

Muscle, bone and joint health

In addition to strengthening your heart, walking can improve your muscle, bone and joint health. Research shows that walking can tone your leg and abdominal muscles in particular, but muscle toning doesn’t have to stop there. Pumping your arms as you walk can tone your arm muscles as well. For a more challenging workout and increased toning, try using a walking treadmill on an incline. Walking can also help stop the loss of bone mass, which is essential to preventing osteoporosis. It can support your joints and increase blood supply to these areas, which is important for maintaining flexibility and joint function. Most joint cartilage doesn’t have direct blood supply; instead, our joints rely on getting nutrition from joint fluid that circulates during physical activity. Walking can increase the circulation of this essential joint flood, improving your range of motion.

Immune health

One surprising benefit of walking is that it’s a proven way to boost your immune function, which is crucial to maintaining your overall health. A study of more than 1,000 adults during flu season found that those who walked at a moderate pace for 30 to 45-minutes per day had 43 percent fewer sick days; this same group had fewer upper respiratory tract infections as well. Not only can walking keep away the common cold or flu, but it can also reduce your chance for certain diseases. Walking can lower your risk of developing some cancers while also slowing down the release of stress hormones, which can further protect you against illness. Research has found that just one 30-minute walk causes modest changes in your immune system. It can flush out bacteria from your lungs and airways, and increase antibodies and white blood cells, or the body’s cells that fight disease. Walking can also significantly increase your lifespan, potentially allowing you to live a longer life.

Brain and mental health

Your brain and mental health can benefit from walking, too. Walking can slow down mental decline, preserving your memory and even preventing neurological illnesses like Alzheimer’s disease. Studies show that walking 2.5 miles a day, for example, results in a 17 percent decline in memory in women ages 65 and older. Walking less than a half-mile per week, on the other hand, increases that number to a 25 percent decline in memory. Still, walking just a quarter-mile per day has the power to cut the incidence of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease in half. Aside from the neurological benefits, walking can boost your mental health. Walking releases endorphins, a natural painkiller that elevates mood and fights off depression and anxiety. It can also give you a major energy boost equivalent to a cup of coffee, so if you’re tired, try going for a walk.

What to Look for in a Walking Treadmill

With so many models on the market, each one with a unique set of features and capabilities, choosing the right walking treadmill for your needs can be a challenge. Here are some important considerations to keep in mind:

Buy just as much machine as you need

If walking is the only type of workout you have in mind, you probably won't need a heavy-duty treadmill loaded with enough horsepower to accommodate running or sprinting. Similarly, be wary of subscriptions centered around high-intensity workouts that you might not ever use.

Consider weight, height and space

People come in all shapes and sizes, and so do living spaces. Look at each machine's weight capacity, the length and width of the deck and the height of the handlebars and console. Also, take some measurements of the space where you would put your treadmill and compare those with the width, length and height of the treadmills you're browsing.

Look at price and value

Price is an important factor, but not the only one. In addition to looking at the price tag, check the length of the warranty and what it covers. Sales, promotions and extras such as free membership trials also affect the treadmill's overall long-term value.

Consider the features, big and small

Cupholders are nice to have, but they're also pretty much standard equipment on most treadmills. Look for features that could improve your workouts in more substantial ways, such as wireless connectivity, quick-touch controls and advanced console displays.

How We Chose Our Best Treadmills for Walking

We used several criteria to compile our list of best walking treadmills. The key factors we focused on include:

• Suitability for walking. Designs that accommodate walking and not just higher-intensity jogging or running workouts
• Quality materials and design specifications. Including belts, decks, weight capacity and horsepower (for motorized treadmills)
• Available features. Everything from basic (cupholders and handlebars) to advanced (console displays and wireless connectivity)
• Value. Factoring in price, warranty and ways to save on extras such as free trial memberships

For a detailed look at how we evaluate fitness equipment and other products, see our product review process.

Walking Treadmill FAQs

Is it better to walk or run on a treadmill?

While running on a treadmill exerts more energy, causing you to burn more calories, running isn’t necessarily better than walking on a treadmill. Ultimately, it will depend on which exercise is more attractive to you, your fitness level and your goals for how you want to use your treadmill. Both running and walking are excellent forms of cardio exercise that can help you lose weight, tone your muscles and improve your heart health. In fact, they offer similar risk reductions for lowering your blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes risk, so one exercise isn’t better than the other when it comes to your heart health. Running, however, may help you lose weight faster if weight loss is one of your fitness goals. Still, running is a more intense workout, and some people simply prefer the slower and relaxed pace of walking. Others prefer walking because it’s low-impact, as opposed to running, which is high-impact and puts more pressure on your joints.

Is walking on a treadmill good for losing belly fat?

Walking on a treadmill can be an effective way to lose belly fat if it’s one of your goals. The key, however, is maintaining consistency. Studies have found that women with obesity who walked for 50 to 70-minutes three times per week over the course of 12 weeks, or three months, reduced their waist circumference and body fat. This included both subcutaneous fat, or the fat directly under the skin, and visceral fat, or belly fat that’s hidden inside your abdomen. Overall, cardio exercise like walking on a treadmill is a proven and effective way to burn visceral belly fat.

What speed should you use when walking on a treadmill?

You should use a speed that’s comfortable for you when walking on a treadmill. If you’re finding that you’re fatigued or out of breath, you may want to consider lowering your speed. If you’re not breaking a sweat and your workout feels too light, then you may want to up your speed instead. Be mindful of any pain, though; shin splints can easily develop from walking or running too hard, so it’s best to end your workout if you notice your legs are hurting. A general rule of thumb is that walking speed is anywhere from two to four miles per hour, while four to five miles per hour is a fast walk or light jog. Any speed over five miles per hour, on the other hand, is jogging or running.

Is walking on a treadmill 30-minutes a day enough?

Walking on a treadmill 30-minutes a day is more than enough to experience many of walking’s physical and mental health benefits. In fact, the CDC recommends that adults need 150-minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week, or the equivalent of 30-minutes a day five times a week. If you can walk more than that, great, but be sure to give yourself rest days to recover.

Final Thoughts

A walking treadmill is a versatile and long-lasting piece of fitness equipment to invest in for your home gym. Not only can having a treadmill at home allow you to exercise at any day or time, regardless of weather conditions, it can offer you numerous health benefits. Whether you’re beginning a new fitness journey or a seasoned pro, walking on a treadmill is an effective cardio workout. Before buying a walking treadmill, consider which features, technology, training programs and price point you’re interested in, then consult our handy list for the top picks to choose from.

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