Remaining active in your later years is important for promoting a healthy heart and keeping the joints supple. What’s more, walking has been shown in studies to increase life expectancy. (1)
This best treadmill for seniors article brings you our top five machines to keep you in top form. You might also want to take a look at this useful video about treadmill safety for seniors:
The Best Treadmills for Seniors Reviewed (Our Choices)
Exerpeutic TF1000
For seniors who are a little unstable on their feet, the Exerpeutic TF1000 could be a good choice. It has the longest handrails of any of the treadmills in these reviews, which extend nearly halfway down the belt. This means that at all times the rails are within easy reach.
In addition, the 20-inch wide belt allows you plenty of room to walk—without worrying about catching the sides of the treadmill frame.
If space saving is important, this treadmill folds easily. What’s more, as it has floor wheels, it can easily be pushed out of the way. No lifting is involved.
Finally, this treadmill has a maximum speed of four miles per hour. This is perfectly adequate for the older walker, who does not have any intention of running.
This treadmill measures 51.2 inches by 32 inches by 63 inches.
Pros
- If you are a larger person, the 400-pound capacity enables you to use the machine without fear of damage.
- The treadmill comes already assembled—there is no requirement to search for screwdrivers and tools.
- Speed can be adjusted by buttons on the handrails—you do not have to release your grip at any time.
- The belt speed can be altered in 0.1 mile per hour increments, allowing you to choose your ideal rate.
Cons
- The 1.5 horsepower motor could be insufficient for more active seniors.
- With a length of 40 inches, the belt may prove too short for people with long legs.
Merax JK1603E
This treadmill would be a good choice for seniors with a smaller home. It is compact, easily foldable and has rolling wheels. This makes it simple to move out of the way when not in use.
If your eyesight is not what it once was, this treadmill has a large and clear LCD display. In addition, the brightness and contrast can be adjusted to cater for different lighting conditions.
Getting older means looking after your heart. The handgrips in the Merax JK1603E contain a pulse sensor. This transmits information to the LCD display enabling you to monitor your heart rate while you exercise.
If you are concerned about safety, this treadmill includes a large and prominent emergency stop key. Should you fall, the treadmill will automatically stop.
The Merax JK1603E is 25 inches by 45 inches by 58 inches.
Pros
- A quiet motor—you will be unlikely to disturb other members of your household.
- A 44-inch belt makes this ideal for seniors who have a long stride.
- The diamond pattern on the belt helps to prevent slippage—useful if you are a little unsteady.
- If you are more active than most, this treadmill can travel up to a speed of 10 miles per hour.
Cons
- The maximum weight capacity of 220 pounds could be insufficient if you are a larger person.
- The 13-inch wide running deck may be a little narrow for some.
ProForm 505 CST
This treadmill features ProForm’s proprietary ProShox cushioning system. This reduces the amount of pressure placed on the heels, knees and hips during a workout. Hence if you suffer from arthritis or other joint issues, it is a good choice.
The LCD screen is backlit and large, which makes it very easy to see your workout information, such as time and distance. If you have any kind of visual impairment, it is going to make your time on the treadmill much more pleasant.
“Quick-set” keys means that speeds and incline choices can all be pre-programmed. Once they are set, you do not have to worry about pressing too many buttons on the display to adjust again. Just one simple selection and you can begin.
The ProForm 505 CST is 61 inches by 36.5 inches by 73.5 inches in size.
Pros
- Cushioned belt for ease of comfort and to protect the joints.
- Easily foldable and transportable.
- Includes a 25-year motor warranty.
- Has 18 pre-programmed workouts, which can be selected by pressing just one button.
Cons
- A few customers have commented that this machine is quite noisy.
- It is one of the more complicated to assemble, so if you are not confident with tools you may require some assistance.
NordicTrack T 6.5 S
Like the ProForm 505 CST, the NordicTrack has a belt cushioning system. However, it differs in that their bespoke “FlexSelect” system enables you to choose how much cushioning you require. If you have good joints, you may prefer the feel of running on the road as opposed to a softer option.
One of the reasons we selected this treadmill was because of its incline feature (0 to 10 percent). For seniors who may desire an increased challenge, the incline will add an extra level of difficulty.
What’s more, this is all controlled by touching one single button. Unlike some other models, you will not have to be on your hands and knees for manual adjustment. This can be a benefit if movement is restricted.
The NordicTrack T 6.5 S measures 55 inches by 72 inches by 35 inches.
Pros
- You can monitor your heart rate while exercising, through sensors in the handrails.
- It has a large display screen to help you easily see your workout progress.
- All the settings are “one-touch”, there are no complicated menu systems to go through—particularly useful if you are not confident with menus.
Cons
- The handrails are not very long, which may be inappropriate if you are somewhat unsteady on your feet.
Weslo Cadence R 5.2
If you are not interested in numerous gadgets and accessories that you are never going to use, then the Weslo Cadence could be for you.
Although it is a basic machine, it is sturdy, reliable and well-built. Measuring 67 inches by 30 inches by 10 inches, it is not a machine that will take up a lot of space. This makes it ideal for smaller living areas.
If you are not technologically minded, the simple console houses few buttons—apart from the essential speed and program controls. With a “comfort cell” cushioned belt, it will be easy on the joints and bones.
The Weslo Cadence is one of the quietest machines in our top five. So if you live with a partner or friend, they are unlikely to be disturbed during your training sessions.
Pros
- Bottle holders to allow easy access to refreshments while working out.
- Quick and easy to assemble, straight out of the packaging.
- Space-saving design.
- Six included preset workout programs for ease of use.
Cons
- It might be too small and narrow for larger people or those with long strides.
Conclusion
In my opinion, the best treadmill for seniors is the Exerpeutic TF1000.
It has more useful features for older people than the other machines reviewed here. The treadmill’s oversized handrails, wide walking belt, small footprint and gentle speeds make it a good choice.
However, the other products in the list all have their own benefits. From the minimalist Weslo Cadence R 5.2, through to the customizable cushioning of the NordicTrack T 6.5 S.
Think about what you require from your treadmill, and at least one of the above should be able to cater for your needs.