Best Treadmill for Bad Knees
Cardio exercise can not only improve your physical health, but also have a positive effect on your mood and psychological well-being. The energy expended is overcompensated and your metabolism improves.
But if you have problems with joints or you are rehabilitating after a knee surgery, to work out on a treadmill should take special care. And accordingly, to choose the best treadmill for bad knees is not easy. Let’s consider this question in more detail.
Completely to give up training will not be an option. But it is also dangerous to train while feeling pain. First of all, it is worth to consult your doctor. He can give detailed recommendations on physical activity. If he allows you to work out, it is worth adhering to a number of general recommendations.
Always use special shoes that provide a stable foot position and cushioning during the workout. Also, the treadmill deck should be sufficiently resilient. When choosing a treadmill, it is worth giving preference to those models where quality deck cushioning is provided. In some cases, protection, including elastomeric rings, may be used. They provide a damping effect. Let’s look at what models we would recommend to pay attention to.
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1. SereneLife Smart Electric Folding Treadmill
If you are looking for a quality treadmill that won’t break the bank, the XTERRA Fitness TR150 is a great option. This treadmill has a lot to offer for its price point, including 12 built-in programs, 2 user profiles, and a max speed of 10 mph. In this review, we will take a closer look at the features of the TR150 and see how it stacks up against other treadmills in its price range.
The equipment is great for beginners. The clear control system is intuitive to use. There are 12 workout programs and the ability to monitor your health while exercising. You can easily place this treadmill in your room thanks to the folding frame.
- The TR150 has a max speed of 10 mph.
- XTRASoft cushioned deck technology
- The TR150 offers 12 built in programs and 2 user profiles.
- Excellent value
- The TR150 is durable, with a lifetime warranty on the frame and motor.
- This model is not always available
2. NordicTrack T 6.5Si Treadmill
For beginners, using iFIT will be a useful option. Together with the purchase of the treadmill you get a subscription for 30 days, during which you can learn the correct principles of training and form your training plan, get valuable advice from professional trainers.
- FlexSelect Cushioning
- SMART-Response Motor
- 30-Day iFIT Family Membership
- 10-inch interactive HD touchscreen
- Cost about $1000
3. Sunny Health & Fitness Folding Treadmill SF-T7917
- Spacious shock absorption deck included
- 15 Incline Levels (Auto Electric)
- 15 pre-installed workout programs
- The monitor is not very handy
4. Schwinn Fitness 810 Treadmill
The model is quite functional. 16 built-in workout programs are provided. Possible speed up to 10 MPH and motorized incline up to 10%. A SoftDrop system is provided for convenient folding. The frame is strong and stable.
- SoftTrak Cushioning System
- Warranty is 10 years motor and frame, 1 year mechanical and electrical
- 20″ x 55″ running path
- The display is not very informative
- Outdated model
5. Nautilus Treadmill Series T618
The speed can be up to 12 MPH. Motorized tilt up to 15%. Space is provided above the main display for mounting a tablet. The frame is foldable, and the SoftDrop system makes it as comfortable as possible. The purchase includes a good frame and engine warranty of 15 years.
- 20″ x 60″ running path
- 3 ply Belt, 2.5mm thickness
- 26 Programs
- The display is not very informative
- The display is small and monochrome
How to train on a treadmill with bad knees?
Return to training with knee problems should be gradual and it is better to start with walking. Be sure to do a warm-up and consider how you feel. Additional recommendations that should be followed
- When running lightly, do not jump up, and do not land on a straight foot – touch with your forefoot and then cushion the rest of the foot
- Use high quality running shoes
- Do not use an incline and high speed as you don’t feel up to it.
- Do not jump off the treadmill onto the floor at the end of your workout.
Faqs on Treadmill for Bad Knees
# Is walking on a treadmill bad for arthritic knees?
According to the American College of Rheumatology, exercise should be one of the main treatments for knee OA. When exercising on a treadmill, walking is recommended as a comfortable and safe way to improve circulation and not harm the joints. It is a good idea to do a light warm-up before exercising and not to overexert yourself.
# What is the best exercise for bad knees?
If you have knee pain, you should see your doctor and make sure that exercise is not contraindicated. You can do walking, which is the least traumatic way to exercise. Then, as your ligaments and joints get stronger, you can switch to light running. These workouts are great to complement swimming in the pool, exercises on an elliptical trainer.
# Which cardio machine is easiest on your knees?
The most common comparison is between a treadmill and an elliptical trainer. In reality, when exercising on an elliptical you do not take your feet off the pedals and many believe that this is an advantage because there is no impact load on the knee. But the risk of injury is not excluded. Therefore, it is difficult to objectively answer what is better than walking on a treadmill or training on an elliptical.
