Best Treadmill for Bad Knees

By Last Update: 06.03.2022

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.

best treadmill for bad knees

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.

1. SereneLife Smart Electric Folding Treadmill

XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill
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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 specific XTRASoft cushioning technology maximizes shock absorption and provides comfort for the knees and other joints. At the same time, the treadmill itself remains stable and sturdy. The large 16″ x 50″ deck is comfortable for both jogging and walking.

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.

PROS:
  • 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.
CONS:
  • This model is not always available

2. NordicTrack T 6.5Si Treadmill

NordicTrack T 6.5Si Treadmill
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NordicTrack T Series treadmills are some of the most popular treadmills on the market. They offer quality construction, durability, and a wide variety of features. In this review, we will take a closer look at the NordicTrack T Series treadmills and see how they compare to other treadmills in their price range. This treadmill uses the FlexSelect cushioning system, which does a good job of cushioning the joints and is gentle on them even during an intense workout.
The deck and frame are fitted with special inserts between the deck and the frame, which reduce vibration when the foot lands. It’s also worth paying attention to the quality motor that’s installed. It is powerful with a self-cooling function, which extends its life and makes it ideal for walking and light jogging, as well as for intensive training.

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.

PROS:
  • FlexSelect Cushioning
  • SMART-Response Motor
  • 30-Day iFIT Family Membership
  • 10-inch interactive HD touchscreen
CONS:
  • Cost about $1000

3. Sunny Health & Fitness Folding Treadmill SF-T7917

Sunny Health & Fitness Folding Treadmill SF-T7917
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The XTERRA Fitness TR150 Treadmill is perfect for anyone looking to get a workout in at home. It’s built with a durable frame and high-quality parts, so you can be sure that it will last for years. Plus, the treadmill can be easily folded away when not in use, making it ideal for smaller spaces. This equipment has good characteristics – powerful motor and speed up to 10MHP, angle of inclination up to 15 degrees.
But in our case we should pay attention to the size of the deck 52L x 19W in and availability of spacious shock absorption deck. They strengthen shock absorption and allow reducing the load on the joints. We should also note that the frame is foldable and for easy transportation there are transportation wheels. Speed is controlled by a simple switch on the handrail.

PROS:
  • Spacious shock absorption deck included
  • 15 Incline Levels (Auto Electric)
  • 15 pre-installed workout programs
CONS:
  • The monitor is not very handy

4. Schwinn Fitness 810 Treadmill

Schwinn Fitness 810 Treadmill
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The Schwinn Fitness 810 Treadmill is part of a series of treadmills and is one of the most budget-friendly options. At the same time, it has excellent features for home installation. The dimensions of the running surface are 20″ x 55″. This is enough for a comfortable workout. SoftTrak Cushioning System takes care of cushioning and allows you to reduce stress on your knees. The deck design has additional amartising inserts that are functional and look stylish.

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.

PROS:
  • SoftTrak Cushioning System
  • Warranty is 10 years motor and frame, 1 year mechanical and electrical
  • 20″ x 55″ running path
CONS:
  • The display is not very informative
  • Outdated model

5. Nautilus Treadmill Series T618

Nautilus Treadmill Series T618
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The Nautilus T618 treadmill features a 20″ x 60″ running surface with a durable 2.5mm triple-layer belt for increased traction and durability for long life. Rebound deck cushioning is used as the cushioning system. An excellent choice for those who have problems with their joints. The landing does not create a high impact load on the foot and does not transfer further significant momentum to the knee.
This model of treadmills is suitable for people with extra weight. The maximum weight of the user can be up to 350 Pounds. The frame is really sturdy and stable.

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.

PROS:
  • 20″ x 60″ running path
  • 3 ply Belt, 2.5mm thickness
  • 26 Programs
CONS:
  • The display is not very informative
  • The display is small and monochrome

How to train on a treadmill with bad knees?

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.

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About Author

Michael Jones

I am Michael Jones and I support this blog with a group of authors consisting of Personal Trainers, Physiotherapist and sellers of fitness equipment.

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