Best Treadmills for Seniors

In my training for competitions, as well as working with older members of my own family, being adaptable is the name of the game. I get asked for training advice from seniors every day. From slower metabolisms to arthritis and osteoporosis, to loss of balance, limited mobility, and more, with age comes special considerations in exercise. Unfortunately, many seniors allow limitations to excuse inactivity, ultimately leading to more health issues. Using a treadmill is a great first step toward graceful aging. 

While there are many variables to consider, the best treadmills for seniors all share unique comfort and safety features:

• High quality cushioning to make exercise gentler on your joints
• Power incline to shift pressure away from your knees and allow fast calorie burn, even at slow paces 
• Easy-to-read digital displays
• Special safety features
• A sturdy frame that doesn’t shake

If you’re in the market for a senior-friendly treadmill, you can use my mini guide and list of top treadmills for seniors below to find the perfect match. I’ve selected each based on what I’d recommend for my own senior clients with features like great cushioning, long handrails, safety stop mechanisms, and other must-haves to suit your workout needs. Remember, there are many components to consider when purchasing a new treadmill, so take your time to arrive at one that fits your needs, budget, and preferences.

Top by Category

Best Overall Home Treadmill – Sole F63
Easiest on Joints – NordicTrack FreeStride Trainer FS10i
Best for Walking – NordicTrack EXP 7i
Best on a Budget – Horizon T101
Best Build Quality – Landice L7

Brian and Jessica take a moment to enjoy a massage chair during their Johnson Fitness and Wellness Store. Photo by: Oleksandr Kosheliev / TreadmilReviews.net

Why You Should Trust Our Review of Best Treadmills on the Market Today 2023

At TreadmillReviews.net, we bring you comprehensive reviews of treadmills so you can decide which one is right for you. Our staff thoroughly test all the treadmills we review. We install them, walk on them, run on them, and try out all of the features. We get to know each and every treadmill we review extremely well. Our reviewers log miles on the deck. We listen and record the sound of the motor, we test and measure the incline/decline, try out all aspects of the console and try the treadmill’s features, such as iFit.

Every treadmill we review undergoes the same rigorous process. That way we can compare and contrast them and give you an honest review of what we think. We have tried each of the treadmills in this comparison and we give an honest review of each of them, to help you make a buying decision.

Our reviewers are treadmill and fitness experts. Brian, the author of this review, is a professional bodybuilder, and is a 7-time national qualifier in both men’s bodybuilding and classic physique within the NPC competitions. He has coached and been coached on cardiovascular training, HIIT, and nutrition, particularly as it pertains to weight loss for competitions. He is an expert at treadmills, has been on this treadmill, and you can trust his opinion on all of the treadmills he reviews.

How Treadmills Were Selected for This List

Every treadmill you’ll see in this market list was researched, and, when possible, hand-tested to ensure you know exactly what to expect if you make a purchase. As a competitive athlete who has trained for everything from 5k’s to triathlons, marathons, and more, I’ve used dozens of treadmills over the years and know the ins and outs of what to look for.

In this roundup, I’ve considered premium features including motor size, incline/decline, speed, special programming options, warranty, and integrated technology. Each product is assessed without bias as some treadmills are simply better for certain types of training than others, and the considerations are based on my personal experience in trying out these treadmills.

Best Overall: Sole F63

Good for: Senior citizens who want a budget-friendly treadmill with lots of options.

Where to buy Sole F63 Check price at Sole Check price at Amazon Check price at Dick’s Sporting Goods Where to buy Sole F63  See details  See details  See details

When it comes to the needs of active older adults, the Sole F63 pulls out all the stops. Aside from the fact that you can score this machine for right around $1,200, seniors in particular benefit from the Cushion Flex Whisper Deck that works to minimize joint pain by decreasing impact by 35-45% when compared with pavement running. I can feel the difference between treadmills with good cushioning systems and those without, no question. Whether walking or running, the shock absorption matters. This model also sports a very quiet 3.0 CHP motor, which I can use while my dog sleeps on my couch. Built-in heartrate sensors come in the handlebars, and the unit is Bluetooth-enabled to sync with wireless monitors as well. Seniors wanting to watch their cardio rates will like this for sure. One of the pros/cons of the Sole F63 is that it comes with a relatively small 6.5″ LCD screen as opposed to a large high-definition touchscreen. This works both ways, and I think for seniors, it’s a plus. You won’t be locked into a screen that requires a paid app, and there’s minimal tech-work to handle here. The machine comes with 10 built-in programs and a great tablet holder, so you can watch whatever you want while using it. I like to watch television while using a treadmill, and as a folding unit, this is easy to roll into the living room and then store when done. The action on this folding treadmill is so easy I can pop it up without so much as a tug, and then lock it into place within a matter of seconds. Seniors will have no problem with that function any more than a vacuum cleaner. 

Even with its low cost, the sturdy Sole F63 is a folding treadmill that features commercial-grade components like large track rollers and a heavy-duty motor. Rather than highlighting fancy extras many seniors never use, the focus is on above-average workmanship backed by an impressive warranty that offers lifetime coverage for the frame and motor; three years for the parts, deck, and electronics; and one year of labor. The lifetime warranty says it all to me. If you’re in need of a treadmill that’s easy on the joints and wallet without compromising on quality, the Sole F63 is an excellent option. See our full review of the Sole F63 here.

Key Specs

Easiest on Joints: NordicTrack FreeStride Trainer FS10i

Good for: Seniors with joint sensitivity seeking a high-quality, low-impact workout.

Where to buy NordicTrack FreeStride Trainer FS10i Check price at NordicTrack Check price at Amazon Where to buy NordicTrack FreeStride Trainer FS10i  See details  See details

The NordicTrack FS10i is one of my favorite treadmill alternatives. I can’t use one without feeling every bit the burn in my calves and quads that I do on a traditional stepper or treadmill, but the free-flowing movement is so smooth you feel like you’re in the air. It’s a multi-purpose fitness solution that features the capability to function as a stepper, elliptical, or a treadmill. With age comes pain in the joints, and this can be a deal-breaker when it comes to high-impact exercises like running. Don’t feel lonely seniors. I’ve been squatting and deadlifting for years and my hips and knees agree with many of yours. The FS10i earns my seal of approval for the easiest on the joints. Its smooth gliding action eliminates the repetitive pounding that rivals fingernails on a chalkboard during an arthritis flare up. This machine uses 26 levels of Silent Magnetic Resistance (SMR) to control your resistance, which means a seamless and silent transition between levels of difficulty.

With the reduced joint stress, seniors can enjoy longer, more productive cardio sessions, and this is well facilitated by the oversized, cushioned pedals. When working with people who have weight loss goals, common concerns my senior clients have include increased risks for issues like arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. NordicTrack equipment such as the FS10i also come ready for a heart rate monitor like the SmartBeat. You can also use one of my favorite workout apps, the iFit, with the FS10i, as it comes read and fully loaded for that. With iFit, you can walk all over the world via either live or on-demand workouts. 

Some don’t realize that geriatric obesity can even increase the likelihood of developing dementia. The FreeStride FS10i is great for weight loss since it allows nearly double the stride of a traditional elliptical. This makes it simple to keep exercise interesting with different exercise types that increase sustainability. And, with a weight limit of 375 pounds, seniors who need it most can benefit from the superior cushioning and smooth glide. Make no mistake, you’ll get tired out in a hurry using this machine. See our review of the NordicTrack FS10i here.

KEY SPECS

Best for Walking: NordicTrack EXP 7i

Good for: Seniors who want a top-notch walking unit with interactive programming and heartrate monitoring.

Where to buy NordicTrack EXP7i Check price at NordicTrack Check price at Dick’s Sporting Goods Where to buy NordicTrack EXP7i  See details  See details

The EXP 7i comes with a 30-day Family Membership to the iFit app, and this new 2023 model includes an upgraded tilt/swivel 7″ HD screen, as opposed to last year’s fixed unit. A Bluetooth treadmill, the unit comes with a whole host of great walking and hiking workouts by way of iFit. I’m a big fan of the new ActivePulse Technology which allows the machine to adjust resistance based on my pulse. With both live and video programs available, walkers can stroll the world with professional trainers or just music. And let’s face it. Seniors who put exercise off or skip it altogether due to the fear of joint pain, stress fractures, and injury can reduce risk of early death by 15% by walking as little as 10 minutes per day. When armed with a folding treadmill like the NordicTrack EXP 7i, it’s simple to make significant improvements in quality of life. The good news about this treadmill is you’re getting a smaller version of the NordicTrack Commercial 1750, which is a perennial favorite. In using the NordicTrack EXP 7i, I’ve found it better for walking as the belt is only 55″ long and 20″ wide, as opposed to the much larger units which are 60″ or more in length and perhaps 22″ wide.

What makes the NordicTrack EXP 7i my pick for the best treadmill for walking? Two primary features work together to earn the title starting with the shock absorbing FlexSelect Cushioning system that works to keep impact on the joints minimal. Combined with the Smart Response Drive that reduces strain while emulating real-world walking conditions, you’ve got yourself the perfect machine for the senior-on-the-go. See our review of the NordicTrack EXP 7i here.

KEY SPECS

Best on a Budget: Horizon T101

Good for: Seniors who want a solid machine for under $700.

Where to buy Horizon T101 Check price at Horizon Check price at Amazon Where to buy Horizon T101  See details  See details

While I do understand that many seniors live on a fixed income, they don’t want to sacrifice quality. That’s where the Horizon brand of treadmills really shine, frankly. The Horizon T101 is a budget-friendly, entry-level treadmill with a lifetime frame and motor warranty and good treadmill belt at a price you can afford. For just $649, you get to enjoy built-in workout programs based on time, distance, and calories; and manual, interval, and weight-loss workouts. The other key point here is the Horizon T101 folds easily and don’t require any paid apps. You can use any number of programs along with your own screen thanks to the handy tablet holder.

For seniors living in small spaces, the T101 can be folded for easy storage and transport, yet it can still support up to 300 pounds. Heart rate training is easy using the dual-grip monitoring system to ensure seniors are able to effectively maintain safe levels of exertion.  I recommend this for the seniors I work with who are new to fitness or interested in light to moderate workouts. Don’t spend more than you have to when the Horizon T101 offers everything you’ll actually use. See our review of the Horizon T101 here. 

KEY SPECS

Best Build Quality: Landice L7

Good for: Runners who don’t want to be locked into a paid app and prefer their own screen.

Where to buy Landice L7 Check price at Landice Where to buy Landice L7  See details

You get what you pay for, and that’s a good thing when looking at the $4,999 Landice L7. When you put forth the extra investment in a quality treadmill like the Landice L7, you expect to enjoy the best build quality to ensure a product that’ll last. With its US-made, 4.0 HP continuous duty motor and lifetime warranty, this is a treadmill that can provide decades of quality cardio when properly maintained. You can feel the difference in the 1″ thick reversable deck as well as the 2.5″ diameter, 14-pound rollers. This treadmill is designed to last a long time.

Active older adults will appreciate the extraordinary cushioning offered by the L7 that keeps impact on joints and tendons minimal. You can further reduce impact using the power incline while simultaneously increasing effort and targeting muscle groups. If you have mobility issues and are seeking a treadmill capable of the facilitation of your limitations, The L7 is built to help you avoid injury, exercise longer, and reach fitness goals more effectively. So, is it more expensive? Yes, but the many benefits and attention to detail are worth it if you have the money to spend. See our full review of the Landice L7 here.

KEY SPECS

What to Look for When Shopping for the Best Senior Treadmill

Exactly who is a senior citizen? If you accept the Denny’s menu definition, seniors are at least 55 years old. My SilverSneakers participants have to be at least 65 to qualify. When recommending treadmills for seniors, I don’t try to fit the demographic into such a restrictive box. Everyone has a different home gym, unique workout needs, and abilities despite reaching a specific age. 

Let’s break down the main treadmill qualities you should look out for when browsing for the best treadmill for seniors.

Cushioning

No matter your age, treadmill cushioning is important for comfort and to reduce the chance of injury. It’s especially critical that active older adults are able to compensate for the loss of natural joint cushioning by way of cartilage. Cushioning is often poor with very cheap treadmills, so, if you’re on a tight budget, it’s especially important to consider orthopedic sneakers. 

Mid-priced treadmills sometimes have orthopedic cushioning, but you can’t take this feature for granted. Some brands advertise a specific percentage of impact deflection compared with running on pavement. Variable cushioning is one of the best choices as it provides a firmer surface at the back of the track (where you push off) and a softer surface where you land up front. On high-end treadmills, you can expect excellent shock deflection, with Landice, Precor and Star Trac being among the most elite treadmill brands known for top-of-the-line cushioning.

Incline

Using a treadmill like the Horizon T101 on an incline increases the recruitment of leg muscles like the glutes, hamstrings, and calves. Oleksandr Kosheliev / TreadmilReviews.net

One of the most beneficial tools I share with my seniors who struggle with joint issues is treadmill incline that simulates walking uphill. It naturally shifts your body weight to reduce pressure on your knees.

Treadmill incline is effective and popular for calorie burning and muscle toning. By walking on an incline, you can burn calories more than twice as quickly compared with walking at zero degrees. You can also work on your muscle tone since each incline setting recruits your muscles in different ways. A small minority of treadmills have dramatic maximum slopes, but most home treadmills for this year have maximum power inclines of 10-20%.

Safety

Most home treadmills are built with short handrails. When consulting my seniors on treadmill shopping, I always stress the importance of long handrails. Sometimes these machines are advertised as medical treadmills or hospital treadmills, a high-end example of which is the LifeSpan TR8000 Medical Treadmill. 

Concerned about losing your balance? You should choose a machine with an emergency stop cord (sometimes called safety lanyards) too, so, if you slip, the track will stop moving.

Special Needs

A few treadmill brands such as Cybex manufacture cardio machines especially for trainees with low vision and other physical and cognitive issues. Examples of modifications on these treadmills are high-contrast track coloring and raised console icons.

Find Your New Treadmill

Treadmills featured on this page are my top picks for seniors, but another category on our site might lead you to an even better match. Other relevant categories worth exploring include best treadmills for home use, best walking treadmills, or our list of top treadmills on the market categorized by price.

Additional Treadmill Resources

• How to Fix Common Treadmill Problems
• Treadmill Motors: What You Need to Know
• List of Treadmill Brands
• List of Treadmills
• Treadmil Buyer’s Guide
• History of The Treadmill

Recent Updates

November 29 2022: Added images from personal use.

June 8, 2023: Updated specs and images.

October 3, 2023: Updated specs and pricing.