Introduction
Treadmills are one of the most popular forms of fitness equipment. You will find rows of them at the gym. They are great for home use too. For many running on the cushioned track is easier than uneven roads. For those with injuries, treadmills are easier on joints and muscles. Treadmills also let you stay warm and safe indoors as you exercise. The popularity of treadmills means there are many to choose from. It can be a challenge to find the best treadmill for walking. The reviews and buying guide below are designed to help you find the right treadmill for your needs.
10 Best Treadmill for Walking Reviews and Features
1. NordicTrack Commercial Treadmill Series
The NordicTrack Commercial Series accommodates long distance walking. Seen frequently on top 10 listings, the treadmill is a good price and a powerful machine. The quiet motor delivers enough power for running. You get built-in programs and an easy-to-read touch screen display. The best features include:
iFit Coaching: You get pre-set workout programs with varied incline/decline features. These help you stay motivated by changing your routine. iFit Coach also keeps track of your progress and can be linked to other devices. You can keep exercise, nutrition, and lifestyle recommendations at your fingertips.
Incline and decline abilities: Many treadmills do not offer decline ability. NordicTrack Commercial Series does. These features help you get a better total calorie burn. They also increase metabolic rate, improve muscle strength, and promote heart conditioning.
Tread belt size: The 60” by 22” trad belt gives plenty of room to move. The standard belt size is 2” smaller so this suits larger individuals. The thickness of the belt delivers a quiet workout and overall longevity.
Cushioning preferences: You can experience walking on a road like surface by changing the cushioning. You can set it to a higher level to help protect your joints. The real outdoor settings add 30% more impact to your joints. This treadmill is great for those with arthritis.
Pros:
- Comes with tablet holder
- 10 year warranty on frame and 2 year warranty on parts
- Supports up to 300 pounds weight
- Foldable for easier storage
Cons:
- Not as easy to assemble as other treadmills
2. ProForm Pro 2000 Treadmill
This is a solid machine in every way. Made with durable construction it supports 350 pounds and comes with a lifetime warranty. You get a large deck and walking surface. Complete with incline and decline capability, you get optimal workouts.
Loaded with extras: Enjoy extra features not typically found on treadmills. A Polar heart rate chest strap, cooling fan, and access to iFit Live are a few. The treadmill also comes with MP3 and iPod compatibility. iFit technology also lets you enjoy workouts powered by Google Maps. When you keep things interesting, you keep working out.
Protection and support: Exercising is important even if you have an injury. The ProShox Cushioning maximizes joint protection. You can walk without adding additional stress to injured joints. This superior cushioning also provides comfort not found on many treadmills.
Power with silence: The 3.5 CHP Mach Z Commercial Pro Motor delivers speeds up to 12 miles per hour. It is also designed to make minimal noise. Powerful motors are usually loud. This treadmill lets you work out to sounds you choose.
Pros:
- Incline and decline abilities
- 32 profile programs to choose from
- CoolAire fan with 2 speeds to keep you cool during your workouts
Cons:
- Display is smaller than the standard 10” displays
3. NordicTrack C 1650 Treadmill
This C 1650 is a folding treadmill. It comes with a 10” touchscreen that displays progress and allows for web surfing. Despite being an older NordicTrack model, the C 1650 is a great price, reliable, and great for walking at home. You also get iFit Coach workout access and 34 built-in workouts. The best features of the C 1650 include:
Incline: Adding slope to workouts keeps things interesting. You can set and complete new challenges daily.The power incline up to 12 percent helps to boost calorie burn, muscle toning, and cardiovascular challenge.
Built-In Programs: The iFit Coach comes with a subscription fee. The treadmill comes with plenty of built-in workout programs if you do not want to pay this. The touch screen display makes it easy to choose a program. Programs are sorted according to categories: intensity, heart rate, incline, and speed.
Heart Rate Monitors: Contact sensors are built into the handlebars for heart monitoring. The treadmill is also compatible with Bluetooth wireless heart rate transmitters.
Track & Deck: This machine has a 60″ x 20″ track which is more than enough room for walking or running. Cushioning is provided by FlexSelect and you can switch this off to “feel the road.”
Pros:
- Folding treadmill with EasyLift Assist technology
- Bluetooth connectivity for music and fitness apps
- 10 built-in workout programs
- CushionFlex Whisper Desk
Cons:
- Not as easy to assemble as other treadmills
- No decline available
4. NordicTrack T Series Treadmill
Ths compact machine has more packed into it than you would expect. The compact size is perfect for home use. It has FlexSelect cushioning to protect your joints. You also get a free year trial for iFit Coach. Along with the iFit library, there are preset programs to give variety to your workout. Top features of this treadmill include:
Optimal programs: Interactive trainer-led global and studio workout programs come with Fit Coach trial membership. You also get preset programs that prevent that workout plateau.
10” HD SMART Touchscreen Display: This easy-to-read screen provides convenient stats tracking and trainer-led workouts. Keep track of all your stats and workout progress in one convenient place.
Features: AutoBreeze workout fan to keep you cool, 12 MPH SMART speed adjustment with iFit; and a spacious 20” x 60” tread belt giving you plenty of room to move.
Convenient: Innovative SpaceSaver design with EasyLift Assist for easy storage. It is easy to unpack and pack for use, perfect for home use.
Pros:
- Impressive, 14” touchscreen display to help with navigation
- Able to fold up easily and use the release latch for easy unfolding
- Free trial membership to iFit Coach (One year)
- Built-in fan helps keep from the air from becoming stagnant
Cons:
- Does not include a heart rate monitor chest strap with purchase
5. Bowflex Treadmill Series
You get a calorie-focused burn rate with this treadmill. If losing weight is your goal, this is the treadmill for you. It keeps you motivated with 9 intuitive workout programs. Or you can customize your own. An Explore the World App makes you feel like you are walking across the world. Additional features to note include:
Comfort Tech: Comfort Tech is the gold standard for impact absorption. You get a softer and broader step with superior support. The wider track gives plenty of room for movement. The softer track and better shock absorption reduces stress on your joints.
SoftDrop Technology: The design of the Bowflex allows for easy storage and movement. Equipped with a gas shock folding system, you can fold as needed.
Virtual coaching: Each workout is accompanied by a friendly electronic coach. This helps you stay on track to meet your fitness goals.
Pros:
- Individualized workout adjusts to your progress
- Access to virtual courses and locations online
- Easy to navigate, soft and responsive gel buttons ensure that you have everything within reach
Cons:
- Pricier than other treadmills
6. ProForm 905-CST Treadmill
With the ProForm 905-CST you get remarkable features to keep your workout fun. Exercise is comfortable with the 1.9” rollers. The frame is stable and constructed with design precision. You get ProShox cushioning to protect your joints as you walk or run. A CoolAire fan is included to keep you cool as you go.
Special features: This treadmill offers an upper incline of 12 percent and a speed up to 12 miles per hour. The digital control makes it easy to change programs and settings. You also get iPOd compatible speakers. It also folds up vertically for easy storage.
Running surface: The 905 CST has a running surface of 20″ x 60″. You will not have to shorten your stride length if you speed up. The larger surface easily accommodates taller individuals. The patented ProShox Cushioning system reduces the compression forces through your legs.
Motor: The 3.0 CHP motor lasts longer and provides a powerful workout. It easily sustains higher speeds if needed. The 1.9” rollers provide smoother movement so there is no instability if you speed up.
Pros:
- Holds up to 350 pounds safely
- Space Saver design
- 3-year frame warranty and 2-year parts warranty
- 30 pre-set workout programs
Cons:
- No decline options available
7. Sole Fitness S77 Non-Folding Treadmill
The Sole S77 was designed for runners but is great for walkers too. The bulletproof steel frame is durable and will last a long time. The CHP motor and belt provide smooth movement and excellent shock absorption. The top features of the Sole S77 are:
Power incline: The automated incline has a max tilt of 15%. This will enhance your cardio challenge and improve muscle tone.
Easy-to-read display: The 9″ graphic screen is designed for easier reading. It shows data in white and light blue against black for high contrast.
Commercial motor: The S77 Treadmill has a quiet commercial-grade 4.0 CHP motor. It also has two zinc-coated flywheels that minimize vibration.
Track cushioning: Sole’s CushionFlex Whisper Deck absorbs impact significantly better than asphalt. This makes using the treadmill 40% easier on your joints.
Pros:
- Tablet integration and data tracking
- Bluetooth audio speakers and USB charging port
- UHolds up to 400 pounds
- Lifetime warranty for the frame and 5-year warranty for parts
Cons:
- Only six preset workouts (most treadmills have at least ten)
8. Studio Series Advanced Training Treadmills
Power your workouts with a 3.0 Horsepower motor. The Studio Series also has the most responsive drive system available . This means faster changes and a smoother, more efficient workout. Smart Fitness Technology allows you to connect to the content you want and control your workouts. You can also capture all the data that keeps you on track for your goals. Other features worth noting include:
Bluetooth connectivity: Sync your device to the treadmill to stream media. You will get crispo sound to accompany every workout. Tune into your favorite show or follow along to a coach-instructed program.
Built-in device holder: Keep your phone or tablet in easy view for entertainment. The sturdy holder will keep your device in place no matter how hard you are working the machine.
Rapid charge USB port: The USB port keeps your device fully charged. A dead battery won’t slow you down. You also don’t have to worry about moving on with a drained phone.
Pros:
- Completely personalized workout
- Quiet but powerful
- Easy-to-read display
Cons:
- More expensive than other treadmills in the same category
9. Sole F80 Treadmill with Bluetooth Speakers
The Sole F80 treadmill gives you a commercial-grade workout from home. This treadmill is easy to operate and is not super tech-heavy. The 3.5 CHP commercial grade motor is very powerful and supports intense workouts. There are numerous built-in workout programs and excellent build quality. Important features to note include:
Smooth Track Design: The F80 gives you a roomy deck at 22” by 60”. This is great for taller individuals. iIt also offers a durable two-ply belt and 2.5” rollers to keep the machine quiet and to reduce wear and tear.
Joint Impact Benefits: The top-rated Cushion Flex Whisper Deck minimizes joint impact. You can keep your workout routine consistent and minimize training injuries.
Reversible Deck: The F80 has a reversible desk to promote the longevity of your machine. You can simply flip over the deck when one side wears out.
Pros:
- Folding treadmill with EasyLift Assist technology
- Bluetooth connectivity for music and fitness apps
- 10 built-in workout programs
Cons:
- Not super tech heavy / no touch screen options.
- Side rails are not as long as some people would like
10. iMovR ThermoTread GT Desk Treadmill
The most professional under-the-desk treadmill you can get. Designed for use anywhere at any time. It is smaller, quiter, and powerful enough to meet your workout goals. For the ultimate desk treadmill, the iMovR is the best choice for several reasons.
Powerful: ThermoTread GT noise is lower than office HVAC systems, so you never hear this machine. The 3.0HP motor provides the workout you need despite its compact size.Get your workout during a busy day without creating a distraction.
Deck Stability: The ThermoTread GT has a lowered deck offering maximum stability. The 2.5 mm rubber plus 2-ply fabric walking belt is built to last for years. The deck is also supported by 6 shock absorbers to cushion your joints. It also has a spacious walking area of 20″ x 50″.
Touch-screen console: The easy-to-use interface is like using a smartphone. Display your statistics such as walking speed, distance, calories burned, and time. A USB port is available for easy downloading of upgraded software. Your treadmill will never become outdated.
Pros:
- 6 compression shock absorbers to absorb and reduce the harmful impact on knees, back and joints.
- High Weight Capacity of 400 lbs.
- Safety emergency stop key.
- A silent cooling fan to keep motor temperatures at the right level
Cons:
- Being 147 lbs, moving it around can be a tedious task
Buying Guide
There are so many treadmills available. Picking the right one can be a challenge. The top 10 are reviewed above to help you out. The buying guide below will also help you figure out what matters most to you. Once you know what you are looking for, you can find the right treadmill for you.
Important things to consider when looking for he best treadmill for walking include:
Surface size: You need to get a treadmill with a walking surface that accommodates your stride. One that is too short will cause you to fall off the back. You do not want to shorten your natural stride. This is especially important to look at if you want a compact treadmill to save space.
Computer features: Look for a treadmill that keeps you from getting bored. A good treadmill will have programmed workouts that automatically adjust your exercise. Programs are designed to prevent a fitness plateau and to provide optimal workouts. The best treadmills will include fitness apps to download additional exercise data and programs.
Incline and decline ability: The best treadmills will offer incline and decline options. Be sure to get a machine with electronic adjustability. You want to increase or decrease intensity as you workout without stopping.
Heart rate monitoring: The accuracy of the heart monitoring system is important. Treadmills come with thumb sensors, contact sensors, or chest straps. Chest straps are the most accurate and convenient. Chest straps provide continual monitoring without having to grab anything.
Treadmill maintenance: Maintenance and cleaning is an essential component to treadmill longevity. People often forget this because they are tired after a workout. Some treadmills require more intense cleaning and lubricating. Be sure to research this before you buy. Choose a style and model that will be easy and convenient for you to wipe down.
Your fitness goals: Know what your fitness goals are before you buy. Training for a 5K marathon and losing weight will require different workouts. Set your goals first, then find the treadmill that helps you achieve them.
Final Thoughts
A treadmill lets you exercise at home, out of the bad weather and away from judgement. No more excuses. You get to set the pace and choose your goals. Treadmills are low-impact and effective for losing weight, training, and staying in shape. There are a number of styles out there, each with a ton of features to attract your attention. Choose the treadmill that best suits our needs. Keep your fitness goals in mind as you browse. With this guide in mind too, you can find the best treadmill for walking.
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