Do you want to keep your legs moving but cannot go out for a stroll? Whether it is due to a recent injury or painful joints, you must not stop yourself there. Treadmill walking is an excellent option to maintain your health, whether you are suffering from arthritis, diabetes, or other ailments. To help you choose, we have conducted extensive research for the five best treadmills for seniors. Hop in!
Best 5 Treadmills For Seniors In The UK [Reviews]
1. Branx Fitness Foldable 'Elite Runner Pro' Soft Drop System Treadmill
A Treadmill must never compromise with quality, and that is what the Branx Fitness Treadmill promises. It is designed to provide maximum results with ease of use. Moreover, this treadmill comes with a 2-year warranty on parts and a 5-year warranty on frame. That is certainly like a cherry on the cake.
Branx Fitness Treadmill provides you with a wide running area of 140cm x 48cm, letting you work out without fear. You can also hold on to its handrails for added support. Plus, it has a maximum user weight of 160kg, so you can exercise without any worry.
What makes it one of the top treadmills for seniors is the emergency safety clip. You can clip it on, and if you get too close to the belt’s edge, the treadmill will instantly stop.
If you wish to adjust the speed or incline level, you can do it with the handrail buttons. Plus, it has integrated hand pulse sensors that let you track your heart rate. You can navigate with the ‘Mode’ key and set the required settings for a specific distance, time, or calories.
This feature-packed console has a large, 6-inch LCD display, so you have no problem tracking your work. It features the latest technology with 24 installed programs, built-in speakers, and a Bluetooth feature.
Another fantastic thing about the Branx Fitness Treadmill is its soft drop system. You can fold and unfold this into a compact machine for easy storage with a mere tap. Additionally, it features the Dual Shock Absorption system that minimizes the impact on your joints while walking and running.
Features
- Soft Drop: Lets you fold and unfold the treadmill with a tap
- Handrail Adjustments: Change the speed and incline with ease from the handrail itself
- Emergency Safety Clip: Brings the machine to a stop if you go too far away
- Absorption System: Absorbs the impact, minimizing the pressure on joints
Expert Reviews
Branx Fitness Treadmill has everything you need in a machine that lets you walk/run without stressing your body. From shock absorption to handrail controls and manoeuvrable design, this product is a great buy.
Why We Chose This Product as #1
Branx Fitness has been in the fitness equipment industry for 12 years, manufacturing the highest quality products. Though it is an expensive treadmill, it offers a multitude of features and convenience of use, which is well worth it.
If you are looking for an unparalleled treadmill for seniors, this is it. The Bluetooth Nero Pro Treadmill offers easy to use controls, manoeuvrability, and flawless performance. The best part—it comes 98% pre-assembled, so you can set it up real quick.
The Nero Pro Treadmill lets you track speed, distance, time, and calories, as it has a sensor on the handlebars. Apart from keeping a check on the specs, its console offers some straightforward controls.
It comes with five preset programs ranging from 2kmph to 10kmph. So, you can quickly choose a speed rate and start your daily workout. The treadmill also has a manual programming option to let you select any other preferred speed. If you want to opt for high-speed programs, there are 12 of those as well.
One unique feature of this machine is its free application. You can download it on your smart device and track your activity on the treadmill as well as outdoors. It helps you keep track of the past routines and plan for future ones.
The treadmill comes with an emergency safety clip that you can attach while running or walking. If you drift too far from the console, the belt will instantly stop, preventing any accidents.
Another excellent feature of this treadmill is its lightweight body. You can fold it without much effort and store it away when not in use.
Features
- Low-speed programs: Select the preset keys for speed of 0-10km/h
- Pulse sensor: Lets you track speed, distance, calories, heart rate, and time
- Modes: Choose from 12 interval programs or set one manually
- Connectivity: Bluetooth and free app let you track past routines and plan for future
- Lightweight and compact: Easily fold and store the compact machine, or transfer with attached wheels
Expert Reviews
The Bluetooth Nero Pro Treadmill is an excellent choice for the seniors. The best part is its low maximum speed, so your folks will not choose a high-speed program even by mistake. Additionally, its system is pretty straightforward and easy.
Why We Chose This Product as #2
The Bluetooth Nero pro Treadmill is a favourite of the crowd. Its high ratings are a reflection of its ease of use and flawless performance. Plus, it offers several features at quite reasonable prices.
3. Umay Lontek Treadmill
Seniors need a treadmill just to keep their joints warm and functional, by walking or jogging for a short while. Spending a lot for minimum use can seem like a waste of money. If you are looking for a budget-friendly option, the Umay Lontek Treadmill is among the best treadmills for seniors.
It offers all the necessary features that you may require and has a low maximum speed of 10km/h. Thus, it will cover all your speed requirements without the danger of over speeding. The running surface measures 102cm x 38 cm, sufficient for easy walking and light jogging.
The Umay Lontek Treadmill features a patented 8-layer, anti-shock running area. So, you can use the machine with the assurance that your joints will not bear a large impact. Additionally, its diamond shape structure absorbs the vibration, promotes abrasion resistance, and ensures longevity. That is not all. The side plates are wide enough to let you comfortably stand before starting your exercise.
The treadmill comes with 12 in-built programs for beginners and professionals, letting you quickly choose according to your speed requirements. Plus, its LCD screen constantly displays the speed, time, distance, and calories to allow you to track your work.
What’s more? The Umay Lontek Treadmill features a lightweight, compact design, especially once you fold it—which is a seamless work. Additionally, it comes with two smooth wheels to let you move it to your desired location without extra help.
Features
- Anti-shock system: The 8-layered belt absorbs vibrations and minimizes impact on your joints
- Space-saving design: Easy to fold vertically and store in a compact space
- Bluetooth integration: Connect with your device through a free app and track your workout
- Manual lubrication: Keep the belt working smoothly without any professional help
Expert Reviews
The Umay Lontek Treadmill shows that even budget-friendly options can do the job just fine. It offers features like multi-layers and no-slip running area, easy control buttons, manoeuvrability, and more, making exercise convenient for seniors.
Why We Chose This Product as #3
Your budget must not stop you from keeping fit, and that is why we bring you the Umay Lontek Treadmill. Despite its low cost, the machine offers the comfort of use and supports your daily workout routines.
If you are looking for a mid-ranged treadmill that offers a plethora of features, the JLL T350 Treadmill is for you. It offers a large running surface of 121cm x 41cm to let you exercise comfortably. Additionally, you can attach the built-in safety clip to prevent accidents.
The JLL T350 ensures you have a smooth walk or run every day. Its 16-point cushioned deck minimizes the impact on your joints, while the silicone covering provides superior shock absorption than rubber. As a result, the belt noise is also reduced to the minimum.
If you want to walk at a slow pace, you can choose a speed from as low as 0.3km/h. Also, it can go as high as 18km/h for running enthusiasts. The best part is that you can adjust the speed without having to reach the console. Its convenient handrails offer up and down buttons.
That is not all. These bars also have pulse sensors so that you can walk while watching your heart rate on the LCD screen. Moreover, the console offers multiple other features like preset speeds for quick start and other audio and speed settings. You get all of this with an easy touch-sensitive operation.
What’s more? The JLLT350 uses soft drop technology, letting you fold and unfold the treadmill smoothly with a hydraulic arm. Also, it comes with four wheels, so you can seamlessly move it around with or without folding.
Features
- Advanced Cushioning: Absorbs shock and minimizes impact on joints
- Touch-sensitive Operation: Easy, button-free operation to change speed and programs
- Convenient Handrails: Prevents slipping and let you adjust the speed
- Compact: Soft drop technology allows one tap, fold and unfold
- Manoeuvrable: 4 wheels ensure hassle-free transfer
Expert Reviews
The JLL 350 Treadmill offers slow walking speed, which is excellent for seniors. Its running belt is well-cushioned and wide enough, perfect for effortless walking and slow jogging. Additionally, it has large buttons that work with a light touch.
Why We Chose This Product as #4
The JLL 350 Treadmill is an optimum, mid-ranged treadmill for the elderly. It is a robust machine that has plenty of features and yet, easy controls. Moreover, its smooth belt does not demand much pressure, making it one of the best treadmills for seniors
5. Branx Fitness Foldable 'Cardio Pro' Touchscreen Console Treadmill
Branx is known for its quality products, and this treadmill is no less. The Branx Fitness Cardio Pro Treadmill is designed for those walking and jogging enthusiasts who want to workout at home. It is the upgraded version to provide maximum convenience while working out.
The treadmill offers a unique feature to let you track your distance in terms of LAPs. One lap is about 400m, so you can walk accordingly. Additionally, you can select one of the 12 pre-installed programs.
The treadmill console comes with easy-to-use controls. You can start and stop with a single button or seamlessly adjust the speed with a knob. Plus, all its other buttons are pretty large and convenient to see. You can also track your heart rate, distance, time, and calories on its LCD screen.
To make your walk or jog comfortable, the Branx Cardio Pro treadmill features a dual shock absorption system. Now you can walk all you want without much impact on your joints. Plus, the belt surface is quite wide—125cm x 45cm.
What’s more? The Branx treadmill reflects quality construction as it is CE/ROHS/EN957 certified and meets the GS standards. Additionally, it comes with a safety clip and handrails for further support.
Apart from that, the treadmill offers several additional features. You get a free twister and mat if you purchase the product within the offer. Plus, you also get a 2-year warranty for its parts and labor along with a 5-year warranty for motor and frame.
Features
- Soft drop system: Fold and unfold the machine with a smooth hydraulic arm
- Shock absorption: Thick running belt minimizes impact and vibrations
- Sensors: Walk while keeping your heart rate at a desirable pace
- Easy controls: One-button start and stop along with a speed adjusting rolling knob
Expert Reviews
The Branx Cardio Pro treadmill offers pretty much everything for your daily fitness. You can walk at your desired speed on a comfortable surface and track your efforts as well as heart rate. Additionally, the machine ensures you can enjoy the session without any complicated settings.
Why We Chose This Product as #5
The treadmill reflects quality in all its features, and probably that is why it stands at the higher side of costs. Still, the Cardio Pro is an excellent home addition for seniors who want to avoid harsh weather conditions.
Treadmills for Seniors: Buying Guide
Have you already chosen your favourite option? Choosing the best treadmill for seniors can be overwhelming even from the top 5 options. Well, you need not worry. We bring you a comprehensive buying guide to ease your purchasing decision. Here is a list of everything you need to consider while purchasing a treadmill for seniors.
Quality
The first thing that you must weigh is the construction of the treadmill. If the machine features quality materials and finish, the other features automatically fall in place.
Make sure to learn about the brand history and read a couple of customer reviews to ascertain its quality best.
Design and Maneuverability
Getting a treadmill home may require you to move it from one place to another every other day. Plus, it is a piece of considerably large equipment to place in your house until you have a separate room for working out.
Your best buy will be one that is lightweight and easy to move around. The treadmill must feature a seamless foldable technology for storing in a compact space. Additionally, most treadmills come with wheels, so moving will not be challenging even for a single person.
Shock Absorption
Seniors often have weak joints and other injuries, which is why they cannot exert a lot of pressure. Some treadmills may require you to put in efforts to get the belt rolling smoothly, but that is more for athletes.
You must look for a treadmill that has a multi-layered deck. It will absorb the shockwaves, vibrations and let you walk with minimum impact on joints.
Running Area
While a good shock-absorbing deck is what you need most, do not overlook its size. The running surface of a treadmill plays a significant role in letting you walk or even jog lightly with comfort. With a narrow dec,k, you will always have chances of falling on the side when you disbalance.
What you need is a treadmill with a large running area to exercise without any worry. Though the larger it is, the better, choosing one with a width of about 40cm is the best option. The best treadmills for seniors mentioned in this article have an optimum running surface for your daily regime.
Noise Level
The unpleasant noise produced by the motor is not only annoying for the ones sitting around but also for you. It can ruin your cardio sessions excessively. Plus, a noisy machine indicates low-quality motor and construction.
Therefore, you must ensure you get a treadmill that has minimum noise levels. Plus, if you do not play music while walking, the noise will be even more audible.
Controls
If you are looking for a simple treadmill for walking or light running, you probably do not need many control settings. Moreover, the more the settings, the more you may get confused while selecting.
Therefore, you must choose a treadmill with minimum controls, with large buttons and a clear screen. Apart from that, some treadmills come with extra controls on the handrails, which are even better.
Handrails
One of the essential requirements in the best treadmills for seniors is handrails. These provide the support you need if you get imbalanced or, for some, throughout the walk.
You must opt for treadmills with extended handrails that have a no-slip grip. The additional features would be multiple controls like speed, incline, and pulse sensors on these hand bars.
Safety Features
Another significant consideration for treadmills for the elderly is the number of safety features. The most important one is the safety clip, usually present on most treadmills. You need to attach the treadmill to your clothes.
It works by instantly stopping the belt in case you get too close to the back edge. Thus, you can avoid accidents even if you lose balance. Another feature would be wide side rails so you can place your feet on them before you begin. These also provide a space to stand if you cannot handle the speed.
Speed
Most seniors would not want a treadmill with high-speed options. Even if they’re going to run or jog, a medium speed would be enough. Treadmills with a high pace may also complicate control settings.
Another reason for a low maximum speed is that they eliminate the chances of accidentally selecting higher speeds. Plus, a treadmill with a low full speed will have a motor designed to run at low speeds for long. The optimum maximum speed must be around 10km/h.
Auto Programs
Most new generation treadmills come with a plethora of in-built programs for exercise enthusiasts. These include varying speeds and incline levels, which may not be of any use to you. Hence, choosing one with minimum programs is the wisest choice.
That said, there are also benefits of automatic programs. These are in case the auto buttons offer low-speed options like 2km/h to 4km/h. It will make starting your daily regime easy as you will just need to press a button.
Cost
You may use the treadmill for 30-40 minutes every day or a few days of the week. Plus, you are most probably getting a treadmill to maintain your fitness instead of breaking a sweat. Therefore, make sure you are not spending too much on the machine.
That said, you must that quality products may be slightly on the higher end of your budget. Still, the best way will be to compare the features offered by the various options. Plus, remember to ensure all the features you need in your cardio machine because you will not be purchasing another one soon.
FAQs About Treadmills
Do you have any other questions regarding the treadmills for seniors? The FAQ section here will clear all your remaining doubts to help you choose the most optimum option.
Are Treadmills Beneficial for Seniors?
Yes, treadmills are beneficial for seniors, given they use them correctly. The elderly individuals have weaker bones and stamina, and excessive workout can harm them more than benefit. However, it also depends on the physique of different people.
While some might manage to go on slow jogs, others may not even have the strength to walk with ease. Still, regular walking will make their joints and muscles habitual to walking and is thus useful for them. It will also help improve their metabolism and blood circulation.
Apart from that, treadmills are relatively safer than outdoors as you can never anticipate the conditions in a public place. Therefore, seniors can use a treadmill, but they must avoid brisk walking, running, or other intense activities.
What is the Best Treadmill Speed for Seniors?
Seniors do not need high-speed treadmills as they certainly would not want to run. However, the optimum treadmill speed will vary from one individual to another. More so, if they have any severe ailments like arthritis or other injuries.
All things aside, older adults must choose a treadmill speed of not more than 6km/h to 8km/h. That is, even if they have any knee issues. Health specialists usually recommend orthopedic patients to incorporate walking in their regime. Still, they must not exceed the speed of 7km/h.
For How Long Should Seniors Use a Treadmill?
The duration of a treadmill that you must use varies on the speed you take up. The correct way is by starting at a slow pace and slowly gaining momentum. Still, all of it combines, seniors must conduct cardiovascular exercises for about 30 minutes per day.
If you cannot extend it for that long, you can break up this time and complete it in 2-3 sessions. Senior citizens must walk for this duration for 4-5 days a week to maintain good health.
Can Seniors with Arthritis Use Treadmills?
Yes, seniors with arthritis can use treadmills without any risk, given they adhere to certain limits. These include specific speed and time durations that the elderly with arthritis must not exceed. Plus, they must use only low-impact treadmills so that it does not worsen their condition.
If you continue walking at a slow-medium pace, a treadmill is helpful for you, even if you have arthritis. In fact, walking helps increase bone density and improves overall mental and physical health.
Certain precautions that arthritis patients must take while using a treadmill are:
- Not exceeding the speed over 7km/h
- Avoid walking more than 25-30 minutes a day for five days a week.
- Not inclining the belt more than 3%
Are Treadmills for Seniors Expensive?
Treadmills of seniors are not expensive if you are specifically looking for a budget-friendly option. You can bag a great deal within £200-£300. It will offer you all the basic features of a treadmill. However, a quality machine covering an extensive range of features and provides comfort simultaneously may range between £1000-£1200 or more.
There is yet another option—purchasing a mid-ranged treadmill for seniors. It will include comfort features like a wide running surface, shock absorption belt, easy controls, and more. Such treadmills may cost around £500-£700.
In this article, you get details about all types of treadmills for seniors between £300 and £1000. So, you can easily choose according to your budget.
What Is A Good Starting Speed on Treadmills?
The starting speed of a treadmill depends on your specific body type. It includes factors like stamina, physique, and other physical conditions. For youngsters, the optimum starting speed would be around 4km/h to 5km/h, while for the elderly, it must be about 3km/h.
That said, you can always increase your speed with time. The best way is to increase by 0.5 to 1 km/h every 3rd-4th day. Still, if you fall into the group of elderly, do not exceed the speed over 8km/h.
How Does A Treadmill Help Seniors?
It is essential for seniors to maintain a regular fitness routine even more than young or middle-aged individuals. For that matter, treadmills are the best options. Senior citizens’ bones and muscles are comparatively weaker and may lose the ability to move if not regularly worked-out.
Here is how a treadmill is beneficial for seniors:
- Regular walk helps maintain mobility and overall balance.
- It helps burn calories and prevent obesity that can lead to multiple other ailments
- Boosts digestion as older individuals usually face digestion issues
- Promotes a healthy state of mind
Which Cardio Equipment Are Good for the Elderly?
Seniors must maintain good cardiovascular health as it also affects their blood pressure and other body parts. Cardio workout, to be specific, is one of the best ways to maintain overall health, even for the elderly. Here are a few cardio types of equipment for older individuals.
- Treadmill
- Elliptical
- Exercise Bike
That said, make sure you never overdo any exercise as it may do more infliction than good!