1. NordicTrack T 6.5 S Treadmill

2. Exerpeutic TF1000 Electric Treadmill

3. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7857 Walking Treadmill

Sunny Health & FitnessSF-T7857 Walking Treadmill Review

Although mainly designed for those seeking recovery through walking, the SF-T7857 treadmill from Sunny Health & Fitness can accommodate the needs of any senior looking to up their home workout game.

The best thing about this one is that fact that it has side rails for seniors to hold onto when they are walking.

Sturdy Construction

Despite its simple role and affordable price, the Sunny SF-T7857 treadmill sports a sturdy construction capable of holding up to 295 pounds.

The machine’s base frame, as well as its sidebars, are made of steel, and they’re powder coated with a durable paint finish, so the treadmill should survive for a good number of years.

Just like the Exerpeutic TF1000, this treadmill features a couple of long sidebars. Couple that with the walking surface that’s placed at around 4.5 inches above floor level, and getting on and off of this treadmill becomes a piece of cake.

The only downside to this design is the fact that it’s not foldable which can be a problem if you plan on moving it around often.

Decent Performance

The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7857 treadmill packs a 2.5HP motor that allows the machine to reach speeds of up to 5 MPH. It’s not much, but It’s more than enough for any senior user. Besides, since the motor isn’t that powerful, you needn’t worry about power consumption.

The speed can be easily adjusted using the up and down buttons on the console—no quick selection option, unfortunately, which means that the user has to adjust the speed gradually. But I don't think any senior is complaining about that.

Despite its power and speed, the motor is far from noisy. The user’s cadence can barely be heard during their walking workout, making this treadmill suitable for early morning and late-night workout sessions.

Basic Yet Sufficient Functions

The console of this treadmill isn’t that sophisticated. It only features three small LED displays that indicate the time, speed, calories burned, and distance, with the last two sharing the same screen.

Although the console doesn’t have many bells and whistles, such as Bluetooth and preset programs, it does allow the user to set goals for time, calories, and speed. Again, nothing over the top here, which is precisely what an older user would need.

4. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7603 Treadmill

5. SereneLife Smart Digital Folding Treadmill

SereneLife Smart Digital Folding Treadmill Review

Shilling out wads of cash for a treadmill may not seem like a good idea, but it’s worth it if you want to take your workouts to the next level, and that’s exactly what the SLFTRD25 treadmill offers.

Safe and Sturdy

Just like the rest of the products on this list, this treadmill boasts a compact design, and it can be folded and stored when not in use. No matter how small your apartment gym or setup is, you won’t find it hard to fit this treadmill in, especially that it only weighs 87 pounds.

To add an extra layer of security, there’s a safety key that connects the user to the machine as well as an emergency stop button on the handrail. Add that to the cushioning design on both sides of the treadmill, and you’ll get an all-around safe experience – one that’s perfect for any senior or young user.

Workout-Oriented

Everything in this treadmill is designed to help you reach your fitness goals without leaving the house – even if you’re a senior user.

For instance, the treadmill has 16 preset programs as well as three incline settings. In other words, this is all you need to try a variety of exercises at home. There’s even a downloadable app that links to FitShow sports so that you can render your workouts exciting.

As for power, the treadmill packs a 1.5HP motor that allows it to reach up to 7.5MPH in speed, meaning that the SLFTRD25 is suitable for both running and walking sessions.

Surprisingly, despite its lightweight and small size, this treadmill has a large running surface that measures 15.75 x 43.30 inches, and it can hold up to 265 pounds in weights, which is quite impressive.

Plenty of Bells and Whistles

The control panel of the SereneLife Smart Digital Folding Treadmill is as extensive as they get. Besides allowing you to select the desired workout program, the 5-inch touchscreen displays the run time, distance, speed, and calories burned.

The built-in speakers are just the cherry on top, as you can easily play your favorite beats while running, which can really take your workout to the next level.

6. Weslo Cadence G 5.9i Cadence Folding Treadmill

Weslo Cadence G 5.9i Cadence Folding Treadmill Review

Sometimes, buying a new treadmill isn’t about breaking the bank to get the most expensive product nor saving money by opting for the cheapest. Sometimes, it’s simply about getting the bang for your buck, which is the premise of the Weslo Cadence G 5.9i Cadence Folding Treadmill.

A Real Space-Saver

Just like the rest of Weslo’s treadmills, the G 5.9i is compact, with a footprint of only 55.5 x 29 x 64.5 inches. The treadmill can even be folded to an upright position so that it be stored when it’s not needed.

Although there’s no hydraulic system for the folding/unfolding process, this treadmill couldn’t be easier to stow and release, which is a huge plus.

Aesthetically-speaking, the G 5.9i Cadence Folding Treadmill isn’t that eye-catching, which is understandable, considering the low price. That said, the construction is still pretty solid for the price.

Excellent Performance for the Price

Although cheap, this treadmill packs a powerful 2.25 HP motor that can reach 10MPH and accommodate users weighing up to 275 pounds.

Of course, motorized inclined is reserved for higher-end treadmills, but this machine does come with a couple of manual incline settings.

A Set of Secondary Features

Up top, you’ll find the main, sleek control panel. All of your vital workout information, such as time, distance, speed, and calories burned can be checked through the small yet easy-to-read display.

To help you make the most out of your workout sessions, the treadmill also comes with six different preset programs, three of which target weight loss while the other three are high-intensity workouts. If you’re a beginner, that’s a pretty good selection for you to get started.

7. GYMAX Walking Jogging Fitness Exercise Treadmill

8. Fitness Reality TR3000 Treadmill

Fitness Reality TR3000 Treadmill Review 

I’m ending my list with yet another affordable option that can work pretty well for any senior user – the Fitness Reality TR3000 treadmill. Unlike the rest of my recommendations, this is a manual self propelled treadmill.

Compact Design

The treadmill comes virtually assembled, so you don’t have to worry about assembly when ordering one. It’s pretty small and compact, measuring only 50 x 29 x 50 inches, and it can be folded for storage. When folded, the machine measures 35x 29 x 61 inches.

Don’t let the size fool you into thinking that this treadmill is weak, though, as it’s nothing but that. As a matter of fact, this treadmill has the second-highest weight capacity on the list, as it can hold up to 325 pounds. Impressive, huh?

8-Level Magnetic Tension

Although this is a manual treadmill, the speed can be somehow stabilized for hands-free walking using the ‘Pacer Control’ 8-level magnetic tension.

That, along with the twin flywheels, the three manual incline settings, and the extended belt, makes this treadmill’s performance pretty close to that of an electric treadmill but without having to deal with a motor.

Useful Display

The treadmill features a small, battery-powered LCD that shows all the necessary metrics, including the speed, time, distance walked, and calories burned. Believe me; you won’t miss your old electronic treadmill if you do with this one.

Looking to Buy a Small Treadmill?

Here’s What to Look For

Small treadmills can be very useful for seniors or those who aren’t planning on doing intense running workouts. There is also the benefit of being more compact and requiring less space. Sometimes, a small treadmill is all you need, and when shopping for seniors, this proves to be especially true.

If you’re looking for the best small treadmill to get, then you’ve come to the right. We’ll be taking a look at what makes a small treadmill great and how you should go about choosing the right one for you.

Design

Most treadmills are built with the needs of a runner in mind. That means that they need to be able to take a beating while staying stable.

Since you won’t be doing a lot of running, you don’t have to worry about getting a strong, bulky, home or professional treadmill. Instead, you can opt for one with a lighter frame and more convenient design, so you don’t have as much trouble moving it around if need be. Finding ones with wheels is more favorable as it makes the moving process even easier.

Additionally, you have the option of going for a folding or a low profile treadmill design, which allows you to save even more space if you happen to live in a small place. When it comes to folding treadmills, we recommend looking for something that is lightweight and features hydraulic assistance, which facilitates the process of folding and unfolding.

If you are in an extremely tight space or prefer a treadmill that fits under a bed, I would check out fold flat treadmills. You can check out our guide on the best options here

Another thing that we recommend is looking for a design that has handlebars that prevent slipping. Make sure that the handlebars are not too short; otherwise, they’ll be useless.

Finally, keep in mind that when we talk about a lightweight frame, we don’t mean flimsy. Numerous lightweight designs are still very robust. Make sure you’re buying something that’s built to last.

Core Components

Since you’re not going to be using the treadmill for intense workout sessions, you won’t need to go for something with a strong motor. Running treadmills are usually equipped with motors that can reach 3.5 or 4 CHP. In the case of small treadmills, 1 and 2 CHP motors should be good enough if you’re only going to use it for walking and light jogging.

Noise - Make Sure It's Quiet

Another thing to take into consideration is noise. Even though walking treadmills don’t require a strong motor, having a weak one that’s working in full swing all the time will make a lot of noise.

In order to make sure your small treadmill will also be quiet you will need to test it out. Make sur the motor doesn't cause a ruckus. The ones in my list above are all extremely quiet.

Related Reading: Most Quiet Ellipticals for Apartments

For most seniors, 4 MPH should be fast enough for walking. That allows you to experiment with different walk speeds and even jog if you want to. Anything faster than jogging, and you’ll have to go for a treadmill with a 2 or 3 CHP motor.

Cushioning

One of the most common issues when using treadmills for extended periods of time is joint stress. This becomes a bigger problem with age. This is where belt cushioning comes in. It is absolutely crucial to have decent belt cushioning in order to protect your joints from stress and swelling injuries.

Usually, the higher the price of the treadmill, the better the cushioning will be. We recommend trying out any treadmill you intend on buying before confirming your purchase. This will allow you to get a proper feel for the machine to figure out whether or not it has proper cushioning.

You can also compensate for the deck a little bit by making sure you have a quality pair of treadmill shoes.

Belt Size

Belt size is another thing that is worth taking into account. It’s not as important as the factors we just mentioned. However, depending on your height, you might find yourself having trouble if the belt size of the treadmill is not right.

Keeping in mind that the treadmill will mainly be used for walking, we recommend you go for anything with a belt size that is between 40 and 50 inches. If you’re 6 feet tall or higher, then you might want to look for anything above 45 inches instead.

Additionally, belt width is also important. You need to make sure that you’re comfortable while you run. How wide should the belt be? It’s more about personal preference than anything. Some people like running in a narrow space while others need more space. Try out different belt widths in order to figure out which one you prefer.

Safety Features

As with any piece of sporting equipment, safety should be one of the top priorities. When it comes to treadmills, this is even more important as accidents can lead to very serious injuries.

Make sure the stop button on your treadmill is easily accessible. The same goes for the safety key. While this might not seem like much, these two features alone can help you avoid injuries while falling. The most dangerous thing is falling on your treadmill while it’s in full swing. This is why you need to be able to quickly put it to a stop when you feel like you’re going to full.

Aside from these two features, there are other ones that you can find on some models. For example, the Exerpeutic TF1000 has a dashed tread belt. With that said, you’re mainly going to need an accessible stop button and safety key, and you should be good to go.

Secondary Features

Aside from the features, we listed above, you can find treadmills that have extra bells and whistles that separate them from the competition. Some of these neat secondary features are LCD screens, heart rate sensors, and other fancy options and console features.

Remember that although treadmills with screens are nice and all, they typically cost quite a bit more and really do not give you much more value as a senior treadmill user.

LCD screens are used to display detailed statistics about your running and walking, such as the speed, how many calories you burned as well as other information. While they are not as fancy and accessible as touchscreens, they are still quite functional and should offer you all the information you need while you work out.

You might come across some treadmills that feature heart sensors. These sensors are embedded into the side rails and are used to help you measure your exertion levels. This can be very useful if you wish to monitor your overall performance and stress levels while you work out.

Finally, if you plan on moving around your treadmill often, then you’ll want to consider getting a treadmill with wheels. This will dramatically facilitate the moving process.

FAQ Most Seniors Have When Buying a Treadmill

These are the most commonly asked questions that seniors have when buying their first small treadmill

Why Should Seniors Walk on a Treadmill?

Many people question the logic behind working out on a treadmill as opposed to simply walking outdoor. While this might make treadmills sound obsolete, it isn’t entirely true.

While outdoor walking can hardly be replaced by walking on a treadmill, there are areas where working out on a treadmill would be better. Even though it doesn’t seem obvious at first, it’s all about small details that stack up to a significant difference.

For instance, treadmills tend to be healthier as their cushioned belts help prevent joint strain, swelling, and stress injuries. The main issue with walking outside is that you’ll have no control over the surfaces you walk on, you’ll be walking over hard surfaces and soft ones, and that can be unhealthy in the long term, especially for elders and seniors.

Additionally, treadmills tend to be equipped with many safety features that help prevent injuries and keep you safe while you work out. When you’re walking outside, you’re easily prone to falling and tripping over a raised edge. Treadmills are usually equipped with guard rails that prevent you from falling when you’re working out.

How Fast Should Seniors Walk on Their Treadmill?

No matter which speed you walk at, you don't need to be pushing your limits in order to improve. Find the optimal speed where it’s challenging enough for you to make an effort but not too fast as to not risk falling or overworking your body.

Fitness is all about getting out of your comfort zone. Find a speed that’s just outside of your limits at first. Start working towards making it manageable and then increase it until you’re happy with the level you’re at.

Another thing to take into account is how long you intend to work out. If your workout sessions will be long, it’s better to go for low to medium speeds to conserve your energy to last you during the whole workout. If you’re going to short 5-10 minute walks, you can bump up the speed a bit, so you push yourself to improve.

If you’re still not sure about which speed you should walk out, start with the lowest speeds and work your way from there until you find your zone. Once you do, start building on your limits and improve yourself. Just remember that walking is not meant to be a race, and everyone has their own pace. The most important thing is that you improve.

If you would like to see some treadmill workout that are designed for seniors you can check out our article on the best treadmill workouts for seniors here.

Is Treadmill Walking Bad for Joints?

This is a valid question. However, the answer to it is not so clear cut. If we’re comparing treadmill walking and outdoor walking, the former is better for your joints as any treadmill will provide better cushioning than walking outside on concrete or other hard surfaces. With that said, not all treadmills are made equal, and some treadmills have much better cushioning than others.

Treadmill walking shouldn’t be too bad for your joints. It only becomes unhealthy if you spend hours at a time working out without taking a rest. However, that’s rarely the case with anyone. Simply put, how much importance you place on belt cushioning should mainly depend on how long your walking sessions are.

Verdict

Everyone needs to exercise regularly, including seniors. That said, older citizens may not always be able to take long runs or jog outside. Thankfully, that issue can be solved by getting a treadmill – precisely one of the units reviewed above, as all of them are compact and suitable for seniors.

Related Readings:

• Best Home Gym Equipment for Small Space
• Exercise Bikes For Knee Replacement Rehab
• Small Weight Benches for Apartments
• Best Apartment Punching Bags

Sources:

• http://www.city-data.com/forum/caregiving/2445270-adaptive-treadmill-elderly.html
• https://www.runnersworld.com/gear/a20834859/the-best-treadmills-for-runners/