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Running on a treadmill can be taxing on your joints, and if you’re dealing with knee discomfort, odds are you’re going to be hesitant to hop onto one of these cardio machines for a worthwhile session. Thankfully, running on a treadmill with bad knees doesn’t need to be a challenging, painful excursion day in and day out. Plenty of the best...
The post The 6 Best Treadmills for Bad Knees of 2023 appeared first on BarBend.
Running on a treadmill can be taxing on your joints, and if you’re dealing with knee discomfort, odds are you’re going to be hesitant to hop onto one of these cardio machines for a worthwhile session. Thankfully, running on a treadmill with bad knees doesn’t need to be a challenging, painful excursion day in and day out. Plenty of the best treadmills for bad knees feature comfortable, well-cushioned running decks — as well as other accommodating components — to help you ease back into working out at your full potential.
Finding an ideal treadmill for bad knees can be a different endeavor than searching for a top-performing treadmill overall. You need to keep an eye out for specific build qualities that can support your training, whether exercising around an injury or not — treadmills can cost a pretty penny, so the fewer machines you can purchase throughout your fitness journey, the better. We’ve gotten hands-on with over 20 treadmills to seek out the most comfortable workout experiences within the category. Let’s hop into our findings to help you ensure your fitness goals aren’t sidelined entirely because of a nagging joint.
The 6 Best Treadmills for Bad Knees of 2023
How We Tested
The BarBend team is made up of competitive athletes, certified personal trainers, and lifelong fitness enthusiasts. We’ve been walking and running on treadmills for years now and know the qualities to look for in a profile when trying to navigate a cardio program with irritated knees.
We tested and researched a number of factors to generate this cardio-focused round-up. In our process, we looked at running deck size, evaluated the underfoot cushioning, and tested the ease of speed and incline adjustments. We also looked at other helpful components such as foldable and space-saving designs, integrated apps and streaming services, as well as roller size, but the deck qualities and settings adjustments were the main driving factors in separating the best treadmills for bad knees apart from just the best treadmills.
Best Treadmill for Bad Knees Overall: NordicTrack Commercial 1750
NordicTrack Commercial 1750 Treadmill
NordicTrack Commercial 1750 Treadmill
The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 is made for the tech-loving runner. This high-tech treadmill features a touchscreen monitor that can tilt and rotate, and offers automatic incline, decline, and speed adjustments based on the workout you choose.
Shop NordicTrack
Specs
Pros
Cons
If you’re familiar with our treadmill coverage, you’ll know that we hold the Commercial 1750 in high regard, but our favorite NordicTrack treadmill is not just a one-trick pony. We admire its effectiveness for athletes with bad knees thanks to its impressive Run Flex cushioning technology. This added feature created a supple landing in each stride during testing, which lessened the impact felt across our joints. Granted, this tech is always on with recent iterations of the machine — previous year models allowed you to toggle the feature on and off at your discretion — but it’s still a worthwhile inclusion, especially for those with joint discomfort.
We also appreciate the spacious running deck built into the Commercial 1750. The 60-inch length is enough for most stride lengths, allowing you to keep your natural plane of motion without fear of stepping off the platform in training. The 20-inch width is also a nice touch, creating a comfortable enough space for arm swings and the occasional side correction.
Of course, it’s hard to recommend a NordicTrack treadmill without mentioning the iFit library of online training classes and challenges. We appreciate this integrated service thanks to its wide variety of workouts. You do need to pay for access to the platform after a 30-day trial period, but for our money, the breadth of assortment is worth the extra monthly charge. The Commercial 1750 also features a rotating 14-inch touchscreen, which our tester appreciated when mixing on-treadmill and off-treadmill workouts within their respective regimen.
While we admire this treadmill for its in-training comfort and lessened impact on your knees, getting the machine up and running can be a challenge. Our tester noted that assembly is labor intensive, and moving the bulky 340-pound machine is a chore in itself. To help alleviate any strain across your joints before even getting to your first workout, we recommend having a helping hand at the ready when trying to add this large machine to your home gym.
Read our full NordicTrack Commercial 1750 Review.
Best Budget Treadmill for Bad Knees: Horizon 7.0 AT
Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill
Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill
The Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill is a durable, low-cost option for anyone looking for a quality treadmill without overspending. It features a strong motor, a wide range of speed and incline settings, and a unique three-zone cushion system.
Shop Horizon
Specs
Pros
Cons
Training with bad knees can be painful in its own right, but shelling out thousands of dollars for a lackluster treadmill? That’s a completely different sense of discomfort. Thankfully, the Horizon 7.0 AT can soothe both irritations thanks to an impressive warranty package, uniquely cushioned deck, and approachable price point. At less than $1,000, the 7.0 AT is one of the more affordable treadmills in the space.
Plus, there are no add-ons necessary to take full advantage of its training potential. While some might not enjoy this lack of integrated training apps, we found the eight pre-programmed modules (5K, Calorie, Custom, Distance, Fat Burn, Hill Climb, Manual, Target HRT) provided enough challenges in our workouts.
Our tester also appreciated the Three-Zone Variable Response Cushioning underfoot that gave each facet of their strides a nice sense of comfort. The “impact zone” toward the front of the running deck is more cushioned to create a softer landing, while the “push-off zone” near the rear is firmer for boosted takeoffs. The middle zone at the midsection of the running belt features also offers moderate cushioning, perfect for the transition between landings and takeoffs. This allowed our tester to efficiently move through workouts without wasting energy or sacrificing joint comfort.
The 7.0 AT treadmill can also be excellent for interval training thanks to the QuickDial controls at the front of the console. These pinwheel-style toggles can allow for quick speed and incline adjustments during your workouts, creating seamless transitions across the available ranges. The three CHP motor is also worthwhile thanks to its direct current nature. This motor style differs from other profiles running on alternating current, as they’re typically quieter and quicker to adjust. That said, DC motors require a cooldown after long workout sessions — we recommend 20 minutes of rest for every 45 minutes of operation.
As impressive and worthwhile as the 7.0 AT is for bad knees, we do wish this treadmill offered decline capabilities. Studies have shown that walking backwards at a decline can help strengthen the musculature surrounding your knees. (2) This can be an effective way to regain some healthiness in the joint while also promoting better resiliency in future workouts. Sadly, though, this decline feature is not present in this Horizon offering, so those wanting to take part will need to go with a different treadmill.
Read our full Horizon 7.0 AT Review.
Best Cushioned Treadmill for Bad Knees: Sole TT8
Sole TT8 Treadmill
Sole TT8 Treadmill
This heavy-duty treadmill features a steel framework with a 4.0 HP motor and a weight limit of 400 pounds. The three-inch rollers are ideal for runners, and the combination of incline and decline settings allows for hill work.
Shop Sole
Specs
Pros
Cons
In testing, we found that the Sole TT8 provided the most comfortable running deck thanks to its impressive Cushion Flex Whisper technology. This, along with a two-ply belt, helped make every stride feel as if we were running on clouds, according to our tester. These components are also designed to help reduce impact by up to 40 percent across your joints, making it an easy pick for a round-up of the best treadmills for bad knees.
In addition to its plush running surface, we also enjoyed the various settings available with this Sole treadmill. The max speed of 12 miles per hour and max incline of 15 percent provided our tester with plenty of range to mix up their intensity during workouts, but the most impressive quality lay in this treadmill’s decline capabilities. The TT8 is able to reach a negative six percent decline, making it one of the best treadmills for training descents. This can be great for athletes dealing with joint issues, as regular decline training can lead to improved balance and knee strength, according to studies. (2)
The Sole TT8 is also plenty durable thanks to its reinforced framework rated for athletes up to 400 pounds. Plus, Sole backs up this impressive profile with lifetime coverage for the frame and motor, along with three years of support for the deck, parts, and wear items. One-year labor coverage is also included with the expansive warranty package, which can do a lot in offsetting the higher price tag.
The cost of this quality treadmill for bad knees isn’t the only large item across the build. The footprint takes up 21.77 square feet of space, so this isn’t the most ideal profile for athletes needing a compact machine. Additionally, the Sole TT8 doesn’t feature a foldable design, meaning you can’t regain any floor space when the treadmill is not in use. Still, for avid treadmill enthusiasts looking for the most comfortable training experience while dealing with knee discomfort, this is one quality profile worth considering.
Read our full Sole TT8 Review.
Best Walking Treadmill for Bad Knees: ProForm City L6
ProForm City L6 Treadmill
ProForm City L6 Treadmill
This compact treadmill is an ideal purchase for anyone tight on space who wants to reach their daily steps goal. It features a foldable frame, a 1.6 HP motor, and a top speed of eight miles per hour.
Shop ProForm
Specs
Pros
Cons
We understand if your nagging knees are so discomforting that you can’t muster up the energy for a full-blown run every day. If you’re looking to support your joint health with a daily dose of walking, though, we recommend this impressive City L6 profile from ProForm. We admire the comfort experienced through the ProShox cushioning system, which is doubly impressive when you take into account the machine’s sleek, compact design. The City L6 boasts a minimal footprint that, when folded onto itself, can fit easily underneath furniture and bed frames for more convenient storage when not in use.
Now, this compact silhouette does limit the engrained features of the City L6 — there’s no options for incline or decline adjustments, and the smaller rollers and motor can’t handle speeds past eight miles per hour. Despite these drawbacks, though, our tester had no issues in navigating walking sessions and light jogs atop the machine. Other treadmills in this round-up may be more capable of supporting higher intensity workouts, but at the cost of more floor space.
Additionally, the price of this walking treadmill is worthwhile....
Click here to view the article.
The post The 6 Best Treadmills for Bad Knees of 2023 appeared first on BarBend.
Running on a treadmill can be taxing on your joints, and if you’re dealing with knee discomfort, odds are you’re going to be hesitant to hop onto one of these cardio machines for a worthwhile session. Thankfully, running on a treadmill with bad knees doesn’t need to be a challenging, painful excursion day in and day out. Plenty of the best treadmills for bad knees feature comfortable, well-cushioned running decks — as well as other accommodating components — to help you ease back into working out at your full potential.
Finding an ideal treadmill for bad knees can be a different endeavor than searching for a top-performing treadmill overall. You need to keep an eye out for specific build qualities that can support your training, whether exercising around an injury or not — treadmills can cost a pretty penny, so the fewer machines you can purchase throughout your fitness journey, the better. We’ve gotten hands-on with over 20 treadmills to seek out the most comfortable workout experiences within the category. Let’s hop into our findings to help you ensure your fitness goals aren’t sidelined entirely because of a nagging joint.
The 6 Best Treadmills for Bad Knees of 2023
- Best Treadmill for Bad Knees Overall: NordicTrack Commercial 1750
- Best Budget Treadmill for Bad Knees: Horizon 7.0 AT
- Best Cushioned Treadmill for Bad Knees: Sole TT8
- Best Walking Treadmill for Bad Knees: ProForm City L6
- Best Running Treadmill for Bad Knees: Sole F63
- Best Treadmill for Bad Knees with Streaming: NordicTrack Commercial 2450
How We Tested
The BarBend team is made up of competitive athletes, certified personal trainers, and lifelong fitness enthusiasts. We’ve been walking and running on treadmills for years now and know the qualities to look for in a profile when trying to navigate a cardio program with irritated knees.
We tested and researched a number of factors to generate this cardio-focused round-up. In our process, we looked at running deck size, evaluated the underfoot cushioning, and tested the ease of speed and incline adjustments. We also looked at other helpful components such as foldable and space-saving designs, integrated apps and streaming services, as well as roller size, but the deck qualities and settings adjustments were the main driving factors in separating the best treadmills for bad knees apart from just the best treadmills.
Best Treadmill for Bad Knees Overall: NordicTrack Commercial 1750
NordicTrack Commercial 1750 Treadmill
NordicTrack Commercial 1750 Treadmill
The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 is made for the tech-loving runner. This high-tech treadmill features a touchscreen monitor that can tilt and rotate, and offers automatic incline, decline, and speed adjustments based on the workout you choose.
Shop NordicTrack
Specs
- Price: $2,499
- Max Incline and Decline: 12% incline, -3% decline
- Max Speed: 12mph
- Weight Capacity: 300lbs
- Product Dimensions: 80” L x 38” W x 65” H
Pros
- The Commercial 1750 boasts Runners Flex cushioning that helps soften the impact on your joints at each landing and takeoff.
- A spacious 60-inch by 20-inch running deck can be accommodating for short and long strides alike.
- This NordicTrack treadmill features a swiveling 14-inch touchscreen display for on-treadmill and off-treadmill workouts through the iFit library.
Cons
- There are no pre-programmed workouts built into this treadmill, which makes the additional iFit subscription practically a requirement for operation.
- Our tester noted that initial assembly can be labor intensive and requires two people given the machine’s heavier build.
- Even with the foldable SpaceSaver design feature, the Commercial 1750 is still one of the largest treadmills on this list, which can be less than ideal for athletes living in smaller spaces.
If you’re familiar with our treadmill coverage, you’ll know that we hold the Commercial 1750 in high regard, but our favorite NordicTrack treadmill is not just a one-trick pony. We admire its effectiveness for athletes with bad knees thanks to its impressive Run Flex cushioning technology. This added feature created a supple landing in each stride during testing, which lessened the impact felt across our joints. Granted, this tech is always on with recent iterations of the machine — previous year models allowed you to toggle the feature on and off at your discretion — but it’s still a worthwhile inclusion, especially for those with joint discomfort.
We also appreciate the spacious running deck built into the Commercial 1750. The 60-inch length is enough for most stride lengths, allowing you to keep your natural plane of motion without fear of stepping off the platform in training. The 20-inch width is also a nice touch, creating a comfortable enough space for arm swings and the occasional side correction.
Of course, it’s hard to recommend a NordicTrack treadmill without mentioning the iFit library of online training classes and challenges. We appreciate this integrated service thanks to its wide variety of workouts. You do need to pay for access to the platform after a 30-day trial period, but for our money, the breadth of assortment is worth the extra monthly charge. The Commercial 1750 also features a rotating 14-inch touchscreen, which our tester appreciated when mixing on-treadmill and off-treadmill workouts within their respective regimen.
While we admire this treadmill for its in-training comfort and lessened impact on your knees, getting the machine up and running can be a challenge. Our tester noted that assembly is labor intensive, and moving the bulky 340-pound machine is a chore in itself. To help alleviate any strain across your joints before even getting to your first workout, we recommend having a helping hand at the ready when trying to add this large machine to your home gym.
Read our full NordicTrack Commercial 1750 Review.
Best Budget Treadmill for Bad Knees: Horizon 7.0 AT
Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill
Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill
The Horizon 7.0 AT Treadmill is a durable, low-cost option for anyone looking for a quality treadmill without overspending. It features a strong motor, a wide range of speed and incline settings, and a unique three-zone cushion system.
Shop Horizon
Specs
- Price: $999
- Max Incline and Decline: 15% incline, 0% decline
- Max Speed: 12mph
- Weight Capacity: 325lbs
- Product Dimensions: 76? L x 35? W x 66? H
Pros
- This 7.0 AT treadmill features Three-Zone Variable Response Cushioning, which can help with soft landings and firm takeoffs at both ends of your gait.
- QuickDial controls for the speed and incline can be great for interval training or making adjustments on the fly.
- The 7.0 AT carries an impressive lifetime warranty for both the frame and motor, making for a worthwhile purchase alongside the sub-$1,000 price tag.
Cons
- Athletes wanting a tech-riddled cardio machine should look elsewhere. The Horizon 7.0 AT is only equipped with a basic 7.25-inch LCD display.
- The 3 CHP motor is a DC motor. While this motor type can be great for fast, quiet adjustments, it cannot run for extended periods without requiring about 20 minutes of rest.
- If you want to walk at a decline to improve your knee strength, you should opt for a different profile. The Horizon 7.0 AT only supports incline adjustments.
Training with bad knees can be painful in its own right, but shelling out thousands of dollars for a lackluster treadmill? That’s a completely different sense of discomfort. Thankfully, the Horizon 7.0 AT can soothe both irritations thanks to an impressive warranty package, uniquely cushioned deck, and approachable price point. At less than $1,000, the 7.0 AT is one of the more affordable treadmills in the space.
Plus, there are no add-ons necessary to take full advantage of its training potential. While some might not enjoy this lack of integrated training apps, we found the eight pre-programmed modules (5K, Calorie, Custom, Distance, Fat Burn, Hill Climb, Manual, Target HRT) provided enough challenges in our workouts.
Our tester also appreciated the Three-Zone Variable Response Cushioning underfoot that gave each facet of their strides a nice sense of comfort. The “impact zone” toward the front of the running deck is more cushioned to create a softer landing, while the “push-off zone” near the rear is firmer for boosted takeoffs. The middle zone at the midsection of the running belt features also offers moderate cushioning, perfect for the transition between landings and takeoffs. This allowed our tester to efficiently move through workouts without wasting energy or sacrificing joint comfort.
The 7.0 AT treadmill can also be excellent for interval training thanks to the QuickDial controls at the front of the console. These pinwheel-style toggles can allow for quick speed and incline adjustments during your workouts, creating seamless transitions across the available ranges. The three CHP motor is also worthwhile thanks to its direct current nature. This motor style differs from other profiles running on alternating current, as they’re typically quieter and quicker to adjust. That said, DC motors require a cooldown after long workout sessions — we recommend 20 minutes of rest for every 45 minutes of operation.
As impressive and worthwhile as the 7.0 AT is for bad knees, we do wish this treadmill offered decline capabilities. Studies have shown that walking backwards at a decline can help strengthen the musculature surrounding your knees. (2) This can be an effective way to regain some healthiness in the joint while also promoting better resiliency in future workouts. Sadly, though, this decline feature is not present in this Horizon offering, so those wanting to take part will need to go with a different treadmill.
Read our full Horizon 7.0 AT Review.
Best Cushioned Treadmill for Bad Knees: Sole TT8
Sole TT8 Treadmill
Sole TT8 Treadmill
This heavy-duty treadmill features a steel framework with a 4.0 HP motor and a weight limit of 400 pounds. The three-inch rollers are ideal for runners, and the combination of incline and decline settings allows for hill work.
Shop Sole
Specs
- Price: $2,699.99
- Max Incline and Decline: 15% incline, -6% decline
- Max Speed: 12mph
- Weight Capacity: 400lbs
- Product Dimensions: 82.5? L x 38? W x 66? H
Pros
- The Sole TT8 features a Cushion Flex Whisper Deck, which the company claims can help reduce impact by up to 40 percent on your joints.
- This is one of the sturdiest treadmills we’ve tested, capable of withstanding loads of up to 400 pounds.
- This versatile treadmill has impressive settings adjustments, including a max incline of 15 percent and a max decline of six percent.
Cons
- The Sole TT8 does not feature a foldable design for added storage convenience.
- At nearly $2,700, this is one of the more expensive treadmill options in this guide.
- While the TT8 does feature a convenient tablet holder, there are no streaming capabilities baked into the 15.6-inch touchscreen display.
In testing, we found that the Sole TT8 provided the most comfortable running deck thanks to its impressive Cushion Flex Whisper technology. This, along with a two-ply belt, helped make every stride feel as if we were running on clouds, according to our tester. These components are also designed to help reduce impact by up to 40 percent across your joints, making it an easy pick for a round-up of the best treadmills for bad knees.
In addition to its plush running surface, we also enjoyed the various settings available with this Sole treadmill. The max speed of 12 miles per hour and max incline of 15 percent provided our tester with plenty of range to mix up their intensity during workouts, but the most impressive quality lay in this treadmill’s decline capabilities. The TT8 is able to reach a negative six percent decline, making it one of the best treadmills for training descents. This can be great for athletes dealing with joint issues, as regular decline training can lead to improved balance and knee strength, according to studies. (2)
The Sole TT8 is also plenty durable thanks to its reinforced framework rated for athletes up to 400 pounds. Plus, Sole backs up this impressive profile with lifetime coverage for the frame and motor, along with three years of support for the deck, parts, and wear items. One-year labor coverage is also included with the expansive warranty package, which can do a lot in offsetting the higher price tag.
The cost of this quality treadmill for bad knees isn’t the only large item across the build. The footprint takes up 21.77 square feet of space, so this isn’t the most ideal profile for athletes needing a compact machine. Additionally, the Sole TT8 doesn’t feature a foldable design, meaning you can’t regain any floor space when the treadmill is not in use. Still, for avid treadmill enthusiasts looking for the most comfortable training experience while dealing with knee discomfort, this is one quality profile worth considering.
Read our full Sole TT8 Review.
Best Walking Treadmill for Bad Knees: ProForm City L6
ProForm City L6 Treadmill
ProForm City L6 Treadmill
This compact treadmill is an ideal purchase for anyone tight on space who wants to reach their daily steps goal. It features a foldable frame, a 1.6 HP motor, and a top speed of eight miles per hour.
Shop ProForm
Specs
- Price: $599
- Max Incline and Decline: N/A
- Max Speed: 8mph
- Weight Capacity: 250lbs
- Product Dimensions: 70.25? L x 29? W x 44.5? H
Pros
- The compact running deck and eight-mile-per-hour max speed can be great for getting your daily steps in without sacrificing a ton of space.
- The City L6 can fold up for easier storage under furniture when not in use.
- Despite the smaller frame, our tester noted a nice sense of cushioning across the ProShox system during walking sessions or light jogs.
Cons
- This City L6 treadmill cannot support moderate or high intensity runs given its smaller rollers and slower max speed.
- There’s no incline or decline adjustments available across the treadmill, which can limit your training versatility.
- The lightweight, storage-friendly design does compromise this treadmill’s sturdiness. The City L6 can only support athletes up to 250 pounds.
We understand if your nagging knees are so discomforting that you can’t muster up the energy for a full-blown run every day. If you’re looking to support your joint health with a daily dose of walking, though, we recommend this impressive City L6 profile from ProForm. We admire the comfort experienced through the ProShox cushioning system, which is doubly impressive when you take into account the machine’s sleek, compact design. The City L6 boasts a minimal footprint that, when folded onto itself, can fit easily underneath furniture and bed frames for more convenient storage when not in use.
Now, this compact silhouette does limit the engrained features of the City L6 — there’s no options for incline or decline adjustments, and the smaller rollers and motor can’t handle speeds past eight miles per hour. Despite these drawbacks, though, our tester had no issues in navigating walking sessions and light jogs atop the machine. Other treadmills in this round-up may be more capable of supporting higher intensity workouts, but at the cost of more floor space.
Additionally, the price of this walking treadmill is worthwhile....
Click here to view the article.
