According to research, arthritis, bad knees, and joints are the most common chronic joint conditions.
These are not benign conditions in any way as they cause a lot of discomfort to sufferers.
They can be caused by various reasons such as joint dislocation, torn cartilage, obesity, and even age.
You can determine if you have arthritis if you feel pain around your joints or your joints are inflamed.
Before it gets too severe, you should put in efforts to treat yourself.
On the other hand, there are various ways of managing arthritis, bad knees, and joints; however, exercising is one of them.
Resting and not exercising can worsen the condition.
Studies show that those who perform exercises up to three times weekly develop healthier knees than those who do not.
For this reason, it is essential that you engage in healthy exercising activities.
There are various ways to exercise, and making use of a treadmill is one.
A treadmill is a piece of exercise equipment used for running, walking, and climbing In one place.
In this post, we will be looking at some of the best treadmills that people suffering from arthritis, bad knees, and joints can utilize.
Is A Treadmill Good For Arthritis, Bad Knees, And Joints?
A treadmill is a piece of simple exercising equipment with a revolving belt that moves beneath you while you walk or run on it.
One might be wondering how does this help deal with arthritis, bad knees, and joints.
Exercising with a treadmill can help you deal with your arthritis problem in various ways. Some of which includes:
- It increases blood flow to the knee cartilage, which keeps it in good shape.
- It helps with weight shedding, and when there is less weight, the knees are less stressed.
- Most importantly, treadmill exercising strengthens the knee muscles, so the cartilage does not get damaged easily.
Summarily, this helps you to decrease the pain you feel from arthritis, bad knees, and joints.
Besides, treadmills are known to be low-impact aerobic exercise equipment.
On the other hand, exercises that stress the joints might end up worsening the condition than saving it.
However, using a treadmill to exercise is different from walking or running outside as it does not stress the joints.
Therefore, treadmill exercising is highly recommended for recovering from arthritis, bad knees, and joints.
Things To Consider In Getting The Best Treadmill For Arthritis, Bad Knees, And Joints
When it comes to getting the best product, there are always some criteria to consider. In getting the best treadmill for arthritis, bad knees, and joints, you should look out for these criteria:
- Speed: An ideal treadmill should have proper speed settings. Going for a treadmill with a speed rating up to 10mph or more is perfect for adequate exercising.
- Motor Horsepower: The motor horsepower determines how efficient or not the treadmill would be. Treadmills for arthritis, bad knees, and joints should have between 2.5 to 3.0 motor horsepower.
- Belt Size: You should pick a treadmill with a belt size that fits your height and body size; the sizes vary.
- Incline: A 10% or higher incline is recommended in this aspect. It would be a plus if the machine can decline as well.
- Weight Rating: Treadmills do have maximum weight ratings. It is essential to check this, especially if you have weight.
- Cushion: This is a crucial criterion. A cushioned deck absorbs impact and places less stress on your joints.
- Ease of use: Treadmills are not challenging to operate, but some can be. To get the best, make sure its controls are simple.
- Console: An ideal console records you while exercising and displays your speed, distance covered, and the time you have used. This ensures you can accurately track your exercising activities.
Best Treadmill For Arthritis, Bad Knees, And Joints
Listed below are 15 best treadmills that can help you recover from arthritis, bad knees, and joints:
1. EXERPEUTIC TF2000 Recovery Fitness Walking Treadmill
The Exerpeutic TF2000 treadmill is a high-quality product built for longevity.
It comes with an extended belt and long padded handrails for support.
The bars can be entirely up to 49” inches, and the strap has white dashes so it can be recognized when in motion.
There is a backlit LCD that shows information on speed, time, distance, and more.
The shock-absorbing deck cushions ensure that stress is not placed on the knees.
In addition, the Exerpeutic TF2000 treadmill incorporates a safety clip and an emergency stop button, which are very important for safety.
You can adjust the speed level from 0.2 mph to a maximum of 5 mph. Also, this treadmill weighs 135.6 lbs.
2. HCI Fitness PhysioMill Rehabilitation Walking Treadmill
With its four horsepower motor, this rehabilitation walking treadmill from HCI speeds up to 15 mph.1
It is safe to use as it incorporates extended handrails that provide support.
This treadmill has an ergo shock deck, which helps reduce pressure on joints for people with arthritis.
The speed setting can be adjusted in 0.1 increments beginning from 0.1 mph.
It features a reverse belt mode for reverse walking at about 15% elevation.
The HCI fitness rehabilitation walking treadmill has an LCD.
From the LCD console, the user can view time consumed, calories exhausted, speed, and distance covered.
It can hold up to 500 lbs. of weight, and it weighs about 350 lbs.
Control is easy as the machine can be operated using a remote.
The emergency stop buttons will come in handy when in emergencies
3. Exerpeutic TF1000 Electric Treadmill
This is the second Exerpeutic product to appear on this list, and this has similar features as the first.
The treadmill can carry up to 400 lbs. weight and has a broader belt for efficient use and less stress.
The highest speed one can get on the Exerpeutic TF100 electric treadmill is four mph.
There are speed control buttons for one to adjust the speed settings easily.
The machine inclines in 2 positions even though the inclination is done manually.
Besides that, Exerpeutic TF100 electric treadmill comes with an LCD Display screen where users can view details about their exercise workouts.
It features a quiet drive technology that ensures that minimal noise is generated as you exercise.
It is a lightweight treadmill as it weighs just 142 pounds.
Being foldable makes it easy for one to transport this treadmill with ease when needed.
It also features extra-long handles optimized for safety and security.
4. Sunny Health & Fitness Walking Treadmill
The Sunny Health brand is renowned for producing top-quality fitness and exercising products.
This treadmill is made for convenient use by anyone suffering from bad knees and joints.
It has a lock deck, which makes it easy for anyone to get on and off.
It features a shock absorption technology that helps to reduce stress on joints.
Multi-grip handrails provide complete support for users, and the simple display monitor makes the machine easy to control.
Sunny Health & Fitness Walking Treadmill has a minimum speed of 0.6 mph and a maximum speed of 5mph.
Also, users can customize their workout sessions by using the featured mode button.
The Sunny Health & Fitness Walking Treadmill is not a product with much weight.
It weighs just 123 pounds, and this makes it easy to move around.
Moreover, it comes with transportation wheels that further increase its mobility. Also, it can hold up a maximum of 295 lbs.
5. Goplus Electric Recovery Treadmill
It was made to provide comfort when used as it has foam-padded arms.
The machine can hold a maximum of 220 lbs even though it weighs less than 75 pounds.
Steel constructed frames make this treadmill a solid one.
It incorporates a wide running belt for easy use and footpads, so it does not scratch the floor surface.
This treadmill has an LED display screen that displays your activities such as speed, time consumed, distance covered, etc.
Hence, you can easily track how you are performing with this LED display system.
Goplus Electric Recovery Treadmill is safe to use. It comes with a safety key that keeps you connected and an emergency stop system for emergency cases.
6. NordicTrack T Series Treadmill
It uses a 2.6 CHP motor, and its speed can be adjusted between 0 to 10 mph.
Controlling this treadmill is not tricky as it has a simple digital control panel.
It is FlexSelect cushioned, so it does not put stress on the knees as you exercise.
Besides, this treadmill comes with iFit display screen as well as built-in speakers, which allow users to play music directly from the treadmill.
Also, you can watch an iFit coach for instructions on how to exercise from the display screen.
The carrying capacity is 300 lbs. while the machine weighs close to 200 pounds.
It does not produce much noise so you can exercise quietly.
Another attractive perk is that this treadmill can be folded after use for easy transport and convenient storage.
7. Sunny Health & Fitness Asuna SpaceFlex Electric Treadmill
From the Sunny Health & Fitness brand, we have this electric treadmill.
It comes in a pink color, which makes it a bit unique from the standard black color of treadmills.
Getting on this treadmill is easy as it features a built-in soft-drop technology that lowers the deck.
This treadmill has 2-speed levels; hence, it can be adjusted between 3 mph and 5 mph.
It features a high level of incline, which ensures that you get as much exercise as required.
Also, shock absorption technology reduces the stress placed on your joints as you exercise.
It incorporates built-in speakers which work with an AUX cord for playing music.
You can also charge via USB using the USB ports. Also, this treadmill features an LED console that displays information on your workouts, and it is easy to use.
8. XTERRA Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill
This XTERRA treadmill is a lightweight one as it weighs just about 115 pounds. Its 2.5 HP motor operates quietly.
This treadmill has a large surface for exercising.
The speed range is between 5 – 10 mph, and users can easily adjust between them using the speed buttons.
Information on your workouts is displayed on a large LCD screen, which helps you to monitor your activities.
It can be manually inclined in 3 different positions.
Besides, this treadmill features plus sensors on the handlebars that ensure you don’t go off.
Less stress is placed on your joints as you exercise as this machine features a cushioned deck technology. This allows you to exercise comfortably.
Nevertheless, the maximum weight capacity of this treadmill is 250 lbs.
9. IPO Treadmill Folding Electric Portable Treadmill
It has an efficient horsepower that sets it in motion, and the speed can be adjusted between 0.5 to 8.7 mph.
The boards are shock-absorbing, so they reduce pressure on your knees and joints.
The belt is well textured and highly elastic, which makes it durable.
You can check to know just how well you are doing via the featured LCD screen.
It shows you your running/walking speed, the distance you’ve covered, and the time elapsed.
A safety key keeps you attached to the machine, and there is an emergency button for the immediate turn-off.
The weight measured is 109 lbs. while the treadmill can carry up to 265 pounds.
10. GYMAX Folding Electric Portable Treadmill
GYMAX treadmills are among the best available treadmills.
Their folding electric portable treadmill can help you recover from arthritis or bad knees.
This product weighs just 51 lbs.
Meanwhile, it can hold a person up to 220 lbs in weight.
It operates using a 6.5 mph motor; hence, the treadmill runs silently, giving you a quiet exercising environment.
The machine features a round monitor in the middle that shows how you are performing with it.
There are buttons for different controls that are applicable for adjusting speed, activating workout programs, switching running modes, and others.
To ensure you do not get injured using this treadmill, the manufacturers added a security key that connects you with the machine.
11. Merax Electric Folding Treadmill
Operated with a 1.5 horsepower motor, this treadmill from Merax allows you to exercise efficiently.
It is a sturdy machine that can hold up to 240 lbs of weight.
It can be set at different speed levels beginning at 0.5 and reaching a maximum of 7.5 mph.
The LCD console display in the middle can be used to track activities, and it has speakers that allow users to play and listen to music.
It is easy to control, as there are several control buttons on the panel.
There are also quick buttons set on the handles which can be used to switch speeds or halt the treadmill.
This treadmill incorporates a lawn-textured belt; hence, it is a shock absorber that provides ultra-comfort for users while keeping them safe.
12. Homgrace Electric Folding Treadmill
It is a portable piece with a weight of about 50 lbs.
Also, setting up this treadmill is a cakewalk process, as well.
This treadmill is efficient in dealing with arthritis, bad knees, and joints as it has a cushioned deck.
The speed is between 0 to 12 mph, and it features an LCD for tracking your activities such as distance covered, speed, and run time.
It can be inclined in 3 various ways, and it features wheels for easy moving around when necessary.
The maximum amount of weight the Homgrace Electric Folding Treadmill can carry is 220 lbs.
Nevertheless, Homgrace Electric Folding Treadmill is a safe product with an emergency stop button.
13. Weslo Cadence G 5.9i Cadence Folding Treadmill
This treadmill from Weslo Cadence can help you recover from bad knees & joints as well as arthritis.
Besides, this treadmill features a cell cushioning technology that provides joints with support and comfort.
It is compact-sized such that it takes up less space.
This machine uses a 2.25 horsepower and has a speed range from 0 – 10 lbs.
There is an LCD screen for keeping track of your exercising, and the treadmill can be inclined in 2 manual positions.
It is not a very heavy treadmill as it weighs about 118 pounds. However, 275 lbs. are the maximum weight it can handle.
14. Murtisol 1100W Folding Treadmill
It utilizes a 2.5 horsepower motor and has adjustable speed settings from 0 – 7.5 mph.
It has a sturdy handlebar you can hold on to for support and features an LCD console screen that lets you track your progress as you exercise.
Murtisol 1100W Folding Treadmill has a well-cushioned deck that provides comfort for your knees and joints, helping you recover from pains.
Moreover, it features an emergency stop button you can use to stop the machine when necessary. Less noise is generated when operating so you can exercise quietly.
This treadmill weighs just 51 lbs. and has a maximum weight recommendation of 220 lbs.
15. Body-Solid Endurance Rehabilitation Treadmill (T50)
This treadmill is designed to help people recover from injuries via exercising.
It is a product you can rely on to help deal with arthritis and bad knees as well.
It incorporates simple control, so anyone will find it easy to use.
Body-Solid Endurance Rehabilitation Treadmill (T50) has a full rear entry ramp, and it features a solid walking belt.
The lengthy hand-rail is padded; hence, it is comfortable to hold.
It would be easy to track your activities as this treadmill features an LED display.
The LED display shows information on distance covered, the time elapsed, and speed.
In front of the machine is a heart rate monitor to check your heart rate.rel =”nofollow” target=”_blank”
This treadmill has a 1.5 horsepower motor and different speed ranges, and it can be adjusted between 0.1 to 5.0 mph.
It has a maximum weight recommendation of 310 pounds and weighs 162 pounds itself.
Safety Tips For Using A Treadmill For Arthritis, Bad Knees, And Joints
Generally, treadmills are easy-to-use equipment.
However, for a person who has arthritis, bad knees, and joints, they might not be so easy to use.
If not handled cautiously, one might end up getting hurt.
To ensure that you are using your treadmill to exercise the right way, you should follow these safety tips:
- Learn how to control the machine: Treadmills have various buttons and switches for control, and you should be familiar with these before going on them.
- Watch your feet: You should use a treadmill with low-heeled shoes, preferably shoes meant for athletics. This ensures you get the complete balance when on the treadmill.
- Look forward: Your eyes should not look down, sideways, or backwards. You should look ahead so you can maintain balance.
- Start at low speed: The speed level of the treadmill should be on a low level before you start exercising. When on the treadmill, you can then increase it.
- Ensure you have the safety key attached to your shirt before you start exercising. That way, the machine will halt if you slip.
- Make use of an incline of 2% or slightly lesser. This is important to reduce pressure placed on joints and knees, so they are not stressed.
In case you are falling, you can make use of the emergency halt button to quickly stop the machine.
Takeaway
Arthritis pains are not lovely in any way; therefore, you should make efforts to alleviate it if you are suffering from it.
Exercising with a piece of equipment such as a treadmill can help save you from pains caused by arthritis, bad knees, and joints.
By using a treadmill, you can exercise appropriately without putting much pressure on your knees and joints.
This increases blood flow and helps you to develop stronger knee muscles.
On the other hand, there are reasons why using a treadmill indoors to exercise is better than going outdoors.
Not to mention the comfort of exercising while indoors, you can also exercise watching a video, listening to music, reading, etc.
Nevertheless, before getting a treadmill for your arthritis, bad knees & joints, take your time to pinpoint your preferred treadmill choice out from the list of treadmills we highlighted above.
As you exercise with your treadmill, ensure you follow the safety tips to exercise the right way.
Not exercising with caution might end up worsening the condition, thereby causing more pain.
You can combine exercise with a treadmill and other medications for best results, most especially if the case is very severe.
Diana Paul is a certified nutritionist who writes for leading health blogs. She is a master herbalist, yoga teacher, forager, and wild-crafting writer She is focused on helping people transform life blocks to opportunities. Based in NYC, she often holds health seminars and lectures.