The 9 best treadmills for walking in 2024

Price doesn’t always translate directly into quality, but more expensive treadmills often have more features, such as more incline and descent options, built-in fitness programs, and more powerful motors. If you’re not sure how much to spend, consider how often you plan to use the treadmill: if it’s going to be part of your daily routine, you may want to invest more upfront in a higher-quality model. the name of longevity. If you think you’ll use it less often, you probably don’t need to spend money on an expensive workhorse treadmill.

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A crucial step before adding a new treadmill to your shopping cart is making sure it will actually fit in your space. So grab that measuring tape and get started. Make sure that the tread of your choice not only fits where you want it, but also that it fits when folded. (Some vertically folding options actually increase the height of a walking deck when stored.) You should also make sure there is plenty of room both behind the machine (to prevent injury if you fall) and above it (so you don’t bump your head when putting on or taking off).

The size of the treadmill itself is also important. “A leash length of 50 to 55 inches is ideal for walking. The width should be at least 50 cm so that you have enough space to walk comfortably,” says Graca. If you’re taller, you might want a 60-inch belt.

Shelf life

Ask yourself: Do you leave your treadmill outside or slide it under your couch or against a wall once you’ve logged your miles? If the latter, you’ll probably want a treadmill that folds up or down for easier storage. You may also want to consider the weight of the treadmill and whether it has features like wheels to make moving easier.

Warranty and trial period

“Look for machines that offer a solid warranty on the engine, frame and parts. Normally you want at least a lifetime warranty on the frame and five years on the engine,” says Graca. If the treadmill you choose offers a trial period, make sure you really put the machine to the test during that time. “When you try out a treadmill, you can usually feel whether the shock absorption is comfortable or not,” says Graves. “Look at the screen monitor: can you read it easily? Then take a look at the controls: can you reach them all and do they do everything you want them to do?

What are the best treadmill workouts?

In addition to the preset workout routines built into many of these treadmills, Graves recommends a few types of workouts to get the most out of your time on the belt:

Low-intensity steady-state cardio (LISS)

“LISS is lower intensity cardio at a consistent pace for a longer period of time, such as a brisk walk on a flat path.” says Graven. “Benefits of LISS include improved endurance, recovery, mood and cognitive function.” She recommends aiming for a heart rate that stays in zone 1 or zone 2 (which should feel like a three out of 10 when it comes to exertion) to get the most benefits.

High-intensity interval training (HIIT)

HIIT is pretty much the opposite of LISS. “HIIT is a great method to increase your anaerobic threshold, or the highest exercise intensity you can maintain for a long period of time,” says Graves. Over time, this can improve your VO2 max (how much oxygen you can use during exercise) and endurance. You may associate HIIT with floor workouts or Crossfit gyms, but you can also incorporate HIIT into a treadmill workout. For example, after a warm-up, try increasing the incline to 7.0 or 8.0 for 30 to 60 seconds to get your heart rate up and challenge your glutes and leg muscles before returning to the flat position and resuming your walk .

Walk backwards

“Walking backward uses different muscles than walking forward, challenging the abdominal muscles and back,” says Graves. “It also reduces the impact of each footstep, meaning the knees and lower back are protected.” She recommends trying this workout at a slower walking speed, such as 2.0, until you get the hang of it.

How we tested these treadmills

Our testers considered a number of factors, including durability, cushioning, ease of use, programming, warranties, value, and more, to determine which treadmills are really worth the square footage they take up in your home. If you’d like to read more about our fitness testing methodology, head here, but here’s an overview of the highlights:

Price

For each treadmill, testers considered whether they would be willing to pay the listed price for an item based on their experience using it, and how its features compare to others in different price ranges.

Speed ​​and slope

To ensure that walkers of all speeds and fitness levels can get a good workout, testers consider a treadmill’s speed capabilities, as well as its incline (and, if available, decline) options. Responsiveness in adjusting speed and incline is also important to us. How quickly can your treadmill adjust from 1.5 speed at 1.0 incline to 3.5 speed at 8.0 incline? A slow response time can disrupt your training flow and create a frustrating experience.

Footprint

Testers always take into account how much space a treadmill requires. Does it fold up? Easily move? Does it look like an eyesore or a hip piece of training equipment? All this data counts towards a total score.

Frequently asked questions

We asked experts about some of the biggest questions you might have about adding a treadmill to your exercise routine.

How do I choose a treadmill for walking?

You should choose a treadmill for running with the price, programming, belt length, and speed and incline controls that make sense for you, personal trainer and physical therapist Milica McDowell, DPT, tells SELF. Graca recommends finding a treadmill with a belt length of at least 50 inches and a range of incline and decline options that allow you to do many different workouts.

Is 30 minutes a day on the treadmill good?

Walking, period, is good. “In short, some is better than none,” says Graves. “If you can’t do an hour on the treadmill, but you can do 10 minutes, do those 10 minutes. Consistency will make a difference over time. Just do what you can. As a general rule, 30 minutes a day will provide benefits in cardiovascular fitness, endurance… and strength.”

Are treadmills good for walking?

Absolute! Each treadmill has speeds that are slow enough for walking. “Most people walk less than 4 miles per hour, jog at 4 to 5 miles per hour, and then begin a 6-mile-per-hour run,” says Dr. McDowell. “It may be tempting to buy a treadmill that goes 10 to 12 miles per hour, but most of us will never use those speeds, so you’re paying for functionality you don’t need.” You can also increase the slope to simulate the hills and even mountains you encounter when walking outdoors.

What length of treadmill do I need to be able to walk?

Graca says a leash length of 50 to 55 inches and a width of at least 20 inches will give you all the runway you need for many great hikes. That said, you can look for an even longer leash if you’re on the tall side.

What makes a good treadmill?

A good treadmill allows you to quickly switch between speeds and inclines, provides enough cushioning to support your joints, and fits into your space. “A clear display that tracks basic data such as time, speed, distance, calories and heart rate can be helpful,” says Graca. “Some treadmills come with additional features such as Bluetooth connectivity, preset running programs, monitors or screens with guided walks and integration with fitness apps.”

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