In this guide, we’re taking a leisurely stroll through the world of walking treadmills – for anyone not wanting to compete in the next Olympics, and is instead aiming for a slower kind of exercise.
If you’re in the market for a machine that will let you take a walk whatever weather the UK is throwing at us, you might find this handy.
- Maximum speed: 21 km/h
- Running Track Size: 140 x 48 cm
- Max user weight: [missing]
- Treadmill weight: 93 kg
- Maximum speed: 16.5 km/h
- Running Track Size: 147L x 70W (cm)
- Max user weight: 125 kg
- Treadmill weight: 58 kg
- Maximum speed: 20kph
- Running Track Size: 145(l) x 51cm(w)
- Max user weight: 130kg
- Treadmill weight: 85kg
- Maximum speed: 16 km/h
- Running Track Size: 122cm x 41cm
- Max user weight: 120 kg
- Treadmill weight: 57.5 kg
- Maximum speed: 16 km/h
- Running Track Size: 43 x 110 cm
- Max user weight: 180 kg
- Treadmill weight: 39 kg
- Maximum speed: 16.5 km/h
- Running Track Size in cm: 42 x 120
- Treadmill weight: 52 kg
- Maximum speed: 16 km/h
- Running Track Size: 120 x 45 cm
- Max user weight: 120 kg
- Treadmill weight: 50 kg
- Maximum speed: 12 km/h
- Running Track Size: 16.98-inch wide running belt
- Max user weight: 100 kg
- Treadmill weight: 31.5 kg
- Maximum speed: 12 km/h
- Running Track Size: 141L x 67W cm
- Max user weight: 120 kg
- Treadmill weight: 28 kg
- Maximum speed: 6 km/h
- Running Track Size: 120 x 41.5 cm
- Max user weight: 100 kg
- Treadmill weight: 28 kg
No running: what we look for in a decent walking machine
Here are some of the specs we look a when picking out the top treadmills suitable for a good walk.
- How fast… and slow does it go? –Â The average walking speed for most people is around 3 – 4 mph or 6 km/h so it’s important that any decent walking treadmill can match those specs. Now, that’s a constant and fairly brisk pace that will be too fast for some. So we also look at the low end too.
- Is the motor any good? One of the most important bits about any treadmill is obviously the motor. While it’s easy to overlook, a noisy one on a walking machine will drive you insane. And even though we won’t be running, it still needs a decent bit of power (preferably 2HP or more) to prevent belt-slippage and simulate proper walking.
- Can I get my full stride? The track size of a walking treadmill is just as important as that of a full-fat running machine. You don’t need as large a belt surface area for walking, but it’s still a stat we cast a careful eye over.
- Will I break it? The max user weight is one of the main things we check on any fitness gear we’re writing about, especially treadmills. Along with the quality and thickness of the belt.
- What if things don’t work out? – As with any gym gear, we want to know what they’ll do about it if it all goes wrong. We always check for good brands, what other customers are saying about them, and sometimes perform some crafty checks on their customer service. To be fair, a lot of the stuff we review is available on Amazon, who, as everyone knows, are great with returns.
- Child safety – If you’ve got little ones in your home, you’ll know how adventurous they can be. So one thing to look for in a new treadmill is a locking mechanism that will prevent them from accidentally starting the treadmill. These machines are generally safe, but you still don’t want your child playing with a moving belt.
The best walking treadmills you can get in 2024
Before the buyer’s guide, let’s go over the current top walkers out there. Here are the ones we found were actually worth the money.
Branx Fitness Foldable 'Elite Runner Pro' Soft Drop System Treadmill
Sturdy, reliable, and feature-packed, this treadmill provides a smooth and quiet running experience. Its mobility-friendly design and straightforward assembly make it perfect for daily use.
Check Latest PriceThis treadmill in question offers an impressively quiet operation, enabling you to enjoy multimedia without disruption, while the customer service is swift and efficient. The build quality is sturdy, ensuring long-lasting use, and the foldable design makes it a perfect fit for homes of all sizes. The expansive running deck accommodates all types of exercises, from sprints to strolls, and the pace adjustability makes it inclusive for all fitness levels.
However, it does have a few shortcomings. The display panel lacks ergonomics for tablet users, and the sound system leaves much to be desired. But when compared to other treadmills, it distinguishes itself with robust construction and top-notch customer service. It might not excel in all areas, but it certainly offers a commendable overall performance.
In conclusion, if you are seeking a home treadmill that blends robustness, elegance, and space-efficiency, this treadmill is a worthy contender. Despite a couple of drawbacks, it offers an inclusive, straightforward workout experience, making it a reliable choice for your fitness needs. So, gear up and welcome your new workout partner!
- Exemplary Customer Service: Immediate response, helpful video guide, and on-site maintenance.
- Sturdy and Easy to Move: Robust design, easy assembly, and surprisingly easy to maneuver.
- Soft and Smooth Running: Soft on the knees, great incline, and well-placed quick buttons.
- Responsive Customer Service: Helpful and attentive customer service team.
- Gym-Quality Construction: Large running surface, substantial build, and range of speed and incline options.
- Tablet Placement: Placing a tablet on the machine covers the screen, not ideal for following a program.
- Limited Recording: Inability to record results after each session.
Branx Fitness 'NEW' Compact Foldable 'Energy Pro' Treadmill
Sturdy, reliable, and designed for home use, the Branx Fitness 'NEW' Compact Foldable 'Energy Pro' Treadmill offers self-lubrication, quick speed adjustments, and space-saving features. Ideal for indoor walking or running, it provides efficient performance and responsive customer service, making it worth considering.
Check Latest PriceThe 'Energy Pro' Treadmill by Branx Fitness offers an uncomplicated assembly experience, akin to an agile octopus. The self-lubricating belt is a standout feature, eliminating the need for messy maintenance. It unfolds swiftly, making it a convenient addition to your home gym.
However, it's not without its faults. Notably, the loud beep during setting changes could disrupt a tranquil home environment. Additionally, the built-in speakers, while a nice touch, won't be winning any awards for volume. So, if a loud workout soundtrack is crucial to you, this may disappoint.
Despite its compact size, it's a robust piece of equipment that performs well against larger treadmills. The customer service is praiseworthy, but its track might feel a bit narrow for those with larger strides.
In conclusion, the 'Energy Pro' treadmill is a solid investment for a home gym, with its easy maintenance and user-friendly design. However, consider the loud setting changes, modest speaker volume and compact track width before purchase. It scores high in convenience and performance but verify if it suits your stride and workout preferences.
- Self-lubricating: Convenient maintenance with included lubricant and easy application process.
- Quick speed/incline change: Effortless adjustment for personalized workouts.
- Great size: Compact design with powerful performance, suitable for home use.
- Easy assembly: Quick and straightforward setup process, minimal effort required.
- Responsive customer service: Prompt and helpful communication, ensuring a smooth purchasing experience.
- Loud beep sound: Annoying sound when changing settings, potential for disturbance.
- Limited speaker volume: Integrated speakers may not be loud enough for some users.
JTX Sprint-7: Smart Home Treadmill XL
Sturdy, reliable, and packed with interactive features, the JTX Sprint-7 is an outstanding investment for runners and athletes. With a large, stable deck and advanced technology, this treadmill offers superior performance for those serious about their fitness journey.
£1099.00 From JTX FitnessIntroduce a new level of intensity to your home workout regime with a robust treadmill that boasts a 2.5HP motor and 20kph speed. Challenge yourself further with a 12% incline and experience a comfortable run on a spacious 145 x 51cm deck. The 6-point CushionStep™ technology reduces impact by up to 30%, sparing your knees undue strain.
While this treadmill is an impressive piece of equipment, it's not the perfect fit for everyone. Its size can be a deterrent for those with limited space, and the upfront cost may be off-putting. However, every pound spent ensures durability and state-of-the-art technology.
Competitively, this treadmill stands tall. Its power outperforms many rivals, and the integration of apps like Zwift and Kinomap takes you on virtual global races. With heart rate training, it's like having a personal trainer without leaving your home.
For those serious about running, investing in this treadmill is a smart decision. With features tailored for every sprint, jog, and hill climb, it's a valuable addition to any home workout routine, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned marathon runner. Despite a few drawbacks, its benefits make it a worthy investment.
- Large running track size for comfortable and unrestricted running.
- 20kph maximum speed for challenging workouts.
- 12% digital incline for versatile training options.
- Robust and compact design with easy assembly.
- Zwift and Kinomap app connectivity for interactive training.
- Heavy treadmill weight may be difficult to move for some users.
- Higher price point compared to basic home treadmills.
Jll S300 Digital Folding Treadmill
Sturdy, reliable and versatile, the JLL S300 Digital Folding Treadmill is perfect for home workouts. With a large running deck, clear display, and integrated speakers, it offers a quality workout experience for users of all fitness levels.
Check Latest PriceEngaging with a fitness apparatus that provides an ideal balance between space utilisation and health benefits can be a challenge. Imagine a dynamic treadmill that offers a spacious running surface, a crisp visual display, and an exhilarating sound system. Its robust construction is complemented by its elegant design, catering perfectly to a wide range of fitness enthusiasts, from beginners to seasoned athletes.
Its wide deck ensures comfortable running, while the detailed data display enriches your workout journey. The integrated speakers make your exercise rhythmical. Its toughness is commendable, and assembling it is a breeze. The customer support team is ever-ready to assist, ensuring a seamless user experience.
However, there might be minor issues with delivery, minor aesthetic flaws and the noise could potentially overpower your workout tunes. The folding feature could have been more compact, yet it's a small compromise for its other impressive features.
Comparatively, this treadmill is a strong contender in its category, with its extensive running area and quality sound system. However, potential buyers should be aware of minor delivery issues, noise levels and its semi-folding function.
In conclusion, this treadmill stands out as a reliable, versatile, and feature-loaded fitness companion. The minor drawbacks are barely significant in comparison to its myriad advantages. For those seeking a superior home treadmill, this offers a promising choice.
- Large running deck: A spacious running area provides ample room for comfortable workouts.
- Clear display: The screen provides easy access to essential workout information like time, distance, and calories burned.
- Integrated speakers: Built-in speakers allow for easy music playback, enhancing the workout experience.
- Sturdy and durable: The treadmill offers a sturdy frame and high-quality construction, ensuring long-lasting use.
- Easy assembly: Straightforward instructions and included tools make assembly a simple process.
- Delivery limitations: Issues with delivery, including refusal to assist with upstairs placement and missing parts.
- Minor quality flaws: Instances of minor paint imperfections and missing components in the packaging.
Foldable Treadmill 3 Incline Levels
Sturdy, reliable, and feature-rich, this treadmill is ideal for home or office use. With a robust build, app connectivity, and an easy folding feature, it's a convenient and efficient exercise solution for users seeking a diverse and challenging workout routine.
Check Latest PriceEmbarking on your fitness journey with this exercise machine might make you feel more like you're preparing for a space launch than a workout. It boasts a top speed of 16 km/h and can accommodate users up to 180 kg, demonstrating its serious commitment to your fitness goals. Plus, it offers the advantage of virtual personal training sessions, with pre-set workouts that add spice to your routine.
Its intelligence matches its strength. It's easily storable, transforming your home into a convenient gym. The variety of workouts is akin to a buffet, offering something for everyone. However, the real game-changer is the app connectivity, integrating the latest fitness technology for a dynamic exercise experience.
Despite all its features, it does have drawbacks. With a substantial weight, setting it up might require a helping hand. The FitShow app could benefit from an upgrade, and taller users might find the running belt a bit restrictive. Plus, the manual incline adjustments feel a bit outdated.
When compared to its counterparts, it stands tall with its high weight capacity and impressive speed. It matches up well in the tech-savvy arena with its app connectivity, though there's room for improvement. It's a strong contender, but understanding its specifics is crucial before making a decision.
It's a versatile addition to your fitness regime, dependable, multifunctional, and swiftly storable. However, be prepared for the setup process and potential tech hitches. If these minor obstacles don't deter you, it could be your perfect fitness partner.
- Great value for money: Solidly built, higher user weight, and top speed of 16km/h.
- Easy to set up and adjust: Well packaged, easy belt adjustment, and simple assembly.
- Convenient folding feature: Gas strut support and easy to move with front wheels.
- Variety of workouts: App connectivity with pre-programmed routines and easy-to-use control panel.
- Generous user weight limit: 180kg capacity, electric treadmill with tablet stand and manual inclines.
- Heavy and requires 2 people for setup: Although sturdy, the weight makes it cumbersome.
- App limitations: FitShow app lacks multi-user switch and inaccurate calorie tracking.
- Incline adjustment inconvenience: Requires manual adjustment at the rear during workouts.
Branx Fitness 'LIMITED EDITION' Foldable StartRun Treadmill
Sturdy, reliable, and versatile, the Branx treadmill is ideal for home use, offering convenient features, responsive customer service, and a durable build. It's perfect for users seeking a high-quality, space-saving fitness solution.
Check Latest PriceExperience the marriage of function and convenience with the Branx Fitness 'LIMITED EDITION' treadmill. Its compactness, coupled with its foldable feature, makes it a dream for people with limited space. Despite its petite size, it offers the stability crucial for a secure workout – no more feeling like you're running on an unstable surface. Plus, its easy assembly lets you launch into your fitness journey in no time.
However, it's not perfect. Its weight can make it challenging to move, the sound quality from the Bluetooth feature is mediocre, and the fluctuating price tag can be a concern. Additionally, be wary of hidden costs.
When compared with competitors, it shines in terms of design compactness and user-friendly attributes. Yes, it has some quirks, but its robust structure and superior customer service make it a formidable choice for home workouts.
So, is it worth the investment? Definitely. If you're seeking a space-efficient treadmill that doesn't compromise on performance, this is a commendable choice. The benefits for your health and space-saving needs outweigh the occasional financial stretch. A valuable addition to your home, it's ready when you are.
- Compact and foldable: Easy to store and perfect for small spaces.
- Sturdy and stable: Little to no bounce, feels very secure while in use.
- Easy to set up: Simple assembly and minimal effort required.
- Versatile programs: Offers various program options for a personalized workout.
- Excellent customer service: Responsive and helpful in guiding the purchase decision.
- Heavy and cumbersome: Difficult to move and set up, may require additional assistance.
- Price fluctuations: Some experienced price drops shortly after purchase, causing disappointment.
- Limited Bluetooth sound quality: Built-in speakers provide low-quality sound output, best to use headphones.
Decorcn Folding Treadmill
Sturdy, reliable, and feature-packed, the Decorcn Folding Treadmill offers extensive incline levels, wide speed range, and Bluetooth integration. Ideal for heavy individuals, it provides a comfortable running space with excellent shock absorption and noise reduction, making it a valuable investment for home workouts.
Check Latest Price- Impressive Motor Power: The 4.5HP motor ensures smooth and consistent performance.
- Extensive Incline Levels: 20 levels allow simulation of different terrains for diverse muscle targeting.
- Wide Speed Range: Ranging from 1km/h to 16km/h, suitable for all fitness levels.
- Bluetooth and Speaker Integration: Enhances the workout experience with music or podcasts.
- LED Display and Device Holder: Provides comprehensive workout feedback and convenient device placement.
- Assembly Time: The assembly process can be time-consuming for inexperienced users.
- Space Requirements: Unfolded dimensions may require more space than expected for storage.
Folding Treadmill
Sturdy, reliable, and stylish, the REHECHO treadmill is a compact and foldable solution ideal for small living spaces. With a user-friendly interface and solid construction, it's perfect for anyone seeking a convenient home workout option.
Check Latest PriceEmbrace the joy of movement with our compact yet robust exercise partner. This unit surprises with its strength, akin to a surprisingly powerful friend. Its user-friendly interface ensures smooth operation, without the confusion of intricate controls, all while providing efficient space utilisation.
What impresses us is its quick and easy foldability, ideal for people with limited living space. The remote control feature elevates the user experience, allowing speed adjustments without interrupting your exercise. Its sturdy build can withstand intense workouts, proving its durability.
However, there are a few drawbacks. The unit is considerably heavy, making it challenging to move. The speed range could be expanded for those desiring more intensity, and the power cord length could be more generous. Also, it has a loud start-up beep, and displays measurements only in the metric system.
Compared to other walking treadmills, it stands out with its stylish design and space efficiency. However, its speed limitations may not be ideal for serious sprinters. It also caters mainly to users comfortable with metric measurements.
In conclusion, if you're looking for a space-saving solution for home workouts without compromising the gym experience, this treadmill is a worthy investment. Despite a few minor issues, it serves as a reliable partner in your fitness journey.
- Compact and foldable: Easy to store and move around, ideal for small living spaces or home offices.
- User-friendly interface: Effortlessly adjust settings, switch between modes, and control speed for a more enjoyable workout.
- Sleek design: Modern and streamlined appearance adds a stylish touch to the living space.
- Sturdy and durable: Solidly constructed with a wide, high-quality conveyor belt for a comfortable and reliable workout.
- Portable and convenient: Comes fully assembled, with front wheels for easy mobility and a remote control for adjusting speed.
- Hefty weight: Although sturdy, the treadmill's weight may pose a challenge when maneuvering or unpacking it.
- Limited speed controls: The treadmill offers 12 speed levels, but some users might find the absence of incline settings limiting.
- Short power cable: The power cable is relatively short, requiring some users to use an extension cord for convenience.
Dskeuzeew Folding Treadmill Walking Pad
Sturdy, reliable, and compact, perfect for small spaces and promoting an active lifestyle. Ideal for daily indoor walking, jogging, and running. Comes fully assembled, making it an effortless addition to any home workout setup.
Check Latest PriceImagine a walking treadmill that's so intuitive, it seemingly anticipates your needs. Its control panel is a breeze to navigate, allowing you to focus on your fitness goals rather than complicated settings. Operating with a whisper-quiet hum, it is ideal for compact living spaces. Plus, it's equipped with a clever built-in device holder, letting you catch up on your favourite shows or emails while you exercise.
This treadmill arrives ready to use right out of the box, no confusing assembly required. It's lighter than most suitcases and can be stored away in a jiffy. For those who like to multitask, it's a dream come true, allowing you to keep active while juggling day-to-day tasks.
For budget-conscious fitness enthusiasts, this treadmill is a real bargain. It's an accessible entry point into the world of fitness without the hefty price tag, making weight loss goals achievable.
However, it does have its quirks. The speed tracking isn't always spot on, which could be a sticking point for those who like to monitor their stats. It lacks a cup holder and the power cord isn't as long as it could be, which might limit placement options. And if you're shorter in stature, the height suitability could be a challenge.
In the overall fitness equipment market, this treadmill stands out for its blend of portability and practicality. It's an almost perfect solution for those with limited space who want to keep active while managing everyday tasks.
So, is this your next fitness companion? If you're looking for an easy-to-use, compact design with a handy device holder, then absolutely. But if you're a stickler for details who wants every possible metric and a place for your coffee, you might want to look elsewhere. Overall, for people seeking a budget-friendly, space-saving treadmill, it's a formidable contender.
- Easy to use and control: Simple, adjustable settings on control panel.
- Quiet and compact: Suitable for small spaces, quiet operation.
- Convenient device holder: Sturdy holder for iPad or similar device.
- Fully assembled: Saves time and effort in setup.
- Affordable: Great quality for the price.
- Inaccurate speed/mile tracking: Not suitable for accurate metrics.
- Limited personal data storage: Unable to save personal information if workout is paused.
Walkingpad P1 Foldable Treadmills
Sturdy, reliable and convenient for small spaces, this walking treadmill offers a quiet operation, sturdy construction, and an easy-to-use app for tracking fitness progress. Ideal for home offices and indoor use.
Check Latest PriceIn the bustling world of compact fitness equipment, a certain foldable treadmill stands out. With its ability to fold up in a blink and operate whisper quiet, it's perfect for people living in smaller spaces. Its sleek design practically urges you to tuck it away in a closet or slide it under a bed. Plus, its seamless synchronization with Apple Health is a smooth touch.
It's almost uncannily quiet, perfect for those with neighbours close by, and impressively robust, supporting up to 60kg effortlessly. Running costs are also surprisingly low, keeping your energy bill in check.
However, it's not without its flaws. The remote is less intuitive than desired and the initial motor start-up can be a tad loud. Furthermore, the belt could use more traction and the accompanying app could benefit from some decluttering.
When compared to other treadmills in the market, this treadmill shines, especially for those with space constraints. With its impressive strength and eco-friendly credentials, it's a top contender, although it could learn a couple of things from its higher-end counterparts.
So, is it worth it? If you're in need of a quiet and compact treadmill that doesn't demand its own room, absolutely. It's an efficient piece of equipment that allows you to stay active without rearranging your living space. Despite some minor setbacks, it holds its own in the realm of foldable walking treadmills.
- Easy to store: Folds and fits under the sofa, convenient for small spaces.
- Convenient app: Tracks steps and calories, syncs with Apple health/fitness for easy monitoring.
- Quiet: Operates with low noise levels, suitable for use while watching videos.
- Sturdy: Handles up to 60kg weight, proving durable and reliable for daily use.
- Energy-efficient: Uses minimal electricity, costing approximately Ł5 a month with moderate daily use.
- Limited remote control: Lacks specific information display.
- Buggy remote: Experiences occasional glitches, requiring improvements in functionality.
- Initial noise: Produces loud noise when the motor starts, though it diminishes after a minute.
That’s the end of our list. Hopefully, now you’re closer to making an informed decision about the walking treadmill you’re looking for, and you’ve found the right one for the job.
Next up, we’ve got a buyer’s guide packed with handy info to help you choose an awesome treadmill to stretch your legs.
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Walking Treadmills: Buyer’s Guide
Almost everyone recognises a treadmill when they see one, but did you know that there are different types of treadmills that are designed for different things? And that one of the most popular, which are becoming far more common because of all of the benefits they can bring you, are treadmills designed only for walking.
What is a walking treadmill and what are they for?
A walking treadmill sometimes called an office treadmill or a walking deck is a treadmill that’s been designed around a single purpose and use. And what is that use?
Walking, obviously.
All snark aside, there are a lot of uses for walking treadmills that you might have overlooked.
A walking treadmill is specifically designed only for walking, which means that there are a lot of things about their design that separates them from the standard style of running treadmill that you generally see in a gym.
The first thing you might notice is that your walking treadmill doesn’t have any support arms. A lot of models are almost completely flat because they’re designed to have a very limited maximum top speed. This means that you won’t generally need any stabilisation, and it also means that you can use them with a walking desk.
In terms of top speed, a walking treadmill will generally go up to around 4mph, with a standard general speed of around 2.5mph, enough for a gentle walk, but no more.
On top of this, the internals are often different, with a very high torque motor that runs at a lower speed, suitable for hours of use, and thousands of steps per day, without burning out.
The last thing that you might notice with most walking treadmills is that a remote control is a standard feature. Without support arms to put the controls at waist or chest height, they need to be somewhere, and no one wants to bend over every few minutes just to adjust the speed on their machine.
People generally use walking treadmills for:
- Exercising in their home office or at work
- General fitness and aerobic health
- Recovery and injury management
- Pets
Get more from your walking time: check your body posture
As with any form of exercise, there’s a right way and w wrong way to do walking. While you’re probably pretty good at walking, your posture can sometimes go out the window on a treadmill, especially if you’re looking down at the calories or your time, or watching your feet. Double-check you’re hitting your stride in style:
Why would you want a walking treadmill?
Walking is oft hailed as the underrated form of exercise, often seen as an easy option and not viewed as a proper form of training. If you think that, I’m afraid there’s an avalanche of research that will disagree with you.
For starters, walking has been shown to help you lose weight (by burning off calories). With just one hour of walking shredding up to 150 calories. Doesn’t sound like a lot? It could be all it takes to get into a calorie deficit, especially over a period of time.
On the health side of things, it’s also surprising how important a good stroll can be. Some health benefits of walking include:
- Improve heart health
- Lower risk of heart attack
- Reduces risk of a stroke
What should you look for in a walking treadmill?
A good motor
The motor in a walking treadmill doesn’t have to be strong, because it’s not going to be running at high speeds, but it does have to be tough. Most walking treadmills will be used for long periods of time, which can put a lot of strain on the motor, especially if the user is reasonably heavy.
A 2 horsepower motor is a good starting point, which will have enough strength to drive the belt for long periods.
On top of this, it’s also worth understanding the difference between peak and rated or running horsepower. A lot of treadmills advertise their motors with peak power, ie, what the motor can do when at maximum output, not in general use.
A rated horsepower motor instead tells you what the standard running power of the motor is, and is a much better option overall.
Supportive suspension
If you’re going to be walking on your treadmill for several hours per day, you don’t want it to feel like walking over broken glass.
Most good walking treadmills will have built-in support or suspension on the walking deck.
This will help to absorb the impact of every step you take, reducing the force transferred to your joints, letting you walk for longer, and helping with long term injuries and short term aches and pains.
Quiet operation
Walking treadmills are designed to be used while doing other things, whether that’s working in your home office, or just watching some TV.
But trying to focus on what you’re doing with a treadmill clanking and grinding under your feet is surprisingly difficult.
Most walking treadmills shouldn’t be too loud, because they’re not running at high speed or putting a lot of heavy strain on the motor, but some are much quieter than others. Our reviews will point out the quietest if this is something you’re looking for.
Size
In general, walking treadmills are smaller than running treadmills, in every dimension.
They don’t tend to have high arm supports, so take less vertical space, and the smaller motor size and smaller running deck (to accommodate for the fact that you’re not taking long, running strides on it) mean that they’re generally narrower and shorter.
This smaller size makes walking treadmills lighter weight, and much easier to store. It’s normal to find transport wheels as part of the design, and a lot of treadmills like this are small enough to fit underneath other furniture or be stood up vertically in a cupboard.
Good news: Walking treadmills should cost less money
It’s a sad fact of life that no one has an infinite budget. But you also don’t want to waste money on something that’s not going to perform.
In general, avoid budget models, because that will mean a weak motor and shoddy construction, but with a walking treadmill, there’s also not generally a reason to splash out like you would with a luxury running treadmill.
A good standard figure is several hundred pounds. This will get you a well-made machine that’s going to perform well and last a long time.
Protecting the little ones
As most people will buy one of these machines and have children bombing around the house too, make sure you get one with some kind of lock when it starts. A toddler could definitely do some harm to themselves mucking around on a walking treadmill. If you’re a parent, add start-up safety features to your checklist.
Can I use a walking treadmill for my pets?
Absolutely. Most dogs and some cats, plus other animals that like walks, can be trained to use a walking treadmill, letting them get daily exercise when you can’t otherwise take them outside.
But bear in mind that a treadmill is not a substitute for real exercise with your pet, and that your pets should always be monitored at all times when using a walking treadmill.
Hopefully, our guide has given you a better understanding of the best walking treadmills on the market, and which one is right for you. Thanks for reading, and make sure to leave a comment. We always appreciate hearing from all of our readers!
References & Further Reading
- BMC – Office workers’ experiences of attempts to reduce sitting-time
- British Medical Journal – Effectiveness of the Stand More AT (SMArT) Work intervention
- Harvard Health – The truth behind standing desks
- NHS – How to improve your strength and flexibility
- Mayo Clinic – What are the risks of sitting too much?
