9 Best Treadmills For Walking (Calorie Burner)

Treadmills For Walking Compared

5 Benefits of Walking for Exercise on a Treadmill

Whether you’re taking a stroll in the park or taking a stroll on a treadmill belt, the benefits of walking are undeniable. According to the Arthritis Foundation, there are a lot of health benefits of walking, like the fact that

While ideally, you'd have perfect weather and stellar conditions for walking outdoors, that's not always possible, and that's where owning your own treadmill comes in handy. Here are 5 of the specific benefits of treadmill walking that you can't get without this piece of cardio equipment:

Things to Consider When Buying a Treadmill for Walking

Workout Space vs. Treadmill Size

The fact of the matter is that treadmills take up space, so you'll need to make sure you have enough space available in your home to accommodate the machine you want. It's recommended that you leave plenty of clearance behind the belt - 5 or 6 feet should do it - and about 2 feet on either side.

Folding treadmills are all the rage for those who are short on square footage in the home. They usually have a smaller footprint while in use due to smaller belt dimensions, but best of all, the console and handlebars can fold flat against the treadmill belt for easy storage and more portability.

User Weight Capacity

Your treadmill could have a recommended weight capacity anywhere from 200 to 350+ pounds depending on the machine. Commercial-grade treadmills from NordicTrack or Precor generally have a higher weight limit than more compact or foldable machines, so consider that before buying. 

Treadmill Mechanics

Before you can even think about the design or overall aesthetics of the machine, you need to look inwards and consider its mechanics. Here’s what to focus on:

Smart Tech Features

Once you've considered the mechanics of the machine, it's time to move on to the technical features that can help to enhance your workout, like these:

Safety Features

Treadmill safety should always be considered in the buying process, so look for these important features that help to enhance safety as you walk:

1. Revo Walking Pad

As someone constantly battling with limited living space, the Revo Portable Walking Pad Treadmill has been a game-changer for my daily fitness routine.

Its compact, foldable design means I can easily tuck it away under my bed or sofa, making my small apartment feel less cluttered. What impressed me most is how it doesn't compromise on performance despite its slim profile.

It offers a satisfying range of speeds, making my workouts versatile, from leisurely walks to more intense jogs. Its plug-and-play setup, along with its space-efficient design, makes it ideal for small living spaces. What truly impresses me is its quiet operation, enabling workouts at any hour without disturbance. 

The built-in digital display, which tracks my distance, time, and calories, has been incredibly motivating, keeping me informed about my progress without needing additional devices. 

The variety of 12 workout modes, all easily controlled by a remote, cater to every stage of my fitness journey, providing a personalized workout experience. What sets it apart is the commitment to quality, underscored by a 2-year replacement policy.

This walking pad has transformed exercise into an enjoyable part of my daily routine.

2. Nordictrack T Series 6.5S

The Nordictrack T Series gives you a few different options based on your budget, but the 6.5S is a great choice if finding the best treadmill for walking means spending less than $1000. If it doesn't and you have a larger budget to spend, there's also the 7.5S, 8.5S, and 9.5S, each with a larger display size than the next.

Included with every NordicTrack treadmill is a full month of free access to the iFit app. With iFit, you get to experience live, studio, and global workouts from the comforts of home, and each session is led by trainers who know their stuff. After your 30 days is up, though, you’ll have to decide whether you want to continue paying for the membership.

The real reason that this is the top pick for walking is the high capacity motor. It runs on 2.6 horsepower, which doesn’t quite match the 3.0 you’ll often find from commercial gym equipment, but for a home gym, this is plenty of power to keep you walking every day of the week. Other internal mechanics worth noting are the easily-adjustable speed range up to 10 MPH, the 10% incline control, and the foldable space-saving design.

Some people complain that the incline range doesn't match the competitions. While the 6.5S only reaches an incline of 10%, other models often go up to 12, even 15%. The other flaw is that without an iFit membership, you won't be able to take full advantage of the treadmill's features, and after 30 days, payment is required.

3. Exerpeutic TF900

Treadmill safety should always be at the forefront of your mind, and the makers of the Exerpeutic TF900 have worked to put your mind at ease. This treadmill is the epitome of safe fitness, even for users as heavy as 350 pounds and those with mobility struggles. It’s strictly meant for walking and light jogging with a focus on high capacity performance.

The main thing that's not so ideal about the TF900 is the lower motor capacity of 1.5 HP, but that doesn't matter too much since this is a walking treadmill and not geared towards marathon runners or Olympic-level sprinters. It can reach a maximum speed of 4.0 MPH, and considering the average person's walking speeds range from 3 to 4, that's perfectly suitable for most people's needs.

The extended handlebar design is a great safety feature, and what's even better is that these handlebars, as well as the console display, fold down against the belt for easy storage. Once folded, the machine moves easily on built-in wheels, so you'll have no trouble moving it around the home.

Aside from the low-ish horsepower, one more drawback of the TF900 is its short warranty policy. You'll still get covered for manufacturer defects, just not for as long as you would with the NordicTrack or other models on this list. The parts warranty is 1 year, and the frame is covered for 5, which is half of what you get from NordicTrack's policy. 

4. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T1407M

We talk a lot about treadmill motor speed and motor capacity, but for some machines, like the SF-T1407M by Sunny Health and Fitness, there’s no motor to even consider. This is a manual treadmill, so it runs strictly on user movement rather than horsepower. Because there’s no motor, this is the best inexpensive treadmill for walking and the top pick for a manual treadmill.

Manual treadmills aren’t for everyone, especially for runners, but for walking, you’ll experience all the health benefits listed above and more.

Another great thing about choosing a manual cardio machine is that the lack of a motor takes away a lot of bulkiness. The SF-T1407M is a compact, lightweight treadmill that’s excellent for small home gyms. The running surface is narrow, measuring 42” long by 13” wide, which isn’t ideal for large-bodied individuals. It’s specifically geared towards those who don’t require a wide running belt.

The console isn’t much to write home about, but remember, this is a cost-saving machine, so you won’t find most of the cool high-tech features that you’d get with a $1000+ treadmill. For most people, that’s OK, especially if you’re strictly in this for walking, but others find it worth it to pay more for a motor and added features.

5. Sunny Health & Fitness Walking Treadmill- SF-T7857

If you like the Sunny Health brand but aren’t keen on a manual-operating treadmill, check out the SF-T7857. This walking treadmill has a 2.5-HP motor and features a speed range and safety features that make it the best treadmill for senior walking needs. The wide deck measures 19.5 inches, and the handlebars extend along the entire length of the belt, so seniors and balance-impaired individuals see this as an obvious choice.

Another great senior-friendly feature is the built-in shock absorption technology that continually works to reduce the impact on joints when walking or jogging. The motor allows for walking or jogging within a speed range of 0.6 to 5 MPH, and the large console lets a user make quick speed adjustments by using the speed buttons without missing a beat (or step).

No matter your age, you'll find the console easy to use. It was designed with simplicity in mind so that even the least tech-savvy individuals can track duration, distance, speed, and calories burned. All you have to do to personalize your workout goals is to use the mode button and then make adjustments throughout with the up and down arrows.

The only thing that's lacking is a heart rate monitoring system, which is something that would definitely come in handy for seniors. There's also no adjustable incline, but for seniors wanting a low-profile design and safe workout, the incline isn't usually a priority.

6. WalkingPad R1 Pro Treadmill

So far, a few of the treadmills on this list of reviews feature a foldable design, but not all of them would be considered "space-saving." In terms of saving space with a compact footprint, the best is the WalkingPad R1 Pro. This folding treadmill folds flat enough to fit easily under a bed, in a closet, and even under most couches. Since it doesn't have a console display, this cardio machine takes up about 90% less space than others.

Some people feel that the price is high considering the no-display and the moderate motor performance, but there’s a lot to be said about extreme compactness. And don’t worry, just because it’s compact doesn’t mean it’s any less durable. Here’s what WalkingPad has to say about the design and construction of the R1:

The lack of a console isn’t ideal for everyone, but since you have the option to lay the handlebars flat, this treadmill can easily be used under a desk while you watch TV or use your laptop. To control the treadmill's speed, there's an included remote, but you also have the option to set your speed using the KS Fit app.

7. LifeSpan TR1200-DT3 Under Desk Treadmill

The LifeSpan Under Desk treadmill is very similar to the WalkingPad, just with a higher price tag and more features. This model is more geared towards office fitness and getting in some steps while standing at a desk. It fits nicely under a desk surface, allowing you to walk and work simultaneously.

The coolest feature of the TR1200-DT3 is the portable console design. Unlike the WalkingPad, this one comes with a console that can easily be placed on your desk surface. As you walk, it reads out a user’s distance traveled, calories burned, walk/run time, step count, and it even lets you adjust the belt speed from 0.4 to 4 MPH. Four MPH may not sound like a lot, but it’s plenty fast for maintaining a brisk walk or light jog.

Another nice feature of the TR1200-DT3 is the decent belt size. It’s 20” by 50”, so most users find there’s plenty of space to move freely. The deck itself is designed with deck suspension and 6 independent compression shocks, making this one of the lowest-impact treadmills on our list. Plus, it’s fully assembled out of the box, so you can start using it and burning calories immediately.

Although light in weight and ultra-portable, this treadmill can support a high maximum weight of 350 pounds. Since it's designed to operate quietly, you don't have to worry about disturbing your coworkers, even if you choose to walk during your Zoom call meetings. Even though the price is high, extra features like integrated step counting and customizable personal settings make it worthwhile.

8. Exerpeutic TF1000

There's a frustrating Catch 22 with many treadmills on the market when someone who's overweight wants to lose those extra pounds by walking on a treadmill, but a machine isn’t even capable of handling that person’s weight in the first place. This scenario isn’t a problem with the Exerpeutic TF1000, a machine that has a 400-pound weight capacity.

The 1.5 horsepower motor isn't anything above average, but the sturdy steel frame is above average in all aspects. Using the simple console display, you can adjust your speed from 0.1 to 4 MPH and keep track of pulse, distance, calories, and time. The belt is relatively short, especially for tall, overweight people, measuring only 40 inches long. Individuals with a longer stride could benefit from a few more inches.

Users who are overweight often struggle with balance and stability, so the TF1000 sets the bar high with extra-long 18-inch safety handles. Just like with the SF-T7857 from Sunny Health and Wellness, seniors find these handles to be the perfect addition for a safer workout. More good news is that these handlebars fold downwards, so when you’re not using the machine or you need to transport it, just fold it up.

This is a great choice for anyone who wants to lose some belly fat and shed those extra pounds. The frame warranty only keeps you covered against damage and defects for a year, so it's not the most competitive warranty on the market.

9. Goplus 2 in 1 Folding Treadmill

The Goplus is a unique treadmill that’s all about compactness and portability. It’s designed to fold flat and slide easily under a bed, couch, or within your home’s storage space. It’s a more budget-friendly option than some of the other foldable compact treadmills covered here, but that doesn’t mean you have to make any sacrifices when it comes to performance.

Even though it’s in the less-than-$500 price range, the Goplus treadmill has a strong motor power of 2.25 horsepower. Whether you choose to walk with the handlebars up or down (yes, they lay flat against the ground), you can count on this machine to fit your exact speed needs. When the riser is folded, it can be used as a walking or jogging machine at a speed up to 2.5 miles per hour, and when the handrail is raised, you’ve got the option to go up to 7.5 MPH.

The motor is powerful yet quiet, the frame is sturdy yet lightweight, and the Goplus doesn’t hold out on you when it comes to added features. It comes with Bluetooth connectivity, a non-slip running belt, a multi-functional LED display that shows all your fitness basics from time and speed to distance and calories. The built-in speakers are another nice touch, and the remote control is a convenient way to adjust the speed or stop instantly.

People Also Ask (FAQs)

What is the best speed to walk on a treadmill to lose weight?

The key to losing weight while walking is to maintain a brisk pace, and for most people, “brisk” means about 3.5 miles per hour. At this speed, it’s recommended that you get in 150 minutes of cardio per week. If you want to spend less time walking, bump up the speed, and better yet, increase the incline as well.

Is walking on a treadmill bad for your knees?

Are manual treadmills the best option?

Compared to other cardio equipment, treadmills are extremely versatile. They give a user complete control over speed, so if you want to run one day and go with an incline treadmill walking the next, you've got the option to do that. It's impossible to say if they're the "best," but they rank high in terms of versatility.

Are rowing machines or ellipticals a better solution than walking when aiming to lose weight?

Investing in one of the best rowing machines is a great way to lose weight, and a 150-pound individual can burn about 150 calories in a 30-minute rowing workout. This is slightly more than walking on a treadmill, but rowing isn’t for everyone since it involves different muscles, movements, and a higher level of endurance.

Is it possible to walk backwards on a treadmill?

It's possible to include backward motion in your treadmill walking workout. Walking backwards on a treadmill has a few benefits, and VeryWellFit says that it

If you do choose to walk backwards, just be sure to start slow and use the machine’s handrails for more stability and better balance.

Can I get these large items shipped to my house?

Absolutely, these days you can get anything shipped, and that includes treadmills, ellipticals, exercise bikes, and more. Many companies offer free shipping on their products, especially when you order from Amazon. 

Conclusion

The Revo Walking Pad Treadmill offers everything you need and more for walking at a brisk pace and getting your heart rate up at home. The powerful motor, the added deck cushioning, and the easy speed adjustability make this our top pick.