8 Best Treadmills for Bad Knees in 2024

Do you want to pick up a high-quality treadmill that will bring you an exceptional running experience, but have issues with knees? Don’t restrict yourself, weak knees and joints are no more a constraint. Choose the best treadmill for bad knees from our list and improve your knee condition while enjoying moderate running and jogging so as not to aggravate the issue.

Examine the best treadmills for bad knees with enough cushioning to lower the impact on your knees by simulating a real-road running. Keep on challenging yourself even after injury or being in a rehab period. Entrust us to choose a good treadmill with proper cushioning and a wide range of incline options to protect your vulnerable joints from odd tension and mitigate the sharp pain.

Top 8 Best Treadmills for Bad Knees Reviewed

1. NordicTrack EXP 7i – Top Pick
2. Bowflex Treadmill 56 – Runner-Up
3. Sunny Premium Folding Auto-Incline Smart Treadmill – Best Folding
4. ProForm Pro 9000
5. Echelon Stride TReadmill
6. Horizon Fitness Smart Treadmill
7. Sole F63 Treadmill
8. 3G Cardio Elite Runner Treadmill

Product	Total	Adjustability	Monitor functionality	Portability	Versatility	Comfort	Price/ Quality
NordicTrack	59.5	10	10	9.5	10	10	10
Bowflex	59.5	10	10	9.5	10	10	10
Sunny	59	10	9.5	10	9.5	10	10
ProForm	58.5	10	10	9.5	10	9.5	9.5
Echelon	55	9.5	9	9.5	9	9	9
Horizon	55	9	9.5	9	9	9.5	9
Sole	54.5	9	9	9.5	9	9	9
3G Cardio	53.5	9	9	8.5	9	9	9

1. NordicTrack EXP 7i – Top Pick

• Speed range: 0-10 mph
• Max incline: 12%
• Folding: foldable
• Weight limit: 300 lb
• Item weight: 228 lb
• Product dimensions: 70.8” L x 34.9” W x 59.7” H
• Display: 7” HD display
• Running surface: 20” x 55”
• Warranty: 10 years for the frame, 2 years for parts, 1 year for labor
• Workout programs: 17k iFit workouts
• Additional features: Bluetooth, iFit app, HR connectivity; Flex Cushioning

NordicTrack deserves to take the first place on our list and let’s find out what peculiarities and advantages you’ll get by purchasing this running machine for your home gym.

This best low-impact treadmill includes a 30-day free iFit trial that brings you trainer-led iFit workouts. You’ll bring your training session to the next level with the integrated iFit technologies such as SmartAdjust machine learning technology which can adapt to your personal workout plan. You can challenge yourself with workouts of diverse intensity by gaining new milestones.

It’s easy to keep track of your progress to reach your everyday fitness goals. With the iFit app, you’ll get around 17k workouts that will open up new opportunities for you to become stronger, improve your running technique, and become a better version of yourself with pro athletes and elite trainers from around the globe.

You can use the auto adjust option: the running machine remembers your speed and inclines you to set it previously, so you don’t need to fix it each time anew.

Being equipped with the Flex Select cushioning, this treadmill will reduce the impact on your joints and spine. It absorbs the shock while walking or running on the deck by avoiding strains on your joints and spine while exercising.

The treadmill is also a space-saving one: with the SpaceSaver design and EasyLift, you can fold it upright easily. You can fold up the running platform when you finish the training and also can transport it easily with the help of two wheels.

Thanks to the 2.6 CHP motor, the treadmill makes very little noise when in use. It provides all the needed options for a quick pace, multiple incline changes, and a consistent running speed just when you stand on the running belt. Speed adjustment functions well: when adjusting pace, you don’t need to hold the side standers as the belt changes speed.

Speaking about the console: there are quick buttons for speed on the right side and incline on the left side. You’ll also find fan and volume buttons here. The fans provide good airflow with 4 power settings: low, medium, high, or auto option.

Despite there’s no tablet holder, you can place your device on the small shelf between the lower console panel and the touchscreen panel.

With multiple inclines, you can strengthen your glutes and hamstrings dominantly. Also, by changing the incline, you can mitigate the risk of injuries, and ensure muscular balance in the lower body.

2. Bowflex Treadmill 56 – Runner Up

• Speed range: 0-12 mph
• Max incline: 20%
• Folding: foldable
• Weight limit: 400 lb
• Item weight: 336 lb
• Product dimensions: 85” L x 39.6” W x 70” H (folded: 44.5” L x 39.6” W x 70” H)
• Display: 22" HD display
• Running surface: 22” x 60”
• Warranty: 15 years for the frame and drive motor, 5 years for the parts, 1 year for electronics, and 2 years for labor
• Workout programs: over 50 real-world routes, built-in workout library
• Additional features: JRNY app, Kinomap, Zwift, Bluetooth, HR monitoring with the armband included

Being our runner-up and one of the best treadmills for knee pain quitting, the Bowflex treadmill brings users unlimited opportunities to diversify their training routine with the full JRNY membership. A pleasant perk is that you get a 1-year free trial of the JRNY application that includes total coaching, immersive workouts, and constant support and motivation from your personal trainer. Additionally, you can explore the world by choosing your favorite scenes and terrains, so the treadmill displays the chosen destination on the large HD 22” display.

With the ultimate JRNY membership, you can track your progress easily: your metrics are available at any time in one place and you can compare the prior data with the ongoing ones.

Unlike our top-pick treadmill, this one has a greater incline option: you can switch between the 5% decline and reach up to the 12% maximum incline.

Comfort Tech deck cushioning brings you superb soft land on the deck while intensive running and additional spring in your steps. The running machine can be folded in several seconds too: with the SoftDrop folding system.

3. Sunny Premium Folding Auto-Incline Smart Treadmill – Best Folding

• Speed range: 0.5-9 mph
• Max incline: 12%
• Folding: upright foldability
• Weight limit: 220 lb
• Item weight: 112 lb
• Product dimensions: 63” L x 26.2” W x 50.2” H (folded: 36.8” L x 26.2” W x 56.9” H)
• Display: LCD display
• Running surface: 15.7” x 48.4”
• Warranty: 3 years for the frame, 180 days for the parts and components
• Workout programs: 9 built-in programs
• Additional features: Bluetooth, SunnyFit app

Experience 15 levels of automatic incline and speed range up to 9 MPH bring you a customized workout that will fit your fitness goals. You can control the incline by pressing the quick buttons that refer to the 3, 6, and 12% incline. The integrated digital technologies allow you to sync this treadmill with the SunnyFit app to track your fitness progress.

With a compact LCD monitor, you can track your speed, time, distance, calories, steps, and body fat percentage. Via the SunnyFit app, you can arrange customized workouts of any intensity. With the pulse sensors on the hand grips, you’ll see your real-time pulse during the training.

Like other treadmills, this treadmill for arthritis treatment also has an integrated shock absorption technology that mitigates the joint impact. Also, a soft-drop hydraulic folding system enables you to lower the deck smoothly to the ground.

4. ProForm Pro 9000

• Speed range: 0-12 mph
• Max incline: 12%
• Folding: foldable
• Weight limit: 300 lb
• Item weight: 263 lb
• Product dimensions: 77.3” L x 35.3” W x 59.6” H
• Display: 22” HD touchscreen
• Running surface: 20” x 60”
• Warranty: 10 years for the frame, 2 years for parts, 1 year for labor
• Workout programs: over 16,000 live and on-demand classes with iFit, over 50 built-in workouts
• Additional features: Bluetooth, iFit app

The ProForm treadmill is compatible with the iFit application that presents a whole new running experience under the guidance of first-class trainers who will offer you an unlimited range of training opportunities. You’ll be able to join diverse studio classes, choose customized training sessions, and pick up any world destination. Moreover, thanks to the iFit functionality, the system will automatically adjust the speed and incline & decline level according to your preferences.

By purchasing this outstanding treadmill, you receive an iFIT trial for 30 days that includes live events streaming, on-demand global workouts, and studio classes as well.

The Pro 9000 running machine is equipped with a solid 3.6 CHP motor which can withstand tough training. The deck comes with ReBound Pro cushioning, which gives your legs a soft landing surface, so you can exercise with more comfort for a longer time. The duration of your running session will also be prolonged due to the built-in CoolAire fan. 

The SpaceSaver design feature that is common for the reviewed treadmills enables you to fold the deck up and store it in the corner. The EasyLift Assist system provides a built-in powerful shock to help you lift the deck without hassle.

You’ll also receive an opportunity to track your pulse with the help of the SmartBeat Forearm Heart Rate Monitor that you can sync to the running machine. Although, it should be bought separately.

5. Echelon Stride Treadmill

• Speed range: 0.5 - 12 mph
• Max incline: 10%
• Folding: foldable
• Weight limit: 300 lb
• Item weight: 156 lb
• Product dimensions: 69.3" L x 31" W x 49.2" H (folded: 69.3" L x 31" W x 10.25" H)
• Display: LCD display
• Running surface: 20” x 55”
• Warranty: 1 year
• Workout programs: 8 programmed workouts
• Additional features: Bluetooth, Echelon Fit App 

This outstanding treadmill offers users a free 30-day trial of the Echelon Premier Membership that involves access to more than 3k live and on-demand classes coached by the world's expert instructors via the Echelon Fit application. You can choose training of any duration and fitness level. Besides running, you have a great variety of other workouts such as cycling, rowing, HIIT, kickboxing, yoga, and even more. By the way, the membership package allows you to create up to five user accounts.

You'll track your performance data displayed on the LCD monitor, as well as know your precise heart rate with the help of HR sensors on the handlebar. With a great range of speed and incline options, you'll be able to avoid tension on your knees and regulate it on your own considering your condition.

The treadmill is also convenient to fold and transport thanks to the auto-folding system and transportation wheels. So, you can easily tilt upright and store both horizontally and vertically.

6. Horizon Fitness Smart Treadmill

• Speed range: 0.5 - 12 mph
• Max incline: 15%
• Folding: foldable
• Weight limit: 350 lb
• Item weight: 318 lb
• Product dimensions: 76” L x 37” W x 63” H (folded: 42” L x 37” W x 71” H)
• Display: dual LED & LCD display
• Running surface: 22” x 60”
• Warranty: lifetime warranty for the frame and motor, 5 years for parts, 2 years for labor
• Workout programs: 10 pre-set programs
• Additional features: Bluetooth connectivity

The Horizon running machine is highly compatible and can be synced with any fitness application. You can join numerous fitness workouts, watch movies, listen to music during your running session, and keep track of your progress. You can choose any live and on-demand workout led by a professional trainer who will keep you motivated throughout the whole training.

If you have some problems with your knees, it won’t restrict you from training with the Horizon treadmill. It has a wide 22” x 60” running belt that is designed with a responsive cushioning surface, so it will support your even pace along the whole phases of your running. You won’t break your stride with the help of the QuickDial control during the intervals. Also, by having a wide range of speed and incline range, you can choose any workout intensity: whether you prefer to walk or jog in case you have some issues with your knees.

You’ll know all the essential metrics while training with the help of particular adjustments such as customized interval keys, one-touch speed, and quick keys to change the incline, with the information on your distance, calories, hill climb option, and maximum heart rate. All this is possible due to the contact hand grips.

Additionally, there won’t be a burden to fold the treadmill because it’s equipped with a one-step FeatherLight hydraulic folding system.

7. Sole F63 Treadmill

• Speed range: 0.5-12 mph
• Max incline: 15%
• Folding: foldable
• Weight limit: 220 lb
• Item weight: 254 lb
• Product dimensions: 82” L x 35” W x 57” H
• Display: LCD monitor
• Running surface: 20” x 40”
• Warranty: no information
• Workout programs: 6 built-in programs
• Additional features: Bluetooth

Compared to the previous treadmill models in our list, this running machine is a bit lighter because it’s equipped with a 3.0 HP motor which brings you a maximum of 12 mph speed range and an incline option of up to 15%. You can choose a workout among the six preset programs, and besides running you can benefit from other cardio training and fat-burning programs.

The armrest has speed and incline buttons, as well as heart rate sensors, the console has cooling fans, so you’ll be able to train longer without sweating too much. The monitor provides the basic information: speed, incline, time, distance, calories, pace, and heart rate.

The treadmill suits those who have joint problems and knee injuries: the CushionFlex design of the deck reduces the impact on your knees by 40%. Moreover, you can choose the preferred incline and speed range, so your knees will benefit from such safe running sessions.

8. 3G Cardio Elite Runner Treadmill

• Speed range: 0.5 - 12 mph
• Max incline: 15%
• Folding: foldable
• Weight limit: 400 lb
• Item weight: 386 lb
• Product dimensions: 84" L x 35.5" x X 58" H
• Display: LCD display
• Running surface: 22” x 62”
• Warranty: residential - lifetime motor, lifetime frame, 10 years for parts, 2 years in-home labor; commercial - 5 years for motor and frame, 5 years for parts, 1 year for in-home labor
• Workout programs: 8 built-in programs, 2 custom programs, and fitness tests available
• Additional features: Ortho Flex shock absorption, fast acceleration option

The 3G Cardio treadmill is a high-quality commercial running machine that brings superior features for users. The treadmill comes with several pre-set training classes and fitness tests, and also is equipped with smooth one-touch button speed and incline control, HR management, and an exceptional chance to personalize your workout plan.

You can connect your device to the running machine and tune up your favorite running session or watch movies while training at your own pace.

There are such distinctive features the treadmill can offer you: fast acceleration of +1% per 1.5 seconds, with a powerful 4.0.CHP motor, a large running deck with the Ortho Flex shock absorption of the soft orthopedic belt brings a safe and smooth running experience even if you have knee issues. Such a speedy belt acceleration feature fits well for interval and high-intensity workouts if you want to propel your running technique.

Is a Treadmill Bad for Your Knees?

The fact is that running on a treadmill can benefit your knees and make them more resistant to different terrain peculiarities when running outdoors. While it brings more stress and tension to the knees because a runner should get accustomed to different surfaces and elevation changes. When running on a treadmill, you get a mild impact on the joints because the machine is equipped with shock absorption and cushioning technologies. Moreover, running with a proper posture and setting the incline will improve your running technique.

Running on a treadmill can be a good rehabilitation for individuals with injuries or it can be a good exercise for elderly people who want to keep their general condition and stay healthy. With an adjustable speed option, they can choose their preferred speed and train at their personal level. Although, treadmill running can be compared with running outdoors on soft surfaces that reduce the impact on the knees. So, there’s little risk to twist the knees or bump into some obstacles like stones or uneven paths.

The treadmill belt also plays a great role in providing comfort for running. Due to the proper thickness level of the running deck, an athlete won’t feel discomfort while running since the belt is the element that contracts directly to the runner’s feet.

The incline feature is another vital aspect that supports your knees' health and mitigates any harsh influence on the knees and joints as well. Having a greater range of inclines can benefit you greatly because it mimics outdoor running. Otherwise, when running on the plain surface, or on the treadmill with zero incline, the knees can’t withstand such a straight running position for a long time. So, you’ll get tired soon because of the discomfort in the knees. Thus, a treadmill with at least 2% of incline won’t hurt your knees and they will be able to absorb the impact from the ground properly.

The running belt stiffness also influences the quality of your running: a running rubber track helps to maintain the proper state of the knees. On the contrary, a stiff surface can negatively influence the knees because there are no shock-absorption features. Your knees and joints will suffer from extra tension since a rigid deck can’t bear the weight and balance it well on the treadmill.

Treadmill for Bad Knees Peculiarities

If you’re suffering from discomfort or have sensitive knees, the best solution, in this case, is to keep on being active and do some exercises at the minimum that don’t lead to even more muscle stiffness and soreness in the knees and surrounding joints. Consistent walking at a moderate pace will benefit your knee health further.

While exercising on the treadmill you’ll be able to strengthen the surrounding muscles of your joints. That inevitably will improve your leg muscles’ stamina in general and develop an alignment state that surrounds the knees.

Treadmill exercising at a moderate stride can facilitate bone density which refers to your ability to withstand more tough training. With a proper cushioning effect, it'll be easier to develop surrounding muscle recruitment and this way strengthen the major muscles. You won't suffer from tight hips, inactive glutes, stiff hamstrings, or quads.

A high-quality treadmill which is easy on the knees comes with a well-built belt system that will force you to strengthen your spine and lower body. So, there'll be less strain placed on the joints. The reason is that a treadmill absorbs more shock than your body does due to softening your stride.

Meanwhile, the incline feature alleviates the discomfort in the joints. And when imitating the running uphill will shorten your pace and lower the impact from the ground.

What to Look For in the Best Treadmills for Bad Knees?

1. Cushioning

When looking for a treadmill for bad joints, it’s important to pay attention to the cushioning on the running deck. Before buying a treadmill in case you have weak knees, check the information about the thickness of the machine’s belt and the built-in cushioning system. Generally, cushioning may vary from one to another, there can be various padding zones at the top, middle, and back of the running surface.

For example, some treadmills have elastomer insertion with a foamed cushioned layer located between the belt and frame. This structure provides diverse levels of support while running throughout the whole length of the running belt. So, your body will respond to the running pace as when running outdoors wearing running shoes.

Why do cushioning zones matter? The reason is quite clear: cushioned front zone absorbs the initial strike on your foot as if you were in running sneakers with padded heels. The middle part of the running surface is like a transition zone that brings extra stability and balances through your pace. The back part of the deck is designed with a well-cushioned push-off zone.

Consequently, the more cushioning zones your treadmill has, the better support you’ll get for the stride, and you’ll recover faster. By the way, another important fact is that the stiffer the treadmill belt is, the better - with a firm running surface, you’ll receive more energy return, while a softer deck provides less efficiency return.

2. Incline and Decline

Having a zero or too-high incline option can hurt your knees by putting too much tension when running on an entirely plain or elevated surface. Although, when running with a 0% incline, you experience the impact as when running a little downhill which also brings some minor impact. But, it enables you to strengthen your leg muscles and surrounding joints that support your knees. Also, with regular runs on a small incline, you can prevent the shin splint and even enhance your stamina.

The truth is that by increasing the incline rate, you add to the intensity of your workout avoiding stress on your knees and joints. Incline walking is even recommended for people with knee osteoarthritis and knee replacement.

When increasing the incline rate by 3-4% you can lower the impact and absorb it by 24%. So, if you have some injuries including sports ones, running on the incline can facilitate your recovery time and exclude further complications or inflammation occurrence.

3. Soft Drop System

Having a simple soft drop system simplifies the process of folding, especially if an individual has some issues with their knees. Also, the hydraulic feature enables the treadmill deck to tilt slowly on its own. This option is very important if the running machine is quite heavy, so moving around it and squatting to fold it, can result in occasional strains.

4. Dimensions of the Running Belt

Not being limited by the small dimensions of the running deck, it’s important to pay attention to its size which will be enough for walking, jogging, and speedy running as well. The standard size of the running surface is about 22” by 60”, but compact and budget models have a shorter deck. Although, if you have some problems with your knees, you’d better not cut costs by buying a good running machine. The more space you have for running, the better it’ll be for your joint and knee health.

Also, besides the cushioning and incline options, you should consider a treadmill with additional features like supportive handrails on the front and on each side, a safety clip you can attach to your clothes in case you lose balance, and also an emergency stop knob or button to quit the running session in advance.

How To Use A Treadmill Right Not To Damage Your Knees?

If you have some issues with your knees but want to keep on being active and move to work out your joints to make the blood circulate through the body, you shouldn’t neglect to do some treadmill workouts for bad knees and massage before starting to run. So, here we present several steps you should follow to not aggravate the situation.

1. Warming Up

Spend 10-15 minutes working out and loosen the joints of both your lower and upper body and tender spots. Stretch well to force the blood flow throughout the body and to fill the muscle tissues with oxygen, and get started your running session with moderate jogging.

2. Wear the Right Gear

Despite the fact you choose a treadmill with cushioning features, you also should think about wearing proper clothes and particularly running shoes. Heel cushioning will lower the impact shock of a heel strike. 

3. Avoid High Incline Rate

Although an average and extra-high incline can be okay for regular runners, but not for people with bad knees. Even if you bought a treadmill with an incline of 10-12% or even 15%, don’t set up such a rate. The higher the incline is, the more impact will be on your knees that are forced to work with unnatural angles.

4. Adhere to the Correct Technique

Always listen to your body: only you know better how your body’s feeling at a specific moment. Before starting your running training, step carefully on the belt and hold the handrails to keep balance. After having a warm-up you’d better start with a slow speed that feels good for your knees. Then, change your pace gradually by reaching the speed that is enough for you and brings comfort to your bad knees.

FAQ

Is a Treadmill Good for Bad Knees?

Yes, a treadmill can mitigate the impact on the knees thanks to the specific built-in technologies that prevent joint load and their gradual wear-off. With a properly chosen treadmill, your knees will produce natural lubrication to keep their movement right and avoid joint friction. Generally, a treadmill provides moderate pressure on the knees which can be even better than running on straight surfaces.

How Do I Protect My Knees on a Treadmill?

Remember the following points that will assist you to protect your joints and knees from intensive loads:

• don’t neglect to warm up before the running
• walk and jog on the treadmill instead of intense running
• increase your speed gradually
• start with short running sessions
• set up a low to moderate speed rate, with 5 mph at the maximum
• wearing comfortable running shoes that bring you enough support and padding

Why Do My Knees Hurt When I Walk on the Treadmill?

Generally, there can be several factors that could lead to your knee hurt when running on a treadmill. It can relate to different biomechanics usage, or keeping different strides. Also, it can relate to your form and feet condition: if they can’t transfer ground reaction and absorb the shock from the surfaces, the problem of knees and joint pain arises then. Treadmills with cushioning come with padding layers to absorb the impact and reduce knee pain. Besides your knees, your musculoskeletal chain also is affected by the high energy return from solid surfaces with a neutral incline. So, by choosing the proper soft deck for the treadmill you can avoid overstressing your knee ligaments and tendons. You’ll be able to focus more on your form and be mindful of your pace and speed.

Conclusion

All in all, if you have knee or joint pain, be mindful about providing enough balance and stability. Having osteoarthritis you’d better choose the right training regime that will influence your state mildly without tough tension, but still develop the muscles and maintain the general fitness level. Selecting a treadmill is one of the most useful and best ways to treat your bad knees.

Considering the problem, we found the best treadmill for bad knees that will satisfy your fitness goals fully. Our top pick is NordicTrack EXP 7i which is equipped with a FlexSelect cushioning system that will help you to lower the impact on your knees and spine. It can absorb the shock perfectly by mitigating strain occurrence. Also, having an incline option prevents the risk of further injuries and discomfort, so you can adapt to the specific load gradually. Being a perfect model for low-impact training, this treadmill will help you to train your lower body well and gain better balance.

Want to know more about effective approaches to mitigate muscle strain and prevent your knee from new trauma? Then ask us questions that matter to you most in the comments section below the article. You’ll find out how you’ll succeed to recover quickly without damage to your joints.

Also read:

• Best Budget Treadmill
• Best Treadmill Under 1000
• Best Incline Treadmill
• Best Treadmill Mat
• Best Motorless Treadmill
• How Heavy Are Treadmills
• Peloton or Nordictrack Treadmill
• Exercise Bike vs Treadmill

References:

1. A systematic review of running-related musculoskeletal injuries in runners // NIH: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov /33862272/
2. Running injuries. A review of the epidemiological literature // NIH: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov /1439399/
3. Is Motorized Treadmill Running Biomechanically Comparable to Overground Running? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Cross-Over Studies // NIH: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov /31802395/
4. Biomechanics and Physiology of Uphill and Downhill Running // NIH: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov /27501719/
5. Effects of footwear cushioning on leg and longitudinal arch stiffness during running // Sciencedirect: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science /article/abs/pii/ S0021929021006254