Best Treadmill For Walking 2023

What Should You Look For When Buying The Best Treadmill For Walking?

Here are some things to consider when searching for the best walking treadmill for you and your home.

Deck Size – Walking Surface

Finding the right treadmill for walking is important! Most walking treadmills have around 50-55” long decks which is best for most walking strides. Some are a little shorter than this, so be aware if you are a taller user with a long walking stride. You want to be sure that you have plenty of room to comfortably walk on the deck.

Space/Storage

Not only do you want to make sure that you fit on your treadmill, but that the treadmill fits in the space where you intend to use it. Walking treadmills come in all different sizes and have folding and non-folding decks and consoles. If you have a limited amount of space, you’ll probably want a compact treadmill that has a deck that folds. Some treadmills are so small that they can be stored under a bed or in a closet, too.

Motor Power & Weight Capacity

Don’t discount the motor simply because you plan to walk! Look at the specs to make sure the treadmill will support your anticipated usage. 2.0 – 3.0 HP motors are best for primarily walking and lighter to moderate use. Motors over 3.5-4.0 HP are more powerful to handle long-distance walking and running. If you have multiple users in your home, who also walk regularly, you’ll want to be sure you purchase a treadmill with a larger motor. If it’s just you and you walk for around 30-45 minutes per day, a smaller motor should work fine. Motor power can often correspond with speed and incline options as well, so look for the max speed listed and how high the deck inclines (if it inclines) to make sure it aligns with your goals.

You’ll also want to make sure you’re under the weight limit that the treadmill is rated to hold. Smaller, more affordable treadmills usually have lower weight capacities of 250 lbs or so, while larger models have higher weight limits.

Console Design/Subscription Options

Having an easy-to-use console is key to any treadmill. Most have pretty standard layouts that make them easy and quick to adjust. Consoles with less tech – think LCD screens – usually come with preprogrammed workouts that you can follow along with. Most treadmills with touch screens offer subscription training content that gives you even more guidance while walking. If you’re someone who likes to read or stream content from your device, you’ll want to make sure there is a rack to place your phone/tablet or book. Alternatively, you’ll probably want a smaller treadmill or one with a simple console with fewer frills if you plan to use the treadmill in front of your TV.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Lose Weight Walking On A Treadmill?

Absolutely! One of the best ways to lose weight is to find an exercise you enjoy, that you know how to do, and are able to do regularly. Walking checks all the boxes! Many people underestimate the power of walking, but it has been proven to be one of the most effective ways to improve endurance, lose weight, and get fit. Using a treadmill makes it so you can walk whenever it is convenient for you! If you have little ones, walk during nap time! For seniors, you can walk while watching the news or talking on the phone to loved ones. Even college students can walk after class in their apartments on a compact walking treadmill. This makes it easy to get the exercise you need to help you achieve your weight-loss goals. You’ll also want to examine your diet if weight loss is your goal, too.

Do Walking Treadmills Have Incline?

Most do. Most of the walking treadmills on our list incline except for the LifeSpan TR5000 and the WalkingPad R2. These are smaller walking treadmills that don’t feature incline, but our list includes treadmills with the necessary features and specs for everything from gentle walking to intense hiking! We’ve even included a treadmill on our list that has a 40% incline for walking and hiking.

How Many Calories Can I Burn Walking on a Treadmill?

That depends on how hard you work and how long you walk, but people can burn upwards of 400 calories per hour just from walking! A study from Nordictrack indicated that walking on an incline increased the number of calories burned up to 5x in the same amount of time compared to walking on a flat road! Another way to kick up both your heart rate and calorie burn is by adding speed walking intervals. These power walking sessions are not easy, and they’ll have you sweating in no time.

Where Can I Put a Walking Treadmill in my Home?

All walking treadmills should be stored in an area that is clear of doors, stairs, curtains, ceiling fans, and retractable shade/blind cords. Treadmills can shift slightly when in use and may impact walls in close proximity, so we recommend leaving a small gap between your treadmill and your wall. While folding treadmills are convenient, they need to be safely folded and locked when not in use to protect children or pets in the home. Never place a walking treadmill in a high-traffic area where people have to step under, over, or around it frequently. A locked room away is always best – although many people don’t have this luxury. Remove the safety key after use and place it away from the treadmill. You also need to be careful if you plan to put your treadmill in a garage, some companies will void the warranty on your treadmill if it is not kept in a clean and dry area.

Can I Use A Walking Treadmill Upstairs?

Yes, but we don’t recommend carrying your treadmill up/down stairs regularly. If you plan to use a treadmill on an upstairs floor, assemble it there. Some door frames are not wide enough to allow a treadmill to be rolled in/out of a room. Evaluate the weight of the treadmill and the structure of your floors to make sure you place your treadmill in an appropriate location. Even walking treadmills can be too large for a standard door frame.