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Walking is a low-impact exercise that can be done in the comfort of your own home.
Shopping around for the best treadmill that you can use for walking at home can be a challenging decision, especially since the decision you make will be both an economic investment and an investment in your health.
Pricing for treadmills can start off at $300 and can go all the way up to ten thousand dollars or more. So, finding the best treadmill that you possibly can for your budget can be stressful when also considering the space that you have in your home to store a treadmill, your general fitness goals, and whether you’re looking to walk or run on your treadmill.
Just as a general rule of thumb, the fastest treadmills on the market will run between twelve to fourteen miles per hour
Today, we’re going to be talking about the best walking treadmills available on the market today, so if you’re looking for a running treadmill, you’ll probably want to look somewhere else.
Contents
How can you choose the best treadmill for walking?
When you’re looking around the market for a walking treadmill, you shouldn’t be spending more than $2,000 for a super high-end treadmill. Walking treadmills aren’t created to withstand the heavy abuse that runners would put it through, which means that it will be much easier on your budget to purchase this type of treadmill.
Here are a few different options for you to keep in mind while shopping around for a new treadmill, as these criteria may help you make a better personal decision about which type of machine would work the best for you:
Looking at the price
More often than not, you can find a machine for around $1,200 that come with warranties on the motor, lifetime frame warranties, and warranties on important parts. You should keep in mind while you’re shopping around that the more the power of the motor is, the more you’ll be able to jog or run on the machine without putting too much stress on the machine.
If you are someone who is looking for a treadmill that provides you with more affordable options, you could look at treadmills with a CHP of 2.5; I would recommend not going with a 2.5 CPH machine if you are going to be using the machine heavily or if you happen to weigh more than 200 pounds.
Motor power
You should be looking at treadmills with an engine that has the ability to generate 3 to 3.5 CHP. The standard motor power for most at home treadmill motors is around 3.0 CPH, which will be the best for most people who are looking to just walk on their treadmill. The more horsepower that an engine has, the more it’s going to dip into your budget.
Incline
Having an incline option on your treadmill will not only provide a challenge to your workouts, it will also provide you with the option to switch things up so you don’t get too bored with what your workouts are. Walking on an incline can help you to not only tone up your muscles, but also increase your calorie burning, as it adds a cardo challenge for your body.
Larger belt
You should be looking for a belt that runs 55-inches by 20-inches, but this shouldn’t be too challenging because the decks of treadmills don’t tend to change too much among brands. The average size of a treadmill will run around 7 feet by 3 feet and the size of the belt will take up around three-quarters of the treadmill machine.
People who are looking to run on their treadmills will probably want a belt length that’s around sixty-inches, so they can comfortably extend their legs without having to worry about falling off. However, the average walker will feel comfortable on a belt length of 55-inches.
Warranties
Warranties that run out after 90-days or less won’t provide you with enough protection to ensure that your pricey machine will last you for months to come. Treadmills that are worth your time and money will be produced by dependable companies that provide lifetime warranties on the frame, as well as multi-year warranties on other parts of the machine.
Programming
The different workout programming that’s installed into each treadmill machine varies depending upon the brand of the treadmill machine. Most treadmills will have a standard of six different workout programs installed in them, including the manual mode; however, other treadmill brands will have dozens of different options for you to choose from.
Treadmills that have been developed in the more recent years are beginning to have wireless connections installed in them, which will allow users to install preloaded workout sessions into the machine. These machines will also allow you to track the statistics of your sessions and sync it with your mobile apps.
In addition, there are also some treadmill options that provide users with virtual reality workout videos, including sounds and sights of different destinations.
Extra features
If you’re really looking to keep yourself entertained while you’re exercising, maybe consider getting a walking treadmill that has a few additional features installed in it to keep yourself distracted. But be prepared that the larger your budget is, the more likely you’re going to be getting your hands on a machine that not only performs exceptionally well but also has extra perks included in the build of the machine.
Here are a few extra features options that are commonly found with high-end treadmills:
- Built-in fans will help to keep your cool while you’re working out
- Speakers, so you can listen to music without having to worry about your headphones tangling
- Wi-Fi connection is becoming a more popular option, which will allow you to hook up the apps that your treadmill has to allow you to monitor your progress and view extra fitness programs
- Media shelves will allow you to hold a book, magazine, smartphones, or tablets and will allow you to view them while you’re working out
- MP3 or USB jacks
- Touchscreen options with a built-in web browser
How will a treadmill benefit your health?
While we all have an understanding that exercise is important in order to maintain healthy weights and healthy lifestyles, not many people understand that walking on an actual treadmill can greatly benefit your health too.
Improved cardiovascular health
Exercising, especially walking, helps to lower your blood pressure, strengthen your heart, and lower your cholesterol levels; having increased cardiovascular health will help to lower your risk of a stroke or a heart attack.
Muscle Toning
Using walking to exercise also helps to tone the muscles in your butt and in your legs, especially if you use the incline feature that your treadmill has.
Flexibility of your joints
Walking is considered to be a moderately intense exercise, which means that it doesn’t put as much stress and strain on your joints that jogging or running does. Walking can help to keep your joints flexible, but walking on a treadmill can increase the flexibility of your joints (in comparison to walking on pavement). Treadmills have shock-absorption proprieties that can help to minimize the impact on your joints.
Also, walking on a treadmill will prevent you from walking around on uneven surfaces, which can help to prevent back pain, ankle pain, and hip pain.
Maintaining weight
Regularly walking, even on a treadmill, can help you to burn excess calories which will assist in weight loss, while also helping you to increase your metabolic rate and build muscle mass.
Pro Form Performance 400i
Specs:
- Max user weight of 253 pounds
- 200-pound product weight
- 77 by 302. X 11.1 inches
Pros:
- 18 pre-installed workout programs
- Comes with pulse monitor
- Foldable
- iFit compatible
Cons:
- Doesn’t have wireless controls
- Smaller sized track rollers
The Performance 400i is a great entry-level treadmill for people who are looking to test out exercising on a treadmill; the ‘I’ in the 400i means that this treadmill is compatible with iFit by simply syncing your device up to the treadmill.
This treadmill was built for walkers who are looking to burn calories without having to upgrade to an expensive treadmill with super fancy extras. There are 18 programs pre-installed into this treadmill, all which have been designed by a professional workout trainer. You can manipulate this treadmill to the max ten-percent incline and the speed of the machine while you’re completing this programs, but each program does have a set time.
If you’re looking to spice things up to keep yourself amused while you’re working out, you can use the iFit app to access more programs and workout videos.
Weslo Cadence G 5.9
Get an accurate heart rate reading by simply placing your thumb on the Easy Pulse sensor that is built right into the console.
Specs:
- 130-pound product weight
- 10 x 31 x 68 inches
- Max user weight of 275 pounds
Pros:
- Six personal workout options
- Comes installed with a built-in heart rate monitor
- Space saving design
Cons:
- Some users have reported that their treadmills have come with broken pieces
- The digital readout doesn’t have a back light
The Welso Cadence G 5.9 treadmill provides users with a great selection of different options to personalize the treadmill experience. There are six different workouts installed into this treadmill that has been designed by personal trainers, as well as two different positions of manual incline if you’re someone who is interested in also toning up or burning more calories.
This treadmill also comes with a pulse heart rate monitor and comfort cell cushioning to lessen the impact that your walking has on your joints. Included in that is a Blue-Tinted LCD with priority display that will allow you to easily read the screen to monitor your progress, even in bright lighting.
Horizon Fitness T101-04
Hit the ground running with intuitive controls for no-nonsense workouts. The best-selling and most-awarded treadmill. Simple controls and reliable components make it easy to get started with an exercise routine.
Specs:
- 165-pound product weight
- 70 x 34 x 55 inches
- Max user weight of 300 pounds
Pros:
- Has a solid warranty
- Offers a great variety of workout programs
- Comes installed with speakers
Cons:
- Will become nosier with prolonged use
The Horizon Fitness T101-04 Treadmill has a 20-inch by 55-inch belt area with a 2.25 CHP motor, with a 300-pound use weight limit. One of the most exciting things about this treadmill is that it comes pre-installed with thirty different workout programs, which include:
- Manual workout
- Six calorie goal workouts
- Ten distance based workouts
- Three interval workouts
- Ten step goal workouts
To add onto all of that, the T101-04 is compatible with MP3 and has sonic surround speakers installed in it, as well as the ability to check your heart pulse by grabbing on the pulse grip heart rate monitor. As for warranties, this machine comes with a lifetime warranty on both the motor and the frame of the treadmill, a one year warranty on labor, and a two-year parts warranty.
ProForm Performance 505 CST
Get consistent, reliable performance with the 505 CST. The large LCD console display, compatible music port for iPod, and built-in heart rate monitor make it easier to track your progress and stay motivated to achieve your goals.
Specs:
- 70 x 34 x 59.5 inches
- 186-pound weight
- 325-pound max weight limit
Pros:
- Comes with a backlit display
- iFit enabled
- Can be folded up
- 12 MPH max speed
- 10 percent incline
Cons:
- Has a basic LCD display
- Isn’t a quiet machine
The ProForm Performance is popular because it’s an entry-level treadmill that’s great for anyone who is looking to invest in their health on an extreme budget. This machine has a ten-percent incline, a 55-inch track, and will hook up with iFit; syncing this treadmill to iFit will allow you to watch HD workout videos and even a few celebrity trainer videos on the app.
This model also has 18 pre-installed workout programs included in it, which have all been approved by a pro-workout trainer. These built0in workout programs are divided into four categories and has a set time duration:
- Calorie
- Incline
- Speed
- Intensity
Sole F63
Sole's easy-to-use treadmills offer a great value and feature a convenient, space-saving portable design. The treadmills have a very stable base with four wheels for ease of movement, folding decks to conserve space, and a 30-year motor and lifetime deck and frame warranty. 
Specs:
- 82 X 35 X 57 inches
- 253-pound product weight
- Max user weight of 325 pounds
Pros:
- Has a foldable frame
- Has advanced shock absorption
- Comes installed with speakers
- Comes installed with MPR player port
- 30 different incline levels with up t0 15% incline
- Also comes with Sole Fitness App that can be connected via Bluetooth
Cons:
- The wireless chest strap is sold separately
- Side rails may feel too short for taller users
- Acceleration is slow
The Sole F63 is one of the highest quality basic folding treadmills that will cost you under $1,000 on the market today. While the F63 is considered to be more of a basic model, it has some high-end features installed on it that make it comparable to a luxury treadmill.
The Sole F63 has a 3.0 CHP motor that will keep quiet while you are walking, jogging, or even running. There are ten different pre-installed programs that come with the treadmill that allows users to complete muscle toning, cardio training, or work towards their weight loss goals.
If you’re looking to spice up your workouts, you can adjust your incline by up to 15% by adjusting the handlebars. This treadmill also comes with a built-in pulse monitor to allow you to watch your pulse, as well as a built-in accessory tray, a cooling fan, and two bottle holders. See how the Sole F63 compares to F80 here.
ProGear HCXL 4000
Extra-long safety handles with heart pulse pads are more than 2X the length, provide walking security and preventing any loss of balance. Heart pulse pads allows the user to measure target heart rates.
Specs:
- Max user weight of 400 pounds
- 120-pound product weight
- 51.2 x 32 x 63 inches
Pros:
- Can carry users that weigh up to 400 pounds
- Has ‘Quiet Drive’ technology installed that provides noise-less workouts
- Great treadmill to use for adults who are looking for a treadmill that isn’t too complex or too challenging
Cons:
- Isn’t a great treadmill to use if you’re looking to do both jogging and walking
The HXCL 4000 has shock absorption, which is great to have if you’re looking for a treadmill to work out on that isn’t going to make your joints hurt and ache after you’re doing using it, in comparison to the more straining option of walking outdoors.
This isn’t a treadmill that was built to go super fast, but you can do some light jogging that maxes out at 4 MPH; this is a machine that’s meant to get people walking and moving around without adding anything too crazy into the mix. That’s also why there aren’t any built-in programs in the machine, as this machine was made primarily for walking.
However, the HXCL 4000 does have an LCD display that allows users to track calories burned, the distance you’ve traveled, speed, your pulse, and how much time you’ve spent walking.
Nordic Track C 990
Take the next step toward your fitness goals with the C 990. With a 7-Inch, full-color touchscreen you can browse the internet or use iFit to access professionally designed workouts, automatic stats tracking, and Google maps training routes.
Specs:
- 83 x 14 x 30 inches
- 215-pound product weight
- Max user weight of 250 pounds
Pros:
- Comes installed with 32 different types of workouts
- Foldable
- Has a longer track than the average treadmill
- 15% incline
- Adjustable cushioning levels
Cons:
- Doesn’t come with a chest strap, so you’ll have to buy that separately
- The tablet holder that’s installed on the machine hits below a comfortable eye level
The Nordic Track c 990 is a powerhouse of a treadmill, as it has been carefully designed for light running, walking, and jogging users. With a 3.0 CHP motor, a 20-inch by 60-inch belt running surface, and the ability to sync up thirty apps to track your fitness goals, this is a treadmill that will easily transition with you throughout your fitness journey.
With the press of a button, you can adjust the incline by up to 15%, which truly allows users to customize their workout plan by toning different muscle groups and increasing calorie burn rate. Included in the built of this machine is a long-running track than other machines on this list, which will provide walkers who have a larger stride with an increased level of comfort.
While you are working out, you can take a browse on the Internet by using the display on the treadmill, as well as listen to music with the built-in sound system that syncs up to iOS devices. There is also a built-in shelf that’s located right below the display that you can place your tablet or smartphone to watch while you’re exercising.
There are 32 different pre-installed workout programs on this treadmill that have all been designed by a professional trainer and are all grouped into four different categories:
- Interval training
- Speed training
- Heart rate control
- Calorie burn
This machine also comes with built-in pulse grips and chest strap compatibility for just a bit more convenience.
Nordic Track T 6.5 S Treadmill
Unlock an exciting new world of on-demand personal training with the NordicTrack T 6.5 Si smart treadmill powered by iFIT.
Specs:
- 73 x 35.75 x 67.5 inches
- Max user weight of 300-pounds
- 198-pound product weight
Pros:
- Easily folds and unfolds
- Comes with a five-inch backlit display
- Compatible with MP3 players and iPods
Cons:
- Noisy machine
- When being used heavily, this machine has a tendency to produce a noise that is slightly annoying
- A lot of customers report that the heart rate monitor on their machine doesn’t work correctly
With a 6 CHP motor, you can most definitely say that the Nordic Track T 6.5 S treadmill is a powerful machine, but it’s much more than that. Nordic Track provided users with the option to choose between a firm walking deck or a cushioned walking deck by turning the knob on the Flex Select.
This treadmill comes installed with 20 different workouts that have all be designed by a certified personal trainer. You also have the option to max out the 10% incline as well as to adjust the speeds between 0 MPH to 12 MPH by simply pressing a button.
There is a five-inch backlit display that shows your heart rate, your speed, your time, and the number of calories that you’ve burned during your workout. The handles on this machine have CardioGrip sensors installed into them, which easily pick up your heart rate without you having to fuss around with the handles too much.
This also comes with USP ports that allow users to connect an iPod or MP3 to the Intermix Acoustics Sound System, which will project your music through two-inch speakers. Comes with a lifetime warranty on the frame, a one-year parts warranty, a labor warranty, and a 25-year motor warranty.
Conclusion
While your personal choice in a walking treadmill may differ from the next person, you should make sure that the walking treadmill that you do end up choosing has a sturdy frame, doesn’t produce too much noise, has a larger belt surface, and doesn’t wobble around with every step that you take. Also, make sure that you’re investing in a machine that doesn’t require you to sacrifice reliability or convenience.
Have fun on your next workout with your walking treadmill!
