Best Small Treadmills for Seniors

By kbeveridge

Our Top Recommendations

Affordable & compact

Fitness Reality Manual Treadmill

User-friendly

LSZRSPORT Under Desk Treadmill

Reliable & Affordable

Best Choice Products Electric Treadmill

Treadmills are helpful machines that allow seniors to improve their fitness, lose weight, and increase their quality of life. However, many treadmills are too bulky and heavy for smaller homes. If you’ve considered investing in a small treadmill instead, you’re in the right place!

Our pick for the overall best compact walking treadmill for seniors is the Fitness Reality TR1000 Manual Treadmill. It is a portable and space-saving option that offers an adjustable incline and fitness monitoring technology.

In this guide, we review the best small treadmills for seniors. We evaluate the characteristics of compact treadmills for the elderly and help you decide if they suit your fitness needs. So, let’s get started!

At a Glance: The Best Small Treadmills for Seniors

Name	Length	Width	Height	Weight	Best For
Fitness Reality TR1000 Manual Treadmill	47″	23″	51″	49 lbs	Affordable & Compact
LSRZSPORT Under Desk Treadmill	56.2″	26.6″	4.7 “	67 lbs	Shock absorption system
Best Choice Products 800W Treadmill	48″	25″	48″	61.2 lbs	Digital display & bottle holder
RHYTHM FUN Treadmill	63″	28″	7″	78 lbs	Space-saving & Portable
Sunny SF-T1407M Manual Walking Treadmill	20″	23″	50″	46.7 lbs	Excellent cardio benefits

Buying Guide: How to Choose a Small Treadmill

Tips for Finding the Best Small Treadmill for Your Needs

You should consider these elements when choosing a small treadmill:

Size: This may seem obvious, but you should check the dimensions of your treadmill before buying it. If you have a small house, you must ensure that the room can accommodate the machine while in use. Folding treadmills can be excellent options if you have limited storage space.
Weight: Lightweight machines allow you to transport and store them with minimal effort. This can be a lifesaver for your back, especially if you live alone. Heavier treadmills may also make the floor shake and cause sound during running exercises.
Wheels: Some models include small wheels to help you move them into position. If you have limited strength, this feature can reduce strain on your back and muscles.
Shock absorption: High-end models will have better shock absorption in the treadmill belt. This feature reduces strain on your body, essential if you have problems with your knees, ankles, or hips.
Handles: Most treadmills have a frame with handles, allowing you to stabilize yourself while exercising. While you shouldn’t rely on this feature for stability, it can be nice to have if you’re worried about falls.
Weight capacity: Check that your treadmill is durable enough to support your entire weight, including clothing and shoes. Otherwise, you could put your machine and yourself at risk.
Emergency safety features: Many treadmills include an emergency stop function, such as a clip that attaches to your clothing. This feature could minimize your injuries if you start to fall during a workout.
Belt width: Wider treadmill belts can give you more space to move your body during a workout. They can also reduce the likelihood that you fall from accidentally stepping off the side. However, you will need a little more space to accommodate them.
Presets and customization: Electric treadmills may come with various preset workout modes that vary speed and incline. You may also like the chance to change these settings manually to suit your specific fitness needs.

Best Small Treadmills for Seniors

Best Compact Walking Treadmill for Seniors (Overall): Fitness Reality TR1000 Manual Treadmill

Fitness Reality TR1000 Manual Treadmill
Length	47″
Width	23″
Height	51″
Weight	49 lbs

Pros

It is excellent value for money.
It is lightweight and has a folding frame and transportation wheels.
You can choose between two incline settings.
It has an LCD with fitness tracking capabilities.
It has long, sturdy handles.
The treadmill moves smoothly and quietly.

Cons

Manual treadmills may not suit some seniors’ needs.

The Fitness Reality TR1000 is the best compact walking treadmill for seniors. It weighs only 54 pounds (24.5kg), making it one of the lightest models on the market. It also has a folding frame and transportation wheels, making it one of the easiest machines to transport and store.

It has an adjustable incline that allows you to elevate the treadmill to 6 or 10 degrees. You can also monitor your progress during a workout on the LCD screen. It displays various data, including your speed and calories burned.

You should check first if a manual treadmill is suitable for your needs. You must use your steps to power the machine, so it can be a little trickier than electric models. Consult with your doctor or physical therapist if you are unsure about your physical limitations.

Overall, this is an incredibly affordable option with excellent stability. If a manual treadmill suits your fitness needs, it can serve you well.

We recommend this small treadmill for: people who want an affordable, compact, and manual exercise machine.

Best Compact Walking Treadmill for Seniors (Runner-Up):LSZRSPORT Under Desk Treadmill

LSRZSPORT Under Desk Treadmill
Length	56.2″
Width	26.6″
Height	4.7 “
Weight	67 lbs

Pros

You can use it with or without the armrests.
You can control the speed through the armrests or remote control.
It is a mid-range treadmill.
The treadmill shows workout stats.
The base reduces vibrations and sound.
You can fold the treadmill.

Cons

It has less stability than some other models.
You cannot adjust the incline.

The LSZRSPORT model is the runner-up compact walking treadmill for seniors. It has an entirely flat and folding frame that allows you to store and carry it easily. You can also choose to use it with the armrests or without.

It has excellent silica gel in the base, which prevents the surface from vibrating or creating annoying noises. Therefore, it can reduce shocks through your body and suit people who have ankle and knee pain.

It has user-friendly speed controls and an LCD screen that shows workout stats. You can track the time elapsed, distance walked, calories burned, and your speed. If you have rehab or fitness goals, this could be a convenient feature.

You should be mindful that you cannot change the incline of this treadmill, and it is always flat. The armrests also offer less stability than some other treadmills, so you should consider if you have the balance and strength to use this model.

We recommend this small treadmill for: anyone who wants a simple and user-friendly model.

Best Portable Treadmill for Elderly Persons (Overall): RHYTHM FUN Treadmill

RHYTHM FUN Treadmill
Length	63″
Width	28″
Height	7″
Weight	78 lbs

Pros

It is flat, foldable, and lightweight for easy storage.
It has wheels to help with transport.
The treadmill has excellent shock absorption.
It doesn’t need assembly or installation.
It has an extra-wide treadmill belt.

Cons

It is one of the less affordable small treadmills.
You can’t change the incline.

The RHYTHM FUN treadmill is the overall best portable treadmill for elderly persons. It weighs 64 pounds (29kg) and has a thin, flat base that you can fit in small spaces. It also has wheels underneath that help you transport the machine with minimal effort.

It is extra-wide, allowing you to walk or jog safely without worrying about falling. It also has a silicon structure that minimizes vibrations and reduces shocks on your body. If you are worried about high-impact exercise, it could be an excellent option.

You can start using it straight out of the box, with no assembly or installation necessary. Therefore, it could be an excellent beginner’s choice. However, it offers less stability than some other models.

The main drawback of this small treadmill is that you can’t change the incline. Therefore, you can only adjust the speed to vary your workouts. It is also one of the pricier treadmills, so you will need to factor that into your budget.

We recommend this small treadmill for: seniors who want to invest in a portable and comfortable machine.

Best Portable Treadmill for Elderly Persons (Runner-Up):Best Choice Products 800W Electric Treadmill

Best Choice Products 800W Treadmill
Length	48″
Width	25″
Height	48″
Weight	61.2 lbs

Pros

It has preset and manual speed options.
The treadmill has a large digital display.
It has a folding frame and transport wheels.
The machine is relatively lightweight.
It includes water bottle holders.

Cons

You can’t control the incline.
It does not include a heart rate monitor.

The Best Choice Products model is the runner-up portable treadmill for elderly persons. You can fold it down and move it on its transport wheels if you need to take it out of your workout room. It is also pretty lightweight at 61 pounds (27.2kg), making it less challenging for one person to transport.

It includes a large digital display that shows your workout stats. You can also choose from preset workout modes or speeds if you want exercise ideas. It also lets you pick speeds manually if you prefer.

Unfortunately, you cannot control the incline of the treadmill. Therefore, it doesn’t allow you to target different muscle groups. It also doesn’t include a heart rate monitor, so you will need to use one independently of the machine.

Overall, it is relatively affordable and has plenty of features for the average person. If you’re not looking for anything too flashy, it can do the trick.

We recommend this small treadmill for: a reliable and compact electric treadmill.

Best Budget Compact Treadmill for the Elderly:Sunny SF-T1407M Manual Walking Treadmill

Sunny SF-T1407M Manual Walking Treadmill
Length	20″
Width	23″
Height	50″
Weight	46.7 lbs

Pros

It is one of the lightest treadmills on the market.
The machine is excellent value for money.
It has a non-slip surface.
You can track your stats with the LCD monitor.

Cons

Manual treadmills can be more challenging to use.
You can’t adjust the incline.

The Sunny SF-T1407M is the best budget compact treadmill for the elderly. It weighs just 46 pounds (20.9kg), making it one of the most lightweight machines. It is also one of the most affordable treadmills, making it perfect for the budget-conscious.

Despite its lightweight frame, it is sturdy and reliable. The treadmill has a non-slip surface that can prevent you from falling. Still, we recommend wearing proper walking or running shoes with adequate traction.

It has a small LCD monitor that allows you to track your speed, distance run, and calories burned. If you have a specific workout plan with your doctor or physical therapist, this can help you stay on track.

As with other manual treadmills, you will need to evaluate if this machine suits your physical capabilities. It also doesn’t have an adjustable incline, so your workouts will have to focus on endurance and speed.

Overall, this budget-friendly treadmill is small, easy to use, and effortless to transport. If you’re looking for a no-frills option, it could be the one for you.

We recommend this small treadmill for: seniors who want a lightweight and affordable unit.

How Big Are Small Treadmills?

Small treadmills usually weigh less than 75 pounds (34kg), but you can find models for as little as 54 pounds (24.5kg). These machines are also usually less than 60 inches (1.52m) long.

The other dimensions can vary between brands and models, so it’s always worth double-checking your preferred machine.

What Is the Price Range of Small Treadmills?

You can pay less than $150 for a budget-friendly small treadmill. On the other hand, premium models could cost you $500-1000. When deciding your budget, think about how many extra features you need and which ones you can live without.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Small Treadmills?

There are various advantages and disadvantages to using small treadmills.

Pros

You can use them in smaller houses.
Compact treadmills tend to be lightweight, allowing one or two people to move them.
You can store them under the bed or in other restrictive spaces.
Treadmills can improve your lung function, allowing you to increase your fitness level.
They can help people with strokes to improve their gait and fitness.
Using a treadmill regularly can allow you to increase the distance walked over time.
You can use a treadmill to burn calories and lose weight.
You can use treadmills for physical therapy.
Walking on a treadmill can strengthen your abdominal muscles.

Cons

Small treadmills may have a lower weight capacity than other models.
They may offer less stability.
Treadmill-related injuries are common, especially among the elderly.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Fitness Reality TR1000 Manual Treadmill is the best compact walking treadmill for seniors. It is lightweight, portable, and easy to store in small spaces. It also offers a sturdy base and reliable fitness tracking.

Small treadmills can be excellent machines if you want the health benefits without taking up too much space. You can store and transport them easily and also use them to increase your fitness and general wellbeing.

Sources:

Effects of high intensity aerobic exercise on treadmill on maximum-expiratory lung capacity of elderly women

Chronic Stroke Survivors Benefit From High-Intensity Aerobic Treadmill Exercise: A Randomized Control Trial

Microsoft Word – Dr. Allam_TOPHJ.doc

How Much Cardio Do I Need to Lose Weight?

Biomechanics of overground vs. treadmill walking in healthy individuals

Emergency department-reported injuries associated with mechanical home exercise equipment in the USA