Finding a treadmill easier on the knees is not exactly the easiest. Those that cost a low price normally state they have impact resistance, but the amount of impact they absorb really is unclear. Even those using the treadmill with bad knees start to feel pain on lower cost devices.
However, there are several treadmills available on the market that help make walking, jogging, and even running easier in terms of impact.
Track is normally what you have to consider for knee health and protection.
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Why do some Treadmills Hurt the Knees?
Treadmills are not necessarily the reason your knees hurt during a jog or run. Other parts of your body do hurt from this as well. Jogging and running in general cause damage to your body overtime with all the impact coming up through your feet hitting the ground.
Normally taking long strides is damaging for your body, and that is the only main factor that makes treadmills slightly more damaging. The long track and movement to keep from falling off is what causes most to take exaggerated strides. A lot of the treadmills available are actually better for your knees than running outdoors.
The design that makes this happen are unique cushions found below the track that absorb the shock created from your body moving. Some treadmills even have a curved shape design to ensure little to no impact even exists.
Treadmills that are Easier on the Knees
The following treadmills have been researched for the ability to reduce impact on your knees based on their absorption to impact. Treadmill track is almost important because you need the durability as well to last longer prior to needing replacement.
ProForm Pro 2000 Treadmill
ProForm is affordable for the commercial quality upgrades you receive from your investment. All ProForm treadmills have what is called ProShox, which is a unique design using air to absorb your impact.
You can check it out on Amazon by CLICKING HERE
Treadmill Features:
- 3.5 CHP Motor
- 0-12MPH QuickSpeed Adjust
- 3%-12% Incline
- -3% Decline
- 20” x 60” Treadmill Track
- ProShox Cushion
Every step or stride taken enables the cushioning elevation to increase or decrease to your body movement. This is not really super advanced technology, but many treadmills leave this type of impact resistance out for cheaper parts.
The ability to go both at an incline and a decline are also important to make the workout easier on your knees. This type of adjustment is what assists many during rehab with getting their legs moving. Equipment specifications that even medical offices use go a long way.
NordicTrack x11i Incline Trainer
NordicTrack is from the same maker as ProForm, but they are sold by different manufacturers with their own unique specifications. This particular model is one of their higher end treadmills. However, the investment is worth it for the health of your body and ability to workout with little worry of impact.
You can check it out on Amazon by CLICKING HERE
Treadmill Features:
- 4.25 CHP Motor
- 0-12MPH QuickSpeed Adjust
- Max 40% Incline
- -6% Decline
- 22” x 60” Treadmill Track
- Reflex Cushion
The treadmill track is slightly wider offering more space for those that step wider than average. The ability to have a rather large incline offers room for hiking based workouts minus the impact on your knees. Not to mention less chances of rolling your ankle over a stone.
However, there is also a 6% decline giving plenty of decision making on what type of low impact you want to accomplish. Another feature that makes this treadmill easier on the knees is the reflex cushioning.
Normal NordicTrack treadmills have FlexSelect instead, which is the ability to convert the track into the feel of a solid pavement. This would defeat the purpose of low impact, so reflex cushioning is used instead to bounce each of your steps taking away most impact.
TZ- 3000C Curved Treadmill
A curved treadmill is definitely something to consider purchasing if you are looking for a good investment. These odd shaped treadmills usually sit at gyms unused because nobody understands how much better they are for your body.
You can check out this treadmill on Amazon by CLICKING HERE
The curved design and tread layout make this treadmill have nearly no impact at all on your knees and other joints. Injury rehab offices often have curved treadmills because of how beneficial they are not just for impact, but maintaining proper posture for walking and running as well.
There is no motor for this type of equipment as they are self-propelled. You start moving and the treadmill will as well. Little worry is needed for falling off and getting injured from a powerful treadmill when you use one of these.
Bowflex BXT116 Treadmill
Bowflex has pretty nice equipment for all different types of training needs, and offers a pretty nice low impact treadmill as well. This particular treadmill uses Comfort Tech cushioning to make moving and running easier on your knees.
You can check out the Bowflex Treadmill on Amazon by CLICKING HERE
Treadmill Features:
- 3.5 CHP Motor
- 0-12MPH QuickSpeed Adjust
- 3%-15% Incline
- 20” x 60” Treadmill Track
- Comfort Tech Cushioning
There is no decline feature for the Bowflex BXT116 Treadmill, but that really is not a huge deal when it comes to low impact. Having the incline feature is the most important so you can have intense workouts while even walking.
Opposed to a lot of treadmills within the same price range, the Bowflex has a higher weight maximum of 375lbs. Normally even treadmills costing more than this only allow 350lbs max.
Treadmills can be Easier for the Knees
You can understand now that treadmills are actually easier on your knees opposed to walking and running outdoors. However, some models are just better designed for those they need to watch how much impact is placed on the knees. All of these models are effective at accomplishing your task, and the curved treadmill is a definite recommendation for investment.
