Walking is undoubtedly one of the best forms of exercise you can do.
It’s low-impact, raises your heart-rate, and can be done pretty much anywhere.
If you’re an outside walker, it’s inexpensive as well. However, if you live in an unpleasant climate, you might want to get a walking treadmill.
One would think it wouldn’t be that difficult to find the perfect walking treadmill, but that is not the case. There are several types of walking treadmills you can buy.
5 Types of Walking Treadmills
1. Manual Walking Treadmill
I don’t generally advocate buying a manual treadmill, but if you’re a walker, a manual treadmill will do the job just fine. If you have an inkling you might start running in the future, then seriously consider a motorized treadmill.
The biggest advantage of a manual walking treadmill is the cost. Manual treadmills are much less expensive than motorized treadmills.
Another advantage to a manual treadmill is it’s less prone to break down. Manual walking treadmills are simple and don’t generally come with complex computers. The simpler something is, the less chance something could go wrong.
2. Motorized Walking Treadmills
Any motorized treadmill will work perfectly for a walking treadmill. I’ve yet to see a motorized treadmill that has a lowest speed faster than a slow gait. In fact, every motorized treadmill I’ve used and researched has a minimum speed of .5 or 1.0 miles per hour. Therefore, they’re fine for walking.
The problem with motorized treadmills is cost. They cost more than manual walking treadmills. After all you’re getting a motor, computer, and other bells and whistles not commonly found on manual treadmills.
That said, 3 key advantages to motorized treadmills are:
- You can track how far you’ve walked with the computer (some manual treadmills do this also); and
- You can increase the tread belt for a more intense workout (some manual treadmills also do this.
- Motorized treadmills generally provide a smoother walking workout because of the larger rollers and the fact it’s motorized.
Click Here for Treadmill Pricing Discounts, Coupons & Sales on Major Brands
3. Incline Treadmills for Walking
Incline treadmills are ideal for walking. They incline to higher degrees than regular motorized treadmills. You can find incline treadmills that incline up to 40%.
Therefore, if you’re looking for a walking treadmill, consider an incline treadmill.
One disadvantage to incline treadmills is they are quite a bit more expensive than manual walking treadmills.
4. Treadles-Style Treadmill
A treadles-style treadmill is designed for walkers. In fact, a treadles is a hybrid of a stepper and treadmill.
Treadles are designed with two tread belts. Each tread belt rises and falls independently. This results in a stepping-like workout, yet maintains a walking motion.
Treadles are more expensive than manual treadmills as well. However, treadles are specifically designed for walking with a lower top-speed.
5. CrossWalks
CrossWalk is the name ProForm gives to its treadmill/elliptical hybrid treadmill. The treadmill is outfitted with moveable arms that provide both an upper and lower body workout.
You gain the benefit of a tread belt with moveable arms. Moreover, the walking surface inclines as well.
Like a treadles, a CrossWalk is an ideal walking treadmill.
Walkers are fortunate because there are many walking treadmills available. In fact, walkers have the most treadmill selection.
Related posts:
