A walking treadmill is a good choice if you want to work up a sweat without overexerting your body. The best models feature shock absorption and ample cushioning, making them low impact for your joints. They also have an incline option for increasing the intensity of your workout and burning more calories.

Is treadmill walking good for weight loss?

Before starting your session, prioritize warm-up exercises. Walk a few minutes at an easy pace and stretch your hips and core. Doing so will help prevent injury and improve your posture as you walk.

Most treadmills have preprogrammed speed interval workouts that let you boost your heart rate while walking at a moderate pace and then lower it back down to a comfortable level for your fitness level. These intervals — a combination of low- and high-intensity activities — are more effective than just regular walking because they help kickstart a process called EPOC (Excess Post-Exercise Oxygen Consumption), which burns extra calories in the hours after you finish your workout.

One model we recommend is the SF-T4400, which has a maximum running speed of 7.6 mph and a maximum walking speed of 3.8 mph. It’s compact and lightweight, making it easy to move around your home or tuck away when not in use. It’s also quiet, which can help you focus on your exercise and stay motivated to keep working out. The only downside is that it has a relatively low weight capacity of 220 pounds, which may make it difficult for some users to safely use the treadmill.