UBCNews - Business - Are Treadmills or Ellipticals Better For Bad Knees? Expert Share Cardio Tips

Episode Date: February 6, 2026

Welcome back, everyone! Today, we're tackling a question I hear all the time from friends and family dealing with knee pain: Should I use a treadmill or an elliptical for low-impact cardio? I'm excited to have our guest here who really knows the ins and outs of joint-friendly workouts. So, let's start broad - what makes a workout low-impact in the first place? SOLE Fitness City: Salt Lake City Address: 56 Exchange Pl. Website: https://www.soletreadmills.com/

Welcome back, everyone. Today, we're tackling a question I hear all the time from friends and family dealing with knee pain. Should I use a treadmill or an elliptical for low-impact cardio? I'm excited to have our guest here who really knows the ins and outs of joint-friendly workouts. So let's start broad. What makes a workout low-impact in the first place? Great question. Low-impact cardio focuses on keeping your body moving without putting excessive stress on your joints. Think of it this way. When you run on pavement, your foot strikes the ground with a force that's several times your body weight. That repetitive pounding, that's tough on knees, especially if they're already sensitive.

Low-impact exercises reduce or eliminate that jarring effect. Right, so the goal is minimizing that impact force. Now, between treadmills and ellipticals, which one typically wins for people with bad knees? Generally speaking, elliptical trainers offer a lower-impact workout that's easier on the knees compared to treadmills. The key difference is how your feet interact with the machine. On an elliptical, your feet stay on the petals throughout the entire motion. There's no moment of impact with the ground. It's a smooth, gliding motion that keeps your knees in a comfortable, neutral position.

That makes sense. But does that mean treadmills are off limits for folks with knee issues? Not at all. Treadmills can absolutely be part of a low-impact routine if you take the right precautions. Instead of running at high speeds, try walking with a slight incline. That way, you're boosting workout intensity without increasing the pounding on your knees. Modern treadmills also feature cushioned decks. Think of them as shock absorbers that can reduce impact by up to 40% compared to running on asphalt.

40% that's significant. So the technology really does matter here. Though I have to say, my old treadmill from college had the cushioning of a concrete slab. Exactly. Cushion deck designs act like a buffer between your joints and the hard serve. surface. Plus programmable incline settings let you increase intensity without cranking up the speed, which is a strategy that reduces knee strain considerably. Or, to put it another way, you get a tougher workout without beating up your joints. That's the sweet spot we're after.

I see. Go on. So when we talk about joint-friendly exercise, we're really looking at equipment features that support natural movement patterns while absorbing shock. That's where things like ergonomic pedal design come in for ellipticals. That point about shock absorption and natural movement sets up our next piece, the specific features that protect your knees during workouts. But first, a quick word from our sponsor. This episode is brought to you by Soul Fitness. Soul Fitness creates fitness equipment designed to help you achieve your health and wellness

goals at home or in the gym. Whether you're looking for treadmills with cushioned decks or ellipticals with ergonomic pedal designs, Soul combines innovation with user-friendly features to support joint-friendly workouts. Check out their full range at sole treadmills.com. Picking up on shock absorption and natural movement, what specific features should someone with knee pain prioritize when choosing equipment? Well, for treadmills, variable speed options are really important. You want to start at a gentle pace to let the muscles around your knee warm up and bear the load more effectively. That reduces the risk of further injury. And for ellipticals, ergonomic pedal design is huge.

Some ellipticals feature pedal designs with a slight inward slope to help reduce ankle and knee stress by promoting a more natural foot alignment. Interesting. What about adjustability on ellipticals? Adjustable stride length and resistance are essential. You can match the stride to your natural gate so your knees move in a way that's healthy and pain free. Then by tweaking resistance, you tailor workout intensity without increasing joint impact. This is where customization comes in, finding what works for your body. You know, I actually had a client a few years back who was convinced she couldn't do any cardio after her knee surgery.

We started her on an elliptical with just five-minute sessions, and within two months, she was up to 30 minutes completely pain-free. That's really encouraging, so to everyone listening, have you been avoiding cardio because of knee concerns, there might be safer options than you think. Let's talk warning signs, though. When should someone stop their workout because of knee pain? Sharp pain is the big red flag. If you feel sharp pain that doesn't subside after a brief rest, stop immediately and seek medical advice. Other signs include swelling, increased warmth in the knee, or a sensation that the knee is unstable or giving out. Also watch for persistent discomfort

that lasts for hours or even days after exercising. Definitely important to listen to your body. Now, one myth I hear a lot is that you can't get an effective workout on low-resistance settings. What's your take? That's a total misconception. Low resistance can provide an effective workout, especially when combined with longer duration or higher speed. You can still elevate your heart rate, burn calories, and strengthen muscles without cranking up the resistance. Low-impact cardio actually increases blood flow to cartilage,

strengthens the surrounding muscles, and promotes weight loss, all beneficial for arthritic knees. So it checks all the boxes for joint health. Let's circle back to the main question. If someone had to choose between a treadmill and an elliptical, what factors should guide that decision? Think about your fitness goals first. Are you aiming for weight loss,

improved cardiovascular health, or muscle toning? Both machines can meet these. needs. But if knee pain is a significant concern, an elliptical might be your best bet because it eliminates that impact moment entirely. That said, a well-cushioned treadmill used for walking can also be excellent, especially if you prefer that natural walking motion. Makes sense. And for anyone considering investing in home equipment, is it worth it if you have bad knees? Absolutely. Home equipment lets you exercise on your schedule, in the comfort and privacy of your own space. without the commute to a gym.

Quality machines designed specifically for joint sensitivities can offer a safer, more comfortable workout. You're really investing in your long-term wellness and mobility. And speaking of quality equipment, prices can vary quite a bit. What's the typical range? For machines with the features we've discussed, cushion decks, ergonomic pedals, adjustable settings, treadmills generally range from about $1,300 to $4,000,

while ellipticals run from around $1,300 to $2,800. It's an investment, but when you consider the long-term benefits for your joint health, it often pays off. Right, so we've established that both treadmills and ellipticals have their place in a knee-friendly fitness routine. The elliptical offers that zero-impact glide, while a cushioned treadmill with incline settings can provide a safe walking workout. The real takeaway here, you don't have to let knee pain keep you sedentary. there are strategies and equipment designed specifically to help you stay active safely. Exactly, and remember, start slow, listen to your body, and don't hesitate to consult a health care professional. Low-impact cardio can actually help your knees by strengthening the surrounding muscles and improving overall joint function.

That's the paradox. The right kind of movement can heal, not harm. Well said, thanks so much for breaking this down with us today. To our listeners, I hope this gives you the confidence to consider low-impses, impact cardio options that work for your body. Until next time, stay active and take care of those needs.