UBCNews - Business - Bad Knees? Best Low-Impact Cardio Options Between Ellipticals & Treadmills

Episode Date: February 24, 2026

Welcome back, everyone! Today we're tackling a question that so many people with knee pain ask: Can I still get a great cardio workout without making things worse? We're comparing ellipticals and treadmills to see which one is truly kinder to those aching knees. SOLE Fitness City: Salt Lake City Address: 56 Exchange Pl. Website: https://www.soletreadmills.com/

Welcome back, everyone. Today, we're tackling a question that so many people with knee pain ask, can I still get a great cardio workout without making things worse? We're comparing ellipticals and treadmills to see which one is truly kinder to those aching knees. Thanks for having me. This is such an important topic because, you know, a lot of people assume that if you have bad knees, cardio is just off the table. But that's really not the case. Low-impact cardio can be incredibly effective and choosing the right equipment makes all the difference. Right, so let's start with the basics. What exactly makes a workout low impact and why does that matter for knee health? Low impact means there's less force going

through your joints with each movement. When you run on a treadmill for example, your foot strikes the surface with a force that can be several times your body weight. That repetitive pounding can really aggravate knee pain. Low impact exercises minimize that jarring effect, which is really important for protecting sensitive joints. That makes sense. So ellipticals are often recommended for people with knee issues, right? What's the secret there? Elipticals are fantastic because your feet stay on the petals throughout the entire motion. There's no moment of impact with the ground. It's a smooth gliding movement. Research actually shows that elliptical trainers produce significantly less impact on knee joints compared to treadmills.

Biomechanical studies have found that peak knee joint forces are lower on an elliptical, even at similar exercise intensities. Um, um, interesting. And I've heard that the continuous foot contact helps too? Exactly. That continuous contact minimizes those jarring forces you'd experience during treadmill running or even walking. Plus, the smooth gliding motion helps maintain joint lubrication and can actually improve your range of motion without excessive stress. Physical therapists often recommend ellipticals, along with stationary bikes and swimming, as excellent options for those with knee issues. So does that mean treadmills are completely off limits if you have bad knees? Not at all. Treadmills can still be used safely, but you need to take certain precautions. The key is to walk instead of run and use a slight incline.

Walking at a brisk pace with an incline can reduce the direct impact on your knees compared to flat surface walking or running. An incline actually shifts some of the workload to your glutes and hamstrings, which takes pressure off the knee joint itself. That's a smart workaround. Are there specific treadmill features that can help? Definitely. Advanced cushioning systems are really valuable. I mean, they're really important. Some treadmills have cushioned decks that can absorb up to 40% of the impact force compared to running on asphalt. That makes them much more joint friendly. You also want adjustable incline and variable speed sense. settings so you can customize your workout to match your comfort level. Okay, so let's talk elliptical features.

What should someone with knee pain look for? Three things stand out. Eugenomic pedal design, adjustable stride length on certain models, and built-in low-impact programs. Ergonomic pedals, sometimes with a slight inward slope, help align your ankles and knees, reducing strain. I actually had a client once who couldn't exercise for months because of knee pain, and within a few weeks on an elliptical with a little bit of the end up. proper pedal design, she was back to regular workouts pain-free. That's wonderful to hear. Why is adjustable stride length important when it's available?

Because it allows you to match your natural gait. Incorrect stride length can lead to discomfort and potential injury, especially in the hips and knees. When you can adjust the stride to fit your height and walking pattern, your knees move in a way that's healthy and pain-free. It prevents overextension or awkward movements that could cause problems. In other words, matching your stride to your body's natural movement keeps your knees happy. Right, that point about natural movement really sets up our next piece, how equipment design impacts workout safety, but first, a quick word from our sponsor. When you're dealing with knee pain, finding the right fitness equipment can feel overwhelming.

Soul Fitness designs high-quality treadmills and ellipticals, specifically with joint health in mind. Their treadmills feature cushion decks that reduce impact by up to four. 40% while their ellipticals offer ergonomic petals designed to reduce ankle and knee stress. Whether you're recovering from an injury or managing chronic knee conditions, Seoul supports your fitness goals with durable, affordable equipment built for comfort and performance. Learn more at sole treadmills.com. Picking up on natural movement, how do you decide which machine is right for you if both can work for bad knees? It really comes down to your fitness goals and how severe your knee pain is.

Both can help with weight loss and cardiovascular health, but if knee pain is a significant concern, an elliptical is often the safer bet. Studies show that using an elliptical reduces lower limb joint stress by about 30 to 50 percent compared to treadmills. Physical therapists note that patients with early osteoarthritis often find ellipticals more beneficial for aerobic conditioning without aggravating joint structures. I see makes sense. So to everyone listening, have you considered what your primary goal is? Is it endurance, weight loss, or just staying active without pain? That's the right question to ask. And whatever you choose, proper form is essential. Start slow, listen to your body, and gradually increase duration and intensity. Sharp pain, swelling, or a feeling that your knee is unstable are all signals to stop and consult a professional.

And here's a little joke. If your knees are making more noise than the equipment, it's definitely time to check in with a doctor. Ha, good point. What about resistance settings? Can you still get results with low resistance? Absolutely. Low resistance combined with longer duration or higher speed can be very effective. You don't need high resistance to see results. Finding what works for your knees and sticking with it consistently is what matters. Consistency beats intensity when you're starting out. I always tell people that steady progress trumps short bursts of overdoing it. That's good advice.

Any final tips for optimizing low-impact workouts? Yes, warm up before every session, stretch afterward, and consider cross-training. Mixing elliptical, bike, and even water exercises keeps things interesting and works different muscle groups. And remember, building strength in the muscles around your knee actually helps reduce pain over time. The stronger those supporting muscles get, the less strain on the joint itself. That's excellent advice. So what we've learned today is that ellipticals generally offer the most joint-friendly option, but treadmills with cushioning and incline settings can also be safe and effective.

The key is choosing equipment that matches your body and your goals, and then progressing gradually. Exactly. You can absolutely stay active and healthy with knee pain. You just need the right approach and the right tools. Thank you so much for breaking this down with us today. To everyone listening, remember, your knees don't have to hold you back from living an active life. Find what works for you and keep moving from you.