Walking is one of the easiest ways to stay active at any age. A treadmill or walking pad at home means you can walk whatever the weather, on a flat, even surface, at a pace that suits you.
How much activity is recommended?
The NHS suggests adults aged 65 and over try to be active every day, building up to 150 minutes of moderate activity a week (for example brisk walking), and do activities that improve strength, balance and flexibility on at least 2 days a week. It also suggests breaking up long periods of sitting. If you haven't exercised for a while or have a health condition, speak to your GP before you start.
Why walk indoors?
- No weather worries. No ice, rain or dark evenings.
- An even surface. No kerbs or uneven pavements.
- Your own pace. Start as slowly as you like and build up.
- Little and often. A ten-minute walk after breakfast is easy when the machine is in your living room.
What to look for
- A low starting speed. Every KTQ treadmill starts at 1 km/h, a gentle stroll.
- Something to hold. Handrails or handlebars help with confidence and balance, especially when getting on and off. Every KTQ treadmill has a handrail: the 1 Series and 3 Series walking pad have handrails, and the 2 Series and 4 Series have full handlebars.
- A safety key. Clip it to your clothing: if you step back too far, the belt stops. All KTQ treadmills have one.
- A wide belt. A wider belt gives more room for each step. The 3 and 4 Series have 42 cm belts.
- Simple controls. Big, clear buttons, or a remote control (the 3 Series includes one).
- A weight limit with room to spare. See our treadmill weight limits guide, or our guide to treadmills for heavier users if you need a higher limit.
Starting safely
- Stand on the side rails, not the belt, when you switch on.
- Clip on the safety key.
- Start at the lowest speed and step on while holding the handrail.
- Walk for 5–10 minutes at first, then add a few minutes each week.
- Slow down gradually before you stop, and wait for the belt to stop before you step off.
- Wear supportive trainers, never socks or slippers.
Gentle incline for a harder walk
Once walking feels easy, a little incline makes it more of a workout without having to walk faster. Start with the lowest setting and only go higher when it feels comfortable. Read more in our incline walking guide.
Which KTQ model?
- For gentle daily walks and easy storage: the 3 Series walking pad: handrail, remote control, 8 Level Auto Incline, folds flat to 11 cm.
- For more to hold on to: the 2 Series, with full handlebars and pulse sensors on the grips.
Not sure? Try one at home with our 60-day free home trial, or compare every model.
