Are Treadmills Bad for Your Knees? The Real Truth

by Answer is Fitness on August 29, 2025      

Treadmills often get a bad rap when it comes to joint health, especially knees. If you've ever wondered whether running or walking on a treadmill could be doing more harm than good, you're not alone. Many people avoid treadmills out of fear they might worsen knee pain or cause long-term damage. But is that fear actually justified?

Let’s clear the air: treadmills themselves are not inherently bad for your knees. In fact, when used properly, they can be a joint-friendly way to get your cardio in—sometimes even safer than pounding the pavement outside. The real issues often come down to form, overuse, and improper treadmill settings.

One of the biggest advantages treadmills offer is shock absorption. Most modern machines are designed with cushioning systems that reduce the impact on your joints compared to hard surfaces like concrete or asphalt. This feature alone can make treadmill running or walking much easier on your knees, especially if you’re dealing with arthritis, previous injuries, or general joint sensitivity.

However, treadmills can become problematic if you’re not using them correctly. Running with poor posture, wearing the wrong shoes, or setting the incline too high for long periods can put undue stress on your knees. Additionally, jumping into high-intensity treadmill workouts without building a strong base of lower body strength and mobility may increase your risk of knee discomfort or injury.

The key is personalization. Start slow, pay attention to your body, and choose workouts that match your current fitness level. Walking or light jogging on a treadmill is a great way to build cardiovascular endurance without overloading your knees. And if you do feel pain, it’s not the treadmill’s fault—it’s your body’s way of telling you something needs to change, whether that’s your form, intensity, or recovery habits.

So, are treadmills bad for your knees? Not if you use them wisely. Like any fitness tool, they’re only as safe and effective as how you use them. If joint health is a concern, consult a physical therapist or certified trainer to help you create a treadmill routine that supports your goals and protects your knees.

At Answer is Fitness, we believe that fitness should work for your body—not against it. Treadmills can absolutely be part of a knee-friendly workout plan, and we’re here to help you use them in a way that supports your long-term health and performance.

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