‘This is probably the most underused tool for this age group’: personal trainer shares the key treadmill settings seniors should be using

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Walking, running or ‘Jeffing’ on a treadmill can be a great way to stay healthy in later life, because it allows you to exercise in a controlled environment to improve your cardiovascular fitness, strength and balance.The best treadmills can be a little daunting to use at first, because they all come with a wide array of controls and settings, and sometimes even apps you have to navigate.Once you get your head around what you can do with treadmills, however, they become the ideal training partner.I enlisted James Stirling, personal trainer and Technogym Ambassador, for his advice on how seniors can make the most of treadmill workouts, and which settings they should be using in particular.What are the benefits of using a treadmill versus outdoor running for older adults?

(Image credit: Shutterstock)Running outside comes with the extra benefits of fresh air and the mental health boost of getting into nature (if your local area allows), but there are specific benefits to indoor running as well.“Most treadmill belts have some give, which reduces impact loading compared to sidewalks,” says Stirling. “For anyone managing joint sensitivity this can be particularly beneficial.“As we head into a colder season, treadmill running means no ice, no uneven kerbs in the dark and naturally, no dodging traffic. For older adults, a treadmill eliminates a lot of fall risk from an unpredictable surface.”Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.Treadmill running means no ice, no uneven kerbs in the dark and naturally, no dodging traffic. For older adults, a treadmill eliminates a lot of fall risk from an unpredictable surface.James Stirling, personal trainer and Technogym AmbassadorYou also get more control over your speed and incline when running on a treadmill, and you can follow structured workouts that are created for you on the machine.“For beginner runners, this makes it really easy to follow a run/walk programme where you run a little, walk little,” says Stirling.Finally, most treadmills have handrails, which can be especially valuable if you’re concerned about balance.“Handrails on treadmills also provide a reassuring safety net,” says Stirling. “That reassurance often means older adults push a little harder than they would outdoors, simply because they trust the environment.”What are the key settings and features on treadmills that seniors can use?