If you struggle with achy joints and bad knees when you’re just trying to get your sweat on, you’re not alone — one in three Americans deals with knee pain at some point in their lifetime. (1) To keep you trucking even when your gear’s bent out of shape, the best exercise equipment for bad knees can have you reaping the benefits of cardio with low-impact, non-weight bearing, or cushioned options.

While it’s best to avoid high-impact training when your knees are giving you trouble, continuing with a low-impact cardio routine — or starting one — can help take stress off your joints, decrease inflammation, manage weight,  improve your mood, and strengthen your heart. (2)(3) Our team of testers picked out the best home gym equipment to support those with knee pain, including an exercise bike, recumbent bike, elliptical, rower, and yes, even a cushioned treadmill, too, in the list below.

The 5 Best Exercise Equipment for Bad Knees of 2024

Best Recumbent Bike for Bad Knees: Sole LCR

Best Treadmill for Bad Knees: NordicTrack Commercial 1750 Treadmill

Best Exercise Bike for Bad Knees: ProForm Studio Bike Pro 14

Best Elliptical for Bad Knees: Horizon EX-59 Elliptical

Best Rowing Machine for Bad Knees: Concept2 RowErg

How We Tested and Chose the Best Exercise Equipment for Bad Knees

The BarBend team includes certified personal trainers, former collegiate athletes, and lifelong fitness fans, and we’ve personally tested over 200 pieces of exercise equipment in our search for the best tools for your home. Utilizing the BarBend equipment testing methodology, we scored each profile in categories like portability, durability, and ergonomics on a scale from 1 (not impressed) to 5 (we love it). We focused on the following areas of interest when testing and selecting the top machines for your home gym.

Ergonomics and Adjustability: Exercise equipment that features ergonomic builds can help allow a comfortable workout experience for a wider range of users while limiting knee and joint pain. We opted for machines with ample adjustments to provide the most appropriate range of motion to support those with bad knees.

Comfort: In addition to cushioned running decks and padded seats, we made an effort to include options for exercise machines that were clearly designed with comfort and accessibility in mind. That can include step-through frames and roomy pedals.  

Weight Limit: Individuals who carry excess weight are more likely to struggle with knee pain. (4)(5) Due to this, we looked for user weight limits between 300 and 500 pounds. When this weight limit wasn’t met, we made sure to note it.

Best Recumbent Bike for Bad Knees: Sole LCR

“Recumbent bikes make cycling accessible to people who have injuries and/or mobility limitations,” says Amanda Capritto, our expert reviewer. The Sole LCR, one of the best recumbent bikes we’ve tested, provides a whopping 40 levels of resistance and a padded seat and backrest to put users in a more reclined position during their cardio session, thus reducing strain on the back, hips, and knees. Ergonomics, adjustability, and customizations scored a 5 out of 5 with our tester.

Those with achy joints may also appreciate the step-through frame design. On upright exercise bikes, users need to kick their leg up and over to mount, but getting situated in this recumbent model is more like sitting down in a chair.  

Once seated and ready to cruise, the HD touchscreen provides access to pre-loaded apps and screen mirroring from your smartphone. “The touchscreen is really easy to navigate,” said our tester, a certified personal trainer. “You can mirror your phone’s screen here, which is great if you want to watch content from an app on your phone.” Tech capabilities and conveniences scored a 4.5 out of 5. 

However, this 10.1-inch touchscreen, smaller than the average 16- to 20-inch touchscreens we’ve seen, may be too small for some viewers.

Though you can view nearly any training app on the touchscreen thanks to its screen-mirroring capabilities — a big reason why it made our list of the best Peloton alternatives — you also get access to the free SOLE+ app. “There are classes you can take with the app, but it has a way to go before it’s at the same caliber as something like iFIT,” said our tester. “The class selections are limited, and sometimes it’s hard to understand the instructors.” Conveniences 4 out of 5.

There’s a lot to love with this knee-friendly recumbent bike, but these features come at a cost. At $1,799, it’s on the higher end of recumbent bikes, which tend to cost between $600 to $1,500. Regardless, our tester still gave value a 4 out of 5 score, declaring that “this is the best recumbent bike I’ve tested.” 

Best Treadmill for Bad Knees: NordicTrack Commercial 1750 Treadmill

We think the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 is one of the best treadmills for bad knees, as it features Runners Flex cushioning that can help absorb impact on your landing while also providing a stable push-off. With a powerful 3.5 CHP motor and incline and decline capabilities, the 1750 earned an overall score of 4.5 out of 5 with our testers — the highest score out of over 50 treadmills we’ve tested.

BarBend reviewer Jarrett Evans, a collegiate strength and conditioning coach, appreciates the shock absorption on this model. “It felt like running on a gymnastics floor,” he said. Adjustability and ergonomics scored a 5 out of 5.

We’d also recommend checking out the below video review with BarBend tester Jake Herod, NASM-CNC.

The 14-inch HD touchscreen is integrated with iFIT, which provides guided scenic trail runs, walks, and hikes, route-building capabilities with Google Maps, and a SmartAdjust feature that can automatically adjust your speed, incline, and decline.

“I took a class in the Hawaiian Endurance Series on iFIT and when I was running down this gorgeous ridge, it was cool having my decline automatically adjust as I saw myself running downhill,” said BarBend editorial member Kate Meier, NASM-CPT, USAW-L1, CF-L1, who gave tech capabilities and dynamic training a 5 out of 5 score.

However, this subscription will cost you an additional $39 a month. Both Meier and Herod believe a subscription is necessary to making the most of this treadmill. “iFIT is what makes this treadmill worth the price. Without an iFIT subscription, the machine isn’t really worth it,” said Meier. 

This app is the only programming the HD touchscreen will stream, so if you’re interested in running with Peloton or another app, you may want to look elsewhere.

While we think this machine is one of the best treadmills for beginners, it does take up 21 square feet of floor space — about the same area as a twin-sized bed. (6) “The main drawback for this machine is its footprint… so definitely ensure your space can fit it,” notes Amanda Capritto, our expert reviewer. Footprint and portability scored a 3.5 out of 5. 

Read our full NordicTrack 1750 Commercial Treadmill Review.

Best Exercise Bike for Bad Knees: ProForm Studio Bike Pro 14

 

Take the pressure off your knees and joints by saddling up on the ProForm Studio Bike Pro 14 — one of our picks for the best exercise bikes for small spaces — giving you access to a Dual-sided SPD clip and strap pedalscardio routine without stress-inducing weight-Free 3-year iFIT subscription with purchasebearing exercise. This bike features a

14-inch HD touchscreen to stream scenic rides and spin classes via the integrated iFIT app. Tech capabilities, adjustability, ergonomics, and value scored a 4 out of 5.

While iFIT typically costs $39 a month for a subscription, the purchase of this bike includes a free three-year membership. “ProForm’s Pro models basically cover the cost of iFIT and provide the equipment for free, allowing a more affordable option for those looking to take spin classes from home,” mentioned our tester, a certified personal trainer. They scored value a 4 out of 5.

What’s more, the 14-inch HD touchscreen can tilt and pivot, allowing for an ergonomic viewing experience on the bike or off of it, making it easy to take advantage of iFIT’s yoga, bodyweight workouts, and recovery options. However, “Some may find the 14-inch touchscreen to be too small,” mentioned our tester, especially when compared to the 21.5-inch touchscreen found on the Peloton Bike. Tech capabilities scored a 4 out of 5.

One benefit of the smaller screen, though, is the bike’s footprint and portability, which scored a 4 out of 5. At 116 pounds and taking up 8.78 square feet of floor space — a little smaller than a standard coffee table — our tester had no problem moving this bike around. (6) However, there’s only a 250-pound user weight capacity, lower than the industry standard of 300 pounds.

Dual-sided pedals allow you to clip in with SPD cycling shoes or slip your tennis shoes into straps, and you’ll receive a pair of 3-pound dumbbells to add some upper-body work to your routine. However, if you’re looking to track your heart rate, you may be disappointed by the lack of pulse sensors or a heart rate monitor.

[Related: ProForm Studio Bike Pro 22 Review]

Best Elliptical for Bad Knees: Horizon EX-59 Elliptical

An elliptical can help keep you on track with your cardio goals while keeping your workout low impact to protect your knees. The Horizon EX-59, one of the best ellipticals for heavy people we’ve tested, delivers an ergonomic 18-inch stride, a 300-pound user weight capacity, and a reasonable price tag under $1,000. Value, conveniences, and ergonomics scored a 4 out of 5.

Using an elliptical is a weight-bearing exercise, however, since your feet remain glued to the pedals, it’s easier on bad knees. While the pedals are large, we do wish that there was some padding or adjustability to fine-tune a comfortable fit. Ergonomics and adjustability scored a 4 out of 5.

Moving padded handlebars get your upper body in on your cardio routine as you power through built-in programs like Distance, Calories, Weight Loss, and Intervals. “There are five preset programs you can take with this elliptical, but the LCD screen is pretty basic,” said our tester, a certified personal trainer. “While the flywheel is only 14.3 pounds, my workout was smooth and there wasn’t any shifting or shaking.” Durability scored a 3 out of 5 due to the flywheel, as it’s smaller than the industry standard of 16 pounds.

For the budget-friendly cost, we were especially impressed with the lifetime frame warranty. “Just a little peace of mind for the longevity of your equipment,” said our tester, who scored the warranty a 4.5 out of 5.

Read our full Horizon EX-59 Elliptical Review.

Best Rowing Machine for Bad Knees: Concept2 RowErg

The Concept2 RowErg, one of the best rowing machines we’ve tested, may be the most popular rowing machine out there. It’s an affordable, durable, low-impact, chain-drive machine with 10 levels of adjustable resistance, and it’s utilized in home gyms and commercial gyms across the world. “Most professional rowers train with air rowers like the Concept2,” notes BarBend editorial member and former collegiate rower Lauren Keary.

Typically, taller individuals subject their knees to more torque and heavier individuals place more stress on their joints. (7) If you fall into one of these two camps, you may be relieved to find that the Concept2 RowErg can accommodate users up to 6 feet 9 inches tall and 500 pounds. “One of our testers is 6 feet 7 inches tall, and he felt super comfortable on this rower,” said our tester. 

The only discomfort we’d note relates to the seat. “There are grooves to fit your butt, but the seat is made from a hard plastic and can be uncomfortable for new rowers,” said our tester, who scored ergonomics a 4.5 out of 5. When I’ve hopped onto this rower at my gym, the pain in my butt is the first thing that makes me stop my workout. And sure, maybe I’m also tired from my second set of 500-meter sprints, but it’s still worth calling out. 

This rower features a chain drive, which requires more maintenance and is noisier than belt drive rowers. However, these drive systems are meant to hold up to a larger frequency of use than the competition. Durability scored a 4.5 out of 5.

While you won’t find a touchscreen to stream programming, the PM5 monitor allows you to track training metrics like distance, speed, stroke rate, calories burned, and watts. It also offers a variety of training options and even some games. “I appreciate the level of detail the monitor provides during training,” added BarBend editorial member Ben Emminger. 

Read our full Concept2 RowErg Review.

Benefits of Exercise Equipment for Bad Knees

Home exercise equipment that doesn’t exacerbate knee pain can bring with it the benefits of cardio, including strengthened hearts, uplifted moods, and weight management. (3)(8) Additionally, some types of exercise can even help alleviate knee pain. Here are a few of the benefits of exercise equipment for bad knees.

Our product tester using the incline on the Nordictrack Commercial 1750.

Comfort: “While it is best to talk to a movement specialist such as a physical therapist before beginning a new exercise routine if you have injuries or joint conditions, you may be pleased to know that there are plenty of [pieces of equipment] on the market that are able to ease the joint pain commonly associated with walking and running,” says our expert reviewer, Amanda Capritto. Knee-friendly equipment often includes padding beneath the running belt and on the pedals and seats, not to mention loads of adjustability options. 

Controlled Training: Home gym equipment provides you with a “controlled environment for rehabilitation and training,” said Capritto. You’re in charge of your intensity and training, and you can dictate your resistance settings based on how good or bad your knees and joints feel.

Decreased Pain: Regular physical exercise can help relieve pain and stiffness in your joints, help you reduce weight to lessen stress on your joints, and ultimately help strengthen the muscles that support your knees. (2)

How Much Does Exercise Equipment for Bad Knees Cost?

How much do ellipticals cost? What about recumbent bikes and rowing machines? Exercise equipment can range in cost from a few hundred dollars up to several thousands. To support users with various budgets, our list ranges in price from under $1,000 up to $2,299. 

The Concept2 RowErg in the BarBend gym.

What to Consider Before Buying Exercise Equipment for Bad Knees

If you’ve ever wondered “why do my knees hurt when I run?,” consider low-impact and cushioned equipment to help you get your heart rate up while still supporting your joints. However, for those with knee injuries, it’s ideal to consult with a healthcare provider to discuss the best exercise equipment for you and your body. Consider the following areas once you’re ready to bring a piece of equipment into your home.

Recumbent Exercise Bikes

Cycling is an awesome cardio workout for those dealing with knee problems, and a recumbent bike adds even more support with a backrest and reclined seated position. “The reclined position reduces stress on the lumbar spine and does not require as much flexibility in the hip joints,” says our expert reviewer, Amanda Capritto.

Elliptical Machines

“For those who need low-impact exercise options, ellipticals sit near the top of the list,” says Capritto. “These cardio machines provide a full-body workout without putting undue stress on the joints.” What’s more, ellipticals can also get your upper body in on your workout, allowing you to push and pull on the handles, targeting your arms, shoulders, chest, and core.

The Horizon EX-59-Elliptical.

[Related: What Muscles Does An Elliptical Work?]

Rowers

“Rowing is so cool because it is a full-body, low-impact workout,” mentions Jacqueline Owens, former D1 rower and current Row House coach. “Unlike other cardio machines, rowing will target your glutes, quads, back, lats, and shoulders with every stroke you take.” 

While being low-impact and non-weight-bearing, it’s important to consider that rowing may not be suitable for those with back problems. Capritto agrees, “​​The seated exercising position combined with the hip hinging involved in the rowing stroke is not ideal for individuals with lower back pain.”

Spin Bikes

“From people who are looking to generally improve their health, individuals who require low-impact cardio exercise, and competitive athletes, indoor stationary bikes provide excellent workout opportunities,” says Capritto. 

Consider if you’re interested in an exercise bike with streaming capabilities so you can follow along with trainers through scenic landscapes or in a more studio-like spin class setting. App subscriptions tend to cost a monthly fee between $11 and $44.

Cushioned Treadmills

“A treadmill with a cushioned deck provides comfort during exercise that can’t be found on pavement or trails,” says Capritto. “For people with bad knees, a cushioned treadmill might be the only option for participating in weight-bearing cardio exercise.” 

Our BarBend tester warming up with REP Fitness Resistance Bands.

While a treadmill wouldn’t be our first recommendation for those suffering from knee pain, only you can know what you’re capable of, and a treadmill with extra cushioning may be exactly what you need.

Strength Training

You can reap the benefit of strength training via cardio equipment — rowers, cross trainers, and air bikes are specifically made to help work your lower and upper body — but you may be considering your options for knee-friendly types of exercise to focus on building muscle without the added cardiovascular workout. 

While loading up a squat rack may not be in your best interest, you can use resistance training to add load once you’re ready for more than bodyweight exercises. Resistance bands can help you target your leg muscles, strengthening the support system surrounding your knees without adding too much stress. (2)

Exercise Equipment for Bad Knees FAQs

References

Rehabilitation, C. (2021, August 4). Knee Pain Statistics and Causes – Classic Rehabilitation. Classic Rehabilitation. https://classicrehabilitation.com/knee-pain-statistics-and-causes/

10 tips for Healthy knees and Strong joints As you Age | Arthritis Foundation. (n.d.). https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/healthy-living/managing-pain/joint-protection/tips-for-healthy-knees

Basso, J. C., Oberlin, D. J., Satyal, M. K., O’Brien, C. E., Crosta, C., Psaras, Z., Metpally, A., & Suzuki, W. A. (2022). Examining the Effect of Increased Aerobic Exercise in Moderately Fit Adults on Psychological State and Cognitive Function. Frontiers in human neuroscience, 16, 833149. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnhum.2022.833149

Gkastaris, K., Goulis, D. G., Potoupnis, M., Anastasilakis, A. D., & Kapetanos, G. (2020). Obesity, osteoporosis and bone metabolism. Journal of musculoskeletal & neuronal interactions, 20(3), 372–381.

Harvard Health. (2019, December 11). Why weight matters when it comes to joint pain. https://www.health.harvard.edu/pain/why-weight-matters-when-it-comes-to-joint-pain

Abbas, A. (2021, December 15). Standard sizes for various types of furniture. The Spruce. https://www.thespruce.com/standard-furniture-measurements-1391374

Hunter, D. J., Niu, J., Zhang, Y., Nevitt, M. C., Xu, L., Lui, L. Y., Yu, W., Aliabadi, P., Buchanan, T. S., & Felson, D. T. (2005). Knee height, knee pain, and knee osteoarthritis: the Beijing Osteoarthritis Study. Arthritis and rheumatism, 52(5), 1418–1423. https://doi.org/10.1002/art.21017

Swift, D. L., McGee, J. E., Earnest, C. P., Carlisle, E., Nygard, M., & Johannsen, N. M. (2018). The Effects of Exercise and Physical Activity on Weight Loss and Maintenance. Progress in cardiovascular diseases, 61(2), 206–213. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pcad.2018.07.014

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