When the weather’s bad outside, the last thing you want to do is exercise.
Walking or jogging in the cold and rain definitely isn’t my idea of fun, especially in the morning when I’ve just woken up.
I got myself a manual treadmill for those days when I don’t fancy going outside or couldn’t get down to my local gym.
Finding The Best Manual Treadmill
As someone who doesn’t have a lot of room for exercise equipment, a manual unit allowed me to fit in my workout without sacrificing space.
I’d never used a manual treadmill before, so I spent a lot of time looking at a range of units to help me find the best one for my needs.
I hope I’ll be able to help you find the right manual treadmill too.
So, if you’re looking for in-depth reviews on a variety of manual treadmills, stick around.
I’ll also be going into more detail about manual treadmills in general later on.
Best Manual Treadmills Reviews
Here is our lineup for the best manual treadmills…
Top Pick
Exerpeutic 100XL High Capacity Magnetic Resistance Manual Treadmill
One of the best manual treadmills for both beginner and experienced users as it has a wealth of features to help you get the most out of your workout.
Exerpeutic 100XL High Capacity Magnetic Resistance Manual Treadmill
Need a reliable and secure manual treadmill for your workout needs?
The Exerpeutic High Capacity Magnetic Resistance treadmill could be your solution, featuring a wide and long tread belt, a heart rate monitor, and 3 levels of incline.
I think this is one of the best manual treadmills for both beginner and experienced users as it has a wealth of features to help you get the most out of your workout.
Handles
First up, the handles on this adjustable resistance manual treadmill are extra long (up to 2x longer than most other treadmills), which helps you stabilize and balance yourself when exercising.
The twin 6-inch diameter flywheels also create a smooth and consistent experience, making the thing a lot easier to use.
Weight Capacity
To accommodate users of varying weights, the unit has a maximum user weight of 325 lbs and a long, wide tread belt.
There’s a basic LCD console that helps you monitor time calories burned and speed distance.
Pacer Control
Another fantastic aspect of this manual treadmill is its magnetic tension ‘Pacer Control’.
This allows you to stabilize the speed of the belt and even use it hands free.
If you fancy a more challenging workout for your upper or lower body, then the Exerpeutic Magnetic Resistance manual treadmill has you covered.- It has 3 levels of incline, starting as low as 8%.
This home use magnetic resistance manual treadmill is both foldable and easily transportable, so you can move it around with ease.
There’s also a handy slot on the console that can hold a water bottle or mobile phone – perfect for keeping hydrated or accessing your phone.
Heart Rate Monitor
One of the most interesting features of this adjustable magnetic resistance manual treadmill is its heart rate monitor.
There are heart rate pads on both handles which keep track of your heart rate during your fitness routine.
Exerpeutic Magnetic Resistance manual treadmills have a lot of positives, but there are a couple of cons.
Assembly
They can be hard to put together as not all components align very well, and the instructions are a bit undetailed.
Additionally, Exerpeutic treadmills can be a bit unsteady at times, especially if you don’t position yourself in the center of the tread belt.
This isn’t a huge issue though as long as you don’t veer off too much to one side and keep to the middle of the tread belt.
Specs
- Dimensions: 50” x 29” x 50”
- Product Weight: 73 lbs
- Material: Steel
- Adjustable or Fixed Incline: Incline Is Adjustable
- Weight Limit: 325 lbs
Pros
- Includes a small slot to rest a water bottle or mobile phone
- Heart rate monitor to keep track of heart rate
- ‘Pacer Control’ and LCD monitor with features like speed and distance
- 3 levels of incline
- Wide and long tread belt
Cons
- Difficult to get set up
- Unit can be a bit unsteady
Best on a Budget
ProGear 190 Manual Treadmill
A solid pick if you’re on a budget but still require a decent machine. It has a simple LCD monitor that helps you record your speed, distance, etc., and has a couple of incline options.
ProGear 190 Manual Treadmill
If you’re looking for an effective and affordable manual treadmill to give your body a good workout, then the ProGear 190 manual treadmill could be just the thing you need.
It’s designed using a steel frame with a powder coated frame, and has wide side rails to help you balance yourself.
Handles
The handles are long for extra security during walking, and even have foam grips for extra comfort.
If you’ve used a treadmill without handle grips, you’ll know how hard it is to hold on without your hands sliding all over the place.
ProGear’s high end manual treadmills have oversized belt rollers to provide you with a smooth walking experience.
I’ve used manual treadmills without this feature that have felt like constantly walking over rocky ground – definitely wasn’t my best workout!
It’s great that you won’t have this issue with these manual treadmills.
Incline
The ProGear 190 treadmill has 2 level adjustable incline options (6 and 10 degrees) to give you more resistance and to add some challenge to your fitness routine.
There’s a bit of assembly required to get the ProGear 190 manual treadmill up and running, but it’s relatively simple and shouldn’t take you much time.
The treadmill comes with transportation wheels so you can move it around with ease, and folds up for storage.
Display
Last but not least, this unit has a computer with an LCD display with useful features like distance walked, time calories burned, and max speed.
Despite its pros, this machine does have a few cons.
The belt can slide off from time to time and can be a little difficult to control the speed of.
The height of the handlebars are a little low, so it might not be the best option for tall users (above around 5ft 7).
Specs
- Dimensions: 47” x 23” x 51”
- Product Weight: 49 lbs
- Material: Steel
- Adjustable or Fixed Incline: Incline Is Adjustable
- Weight Limit: 230 lbs
Pros
- Long and wide handlebars with foam grips for comfort
- Oversized belt rollers for a smooth workout experience
- Includes transportation wheels so it can be moved easily
- Comes with a computer with an LCD screen with features like distance walked, max speed, etc
Cons
- Belt can slide off occasionally and be difficult to control
- Height of handlebars is a little low – might not not be ideal for tall users (over 5ft 7)
Editor’s Choice
Sunny Health and Fitness Manual Treadmill
A great unit with versatile options that has magnetic adjustable resistance levels, sweat-resistant rails, and a large belt surface.
Sunny Health and Fitness Manual Treadmill
One of my personal favorite manual treadmills that I like to use for my workouts is the Sunny Health Fitness non-motorized treadmill.
Build
It has a steel frame, a large belt surface that provides you with a lot of support and room for exercise, and has 16 levels of magnetic resistance.
The latter is fantastic for giving yourself a full body cardio workout, and is one of the reasons why I think this machine is such a great pick.
Sunny Health Fitness manual treadmills have sweat-resistant rails so you never miss a beat during your fitness routine.
This allows you to move the belt easily and walk in a variety of positions.
Incline
The incline of the unit is fixed at 13.5% to give you a muscular power-based cardio workout. However, if you’d prefer to have adjustable incline options, then Sunny Health Fitness manual devices might not be the best manual treadmills for you.
In addition to being comfortable to use, the Sunny Health Fitness non-motorized machine creates a smooth and challenging walking experience due to its dual structure flywheels.
Flywheels
The weight of the flywheels means you’ll need to work harder to move the belt, which ultimately allows for a more high-intensity workout.
The device features a soft drop system which makes lowering the deck to fold it away easy – you don’t have to worry about scuffing your floors or accidentally trapping your fingers.
Movable
If that wasn’t enough, this Sunny Health Fitness treadmill without a motor has transportation wheels so you can move it around with little difficulty.
Even with all its pros, there are a couple of cons with the Sunny Health Fitness manual treadmill.
Firstly, the belt can slide off and fall out of position, so it needs to be realigned every so often. Secondly, the user manual and assembly instructions included with the machine aren’t as detailed or as informative as they could be.
Specs
- Dimensions: 59” x 27” x 55”
- Material: Steel
- Adjustable or Fixed Incline: Fixed Incline
- Weight Limit: 300 lbs
Pros
- Large belt surface and 16 levels of magnetic resistance
- Sweat-resistant rails for comfort
- Dual-structure flywheels for a smooth workout experience
- Soft drop system for safety
Cons
- Belt can slide out of position
- Assembly instructions and user manual can be hard to follow
Best Manual Treadmill for Running
Assault Fitness AirRunner
Using this unit is like running on air – it’s incredibly comfortable to move on and allows for a natural running feel.
Assault Fitness AirRunner
Curved units are the best manual treadmills for running as they’re more sturdier than flat-belt machines.
Curved Frame
Additionally, a curved frame is beneficial for improving running form and is thought to increase the calories burned up to 30%.
So, what are the best manual treadmills for jogging or running?
Well, I think the Assault Fitness AirRunner is an excellent option for both.
Just like its name suggests, the Assault AirRunner is like running on air – it’s incredibly comfortable to move on and allows for a natural running feel.
Build
The Assault manual treadmill has a heavy-duty steel frame, corrosion resistant hardware, and a slat belt rubber running surface (ideal for shock absorption) that lasts for up to 150,000 miles.
You don’t have to worry about this machine failing on you prematurely.
Like I mentioned earlier, the Assault manual AirRunner increases the number of calories burned by 30% compared to motorized treadmills.
Maximum Speed
It has no maximum speed too – it’s a great option for interval training, allowing you to push your body to the limit.
However, the monitor on the Assault manual treadmill lacks features you’d otherwise expect to be included – it mostly just acts as a counter.
The Assault AirRunner can also be a little hard to use at a slow pace, so it might not be the best option for walkers.
Specs
- Dimensions: 69.9” x 32.8” x 64”
- Product Weight: 280 lbs
- Material: Steel
- Adjustable or Fixed Incline: No Incline
- Weight Limit: 350 lbs
Pros
- Provides a natural running feel
- Heavy duty frame that’s built to last
- Running surface lasts for up tp 150,000 miles
- No maximum speed
Cons
- LCD monitor lacks features
- Might not be the best option for walkers
- Expensive
Best Manual Treadmill for Seniors
Fitness Reality TR1000 Manual Treadmill
Ideal for seniors and beginners, due it its simple and lightweight design, compact size, and it’s easy usability.
Fitness Reality TR1000 Manual Treadmill
Build
The Fitness Reality manual treadmill is one of the best treadmills for seniors due to its simple and lightweight design, compact size, and it’s easy usability.
It’s also a solid choice for entry level users who have just started building up their fitness.
The unit is simple to get on and off, and has wide side rails for safety.
This allows you to keep yourself balanced and steady while moving on the machine.
Storage
If you’re concerned about the treadmill taking up a lot of space, don’t be – the unit can be folded so it can be stored away easily.
It also has transportation wheels so you can easily move it around.
I really like how simple the monitor on this manual treadmill is for home use. As someone who’s not exactly tech savvy, this is a feature I definitely appreciate.
Display
That said, the LCD display gives you some useful options like time calories burned, speed and scan, elapsed time, and distance walked. That’s everything you need for a successful lower body or upper body workout!
The unit has two adjustable incline levels of 6 and 10 degrees, which is ideal if you require higher resistance levels for your training.
Unfortunately, there are a couple of cons with this machine.
Assembly
The assembly instructions for this manual instruction can be a bit hard to follow as they’re a bit unclear.
Some parts don’t fit together as well as they should, so putting it together can take a bit of time.
The unit is also a little on the pricey side but is a fantastic investment if you can afford to spend a bit extra of a manual treadmill.
If you’re looking for something more affordable, then there are a lot of other manual treadmills I’ve reviewed in this list that might be more suitable.
Specs
- Dimensions: 47” x 23” x 51”
- Product Weight: 54 lbs
- Material: Steel
- Adjustable or Fixed Incline: Incline Is Adjustable
- Weight Limit: 230 lbs
Pros
- Compact and lightweight design
- Simple monitor
- Easy to get on and off
- Features 2 incline positions and transportation wheels
Cons
- Assembly instructions are a bit unclear – some parts don’t fit together as well as they should
- Bit costly
Best Manual Treadmill for Walking
MaxKare Manual Walking Treadmill
Boasting a lightweight and compact size, it’s an excellent option for walkers and those with small homes.
MaxKare Manual Walking Treadmill
Boasting a lightweight and compact size, the MaxKare manual belt treadmill is an excellent option for walkers and those with small homes.
It features a non-slip belt that helps keep you stable during your workout, and also reduces the wear and tear of your exercise shoes.
Storage
This treadmill without a motor can be folded up for easy storage, which is an aspect I appreciate as someone who has limited space.
It can also be moved around with ease thanks to its transportation wheels.
There’s an LCD monitor included with the manual treadmill that shows the distance, speed, time, and the amount of calories you burned during your workout.
This makes your fitness routine more convenient and effective, allowing you to keep track of your progress.
Handlebar
The manual treadmill has a soft foam handlebar to help you keep your balance too.
My main gripe with this manual treadmill is its relatively difficult assembly.
Despite having a simple construction, the unit can be a bit of a hassle to get up and running. This is mostly due to the poorly-described manual instructions.
The incline is also fixed at 10 degrees too, so if you’d prefer a more flat walking surface, this manual treadmill might not be the right choice for you.
Specs
- Dimensions: 50.16” x 23.23” x 45.09”
- Product Weight: 46.2 lbs
- Material: Steel
- Adjustable or Fixed Incline: Fixed Incline
- Weight Capacity: 242 lbs
Pros
- Lightweight and compact design
- Includes an LCD monitor to help you track speed, calories burned, etc
- Transportation wheels and foldable design to make storage and placement easy
- Non-slip belt and foam-grip handlebars
Cons
- Manual instructions are a bit unclear, making assembly a bit difficult
- Incline is fixed at 10 degrees
Best Manual Treadmill for a Heavy Person
SpeedFit Speedboard ProXL
A quality and sturdy manual treadmill that can accommodate users of a variety of sizes
SpeedFit Speedboard ProXL
If you’re on the hunt for a quality and sturdy manual treadmill that can accommodate users of a variety of sizes, then I fully recommend checking out the SpeedFit Speedboard ProXL.
From first glance, this treadmill looks like it uses a motor, but it’s actually a manual treadmill!
It has a LCD monitor that allows you to track your speed, distance, and other important details regarding your progress.
Build
The unit is incredibly well-made and strong with a maximum user weight of 400 pounds. Its curved design makes it extremely comfortable to move on, and also makes for a more natural posture.
You can use this manual treadmill for walking, jogging, or running.
Its soft, shock-absorbing tread belt and curved profile matches your stride, which reduces the strain on your joints.
It also lets you naturally adjust your speed from stationary to a full-out sprint.
Noise Level
I really like how quiet the machine is when in operation, which is no doubt due to its high-quality construction and tread belt.
The only drawback of this speed fit manual treadmill is its cost.
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly treadmill without a motor, then a lot of the other items I’ve looked at in this review might be more suitable for you.
That said, if you can afford to spend more on a manual treadmill, especially if you own a gym or a training facility, then the SpeedFit SpeedBoard Pro XL is a fantastic investment.
Specs
- Dimensions: 67” x 33” x 72”
- Product Weight: 308 lbs
- Material: Steel
- Adjustable or Fixed Incline: No Incline
- Weight Limit: 400 lbs
Pros
- Ideal for users of a variety of sizes – maximum weight limit up to 400 lbs
- Durable and high-quality construction
- Features a curved design for a more natural running feel
- Soft and shock-absorbing tread belt for comfort
Cons
- High cost – might be unsuitable for those on a budget
Wotryit Manual Treadmill
Last but not least is the Wotryit manual treadmill, a slimline unit that’s definitely not slim in features.
It has a heavy-duty steel frame with a PVC tread belt.
Storage
You can easily stash away the machine when it’s not in use thanks to its foldable design. It has an adjustable incline, as well as an adjustable handrail.
To help you monitor your workout progress, the manual treadmill has a basic electronic display that tracks you speed, calories, distance, and time.
Handrails
The handrails have foam grips for comfort and to make them easier to hold onto too. This is a great feature as sweaty hands can make things a bit slippery. However, if you tend to sweat a lot, I recommend you always carry a gym towel to manage your sweat.
My only gripe with this manual treadmill is its tread belt – it has a habit of sliding out of place, which can be a bit frustrating.
However, this is a minor fault with an otherwise quality manual treadmill, particularly considering its affordability.
Specs
- Dimensions: 41.3” x 20.9” x 45.3”
- Product Weight: 34.2 lbs
- Material: Steel
- Adjustable or Fixed Incline: Incline Is Adjustable
Pros
- Heavy-duty frame
- Compact and slimline – can be easily stored away due to its foldable design
- Includes an electronic monitor to help you track your progress
- Adjustable incline and adjustable handrail
Cons
- Tread belt can fall out of position occasionally
What Is a Manual Treadmill?
A manual treadmill doesn’t require electricity as it doesn’t have a motor, unlike an electric treadmill.
This means you can place them anyway as they don’t need a wall outlet to function.
How Do Manual Treadmills Work?
A manual treadmill or a self powered treadmill works by pushing the belt with your feet.
This motion provides you with the resistance you require for your workout, but it does take more effort to keep the belt moving at your desired speed.
If you slow down, the belt also slows down. And, as you’ve probably already guessed, if you speed up, the belt speeds up.
Manual Treadmill Vs Motorized Treadmill
Manual treadmills don’t have a motor or any other mechanical parts to function, so they are entirely self powered.
This ultimately makes them cheaper than motorized treadmills, both as a unit and to run.
A manual treadmill doesn’t have any advanced features like built-in workout programs or cooling fans.
You can’t electronically set the speed – you’ll have to move faster or slower than this.
Incline
Some manual treadmills don’t have incline changing options, but others allow you to adjust the incline of the belt.
This has to be done manually while the treadmill is not in use, normally by lifting up the knobs on both sides of the unit until it is even and at your desired height.
Traditional manual treadmills are best used for walkers as they don’t have the most sturdy design.
Curved treadmills are a better choice for runners/joggers as they have a stronger frame.
Motorized Treadmills
A motorized treadmill, on the other hand, uses a motor that powers the belt for you, allowing you to walk or run it at the pace you set it to.
Motorized treadmills let you easily adjust the speed, incline, and distance of the unit.
Not only does this require less effort than a manual treadmill, but it also gives you more options for your workout without getting off the machine.
Features
A lot of units include advanced features like built-in workout programs, cooling fans, and a heart rate monitor.
Aside from the usual features like the heart rate monitor, some high end electric treadmills even come with bluetooth connectivity, smartphone syncing, TV screens, and more.
The main downside of a motorized treadmill is its price point.
Motorized treadmills can be costly (usually at least $300 price tag for a simple unit), especially if you opt for a high end machine.
Electricity
Additionally, this type of treadmill does use a fair bit of electricity to run, so it’s not just the price tag of the device itself that you have to worry about!
Your electricity provider’s prices, the wattage rating of your motorized treadmill, and the amount of time you use it each day will dictate its cost to run.
Benefits – Why Buy a Manual Treadmill?
Manual Treadmills Take Up Less Space
A non-motorized treadmill is more compact than an electric treadmill as it doesn’t have a motor, which makes them easy to move around and store. In addition, manual treadmills don’t need a lot of assembly for the same reason.
If you don’t have a lot of room in your home, a self powered treadmill is a great option and ensures you can fit in a good workout even in a tight space.
Manual Treadmills Are Usually Cheaper
Manual treadmills don’t have any mechanical components or flashy features like electric treadmills do, so they’re normally cheaper as a result.
They also don’t require electricity to power, making them economically-friendly too!
TIP
So, if you want to improve your running form or cardio fitness but don’t want to spend too much on equipment, a non-motorized treadmill is your best choice.
Exercise Anytime, Anywhere
Manual treadmills don’t need electricity to work, so you don’t need to position them close to a power outlet.
You can place them anywhere you like in your house without having to be near a power outlet.
Due to their compact size, you can move them with ease
Use it Outside Your Home
Fancy a change of scenery during your workout? No problem!
I’ve even used my manual treadmill outside on a sunny day.
It’s refreshing having a chilly breeze to help you cool down when you’re walking or jogging on a treadmill.
Manual Treadmills Are a Good Choice for Entry Level Users
When I first started getting into fitness, I was a prolific walker on a treadmill – I couldn’t run for more than a minute or two without almost passing out.
There were a lot of times when I almost flew off an electric treadmill frantically trying to find the button to decrease the speed.
However, with a manual treadmill, you don’t need to worry about this dilemma.
NOTE
Manual treadmills go at the pace you’re walking or running, and the belt slows or speeds up depending on how fast you’re going.
Pacing
You don’t have to waste time looking for the correct button or dial, just simply slow down your pace to decrease the speed of the treadmill belt. Pretty simple, right?
Additionally, you don’t need to spend time memorizing settings or buttons on a self powered treadmill due to their simple design. Just start walking or running on the thing and you’re set!
Different Types of Manual Treadmills
Traditional Manual Treadmills
A traditional manual treadmill doesn’t have a motor – instead, the belt is powered by pushing it with your feet.
It has a simple design with a flat belt, and most are foldable to allow for easy storage.
This type of treadmill is best for home users who want a basic and lightweight machine to exercise on.
Pros of Traditional Manual Treadmills
- Lightweight and simple design – can be moved easily and placed anywhere
- Ideal for home users who just want to walk
- Good for users who don’t want a treadmill that is overly complicated
- Perfect for users who need a treadmill that is easy to get on and off
Slat Belt Manual Treadmills
Slat belt manual treadmills are a little more high-end than traditional units.
They have a slat belt design that uses horizontal rubber slats which spin around the deck.
A slat belt manual treadmill is much heavier than a traditional manual treadmill, so it’s a lot harder to move around. This type of treadmill is best used for professional athletes and gyms.
Pros of Slat Belt Manual Treadmills
- Great for professional athletes who want to make their training more challenging
- Good for runners looking to get greater calorie burn
- Ideal for gym or training facility owners
- Ideal for professionals who want to improve their running form and strength
Slat Belt Curved Manual Treadmills
Slat belt curved treadmills are similar to standard slat belt units but with curved shape.
This design helps stimulate muscle engagement in both your legs and torso.
Safety
Curved treadmills are a lot like hamster wheels – the higher speed you run at, the faster the wheel will turn.
For this reason, a curved treadmill is a bit more difficult to use, and can even be hazardous if used incorrectly.
That said, there are a lot of pros of this unit as long as you know what you’re doing.
Pros of Slat Belt Curved Manual Treadmills
- Great choice for gym owners with experienced users
- Ideal for users who understand the advantages of a curved design
- Good for users with ample balance and muscle strength
- Perfect for users who require advanced biofeedback and more challenging training
Hybrid Treadmills
A hybrid treadmill has a motor but can also be used manually by disconnecting the belt from the motor.
Some hybrid treadmills only let you walk on the belt, while others allow you to jog or run.
A hybrid treadmill can have a flat or curved frame.
If you want both a manual and a motorized treadmill, a hybrid treadmill is your best option.
Pros of Hybrid Treadmills
- Ideal for users who want a treadmill that has advanced features and manual functions
- Good for households with multiple users of varying conditioning levels
- Great for gym owners or coaches with clientele of different exercise needs
- Ideal for walkers who require incline options
FAQs
Are Manual Treadmills Good for Walking?
Manual treadmills are good for walking – in fact, they’re best used for walkers as the frame material isn’t sturdy or strong enough to run or jog on.
Additionally, manual treadmills typically have a shorter tread belt than electric units, which prevents you from using a long-running stride.
Can You Actually Run on a Manual Treadmill?
You can run on a manual treadmill, but some types are better suited to jogging and running than others. If you want a manual treadmill for running, opt for a slat belt or curved manual treadmill.
Is a Manual Treadmill Bad for Your Knees?
Manual treadmills can put pressure and strain on your joints as the belt can be hard to get going at first (especially flat-belt units).
They also require more effort to keep at a consistent speed as they are self-powered, which could be problematic for those with hip or knee arthritis.
Do I Have to Use the Handlebars?
Whether you use the handlebars or not is entirely up to you. Using them can help you regain your balance and steady yourself.
However, some sources claim that holding onto the handlebars can reduce the amount of calories you burn and affect your posture, among other things.
Will a Manual Treadmill Stop When I Stop?
A manual treadmill will stop when you stop, unlike an electric treadmill where you have to press a button or choose a speed setting.
Can a Manual Treadmill Teach Me How to Run?
A manual treadmill can teach you how to run as it requires a good running form in order to use it correctly.
Can You Lose Weight on a Manual Treadmill?
As long as you exercise regularly and consistently, you can lose weight on a manual treadmill, just like you can on an electric treadmill.
How Many Calories Do I Burn on a Treadmill?
The number of calories you can burn on a treadmill depends on a few things such as weight, activity levels, the speed you’re going at, among others.
However, you can normally expect to burn around 240 calories (at 5 mph) per 30 minutes – high intensity workouts will also burn more calories.
How Much Weight Can You Lose on a Treadmill in a Week?
How much weight you can lose on a treadmill in a week depends on a few factors, including diet, weight activity levels, and the intensity of your workouts.
Some lose between 1 and 2 pounds of weight per week, others more, others less.
There’s no definitive answer – everyone loses weight at their own pace!
Do Treadmills Use a Lot of Electricity?
Treadmills can use a fair bit of electricity, but the wattage rating of the machine and how much you use the unit will influence its energy consumption.
Can I Plug My Treadmill into a Regular Outlet?
It’s best to use a socket with a dedicated circuit for a treadmill to avoid the risk of damaging your treadmill.
Most manufacturers advise using a surge suppressor for a treadmill.
Avoid using an extension cord as treadmills aren’t designed to work with Ground Fault Circuit Interrupt outlets – they’re sensitive to current fluctuations.
Final Thoughts
Here is a quick look at our top manual treadmills.
Top Pick
After looking at a range of manual treadmills, I think the best manual treadmill option for most users is the Exerpeutic 100XL High Capacity Magnetic Resistance Manual Treadmill.
It’s compact and slimline, while also coming with a lot of features that help you keep track of your progress like your max speed.
It also has a slot for you water bottle, 3 levels of incline, a heart rate monitor, a LCD display, and other helpful qualities like ‘Pacer Control’.
The only cons of the unit include it’s unclear instructions and slightly unsteady tread belt.
Great Alternatives
Some of the other best manual treadmills I’ve looked at include the Sunny Health and Fitness Manual Treadmill and ProGear 190 Manual Treadmill.
Editor’s Choice
The Sunny Health Fitness Magnetic Resistance treadmill has magnetic adjustable resistance levels, sweat-resistant rails, and a large belt surface.
Although it comes with good features like the soft drop system. There are a couple of minor cons with the unit – the belt can fall out of position every so often, and the assembly instructions are a bit hard to follow.
Best on a Budget
The ProGear 190 treadmill is a solid pick if you’re on a budget but still require a decent machine. It has a simple LCD monitor that helps you record your speed, distance, etc., and has a couple of incline options.
Regarding cons, the only issues involve its unsturdy belt and handlebars.
Which manual treadmill do you like the most?
Did you find the best manual treadmill for you? If manual treadmills are not for you, this best treadmill under 500 article might help you find an ideal electric treadmill.
Let me know your thoughts on our social media, and be sure to check out our other related articles on fitness to help you with your next workouts, such as this review of the best running pants or this review of the best running tights. We also have an article about the perfect gifts for gym goers and the best CrossFit shorts for women.
