Manual Treadmill
7 Best Manual Treadmills 2020
Comprehensive manual treadmill offers stability, comfort, and 16 levels of resistance to improve cardiovascular fitness and strength. Features more versatility than most manual treadmills, with resistance levels and different hand grip options. Heavy-duty frame supports up to 300 pounds. Locks into place but features wheels for easy transport. Free Shipping.
Design
In all honesty, the general aesthetics of a manual treadmill aren’t particularly amazing – especially when compared to some of the sleek and stylish electric treadmills you can buy. Ultimately, manual treadmills are functional machines, built for one purpose – to get you moving.
Unless you are buying a high-end, commercial model, most manual treadmills are quite compact and foldable. They tend to be built for living rooms and apartments, as opposed to dedicated home gyms.
This is also why many will feature a foldaway design and wheels on the base, so you can stow and maneuver to save a little space when the machine is not in use.
While there may not be much choice in design, aim for a treadmill with a robust metal frame – this will ensure your ride isn’t shaky or unstable.
Core Components
While we usually discuss motors in this section, there are none to talk about when it comes to manual treadmills! In short, you are the motor.
However, some treadmills will feature a way to adjust the resistance, making the belt either easier or more difficult to move.
Some will offer just a few levels of resistance, while others will give you up to 16 different levels. These more extensive options are usually found on more expensive models, although keep an eye out in the lower-end section are there are a few surprises around.
Incline Selection
No motor means no motorized incline. However, some manual treadmills will offer several degrees of manual incline adjustability. This means you can choose whether to run on a steeper gradient for a real challenge, or change to a slightly flatter surface.
One thing to note about manual treadmills is that most of them are set to a particular incline as standard. So, even if there are no adjustability options, your machine may still be fixed at a relatively steep incline.
This is to make the belt easier to move, especially for people with less leg strength or joint issues. While this incline can give you a good workout, having no option to change the gradient can get a little boring.
Belt Size
One thing you will find pretty common on manual treadmills is that the belts tend to be quite compact, with a narrower width and a shorter length.
This may be something to do with the fact that the majority of manual treadmills are affordable, costing no more than a few hundred bucks. Looking at a cheap motorized treadmill you’ll find the same problem exists.
It’s good to know this isn’t just because it’s a manual treadmill, although it doesn’t stop the experience from feeling any less cramped. Ultimately, if you want more generous belt dimensions, you’ll have to fork out a little more.
Control Module
Aside from the issue of the motor, this is where manual treadmills and the motorized cousins most noticeably differ. With no motor, there’s no speed or incline to control and therefore no controls. However, as we have noted, you will find a resistance dial if your treadmill offers adjustable resistance.
