Best Manual Treadmill

1. Best Overall Manual Treadmill – Precor Assault AirRunner

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Topping our list for the best overall manual treadmill is the Precor Assault AirRunner, and there are a few good reasons why I’ve chosen to list it number one amongst other quality contenders. For starters, the quality is excellent. This machine is built like a tank with alloy steel construction, thus allowing a high weight capacity and impressive 150,000 mile belt life. Its corrosion-resistant hardware and slat belt running surface are further indicators of a treadmill that will stand the test of time. 

While many self-propelled treadmills don’t offer anything in terms of entertainment, the Assault AirRunner includes a Hi-Contrast LCD console along with Bluetooth. This allows you entertainment and the option to take your training to new levels through the use of third-party apps. Designed with high intensity interval training in mind, athletes of all fitness levels are accommodated as there is no maximum speed. Read our full review of the Precor Assault AirRunner manual treadmill. 

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2. Best Hybrid Treadmill – NordicTrack Commercial X22i

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Not quite sure you’re ready to commit to a manual treadmill but liking some of the features they have to offer? The NordicTrack Commercial X22i offers the best of both worlds. While the 3.6 HP motor will power the belt when you want it to, you also have the option to use manual mode when you want to switch to sled push and resistance training. Best of all, with its combination of iFit training and expansive incline, you can enjoy simulated settings that make you feel like you’re far from your home and running along some of the most scenic routes in the world. 

The X22i is accommodating for a wide range of runners and walkers alike. Its Reflex Cushioning significantly reduces impact for those with joint issues, and the wide track is roomy enough for taller runners. While treadmills in general are lacking when it comes to upper body training, NordicTrack includes a set of adjustable dumbbells with your purchase, a value of $349. Check out our full NordicTrack Commercial X22i review. 

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3. Best Manual Treadmill for Walking – Sunny Health and Fitness

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If you don’t plan on using your treadmill for running, you don’t want to spend more than you have to on a machine made for heavier use. The Sunny Health and Fitness treadmill is made specifically with walking in mind. For starters, it has a small belt, giving you much less space for a long stride. For walking, this is all you really need. The sturdy handrail offers the stability you need if you have mobility and/or balance issues. 

Since the Sunny Health and Fitness treadmill does allow for a slight degree of incline, you can take your walking regimen to new levels as you work the legs harder for strengthening and an increased caloric burn. You can get a great workout through walking. It just takes a little more time than it would to run. The good news is this product offers a convenient media ledge. This allows you to prop your phone or tablet at eye-level so you can take advantage of your favorite entertainment to make the time go faster. Check out our full review of the Sunny Health and Fitness treadmill. 

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4. Best Manual Treadmill for Running – Woodway Curve

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Although pricey, the Woodway Curve is the perfect tool for your home gym if you are a runner. Especially for athletes who need to stay in tip-top shape, this premiere product features a design created to maximize effectiveness and present unique challenges that not only get the heart pumping but also to tone and strengthen the lower body. While it doesn’t feature a fancy touchscreen, those interested in tracking their basic stats are provided time, speed, distance, pace, watts, laps, and heart rate stats on the LCD console.

Whether you walk, run, or engage in rigorous interval training, you can count on the Woodway Curve manual treadmill to provide around 30% more efficiency compared with your average machine. This fact in and of itself makes it worth the added investment along with its impressive 400 lb. weight capacity and 150,000 belt running life. It’s a product that will stand the test of time and prove it’s worth. Read our full review of the Woodway Curve manual treadmill. 

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5. Best Folding Manual Treadmill – Stamina InMotion

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Especially if you have limited square footage for your home gym, it’s a major plus to be able to save space where you can. Not only does the Stamina InMotion treadmill’s motor-free construction make it lightweight and easy to move, but it’s foldable so you can push it in a corner when not in use to make space for your other training activities. When folded, it’s only 21.1” L x 21.2” W x 50” H, and it only weighs 49 pounds. The Stamina InMotion manual treadmill takes around an hour to assemble and even provides two incline positions to increase training capabilities. 

At right around $120, it definitely won’t break the bank, and the dual-weighted flywheels make it compatible for runners and walkers alike. Although simplistic, you can track your stats with the electronic monitor that displays time, speed, distance, and calories burned. Those who have mobility issues will appreciate the textured, non-slip belt and foam-padded side and front rails. If space, simplicity, and low cost are important to you, this could be the right fit. Check out our full Stamina InMotion manual treadmill review. 

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Manual Treadmill Buying Guide

What is a Manual Treadmill?

Unlike a motorized treadmill where a motor gets the belt moving, a manual treadmill relies on the user’s feet in motion to initiate the workout. Studies have shown this type of treadmill to require up to 30% more effort, thus leading to higher calorie burn and more lower body muscle recruitment.

Aside from a desire to achieve a more intensive workout, why else would someone opt for a manual vs. motorized treadmill? There are a few good reasons:

• Portability
• Affordability
• Keeps carbon footprint low
• Safety
• Better lower body strength workout

History of the Self-Propelled Treadmill

In an effort to help athletes train more efficiently, William Shoenberger is credited with the introduction of the first manual curved treadmill in 1974. A lot of thought and planning went into the design of his creation, the Woodway, as Schoenberger spent hours analyzing body mechanics and the physics behind running to ensure he got every little detail right. Other companies followed suit when it became clear how beneficial the innovation was. 

Flat-Belt Vs. Curved Manual Treadmill

A flat-belt manual treadmill is just what the name implies. The belt is flat, whereas a curved manual treadmill belt has a curve to it. If you only plan on walking or light jogging, a flat-belt manual treadmill can work, but those planning to run or engage in high-intensity training should strongly consider a curved treadmill option. They usually include individual rubber slats that work with the overall design to more efficiently facilitate this level of training. 

How Manual Treadmills Accelerate

A manual treadmill relies solely on your feet to move, so they accelerate with your pace. Unlike a motorized treadmill, this acceleration happens immediately with no lag time like you experience as a motor picks up the speed. This can provide significant benefits for people involved in short sprints like those associated with Tabata HIIT training. The same is true when you slow down. When your pace slows, the machine slows, allowing you total control over the treadmill. 

Manual Treadmills Provide Strengthening Benefits

Motorized treadmills provide a significant power supplement. Since manual treadmills rely on your foot strike to move, there are more muscle groups required for locomotion. The abs are engaged to maintain posture, quads and tibialis produce the forward motion, and the glutes and hamstrings are critical in moving the belt. So, while the manual treadmill certainly takes care of your cardio training for the day, it simultaneously provides a very thorough core and lower body workout that can increase metabolism and stimulate muscle growth and development. 

With the increased effort comes the need for a higher level of focus while you complete your workout. On a motorized treadmill, it’s easier to let your mind wander as the machine stays on pace for you. Manual treadmills require more focus since you’re using so many muscle groups to maintain pacing, balance, and coordination. 

Downsides of the Manual Treadmill

There isn’t such a thing as a one-size-fits-all fitness solution. While there are many benefits associated with manual treadmill use, it’s not for everyone. Let’s take a moment to look at some potential drawbacks of self-propelled treadmill use. 

Safety Considerations

Some manufacturers won’t sell curved treadmills for residential use and will only make transactions with certified professionals. Manual treadmills require a higher degree of focus, and those with balance issues and strength limitations can face serious injury when they don’t understand the ins and outs of manual treadmill use. 

Incline Must Be Set Off the Machine

While incline on a motorized treadmill can be changed seamlessly during your workout, you have to set the incline on manual treadmills off the machine. This means, during your workout, you are stuck with the incline you set. 

Fewer Special Features

If you’re a fan of built-in programs, the manual treadmill may not be the right choice. Those that include a display will provide important information you can use to track your workouts like calories burned, speed, time, and distance. You can also consider using a third-party app to engage in targeted programming. 

Added Stress on the Joints

Since it takes effort to get the treadmill belt moving, the manual treadmill is typically harder on the joints than motorized counterparts. Those with joint pain and arthritis may find it difficult to get the treadmill moving. 

Lower Quality

For many flat-belt treadmills in particular, construction isn’t as sturdy as you’ll experience with motorized alternatives. A few things that will clue you in on a lower-quality product is a low weight limit and low price tag. If a manual treadmill is the right product for you, considering a curved belt will typically indicate higher quality. 

Our Verdict

Having a treadmill in the comfort of your home can significantly increase your chances of sticking with your workout regimen. While a manual treadmill may not be the right fit for someone with mobility limitations, balance issues, and/or joint pain, those who are looking for a cardio machine that gets your heart rate up while working the lower body and core have a lot to gain through use of a manual treadmill. This guide was designed to help you make the best choice based on your specific needs. 

Additional Treadmill Resources

• How to Fix Common Treadmill Problems
• Treadmill Motors: What You Need to Know
• List of Treadmill Brands
• List of Treadmills
• Treadmill Buyer’s Guide
• History of The Treadmill