What is the best manual treadmill?
Believe it or not, some of the best treadmills are neither motorized nor expensive.
It’s true!
Contrary to popular belief, motorized treadmills are just one branch of treadmills as a whole. There is a whole other segment of the market that deals with manual treadmills.
Today, I’ll show you 7 amazing manual treadmills – and I’ll tell you exactly what makes them special.
If you are in a hurry, here is a quick look at the top three models:
- Exerpeutic 100XL: THE EDITORS CHOICE
- ProGear 190: Most Bang for the Bucks
- Phoenix 98516: The Affordable Choice
Let’s get to it:
Contents
What is the Best Manual Treadmill? Reviews of the top 7 Models
Manual treadmills are safe and simple machines with a belt that is operated solely by the movement of your feet. Because there are no complex electrical components, it requires little maintenance.
Livestrong.com – Manual Vs. Motorized Treadmill
After looking at dozens of different models, here are my top 7 favorites:
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1. Exerpeutic 100XL: The Editors Choice
- Tested up to 325lbs of user weight
- Twin 6" diameter flywheels provide a smoother and more...
- Heart pulse pads allows the user to measure target...
Models such as Exerpeutic 100XL introduce a level of complexity into what appears to be a very basic product.
After all, manual treadmills can only be so versatile, right?
Exerpeutic 100XL features all the right components in all the right places!
Everything starts with a robust frame:
Exerpeutic used thick quality tubing for both the structure and the subframe design. While this may add a bit of weight compared to other models in the same category, it also adds a whole lot of stability and support.
Another exciting thing about the design of Exerpeutic 100XL is how they solved incline control. You can manually set it, but there is always going to be some incline.
Resistance is provided by a pair of flywheels which are magnetically controlled. You can find the resistance adjustment knob on the main control panel, which is also where the built-in computer module sits.
Here’s where things become really interesting.
Exerpeutic 100XL also comes with heart rate monitoring on top of the usual distance, speed, and other metrics.
Overall, it is by far one of the most capable manual treadmills out there!
2. Fitness Reality TR3000: Robust and Lightweight
- Tested up to 325lbs of user weight. Capable of jogging...
- Twin 6 inch diameter flywheels provide a smoother and...
- Treadmill belt is extended to 16" w x 45"L. Wider and...
Another rugged manual treadmill comes under the name of Fitness Reality TR3000.
It’s very similar to the one we’ve just talked about. However, there are some subtle differences.
Again, the whole thing is based on a very robust frame design. You are looking at proper tubing all over the place, which makes this a rather stable platform no matter how you decide to use it.
With that said, Fitness Reality TR3000 has proven to be a pretty lightweight package.
If you’re looking for a treadmill that will easily fold up and one that you can comfortably store away, the lightweight build is a must.
When it comes to resistance control and tension adjustments, you’re looking at the fairly standard dual flywheel design.
Fitness Reality TR3000 allows you to adjust the tension by manipulating the knob found on the main control panel.
Right next to the tension knob is where you will see a large display used to display core stats in real-time. The remarkable fact is that heart rate monitoring is included in this package.
From a manual treadmills point of view, Fitness Reality TR3000 does a lot of things perfectly at a price that makes it quite competitive.
3. Confidence Fitness Magnetic Manual Treadmill: Best Compact Manual Treadmill
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Even though manual treadmills are generally compact by default, there is such a thing as a manual treadmill designed specifically around the idea of a small footprint.
Confidence Fitness Magnetic Manual Treadmill is probably one of the best examples you can find out there.
The minimalist frame, to say the least, is actually a version of a standard frame found on most motorized treadmills.
With that said, Confidence Fitness used proper quality tubing, which makes the entire platform rather sturdy.
So much so that this treadmill inspires more confidence than models which have much more tubing involved. When folded, you get a package that can fit in just about any closet out there.
If it’s large enough for your clothes to fit in there, it will work for the Confidence Fitness Magnetic Manual Treadmill.
Simple as that.
Once you go past its compact form factor, this model still has a relatively robust performance to offer.
Resistance is produced by a pair of flywheels that are magnetically controlled. On top of that, you have a small but efficient display unit that shows you your vital stats.
The only thing that is really missing here is a user-adjustable incline.
4. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T1407M: Superb Manual Treadmill for Running
- EXCELLENT CARDIO BENEFITS: This affordable treadmill...
- COMPACT AND ERGONOMIC: This compact, lightweight...
- LCD MONITOR: Track fitness progress on the easy to read...
It’s no secret that shopping for an affordable treadmill can be a dangerous game.
This especially applies to manual treadmills.
However, it isn’t impossible to find a solid performer that won’t break your bank.
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T1407M is all the proof you could need!
Simple in design, this treadmill brings all the right features in all the right places. The frame itself is pretty robust. They’ve used the very same design as most other brands out there, which is a good thing.
Using proven solutions is an excellent way to keep the costs down, which is precisely what’s done here.
Moving forward, we see a dual flywheel setup that offers plenty of resistance.
You’re almost guaranteed a proper workout, especially if you include the fixed incline. In terms of weight and size, you can fold this bad boy up quite nicely and pack it away with ease.
It isn’t the most compact model out there, but it fits the description of a small treadmill just fine. The best thing about Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T1407M has got to be an extremely competitive price.
If you are on a tight budget, something like this could be worth your time.
5. ProGear 190: Most Bang For The Bucks
- Tested up to 230lbs of user weight
- Steel Frame with powder coated finish, Wide side rails...
- Oversized belt rollers provide a very smooth and...
Minimalist manual treadmills are becoming more and more popular for several reasons.
It just so happens that these treadmills are working exceptionally well for people who want a walking treadmill.
If that is what you’re after, chances are that you don’t need an expensive motorized model.
ProGear 190 is one such minimalist treadmill that really defines the whole bang for the buck idea.What I really liked about it is the fact that it comes with a reinforced frame.
That is right.
The incredibly affordable ProGear 190 has a more robust frame than some of the models which are much, much more expensive.
That’s the first plus for this model.
The resistance is not really adjustable and is provided by a pair of flywheels.
The incline, on the other hand, is adjustable.
You can choose between 6 degrees or 10 degrees of incline. Each of those figures should be more than enough to give you a proper workout.
Furthermore, ProGear went so far as to install a small but functional display unit.
Although it is quite rudimentary, you can easily use it to track your stats and plan your workout.
At this price, ProGear 190 is worth checking out.
6. Stamina InMotion: Great for Walking
- COMPACT CARDIO FITNESS - Our Manual Treadmill is a...
- SMOOTH AND STABLE MOTION - Simply walk at your desired...
- TWO INCLINE POSITIONS - Our Manual Treadmill offers two...
The world of affordable manual treadmills is pretty large and diverse.
As you keep lowering the price, your chances of running into proven models are getting smaller and smaller.
However, there is still a chance that you will find a suitable treadmill even if you are limited by a rigorous budget.
Stamina InMotion is one such treadmill.
Even so, it still has a lot to offer.
The core of the whole package is the frame.
It is somewhat lighter than your average manual treadmill frame, but it works just fine.
If you are wondering how well it can hold up when you start running on it, the answer is probably not well at all.
However, this treadmill was never meant to be used for running so that shouldn’t be an issue.
If you were to use Stamina InMotion within the limits of what it was meant to be used for, you shouldn’t run into any trouble. Resistance is provided by a set of small flywheels which aren’t adjustable.
With a fixed incline, you are looking at a decent workout no matter what.
Last but not least, you also get a small but functional display.
Overall, this is a decent setup.
7. Phoenix 98516: The Best Budget Model
- Manual treadmill with heavy-duty weighted flywheel and...
- Single-button electronics display tracks speed,...
- Lets you achieve maximum walking/jogging speed via...
I’ve discussed some affordable treadmills, but now is the time to introduce the cheapest possible model we are comfortable recommending.
Phoenix 98516 is the very definition of a minimalist treadmill.
It is basic, rugged, affordable, and most importantly, reliable!
The frame lacks any kind of finesse.
So much so that you won’t even see much more than the most basic layer of protective coating.
However, the frame you get with this treadmill is incredibly robust.
Phoenix has gone above and beyond most other brands, usually in this price range in terms of the frame design. That is something we have to respect.
Resistance is delivered by a single flywheel. Compared to dual flywheel designs, this setup is going to be a bit limited.
However, considering that Phoenix 98516 is a walking treadmill, that shouldn’t be an issue.
What I found to be quite surprising is the fact that Phoenix 98516 still comes with a small display unit.
Even though it’s one of the most affordable models out there, it still allows you to track your progress and check your stats.
Cool!
Overall, Phoenix 98516 is an excellent choice for beginners and those who need a quick solution on a budget.
Final Words: Manual Treadmills do the Trick!
If you aim to stroll or jog an extra mile or two during your days, a manual treadmill will do the trick!
Either you go for the best of the lot, Exerpeutic 100XL, the best bang for the buck model ProGear 190, or the affordable choice Phoenix 98516, you will rest assured your manual treadmill will cover your needs.
If you want even more options, take a look at the NordicTrack manual treadmill, or maybe you would rather like a curved belt manual treadmill? If so, my opinion is that the Speedfit manual treadmill and the Assault Fitness Air Runner Treadmill is by far the two best curbed treadmills.
Are you more into more HIIT-style workouts?
Look elsewhere!
My suggestion would be to either get yourself one of these motorized treadmills for home use or even do bodyweight HIIT!
I’ve got tons of fantastic alternatives lined up for you in my massive at home cardio vault!