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5 Best Manual Treadmills in 2023

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Treadmill walking is an effective way to burn extra calories and achieve a healthy lifestyle.

Unlike an electric treadmill, a manual treadmill is more effective and safe for working out as these treadmills don’t require any electricity and completely self-powered. 

In this article, we pick the top-quality five best manual treadmills on the market of 2021 and guide you on what you must consider when purchasing with FAQs regarding manual treadmills that help find your perfect match treadmill.

So, let’s dive in!

Quick List: Best Manual Treadmills

Top 5 Best Manual Treadmills in 2021

1. Assault Fitness AirRunner

Key Specs

  • Editor’s Rating: 4.6/5
  • Display: LCD Console
  • Tread Belt: 17.1″ x 62.2″
  • Speed: Up to 20 mph
  • Incline: 30 Percent
  • Folding: No
  • Weight capacity: 350 lbs
  • Dimensions: 69.9″L x 32.8″W x 64″H
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Pros

  • High-contrast LCD console.
  • High-performance, lightweight machine.
  • 350 lbs of user weight capacity.
  • Like running on air burns up to 30%.
  • Commercial-grade 150,000 mile belt life.

Cons

  • It is an expensive treadmill.

Description

The AssaultRunner completely redefines the manual treadmill, offering superior steel construction, dependable stability, and no-limits functionality in a streamlined, energy-efficient design.

This motor-less treadmill uses no electricity, running instead on the user’s own movement’s energy. This machine can instantly conform to your desired speed, even if you change your output randomly at will.

The machine is built with a steel frame and handrails, corrosion resistant hardware, and a slat belt running surface that lasts up to 150,000 miles. There’s no need for you to adjust the belt tension or replace the deck.

Note: If the budget isn’t your concern, then the AssaultRunner is a perfect manual treadmill for indoor running. This machine can give you a smooth, stable, and robust running session.

2. Sunny Health & Fitness Manual Treadmill

Key Specs

  • Editor’s Rating: 4.4/5
  • Display: None
  • Tread Belt: 53″L x 16″W
  • Incline: 13.5% Fixed incline
  • Resistance: 16 Levels (Magnetic)
  • Folding: Yes
  • Weight capacity: 300 lbs
  • Dimensions: 59″L x 27″W x 55″H
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Pros

  • Multi-grip handles promote versatility.
  • A 53″ x 16″ ample trade deck.
  • It stands at a fixed incline of 13.5%.
  • 16 Levels of magnetic resistance.
  • Heavy flywheels create high-intensity.

Cons

  • The incline isn’t adjustable.
  • It doesn’t provide any console.

Description

Sunny Health & Fitness is one of the most popular treadmill brands in the fitness industry, and this manual treadmill can give an excellent home jogging session.

The self-powered treadmill stands at a fixed incline of 13.5 percent, promoting a more fluid running motion. The high-density handrails support multi-grip functioning, which encourages a versatile yet challenging cardio session.

The machine provides a 53″ x 16″ deck for a full comfort cardio workout, while the 16 magnetic tension levels allow a challenging training session.

Note: If you’re looking for a manual treadmill on a tight budget, this Sunny Health & Fitness manual treadmill is an excellent option. Its large deck with multi-grip handrails makes it perfect for workers, joggers, and lite runners.

3. Exerpeutic 100XL

Key Specs

  • Editor’s Rating: 4.4/5
  • Display: LCD Console
  • Tread Belt: 16″ x 45″
  • Incline: 3 Levels
  • Resistance: 8 Levels (Magnetic)
  • Folding: Yes
  • Weight capacity: 325 lbs
  • Dimensions: 50″ L x 29″ W x 50″ H
  • Warranty: 3 Year Limited Warranty.
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Pros

  • Computer LCD window display.
  • Tested up to 325 lbs of user weight.
  • Pacer Control 8 level magnetic tension.
  • Extra-long handles with a pulse.
  • Twin flywheels with an extended belt.

Cons

  • The deck is small than the top-two models.

Description

The Exerpeutic 100XL is the right combination of features at an affordable price, and that’s easily earned the award of the ‘Editor’s Choice’ manual treadmill.

The machine features an LCD console to monitor workout progress. The extra-long safety handles with heart pulse pads are more than 2X the length, provide walking security, and prevent any loss of balance.

The Exerpeutic provides a solid frame that loads up to 325 pounds and features a quick and easy 3-position incline. The eight magnetic tension levels provide different levels of difficulty and help stabilize the treadmill speed for hands-free walking.

Note: The Exerpeutic 100XL is a highly-rated manual treadmill at an affordable price. If you want to walk and jog with some fantastic features, then this 100XL manual treadmill is perfect for you. 

4. ProGear 190 Manual Treadmill

Key Specs

  • Editor’s Rating: 4.1/5
  • Display: LCD Console
  • Tread Belt: 43″L x 13¼”W
  • Incline: 2 levels
  • Folding: Yes
  • Weight capacity: 230 lbs
  • Dimensions: 47″L x 23″W x 51″H
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Pros

  • It features an LCD console display.
  • It provides longer handles with foam grip.
  • Quick, easy 2-position incline adjustment.
  • It includes oversized belt rollers.
  • Steel Frame with powder-coated finish.

Cons

  • The weight capacity is low.
  • The deck is slightly small.

Description

The ProGear 190 is one of the top-rated manual treadmills on the market. The machine provides an LCD console featuring elapsed time, distance walked, calories burned, and speed.

The treadmill features oversize belt rollers for a very smooth and consistent walking experience, while the quick and easy two-position incline adjustment makes a more challenging workout.

ProGear 190 comes with a steel frame with a powder-coated finish, and the long handles with foam grips provide walking security and loss of balance. The folding design and transportation wheels make it ideal for home or office use.

Note: If you want a small machine for typical home or office use, then the ProGear 190 manual treadmill is a perfect machine for walkers with a tight budget.

5. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T1407M

Key Specs

  • Editor’s Rating: 3.9/5
  • Display: LCD monitor
  • Tread Belt: 42″L x 13″W
  • Incline: Fixed
  • Folding: Yes
  • Weight capacity: 220 lbs
  • Dimensions: 49″L x 23″W x 50″H
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Pros

  • An LCD monitor allows tracking progress.
  • High-density handrails are slip-resistant.
  • Dual flywheels provide infinite resistance.
  • Feel safe with a sturdy non-slip deck.
  • Compact design perfect for small space.

Cons

  • The weight capacity is low.
  • The incline isn’t adjustable.

Description

Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T1407M is one of the most popular manual treadmills at a highly affordable price. This compact, lightweight treadmill is excellent for small spaces.

You can create goal-specific workouts with the LCD monitor that allows the user to track time, speed, distance, calories burned, and scan. With a 42″ x 13″ surface, this treadmill can withstand power walking or light jogging.

The machine provides a safe and secure workout with a non-slip running surface that supports a max weight of 220 lbs, and easy folding is very convenient for home use.

Note: The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T1407M is a compact, lightweight manual treadmill excellent for small spaces. It is durable and can withstand power walking or light jogging. 

What to Consider When Buying a Manual Treadmill

Before purchasing a manual treadmill, you must consider a few things and features to get the best one that fits your needs. Let’s have a look!

Define Your Purpose

You must be very clear about what is the primary purpose of purchasing a manual treadmill. Do you want to walk, jog, run, or all these?

Ask yourself how exactly you want to use it? Think deeply and then make a sensible decision to your treadmill selection.

A $500 treadmill can efficiently fulfill your basic requirements like walking, lite jogging. But for intense running, you have to look at the $1,500+ treadmill category.

Make Your Budget

After knowing your primary purpose of buying a manual treadmill, it is time to make your budget. How much you want to invest in your equipment?

Typically most of the manual treadmills are fall between the $300 to $3,000 price category. So, how much you should invest depends on your needs and workout goals.

Our general price recommendation for walkers and lite joggers is to go for atleast $300 or higher price range treadmill. But if you want to run, then a higher range treadmill like AssaultRunner is better suitable for your needs.

Key Features to Look For

When it comes to checking the machine, you must lookout for some crucial features to get a top-quality product that best suits you.

  • Console: Generally, most of the manual treadmills provide an LCD console where few brands don’t. A decent console is an excellent option to monitor workout progress and stay motivated. But its up to your needs, so choose accordingly.
  • Trade Belt: The treadmill deck is one of the most crucial features to check out. For walking or lite jogging, go for at least a 42″ x 13″ belt. But power joggers and lite-runners should choose a 50″ x 16″ or higher-sized belt for a comfortable running session.
  • Incline: The incline adds variety to your training and helps make a more challenging workout. Most of the treadmills provide a gradient. Some are adjustable, where others are fixed. An adjustable incline option is always better and recommended.
  • Folding: Most of the cheap models provides a folding design where the high-end models aren’t. A folding design might be a good option for small spaces. So choose a machine according to your workout space.
  • Weight Capacity: The weight capacity varies from different brands. The general thumb rule is to choose a treadmill with 50 pounds higher load capacity than its most massive user.

Stability & Durability

It is always recommended to go for a treadmill with a solid heavy-duty frame and durable deck that lasts long years of your fitness journey.

A machine with an adequate weight capacity (250 lbs) is often giving more stability to your workout and make a more smooth and comfortable cardio session.

Best Warranty

The warranty period varies on different brands and the price of the model. It is recommended to look for a machine with atleast one year of warranty.

Pro Tip: when you are choosing a treadmill, look for its weight capacity and warranty, which will give you a significant clue as to the treadmill’s quality, and you will presume how long the machine can provide you the services.

Best Manual Treadmills FAQs

What is the best manual treadmill?

After in-depth research on the 2021 market, our experts recommend the Assault Fitness AirRunner treadmill is the best manual treadmill. Whether you’re a walker or an intense runner, this manual treadmill is a very well combination of features.

Optional: If you’re looking for a manual treadmill on a tight budget, then the Exerpeutic 100XL is a perfect budget option for regular walk and lite jog.

Are manual treadmills any good?

A manual treadmill is a fantastic option for walkers, joggers, and even you can get an intensive running session. It is an excellent way to burn more calories in less time as these treadmills need the user’s power to run the belt.

The manual treadmills tend to cheaper than the electric models as you no need to pay for the motor, which is an excellent option for beginners who start their fitness journey and don’t want to invest a lot of money in equipment.

Can you run on a manual treadmill?

Yes! But it depends on the capacity of your equipment. To be realistic, you can’t run on a cheap model as they provide a short deck, less weight capacity, and not much durability.

You have to go for a treadmill (like AssaultRunner) with a solid frame, large, durable deck, and high weight capacity to get a stable and comfortable workout experience. 

Does manual treadmill help lose weight?

Shortly yes! A manual treadmill is a piece of excellent equipment to burn extra calories in less time as these treadmills run on the energy produced by the user’s movement.

Let’s be realistic. Working out and burn calories doesn’t help you lose massive weight, but you should also focus on your nutrition. A clean diet and consistent treadmill workout will definitely help you achieve your desired fitness goals.

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