Written by Steve Theunissen | ISSA: CPT & Fitness Nutrition
Fact checked by Tyler DiGiovanni, BSBM
FACT CHECKED
We adhere to a strict methodology when reviewing products. We strive to deliver you an unbiased opinion on products and services so that you're able to make an informed decision. Learn More
We may earn a commission on purchases made through links on this page at no cost to you. Learn More
Until recently, manual treadmills weren't a consideration for serious fitness enthusiasts. Instead, with electronic treadmills dominating the market, manual versions were seen as kid's playthings that couldn't give you anywhere near a decent workout. Within the last decade, though, things have changed quite dramatically.
With the rise of the curved manual treadmill and other innovations in the home fitness market, manual treadmills have been given a new lease on life. Suddenly, it seems, everyone wants to have a manual treadmill in their home gym.
The market is not short of home gym manual treadmills. The range is quite staggering, making it challenging to decide which manual treadmill to choose.
This article makes that choice easier for you by reviewing the nine best manual treadmills in today's market.
We spent countless hours researching and testing these manual treadmills, so you can be confident in our choices.
We'll also discuss the benefits of manual treadmills and provide a buyer's guide to help you focus on what's important when shopping for one.
9 Best Manual Treadmills
- Overall Best: AssaultRunner Pro
- Budget Pick: Sunny Health Fitness SF-T1407M
- Premium Pick: NordicTrack Commercial x32i
- Curved Manual Treadmill: SB Fitness Equipment CT400
- Folding Manual Treadmill: Sunny Health Fitness Fitmill
- For Seniors: Exerpeutic 100xl
- For Jogging: TrueForm Trainer
- For Walking: Fitness Reality TR3000
- Hybrid: NordicTrack Commercial X22i
SFS Pick
AssaultRunner Pro
SFS Budget Pick
Sunny SF-T1407M
SFS Premium Pick
NordicTrack X32i
1. Overall Best Manual Treadmill: AssaultRunner Pro
The AssaultRunner Pro is one of the most popular and high-profile curved manual treadmills on the current market. It is manufactured by Assault Fitness.
We love using this manual treadmill to get our clients in tip top shape. In our experience this is the best option on the market.
The AssaultRunner's curved running surface is an arched surface made up of a number of overlapping rubber panels. This prolongs the foot's contact with the surface below it. As a result, greater energy transfer arises from this longer contact period, increasing the effort the body must generate for forward propulsion. This results in a greater calorie burn and a more effective fat-burning workout.
A shock-absorbent belt significantly reduces the stress impact on your ankle, knee, and hip joints while you're running. The AssaultRunner's high-end UV-resistant console is one of its best features. It has built-in target and interval programs. It can also sync to your mobile and track your heart rate. In addition, the monitor will keep track of your pace, wattage, distance, and speed.
A couple of extra features in the AssaultRunner Pro are large side panels that provide ample foot space and foot stabilizers so that you get the machine perfectly leveled on any surface.
The AssaultRunner Pro has been built to last a lifetime. Using commercial-grade solid steel and heavy-duty oval tubing, the frame is incredibly durable. Commercial grade non-slip handgrips provide a secure hold while the integrated transport wheels make for ease of transport.
Your purchase of the AssaultRunner Pro comes with a lifetime running belt warranty.
Pros
- Shock absorbent running belt
- Built-in programs
- Overlapping rubber panels make up the running surface
Cons
- Expensive
The AssaultRunner Pro is specifically designed to help you meet and exceed your fitness goals. While other motorized treads...
2. Best Budget Manual Treadmill: Sunny Health Fitness SF-T1407M
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T1407M is a budget flat walking treadmill. It features a pair of flywheels that produce resistance, so the user has to apply more force to increase the walking speed. Guards cover both flywheels to keep them free of sweat and debris.
Non-slip foam handrails extend from the frame of this manual treadmill to help with balance and coordination. A simple battery-operated LCD monitor provides a running readout of your time, speed, distance, and calories burned. The non-slip running surface measures 42" by 13" and supports a maximum user weight of 220 pounds. Stabilizers on the underside of the treadmill allow you to make adjustments so that the treadmill is always sitting flat,
The Sunny Health & Fitness manual walking treadmill can be folded for convenient storage. It also comes with transportation wheels to make it easier to roll it away after use. The folded dimensions are 20" L x 23" W x 50" H.
This manual flat treadmill is designed for light walking only.
Pros
- Dual flywheels to control the resistance level
- Non-slip foam handles
- Stabilizers
- Foldable
Cons
- The running bed is quite narrow
- For walking only
This affordable treadmill will help you start your fitness journey. Walking can significantly improve mental and physical health...
3. Best Premium Manual Treadmill: NordicTrack Commercial x32i
The NordicTrack Commercial x32i is a premium incline trainer. It is a hybrid between a motorized and a manual trainer. The electronic mode features a 4.25 HP motor to power a top speed of 12 miles per hour. The running deck is about as big as it gets at 22" x 65". NordicTrack's Reflex cushioning system is built into the deck to minimize joint impact.
The incline capabilities of this treadmill are a standout feature. While most treadmills top out at a 15% incline, the NordicTrack Commercial x32i goes all the way to 40%, with a decline of 6%. That huge range provides a lot of intensity-enhancing potential.
Dual Autobreeze workout fans that are built into the consoles of the NordicTrack Commercial x32i keep you cool while you're working out. You also get a heart rate monitoring chest strap to allow you to get precise heart rate readings while exercising.
A key selling feature of the NordicTrack Commercial x32i is the massive 32-inch HD screen. Your purchase comes with a free 30-day iFit membership, providing you with an enormous amount of fitness training options.
There are four user profiles on the monitor of this treadmill. That makes it a great choice for active families, allowing four members to track their personal fitness progress.
The maximum user weight of this treadmill is just 300 pounds. That is a little disappointing for a treadmill that costs more than $4000. The 10-year frame warranty, with two years for parts and 12 months for labor, is also pretty ho-hum for a treadmill at this standard.
Pros
- 32-inch HD screen
- 40-degree incline
- Large running deck
- Four user profiles
- Comes with a chest heart rate monitor
Cons
- Max user weight is only 300 pounds
- Warranty could be better
On the X32i Incline Treadmill, studio sessions, global workouts, and even cross-training options like strength training and bootcamps will always present...
4. Best Curved Manual Treadmill: SB Fitness Equipment CT400
The SB Fitness Equipment CT400 is a commercial-grade manual treadmill with excellent specs. In fact, it has the best shock absorption you are likely to find on any manual curved treadmill on the market. It features ultra-thin flexible track slats that absorb the majority of the impact. These slats have been rated up to 150,000 miles with no problems whatsoever.
The unique handlebar design on the SB Fitness Equipment CT400 allows you to do much more than run. You can operate this machine as a sled, perform lateral shuffles, and for high-intensity interval training.
The SB Fitness Equipment CT400 is a great machine for interval training, sprinting, and HIIT. However, it is not designed for long-distance running. That is because the intensity created by the ultra-flexible slats will tire you out before you can get your distance in.
High-speed nylon bearings are used on this manual treadmill to deliver very smooth and quiet operation. Built-in transport wheels and carry handles allow for easy transportation. The machine also has leveling stabilizers to help you get flat placement on any type of flooring.
The maximum user weight of the SB Fitness Equipment CT400 is 375 pounds, attesting to the strength and durability of the frame. High tension resistance settings allow for a smooth slow down and stop when you're ready to bring your sprint session to an end.
Pros
- Excellent shock absorption
- Max user weight of 375 pounds
- Very smooth and quiet operation
- Ultra flexible slats on the running bed
Cons
- Expensive
Ultra-thin flexible track slats offer maximum shock absorption, thereby promoting less stress on joints and greater muscle activation, resulting in...
5. Best Folding Manual Treadmill: Sunny Health Fitness Fitmill
The Sunny Health & Fitness Fitmill is a flat manual treadmill that is designed for serious athletes. That makes it different from most manual flat treadmills, which are usually for walking only. There are sixteen levels of magnetic resistance on this treadmill to provide varying magnetic tension to challenge your cardio workout.
Dual-structure flywheels provide a smooth, jerk-free running motion. These large-capacity flywheels mean that you'll have to work harder to get the belt moving initially. When you do, you will be able to maintain a good running speed.
The Sunny Health & Fitness Fitmill features a range of handrail grip positions, allowing you to push against the treadmill and run or walk with different hand positions. The tread deck on this manual treadmill, though not as large as those on electronic treadmills, is larger than you'd find on other manual treadmills. With a running deck measurement of 16" W x 53" D, it will allow most people to get a decent running stride.
The maximum user weight of this treadmill is 300 pounds, With a 13.5% fixed incline.
The Sunny Health & Fitness Fitmill is foldable, making it a perfect option for someone with limited space. A soft-drop hydraulic mechanism makes it simple to fold up the machine after use. The folded dimensions are 31" L x 27" W x 58" H.
The machine weighs 110 lbs and comes with transport wheels.
With just 12 months of coverage on the frame and parts, the warranty on this manual running treadmill is not very impressive.
Pros
- Versatile flat manual treadmill
- Multi-grip hand positions
- 16 levels of magnetic resistance
- Dual structure flywheels
Cons
- Taller people will find the running deck too restricting
This self-powered treadmill stands at a fixed incline of 13.5 % promoting a more fluid running motion. The high-density...
6. Best Manual Treadmill For Seniors: Exerpeutic 100xl
The Exerpeutic 100xl high-capacity manual magnetic treadmill is among the most solid and reliable manual walking treadmills on the market. The first thing we found impressive was its 325-pound weight capacity. That shows how solidly built the frame of this machine is.
This treadmill features extra long handles to provide more support for people who have balance issues. This, combined with the machine's stability, make the Exerpeutic 100XL a good option for seniors.
Twin six-inch diameter flywheels keep the running bed moving nicely. With less jerkiness and more smoothness than many of its competitors on the market, the Exerpeutic 100XL provides you with a reliable, safe running bed. The handles feature heart rate pulse pads to provide a readout of your training heart rate. These pulse monitors are not overly accurate but will give you a good guideline of what's happening with your heart during the workout.
The Exerpeutic 100XL comes with a pretty basic but highly functional LCD monitor that features elapsed time, distance, walking speed, calorie burn, speed, and heart rate. It also features three levels of manual incline (8, 10, and 15 degrees) to increase your walking intensity and improve calorie burn. Pacer control, 8-level magnetic tension delivers different levels of intensity.
Pros
- Very solid and stable
- Extra long handles for added safety and security
- Twin six-inch diameter flywheels
- 325-pound max user weight
Cons
- Not designed for people over 6'2"
Walking or even running on the EXERPEUTIC 100XL Magnetic Treadmill is one of the easiest and most effective ways to achieve...
7. Best Manual Treadmill For Jogging: TrueForm Trainer
The TrueForm Trainer is a curved manual treadmill that features a gently curved running surface that forces you to exert more energy as you're running. It's more compact than most curved treadmills but loses nothing in terms of durability. The frame is made of heavy-duty steel, and the slat running bed, with built-in impact-absorbing technology, can handle a maximum user weight of 400 pounds.
The TrueForm Trainer's curvature is gentler than nearly every other curved treadmill on the current market. It measures just 2.5" from the lowest to the highest points of the running bed. This lack of steepness makes the TrueForm Trainer more suitable for everyday fitness enthusiasts.
This curved treadmill features responsive belt technology that can react to every little movement change you make. This ability to adjust to your balance, posture, foot strike and hip position makes the TrueForm Trainer one of the most responsive treadmills you will ever run on.
Pros
- Gentle curvature
- Responsive belt technology
- Max user weight of 400 pounds
- Heavy duty frame
Cons
- Might not be intense enough for highly trained individuals
The TrueForm TRAINER is a non-motorized treadmill with a gently curved running surface. It is a rugged, quality-built solution to any gym...
8. Best Manual Treadmill For Walking: Fitness Reality TR3000
Compact apartments are the perfect fit for the Fitness Reality TR3000, with its small, durable design. This is also an ideal choice for people who are after a reliable, smooth-operating walking treadmill. Two flywheels are provided in conjunction with magnets to provide changeable tension and resistance.
The Fitness Reality TR3000 manual treadmill has a maximum user weight of 325 pounds. The structure is fairly sturdy given that weight capacity. Furthermore, it is remarkably stable, so it won't wobble from side to side when you're walking.
You get a manual treadmill with a running belt motion that is smoother than usual, thanks to the two six-inch, precisely machined flywheels on the bottom of the machine. A simple monitor allows you to keep tabs on the usual training diagnostics. A nice feature is the pacer control 8-level magnetic tension, which provides different difficulty levels and helps stabilize the treadmill speed for hands-free walking.
The treadmill belt measures 16" W by 45" L. That will be quite constraining for people over six feet who are trying to achieve their natural walking gait. Extra long handles protruding from the frame provide a safe walking environment for the elderly.
The Fitness Reality TR3000 is manually adjustable to three incline levels: 8, 10, and 13 degrees. Walking on an incline will increase the intensity and allow you to burn more calories.
Pros
- Dual flywheels to provide a smooth walking experience
- 8-level magnetic tension
- Manually adjustable to three levels
- Compact
- Max user weight is 325 pounds
Cons
- Narrow running belt width
Fitness Reality. Real people, Real results. Manual treadmill training is an effective way to burn extra calories and achieve a healthy...
9. Best Hybrid Treadmill: NordicTrack Commercial X22i
The NordicTrack Commercial x22i is a combination motorized treadmill and a manual. The key feature of this treadmill is the huge 22-inch display screen. The screen both tilts and pivots, which is great for following along with iFit workouts off the treadmill. Some awesome HD programming features also provide you with immersive training experiences.
Another key feature of the NordicTrack Commercial x22i is the incline feature. The incline on this machine adjusts between an incline of 40% and a decline of 6%. This is a much greater range than you find on most treadmills, whether they are manual or motorized.
The NordicTrack Commercial x22i comes with Android 9.0 OS to deliver fast processing on features including Bluetooth capability for headphones and dual workout fans. Your purchase comes with an iFit Bluetooth chest strap heart rate monitor.
The NordicTrack Commercial x221 is one of the quietest electronic treadmills you will find. A feature of this machine that we really like is the integrated sled push and sled grips that turns the machine into a manual device. All you have to do is set the treadmill to one mile per hour and start pushing for an enhanced calorie-burn experience that will challenge every muscle in your body.
This treadmill also features new and improved cushioning to provide maximum joint protection. The max user weight of the NordicTrack Commercial x22i is 300 pounds, and the max speed is 12 miles per hour.
Pros
- Motorized and manual capability
- 22-inch HD adjustable screen
- Wide range of incline and decline capability
- Quiet, smooth operation
Cons
- Expensive
- Short warranty
Experience the benefits of an electric treadmill combined with the fat torching workouts of a manual treadmill. The iFit trainers will...
What is a manual treadmill?
Simply put, a manual treadmill is a treadmill without a motor. The treadmill's running belt is propelled by the user's energy. Manual treadmills were long regarded as only being beneficial for walking to enhance cardiovascular health. As a result, they were viewed as being inappropriate for "serious" athletes.
Traditionally, manual treadmills required there some degree of slope for the running belt to keep moving. However, a modernized version of the manual treadmill has surfaced recently. Its ergonomic shape and curved running surface make for a really demanding workout.
Compared to electric treadmills, manual treadmills are far more compact. They are frequently also collapsible and equipped with wheels, which makes them simple to store. Manual treadmills are also considerably easier to transport because they don't have a motor to add weight.
You simply get a frame and a running belt with the most basic manual treadmill models. If they do have a monitor, it will be quite basic and devoid of any electrical capabilities or built-in fitness plans (though the more expensive ones may provide limited electronic functionality that is powered by AA batteries).
Magnetic resistance may also be available on more expensive manual treadmills. However, this resistance does not power the running belt. Instead, it enables you to customize how much effort you'll need to use to move the running belt. As a result, you have a type of changeable resistance, typically controlled by a dial-style knob that is centrally located.
Types of Manual Treadmills
There are four different types of manual treadmills:
- Walking Manual Treadmills: these are the most simple design that features a frame and a walking bed, also known as flat belt manual treadmills. They are designed for light walking only.
- Slat Belt Manual Treadmills: these manual treadmills feature horizontal rubber slats that look a lot like the tread on tank wheels. They are ergonomically designed to enhance your running performance and are targeted toward serious athletes. Slat belt manual treadmills are among the most expensive type of treadmill on the market.
- Slat Belt Curved Treadmills: Curved treadmills feature a biomechanically enhanced curve design that propels the running bed forward as you increase your pace. Curved belt manual treadmills are based on the classic hamster wheel. It takes some getting used to running on this type of treadmill, but when you do, you will engage your leg muscles more effectively, run with a more natural gait, and burn more calories.
- Hybrid Treadmills: a hybrid treadmill combines the familiarity of motorized treadmills and the ability to switch off the electronic function to use it as a manual machine. Hybrids are available in both curved and flat running bed designs.
What to look for when buying a manual treadmill:
The best manual treadmills will deliver a great workout experience that burns more calories, works your muscles more effectively, and promotes a better running gait. However, if you buy a subpar machine, it will do none of those things. Instead, it will frustrate you to the point that it'll probably end up collecting dust.
Here's what to look out for to ensure you make the best manual home treadmill investment possible.
1. Materials
The frame of your manual treadmill should be constructed from sturdy low-gauge steel. The running belt should also feature some form of cushioning to soften the impact of your foot strike. The frame's integrity will be indicated by the maximum user weight of the machine. We recommend not buying a manual treadmill with a user weight of fewer than 300 pounds.
2. Build Quality
The build quality of a manual treadmill will be evidenced by the integrity of the joints, the seamless and jerk-free running belt motion, and the sturdiness of the frame. If you cannot view the treadmill in person (because you are buying it online), check user reviews and look for these specific aspects of the build quality.
3. Features
You will need to decide whether you want to invest in a flat or a curved manual treadmill. While a curved treadmill offers advantages in terms of increased calorie burn and better running gait mechanics, it is also harder to learn how to effectively walk or run on one of these machines. So, if you do decide to go with a curved model, be prepared for some initial frustration until you figure out how to get the running bed moving.
4. Price
Prices of manual treadmills vary widely depending on whether you are buying a flat or a curved model. Flat manual treadmills are generally considerably cheaper than electronic treadmills, with an average cost of around $200. In contrast, curved treadmills are usually more costly than electronic versions, with an average price of around $3,500.
There are several reasons why curved treadmills are so expensive. The running beds are more intricate than a flat treadmill, making them more costly. Whereas electronic and flat manual treadmills are mostly constructed by machines, there is a lot more human participation in the manufacturing of curved treadmills. The shock absorption technology that is built into curved treadmills also raises the price. We've got a great article on how much treadmills cost that will provide you with more information on price points!
5. Reviews
We recommend checking online reviews of manual treadmills you are considering buying. Take special note of comments regarding how smoothly the running bed operates and the learning curve required to confidently use the treadmill. Be sure to read reviews after people have been using the treadmill for a while to check on the frame's durability and running bed after several months of use. You should also pay attention to any customer service issues the buyer may experience.
Benefits of a manual treadmill:
Manual treadmills are harder to use than electronic treadmills and have a greater learning curve. So, why would you use one? Here are four excellent reasons why it's worth considering investing in a manual treadmill for your home gym.
1. No Power Needed
You are no longer tethered to a power outlet with a manual treadmill. That gives you much more freedom about where to do your workout. If you want to exercise inside, you can position the treadmill anywhere that you have the available space, regardless of the location of your power socket.
Because you don't need to plug your manual treadmill into a power source, you can also place it outside. That allows you to exercise under natural light, increasing your Vitamin D intake and allowing you to enjoy the outdoor environment. Because a manual treadmill is generally lighter and easier to move than an electronic one, you can also easily move it back indoors if the weather becomes inclement.
2. More Calories Burned
A manual treadmill will burn more calories than an electric one since you must supply all the energy to move it. The running belt requires a lot of work to move. A 2015 study showed that people who walked for three minutes and ran for four minutes on both a manual and an electronic treadmill burned an average of 30% more calories on the manual curved machine when moving at the same speed. It was noted, however, that beginners took some time to get used to running on a curved treadmill, and maintaining a consistent speed was more difficult than on an electronic treadmill.¹
3. Improved Stride Form
While running on a flat treadmill will not improve your running stride, there is evidence to show that your stride form improves when working out on a curved treadmill. A 2018 study found that, in comparison to an electronic treadmill, running on a curved treadmill significantly improves gait mechanics.²
4. Higher Intensity
The motorized treadmill is quite constricting for many dedicated workout enthusiasts. It forces your body into a predetermined movement pattern and locks you into the constraints of the built-in workout regimens. But conventional treadmills don't allow serious athletes to get an intense enough workout.
The curved treadmill fills the gap, providing serious self-propulsion capability. Self-propulsion has the advantage of putting you in complete control of your training. While an expert athlete can sprint at maximum capacity, a beginner can exercise at a slower speed.
The curved running surface of the curved manual is its most novel design element. This stands out in sharp contrast to every other treadmill you've used, which gives you a level running surface. The curved surface, which is precisely engineered, allows you to transfer your energy from your feet more effectively onto the running platform's extra-strong grip.
5. Reacts to changes in pace instantly
The running belt under your feet will only move in response to your foot movement on a manual treadmill. But, unlike on an electronic treadmill, it will do so immediately. When you speed up or slow down, the running bed will respond to your pace change immediately.
Manual Treadmill FAQs:
Are manual treadmills worth it?
Depending on your situation and training goals, a manual treadmill may be worth it. If you want to do light walking for exercise, a flat manual treadmill may be the right choice. On the other hand, a curved treadmill may be the right option for you if you are a serious or competitive athlete. Before buying a curved treadmill, we strongly advise having at least one trial workout on a curved treadmill to see if it is a good fit for you.
Are manual treadmills better than motorized treadmills?
Manual treadmills have some advantages and disadvantages compared to a motorized treadmill. In the plus column, a curved manual treadmill doesn't require a power point, is more compact, allows you to improve your stride, and burns more calories. People who have issues with coordination and balance will also be safer on a manual than on a motorized treadmill. A manual treadmill also gives you instant reaction time compared to the delayed reaction when you use an electronic treadmill.
A negative of using a manual treadmill compared to a motorized one is that it is more difficult to control your pace when running on a manual machine. There is also a learning curve involved in using a manual treadmill. When it comes to flatbed manual treadmills, they are usually not very sturdy and aren't designed for prolonged use.
Are manual treadmills good for seniors?
We do not recommend manual treadmills for seniors because they can be difficult to use. Flat manual treadmills tend to have quite a stuttery running bed motion that could lead to safety issues. It would be better for seniors to use an electronic treadmill and use it at a low speed.
Why is a manual treadmill so hard?
Manual treadmills are hard because you must create movement from a standstill. This requires a lot of initial power generation to get the running belt started, and once you do so, you will still have to continue generating force through movement to keep the belt moving.
Summary: Which Manual Treadmill is Best?
A manual treadmill can provide you with an effective alternative to the standard motorized treadmill. There are two basic divisions of a manual treadmill; flat and curved, with the biggest difference between them being price.
The best manual treadmill is the AssaultRunner Pro.
This curved treadmill has been engineered to mimic running on the ground and features a shock-absorbent belt. It has commercial-grade, non-slip hand grips and a console that connects to the Assault Fitness App.
The AssaultRunner Pro is specifically designed to help you meet and exceed your fitness goals. While other motorized treads...
References:
- Smoliga JM, Hegedus EJ, Ford KR. Increased physiologic intensity during walking and running on a non-motorized, curved treadmill. Phys Ther Sport. 2015 Aug;16(3):262-7. doi: 10.1016/j.ptsp.2014.09.001. Epub 2014 Sep 16. PMID: 25824428.
- Hatchett A, Armstrong K, Parr B, Crews M, Tant C. The Effect of a Curved Non-Motorized Treadmill on Running Gait Length, Imbalance and Stride Angle. Sports (Basel). 2018 Jun 29;6(3):58. doi: 10.3390/sports6030058. PMID: 29966259; PMCID: PMC6162380.
Steve Theunissen
Author