Written by Tyler DiGiovanni | BSBM
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Choosing the right treadmill for your home gym can be a daunting task. When most people think of a treadmill, they imagine the NordicTrack they’ve seen in a family member’s house or a Cybex at your local gym. But there is another option: the manual treadmill.
So, what’s the difference between the two, and which is right for you? This article is here to help you answer those questions and more.
So, What is a Manual Treadmill?
A manual treadmill, a.k.a. a non-motorized treadmill, requires you to move the belt by walking or running. Pretty self-explanatory, right? This treadmill offers a self-paced workout, allowing complete control over speed and intensity.
Now, who is that good for? If you’re a fan of HIIT, then the manual treadmill is a great choice for you. Also, highly self-motivated people will enjoy the challenge that no motor brings. Now, there are a couple of different types of manual treadmills, without getting into the various models of each type.
Curved Manual Treadmills
Image curtesy of Assault Fitness
Curved manual treadmills have a concave running surface that promotes a natural running stride, reduces joint stress, and increases the engagement of your glutes and hamstrings. What’s not to love about that?
They are ideal for high-intensity interval training (HIIT) since you don’t need to fuss with buttons and just need to worry about your effort. And because of their shape, they can help improve your running form.
So far, they don’t seem to have much of a downside. Until you get to the price, the “luxury” models of curved treadmills can cost the same as a top-of-the-line electric treadmill. That might not be a deal breaker for everyone, but people who want the best possible features for their paying may want to consider another option.
Flat Manual Treadmills
Image curtesy of Peloton
Flat manual treadmills feature a traditional flat belt and are best suited for walking or jogging rather than all-out sprints. They're typically more affordable but lack the ergonomic benefits of curved models.
These treadmills are simple, often without advanced tech features, making them a budget-friendly option. You might have seen some of these on Amazon for under $100. While the price might be appealing, check the build quality and reviews before spending money on something you might need to replace in a month.
Manual Treadmill Benefits
- No Power Source Required: Can be used anywhere without an electrical outlet.
- Unlimited Speed: Users can run as fast as they want, ideal for high-intensity workouts.
- Space-Saving: Many manual treadmills are compact and foldable.
- Increased Calorie Burn: Requires more effort, potentially leading to higher calorie burn.
Manual Treadmill Drawbacks
- Minimal Features: Often lack advanced technology and preset programs.
- Increased Joint Impact: Moving the belt manually can put more stress on joints.
- Durability Concerns: Flat models may have lower build quality and shorter lifespan.
Related: Best Manual Treadmills on the Market
What is an Electric Treadmill?
Image curtesy of Cursor Fitness
I mean, you already know what an electric treadmill is, but here it is anyway. An electric treadmill, or motorized treadmill, uses an electric motor to move the belt, allowing for consistent speed and adjustable incline settings.
As mentioned in the intro, it’s common to see many of these lined up at your local gym. While gym models usually have a pretty basic interface, there are electric treadmills available that have screens for guided workouts, Bluetooth capabilities, and more.
People who don’t wake up every day and think, “Man, what a great day for some cardio!” will most likely enjoy being able to pick a speed and go rather than having to focus on keeping a consistent pace.
Also, the ability to pick an incline to use helps stop some of the monotony of walking/jogging on a flat surface. When I was prepping for a bodybuilding competition, walking at a medium pace on a somewhat high incline was my go-to for cardio, and I still find myself going back on my cardio days.
Electric Treadmill Benefits
- Consistent Speed: Maintains a set pace, helping you stick to your workout goals.
- Advanced Features: Includes preset workout programs, heart rate monitors, and connectivity options.
- Lower Impact: Motorized movement reduces joint stress, making workouts more comfortable.
- Variety of Options: Available in a wide range of prices, from budget-friendly to luxury models.
Electric Treadmill Drawbacks
- Requires Power Source: Needs to be plugged in, limiting placement options.
- Larger Footprint: Generally bulkier, requiring more space.
- Speed Limitations: Maximum speed is capped, which might limit high-intensity workouts, but unless your last name is Bolt, you probably don’t have to worry about it.
Related: Best Electric Treadmills for Home Gyms
Manual vs Electric Treadmill: Price
It's a tie, when you're asking how much treadmills cost you'll find quite a range from under a hundred $100 up to well over $3,000. Let's look at the price ranges of manual and electric treadmills.
- Manual treadmills: Especially flat models, are generally more affordable, often costing around $200 or less. Curved manual treadmills can be expensive, ranging from $1,500 to over $3,000.
- Electric treadmills: Have a wider price range, from budget models under $300 to high-end options costing several thousand dollars. The price typically reflects the quality and number of features.
Remember, when it comes to treadmill prices, you get what you pay for. You won’t expect to buy a Lamborghini for the cost of a Ford.
Manual vs Electric Treadmill: The Workouts
- Manual treadmills: Especially curved models, are excellent for HIIT and can promote better running form. Flat manual treadmills are suitable for walking and light jogging. You’ll need to have your own way of tracking your workout.
- Electric treadmills: If you want something laid out for you, then electric is the way to go. Preset workouts along with adjustable settings make these versatile for people who want a light walk up to athletes training hard.
Related: Best HIIT Treadmill Workouts To Torch Fat
Manual vs Electric Treadmill: Technology
Electric treadmills win, there’s really no comparison in this area.
- Electric treadmills: Have advanced technological features such as LCD/LED displays, Bluetooth connectivity, and interactive workout programs. Want to go for a hike in the Alps? Some electric treadmills will give you the next best virtual thing, even adjusting the incline automatically to match what’s on screen.
- Manual treadmills: Usually lack features but offer a more straightforward, no-frills workout experience. Fewer features also mean fewer things that can possibly stop working or break entirely.
Manual vs Electric Treadmill: Health Benefits
It's a tie, both types of treadmills provide cardiovascular benefits.
- Manual treadmills: Offer a more intense workout due to the effort required to move the belt. They are better for high performance individuals.
- Electric treadmills: Provide a lower-impact workout, reducing the risk of joint strain. They provide health benefits for a wide range of users.
You’re moving around, getting the blood pumping so that either option will help you in the long run.
Manual vs Electric Treadmill: Adjustability
Electric treadmills with the easy win.
- Manual treadmills: Offer speed adjustability based on user effort. electric treadmills
- Electric treadmills: Allow for effortless speed and incline adjustments at the push of a button. They also offer more incline settings, enhancing workout variety. You may find a manual treadmill that can change incline, but nowhere near the possibilities of an electric treadmill.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s Better: An Electric or Manual Treadmill?
Neither is inherently better; the choice depends on your budget, workout preferences, and desired features.
Is a Manual Treadmill Better for Calorie Burn?
Manual treadmills can potentially burn more calories since they require more effort to move the belt, especially during high-intensity workouts. But ‘effort’ is the key word. If you’re going for a casual stroll on a manual treadmill, you’ll probably not burn as many calories as someone doing interval training on an electric treadmill.
Overall treadmill workouts for weight loss are perfect for a wide range of people from the fit to the person just starting their fitness journey.
Why Choose an Electric Treadmill?
Electric treadmills offer a more consistent and lower-impact workout. They have advanced features and preset programs, making them suitable for various fitness levels.
Wrap Up
Now you know the difference between a manual treadmill and an electric one.
If you like CrossFit style, HIIT workouts, a manual treadmill might be the choice for you.
If you want to saunter around exotic locales, then an electric treadmill will probably be what you’re looking for.
We’ve picked our favorite manual treadmills and electric treadmills if you need some help finding where to start looking. Whatever you pick, lace up your favorite treadmill shoes and get moving!
Tyler DiGiovanni
Author