5 Best Manual Treadmills for Your Home Gym

As motorized treadmills have their own popularity, manual treadmills are also coming for them. Manual treadmills now have their own fan base, from a casual walker to a serious athlete. 

The best treadmill for anyone comes with a list of wants, like budget, needs, and goals. Manual treadmills come in different price ranges, it all depends upon the features it is coming with.

They do not need electricity and run through foot movements. They could be tricky but are the most trustworthy gateway remedy into the world of health and fitness.

We did our best research from Amazon reviews, Reddit, and YouTube for you, to give you the best of the manual treadmills available in the market.

Our Top 3 Picks:

Assault Fitness AirRunner Sunny Health & Fitness 7700 Fitness Reality TR1000
Pros Help to Burn more Calories
No Highest Speed can go as fast as possible
Quiet a Workout Session
Sturdy and Smooth
Small and Compact
Easily Foldable for Better Storage
Price CHECK PRICE CHECK PRICE CHECK PRICE

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5 Best Manual Treadmill for Home Use Reviewed

#1. Assault Fitness AirRunner

The Assault Fitness AirRunner is perfect for anyone who is looking for jogging and running. Its performance helps in strengthening the human body through the techniques it takes to run the belt.

It is one of the most popular manual treadmills available in the market. By the way, its name says it all, running on air. It helps to burn more calories with the help of its intense and effective features.

Features:

  • The maximum weight it can carry is up to 159kg/ 350lb
  • Huge surface area for a better running experience
  • Low carbon footprint
  • It is suitable for all types: Running, jogging, and walking
  • No incline option
  • Digital LCD display, including time, speed, distance, calories burned, and watts
  • Bluetooth support
  • Curved shapes belt

Pros:

  • Great for interval technique of training
  • The display shows good info
  • Help to burn more calories than a motorized treadmill
  • Belt design allows wholesome foot strike and toe-off
  • The belt will last up to 150,000 miles
  • There is no highest speed, can go as fast as the person

Cons:

  • Price is too high
  • Could take time to get used too
  • It does not fold
  • There is no incline option available

Verdict:

Assault Fitness AirRunner gives a natural running experience for a more conventional stride. It has various features that you would expect to see on electric treadmills.

With features like a curved belt, greater speed control, enormous surface area, Bluetooth support, and more. These features enhance the quality of your workout.

Why did we decide this to be #1 Position?

We chose Assault Fitness AirRunner because of its amazing features and performance. Exceptionally positive customer reviews also assisted us in choosing this product. It is really a great workout partner for you with great Assault services.

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#2. Sunny Health & Fitness 7700 Asuna

Sunny Health & Fitness 7700 Asuna is a newly released treadmill. It offers brilliant performance and sturdiness, amazing internal mechanics for intense workouts as well.

This manual treadmill does all rehabilitation, general training, sports special training, and more. The 7700 Asuna can perform cardiovascular and muscle fitness training.

It allows features and benefits that are rarely encountered in traditional treadmills. It is suitable for all levels of fitness.

Features:

  • Dual flywheels for better and quicker response
  • Vary workout with 8 levels of adjustable magnetic tension
  • High weight capacity up to 440lb/ 200kg
  • It is a foldable treadmill
  • It has wheels for transportation
  • Slip-resistant coated handlebars
  • Device holder for mobiles and tablets
  • Shock absorption running deck
  • The large surface area of the deck

Pros:

  • Offers a quiet workout session
  • Little maintenance required for the machine
  • Suitable for running, jogging, and walking as well
  • There are dual flywheels for steady and smooth belt movement
  • Spacious deck surface area for better and long steps

Cons:

  • Cannot set the deck in a horizontal position
  • There is no screen to track your exercise
  • Cannot adjust the incline during the workout session

Verdict:

Sunny Health & Fitness 7700 Asuna is a beast. It is one of the sturdiest manual treadmills with these many amazing features, you will be hounded to find anything with similar specifications at this price.

With the solid structure, dual flywheels, 8 levels of adjustable tensions, shock absorbant deck, incline level, and more. All these features at this price are like finding a diamond in a coal mine.

This treadmill is easy to assemble, and the hydraulic mechanism of it keeps the deck smooth and saves your flooring to get scratches. It is a great workout partner for an athlete and a beginner because it is so easy to use and understand.

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#3. Fitness Reality TR1000

Have low impact but still want a highly effective workout session, Fitness Reality TR1000 is great for that. It is an outstanding treadmill with a long belt that is created for joggers to stretch out.

It is simple and easy to set up and also takes up a small area. It got all the basic features at a very low price. It is a great option for those who can’t afford expensive treadmills but still want great workout sessions.

Features:

  • Dual Flywheels in the machine 
  • Foldable for storage
  • LCD screen that shows elapsed time, calories burned, distance walked, speed and scan
  • Two incline options 6 and 10 degrees
  • Twin cast iron flywheels
  • Transportation wheel for moving the treadmill from one place to another
  • Take weight up to 230lb/ 104kg

Pros:

  • LCD screen that provides a track of workouts
  • Small and compact
  • Affordable price for a manual treadmill
  • Sturdy and lightweight
  • Folds up easily for better storage

Cons:

  • Short track length 
  • Does not lay horizontal
  • No lubricating oil included

Verdict:

Fitness Reality TR1000 is a small, sturdy, and to-the-point type manual treadmill. This compact treadmill has everything for a good workout practice.

It has features like dual flywheels for smooth belt rotation, foldable for better storage, an LCD screen for keeping the track of your workout, and more. With these features at this price is like buying a rug.

The lightweight frame is one of its best features. It is a great option for jogging because of its long belt as it can stretch on it properly.

Fitness Reality TR1000 is the point-type manual treadmill, it is hard to resist not buying it for a workout enthusiast. 

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#4. ProGear 190

ProGear 190 is an affordable option in the manual treadmill market. However, there are some extra perks in it at that price that we might not see in other inexpensive treadmills.

This manual treadmill has a very sturdy frame with a powder coat on it. It has some other features like incline mode, long safety handles for safer running, and more.

ProGear 190 is great for a beginner. It is easy to handle, does not take much space. It is a good option for those who do not have a large budget.

Features:

  • It has a powder-coated finished steel frame
  • Twin flywheels for a smooth and quiet exercise
  • Long safety handles
  • The oversized belt for the large step 
  • Foldable treadmill
  • Transportation wheels enable to move the treadmill from one place to another
  • It can hold up to 230lb/104kg
  • LCD screen that shows time, calories, distance, and speed

Pros:

  • Smooth belt
  • Easy to assemble
  • Most affordable treadmill in the market
  • Adjustable incline for a better workout experience
  • LCD screen that tracks the record
  • A sturdy and lightweight frame

Cons:

  • The width of the belt is small
  • No resistance adjustments available
  • Not for a heavy exercise regime

Verdict:

ProGear 190 is slightly more than $200, at this price manual treadmill is a great buy. With the features you are getting, it is a real bargain. 

It has a simple appearance and also does not take much space in your house. It has many more features than other inexpensive manual treadmills. Features like powder coated body, two incline moods for a more tough workout, LCD screen for the records of your workout, and more.

ProGear 190 has simple features, but the price you can buy it for is great. All in one, it is an excellent manual treadmill.

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#5. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T1407M

Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T1407M is an excellent manual treadmill and is the most affordable manual treadmill in the list.

With the price tag it comes with, it gives many features. It is mostly used in rehabilitation centers.

It is a great option for people with injuries to find a machine to practice walking. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T1407M has basic features to fully fill those basic needs.

Features:

  • There are three incline moods
  • Magnetic tension flywheel
  • Foldable manual treadmill
  • LCD display that displays time, distance, speed, calories, and scan mode
  • Transportation wheels for movements
  • Non-slips and sweat resistance side rails
  • The surface area of the belt is 13” x 42”

Pros:

  • Affordable manual treadmill
  • Foldable design for better storage
  • Wheels at bottom for easy transportation
  • Foam padded handles for an extra safe workout
  • Display to track records of workout
  • Does not make noise

Cons:

  • Not suitable for jogging and running
  • No place for a water bottle

Verdict:

Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T1407M is a basic manual treadmill, with basic features. It is a great option for aged people who like to walk but can’t go outside. As it is only built for walking purposes. It’s also a good option for people who are recovering from a leg injury.

It is loaded with features like an LCD display for the record, a good surface area of the belt, sweat resistance handlebars, and more.

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Also Read: Best Treadmill Under $500

Best Manual Treadmill: Buying Guide

A manual treadmill is a machine that does not run on motors, which means no electricity is needed. The belt will only move when you will move.

Before buying a manual treadmill, people get many thoughts. We have curated this buying guide for you to help you in making the best choice while buying a treadmill. 

Features: 

Manual Treadmills have incline and flywheel type of adjustments. Every adjustment has its own benefits to the body. 

Incline feature is very common in manual treadmills. It means that you are walking or running on a mountain or sloped hill. No motors are there in manual treadmills.

As incline feature is common, bands do give other adjustments too, like magnetic tension on the belt, flywheel, and angle of the handholds. These features are known to be advanced in manual treadmills. So keep in mind what adjustments are needed. 

These features are intentionally made to increase the intensity of your workout. These added features surely are an advantage to you. 

Price Range:

Price is important when you are buying such a big and expensive product which starts from $100 and can go to thousands. 

If you want minimal features and a basic workout, then lower range manual treadmills are great, they come lower than $100. 

Then comes the mid-range manual treadmills, which start from $100 or $200 and also a little above. Mid-range manual treadmills come with some features like inclining adjustments and magnetic tension features. Read our article on the best cheap treadmill under $300.

Then comes the higher range which starts from $400 and above, they come with the maximum features. They have an LED screen, maximum inclining features, strong magnetic tension, HIIT, and more. These features look complicated, but if you want to burn more calories, go into this price range. Read our article on the best treadmill under $1000.

So, before buying the manual treadmill keep in mind, what features you want and also how much does your pocket allows you.

Portable and Easy to Use:

Manual treadmills are portable as their handles fold down, which makes them easier to store. These are much lighter than the electric treadmills, so they are easier to move from place to place for the sessions. If you are tight on space, then manual treadmills are the best. 

Manual treadmills do not have electric components, so they are much easier to use, as they do not have complex settings as the electric ones. It does not need any electricity to run, all it needs the feet to work to start.

Manual treadmills are not complicated, so if they break down they are easy to be repaired, as the parts are also cheaper than for an electric treadmill. 

Manual treadmills can be quite noisy during the session, but they are still as good as the electric ones. Because they do not create a large amount of vibrations, which happen in eclectic treadmills.

Design:

Design is one feature people put on their list before buying a product. Manual treadmills are portable and easy to maneuver, so they are a great option. 

Manual Treadmills aesthetics are not particularly amazing, as compared to the sleek look eclectic treadmills we see. However, manual treadmills are built for one purpose to keep you moving or running.

Manual Treadmills are designed for smaller spaces like the living rooms or for small apartments, as they are foldable and easy to move from one place to another. They are light weighted as compared to electric treadmills.

Manual Treadmills are light weighted, still, they come in heavy metals too. Therefore, while buying it, make sure the quality you want is up to your expectations.

Different Resistance Type Before Buying the Treadmill:

In manual treadmills, there are different resistance types available in the market, magnetic resistance and basic resistance. Both resistance has their own qualities.

Resistance in treadmills refer to the level of tension one can create while working out. If you are a beginner or starting to exercise, then the basic level of resistance is great for the one. As when you start the exercise after a period of time you do need to increase the tension, to become more fit and healthy. 

There are advanced machines in the market, manual treadmills also come in the advanced level of resistance and are named magnetic resistance. They help in smooth running or walking for the trainer.

Length and Storage:

Treadmills come in different lengths and widths. This feature is important to keep in mind because every person has a different step size, especially while running you take big steps. This will determine what length and width are needed or best for you.

Most people think to get the biggest one, the most common one is 60 inches. Therefore, if you want a more generous belt, then put more money into it. 

Sometimes in manual treadmills, storage areas are not available and that is a bit annoying. Because while you exercise, you need water and there is no holder. But now, in some manual treadmills, it is available.

FAQs

Who would Purchase the Manual Treadmill?

Manual treadmills come in different variants, sizes, and features. Every model is different and appealing to every person. If someone is starting their fitness journey, a manual treadmill is great to start with.

Manual treadmills are common in rehabilitation centers. Because it helps in the recovery of the patient, who has been in an accident or having a problem in walking. 

Athletes also use manual treadmills for an intense workout. Manual treadmills are great for athletes because it works on the feet movement only. Therefore, all effort goes to the body. They usually use advanced treadmills that will be very appealing to other people.

Some premium treadmills are really great for sprinters, as they feel like running outside. It is mimicked by the electric treadmills but without motors. But there is one significant feature, the person can set the acceleration of the treadmill.

What are the Benefits of Manual Treadmills?

Manual treadmills move only when you move and not by motors. Your feet are the motors. The movement of the feet controls the pace of the treadmill, unlike electric treadmills that come with computerized speed, settings, different incline levels, and timer setting type features.

Manual treadmills are much cheaper than electric treadmills. They are inexpensive because of the simple look and low maintenance. 

Manual treadmills do not need any electric sockets. They are lightweight, which makes them easy to store in the house. They do not take much space in the house or apartment, as they are foldable.

Manual treadmills do not need any electricity, so you don’t need to put them near an electric socket and you end up saving the electricity bill.

You can get a more robust workout experience, walking, running, and jogging depends upon your mood. 

How do you Maintain a Manual Treadmill?

Any treadmill whether it is manual or electric requires lubrication of the belt. Lubricants already come with manual treadmills.

Lubrication is very easy to do on manual treadmills. You need to pick a side of the treadmill and pour the lubricant onto the belt. Lubrication to the treadmill should be done after every 3 to 4 months.

Manual treadmills are pretty much a maintenance-free machine. Lubrication is just for the smooth movements of your training.

Which Treadmill is Better Manual or Electric?

Everything has its pros and cons, same applies to treadmills. If a manual treadmill is better, then electric treadmills have their own goodwill. Both treadmills have their own benefits, however, their features have a solid difference that you can make up your mind about what to buy.

A manual treadmill has a simple operation that consists of the movement of the feet to operate. It lacks electricity elements, which makes it easy to maintain. Whereas, in the electric treadmill, you get many more features like differing inclinations, set pace, hills, and more.

Both treadmills have their features. They are good in their fields.

How much Weight could the Manual Treadmills Take?

This is the most important key point to keep in mind before buying the manual treadmills, that is what minimum and maximum weight the treadmill can carry. Manual treadmills usually have the lowest weight limit compared to electric ones, but that does not mean that they won’t work.

Manual treadmills have a low weight limit that starts from 200 pounds and goes to 500 pounds. This weight depends upon the model and also how expensive the treadmill is. More the penny, more weight it could carry.  

Before buying the manual treadmill, keep in mind it should at least be able to carry you. Otherwise, it will be a wastage of money and time as well.

Conclusion:

To wrap up the topic, we would say if you really want to work out at your highest potency then manual treadmills are the best options. They will give you the best results.

There are options for beginners and serious athletes. All you need to do is make a list of what you want in your workout and then find out which manual treadmill is best for you. This list will help you find the best option for you, as we researched them and got them in different categories.

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