The best manual treadmills for your home are those that are easy to use and affordable. Unlike treadmills that are powered by electricity, manual treadmills are powered by you. They are often smaller than electric treadmills and are better at helping you burn calories. They don’t do any of the work for you. Instead, you do the work. You keep it moving and it’s up to you to maintain your own workout routine. With the right self-propelled treadmill, you set the pace and you achieve your goals on your own time.
Non-Motorized Treadmills We Rave About
Self-powered treadmills take up less space and are easy to use. You don’t have to learn how to program a complicated control panel or worry about keeping your treadmill near to the plugin so that it always has power. Non-motorized treadmills are easy to set up. With proper care, they will continue to function efficiently. You don’t have to worry about costly repairs if the computer or motorized belt malfunctions. Fewer high-tech parts mean less frustration and worry when you use your treadmill on a daily basis.
Non-motorized treadmills prevent you from overdoing it. Many people have trouble starting and stopping an electric treadmill. Self-propelled treadmills start at your speed and slow down when you decide to slow down. Every person has different goals and needs when it comes to exercise. This is why it’s important to take a good look at the best treadmills for apartments or your fitness area. Choosing the right one for you will depend on many factors including your physical ability to operate it.
The Best Non-Motorized Treadmills
Assault Fitness AirRunner
The Assault Fitness AirRunner is one of the lightest treadmills on the market. It is easy to move around and you can easily switch locations in just a few minutes. With no electrical components, you use no energy other than what you provide. It is safer for the environment and will not increase your carbon footprint.
One of the cons is also one of the benefits. It is incredibly lightweight which means it may seem to move on its own if you get caught up in a hardcore workout. Before doing any type of strenuous activity on the AirRunner, make sure it is properly stabilized and won’t tip over if you start giving it your all.
The Assault Fitness AirRunner has a retail price of $3699. There are financing options available that will allow you to spread your payments over several months. $0 money down, 0% interest rate if you choose to finance your treadmill for 36 months.
Pros
- Lightweight
Cons
- Needs to be properly stabilized
Sunny Health & Fitness Asuna 7700
The ASUNA 7700 Hi-Performance Cardio Trainer by Sunny Health and Fitness offers an environmentally-friendly exercise option that will allow you to work toward your fitness goals at your own pace. Whether you are trying to train for a specific sport or perform rehabilitation exercises after an injury or illness. Physical fitness and strengthening your cardiovascular system are two key benefits.
The ASUNA 7700 is extremely durable and offers several different incline options. It folds easily and can be transported to a different location in a matter of minutes. The biggest drawback the ASUNA has is that it is always out of stock. It can be difficult to find one in stock and order it before they are all sold out. Put your order in early but be prepared to wait until they are back in stock.
The ASUNA 7700 Hi-Performance Cardio Trainer by Sunny Health and Fitness retails for just over $900. At $911.73, the ASUNA is one of the more affordable of all the self-propelled treadmills on the market. There are no financing options unless you choose to pay for the treadmill with a credit card.
Pros
- Durability
Cons
- Long wait for orders
Exerpeutic 100XL
The Exerpeutic 100XL High Capacity Magnetic Resistance Manual Treadmill with Heart Pulse System is lightweight and easy to manage. It offers three different incline levels and a “pacer control” that allows you to maintain just the right degree of tension. It folds up and can be easily transported from one location to another. It’s also easy to assemble right out of the box.
As one of the best self-propelled treadmills, it has a wider and longer base, which means it is more stable when you are working out. It has a weight capacity of 325 pounds which may be a limitation if you are a larger person trying to regain control of your weight at home using your own equipment. The handles are longer than other treadmills allowing for proper support and more stability.
The Exerpeutic 100XL High Capacity Magnetic Resistance Manual Treadmill with Heart Pulse System lists for $241.18 on Amazon. You can save money when you apply for an Amazon Rewards Visa Card and charge the Exerpeutic as your first purchase.
Pros
- Heart rate monitor and pace control
Cons
- Lower weight capacity
SpeedFit Speedboard Pro XL
The Speedboard Pro XL is lightweight, durable, and performance-oriented. It is designed so that you can choose your speed without worrying about making additional adjustments. The Speedboard uses your own bodyweight to facilitate movement. The longer your strides, the faster you will go. You can adjust your speed so that you walk, jog, sprint, or run with ease. All you have to do is shift your body weight.
The curved belt has a softer tread than most self-propelled treadmills. It absorbs shock easily making it easy for you to maintain your footing and continue your workout as you change your speed. This also minimizes the stress that is placed on your joints while you are working out. Years of engineering skill has gone into creating a non-motorized treadmill that you can use almost anywhere to gradually work toward your fitness goals.
The Speedboard Pro XL costs $3995. There are no financing options unless you choose to pay for the treadmill with PayPal or a major credit card. Ordering the treadmill online is easy. Once they have received your payment, your order will be processed and your treadmill will ship in just a few days.
Pros
- Good shock absorption
Cons
- High price compared to other manual treadmills
Nordic Track Commercial x32i Incline Trainer/Treadmill
Nordic Track Commercial x32i Incline Trainer/Treadmill (HYBRID) is one of the most innovative and technologically advanced self-propelled treadmills on the market. It offers a 32”-inch interactive touchscreen that you can use throughout your workout to stay on track. As a Nordic Track product, you are guaranteed the highest quality and most durable workout equipment. The fact that it is commercial grade is also a bonus.
The X32i offers multiple incline/decline options that go along with the iFIT technology. Interactive Personal Training gives you the advantage when it comes to working out. If you are looking for something that doesn’t use an alternative energy source, this isn’t the treadmill for you. As a hybrid, the treadmill itself may not be powered by electricity, but many of the treadmill’s other components are.
The cost of the X32i is $3,799 plus an additional $199 for delivery to your door. TD Fit Loan programs allow you to finance the X32i for 0% interest for 39 months. Your monthly payments are $103 and include a one-year membership to the iFIT Family Membership program. If you don’t cancel your membership before the year is up, you will be charged $396 per year to stay with the iFIT Family program.
Pros
- Commercial quality
Cons
- High price tag
TrueForm Runner
The TrueForm Runner is built to be tough and gives you the chance to push yourself to the limit. Even though it’s lightweight, it is incredibly durable and will stand up to whatever you put it through. It folds up easily for quick storage and can be transported from one location to another quickly and efficiently. It is a self-propelled treadmill that allows you to take control of your workouts. You set the pace and can alter it as you choose.
The TrueForm Runner is designed to keep you moving. Its curved base allows you to extend your stride without placing excessive amounts of pressure on your joints. Because it is self-propelled, you remain in total control throughout your workout. You power your own workout and set a pace you are comfortable with. The belt is designed to function with you, not against you.
At $5495 (normally $6995), the TrueForm Runner is one of the more expensive non-motorized treadmills on the market today. 0% financing is available to those who qualify. Payments are somewhat higher than the average but 0% interest, you will have it paid off in less time and be able to enjoy a personalized exercise program almost anywhere you choose.
Pros
- Curved base
Cons
- High cost
Woodway Curve Treadmill
The Woodway Curve Treadmill is one of the most efficient pieces of workout equipment available today. Fully self-propelled, it uses no electricity. You are the motor and the driving force behind your workout. Because of the curved design, you use more of your body throughout the workout. No matter how fast or slow you go, very little pressure is placed on the joints allowing you to remain as comfortable and focused as possible.
Because of its unique design, you can burn as many as 30% more calories on this non-motorized treadmill. No matter what fitness level you start at, you will begin to see improvements within a very short period of time. You are able to adjust your speed with a few simple movements of your body making your workout much more natural and smooth.
The cost of the Woodway Curve is $6399. Financing options are available for individuals who qualify. There are both commercial and performance models of non-motorized treadmills available. Before you buy, you should contact a sales team member to make sure all of your questions are answered. This type of treadmill is a long-term investment in your future. Make sure you think it through carefully so you get the right one for your goals.
Pros
- Innovative design
Cons
- High price
Technogym SkillRun TX 500
The Technogym SkillRun TX 500 offers everything a traditional treadmill does without the electricity or being tied to an outlet. One of the most technologically advanced self-propelled treadmills available, advanced athletes with strict workout routines can utilize every feature this treadmill has to offer. You can combine both power training and cardio into one workout to maximize your workout time.
The Technogym SkillRun TX 500 is definitely one of the higher-end treadmills. The company offers a 2-year warranty as well as installation. They will transport the treadmill and install it wherever you want it. Transportation, assembly, and installation are all included in the price tag. Before the technicians leave, they will test it to make sure all of the features are up and running.
The cost for the Technogym SkillRun TX 500 is staggering. At $12,650, it is out of the price range of most individuals who are looking for something much more affordable. Financing options are available if you can pay the $1055 per month minimum payment. While this is one of the best non-motorized treadmills around, it is priced more for commercial use than professional use.
Pros
- Excellent warranty and service
Cons
- Too expensive for most home users
Confidence Fitness Magnetic Treadmill
The Confidence Fitness Magnetic Manual Treadmill offers the basics. It is easily folded for quick storage and can be transported as needed. It has a non-adjustable gentle incline and is static weigh tasted for 220 pounds or less. This is a good self-propelled treadmill if you are just starting out and don’t want to get too carried away with your workouts. It’s relatively small which will limit how much you will be able to extend your range.
The Confidence Fitness Magnetic Manual Treadmill does have one of the more advanced computers on board. In addition to time and scan functions, the computer also offers information calories, speed, and distance. This helps you tailor your workout to your needs and will make sure you are reaching each goal you set for yourself. The treadmill offers eight different levels for maximum customization.
One of the cheapest of the non-motorized treadmills, the Confidence Fitness Magnetic Manual Treadmill has a suggested retail price of around $160.00. Depending on where you purchase the item, you may be able to get financing with payments as low as $15 or $20 per month.
Pros
- Affordability
Cons
- Small track
Stamina InMotion T900
The Stamina InMotion T900 Manual Treadmill is one of the more versatile and less expensive models when it comes to self-propelled exercise equipment. Dual weighted flywheels make for a smoother than average workout. The computer monitor tracks all of your essential information including the distance and speed of your workout. It will even show the number of calories you burned.
The InMotion T900 allows you to be in total control. There are two inclines for you to choose from that will allow you to adjust your workout as you see fit. As a non-motorized treadmill, the InMotion T900 puts you back in control of both your workouts and your pocketbook. You can use the treadmill in almost no location. There are no wires and no engine to maintain.
At just under $200, the InMotion T900 is both versatile and affordable. It puts you back in control of your workouts. This is a good machine for anyone who is just starting out. The price is affordable and payments can be made if you pay for it with a credit card. It ships for free and if you are not satisfied with its performance, you can return it.
Pros
- Very affordable
Cons
- Lower-quality components
What is a Manual Treadmill?
Manual or self-propelled treadmills require no electricity and operate solely on the power you put into your workout. A non-motorized treadmill has no electric components that require it to be plugged into an outlet or other energy source. A manual treadmill works in much the same way as a motorized treadmill, except for the fact that you are the motor and the driving force behind your workout. Unlike motorized treadmills, you are in total control. You use your own body movements and mechanics to adjust your workout to your own personal needs.
Self-propelled treadmills give you the advantage of having total control over every aspect of your workout. While some may be limited in terms of reduced incline options or size, almost every self-propelled treadmill allows you to be in charge. The curved base takes away much of the shock that is normally found in treadmills making it much more user-friendly in terms of less pressure on your joints.
Many manual or self-propelled treadmills are considered to be “hybrids”. This basically means that even though you are the motor that drives the treadmill and no electricity is needed to run the belt, the computer may need to be plugged in. This is true of models that have an interactive touchscreen that allows you to take part in classes or work out with your friends.
Why Choose Non-Electric Treadmills Over the Electric Option?
There are several reasons to choose a non-electric treadmill over one that is motorized. The first is maximum potential for a fully customized workout. Electric treadmills take the guesswork out of your exercise routine. They often times become robotic. Instead of allowing yourself to fall into the rut of doing the same thing every time, a self-propelled treadmill challenges you to keep switching things up. Keep your workouts fresh by creating them as you go.
Another benefit of non-electric treadmills is that you use little to no outside energy. Zero electricity means no more carbon footprint. The only energy you need to supply the treadmill with is your own. Whether you go slow or fast, you reap all of the rewards because you are the driving force that makes it all work. Customizing your workouts is easier when you don’t have to worry about creating a program. No electricity means fewer distractions from the control panel.
What’s Important When Buying a Non-Motorized Treadmill?
It’s important to look for what features are available for the price. Most of the cheaper models won’t have all of the bells and whistles but will provide you with what you need and that is an effective form of exercise you can rely on to reach your fitness goals without going overboard. A non-motorized treadmill gives you the advantage of doing exactly what you are capable of, nothing more.
If you are considering a new self-propelled treadmill, spend a little extra and get one that is extremely durable and meant to last. Make sure it is easy to use and provides you with the things that you know you will use during your fitness journey.
