Manual treadmills may seem simple, although there is a range of secondary features on offer, varying from manufacturer to manufacturer.

One thing that’s seen quite often – on both high-end and budget models – is a main console. Don’t mistake this for a control panel (as we’ve already stated, there is no motor to control).

If present, this console will usually feature an LED screen that delivers workout feedback, including how long you’ve been using the machine, the speed, the distance moved, and an estimate of the calories burned. With no mains power, these screens tend to be battery-powered.

One thing the screen may also offer is a readout of your heart rate. Of course, this will depend on whether your model offers another secondary feature – a heart rate monitor. These are usually built into the handles of the machine. Simply grip them, wait and watch as your heart rate is displayed.

Amazon's Choice for manual treadmill. ProGear 190 Manual Treadmill with Twin Flywheels. 4.0 out of 5 stars 199. $129.99 $ 129. FREE Shipping by Amazon. More Buying Choices $113.97 (7 used & new offers) Sunny Health & Fitness Force Fitmill Manual Treadmill with 16 Levels of Magnetic Resistance, 300 LB Max Weight and Dual Flywheels - SF-T7723.

Be aware that, like pretty much any machine-based monitor, the heart rate reading is unlikely to be accurate – you’d need a smartwatch or chest-strap for a more precise reading. However, they are a welcome addition, giving you a rough indication of how hard you are working.

One thing that lacks on a self-powered treadmill compared to its bulkier motorized counterpart is storage space for things like water bottles, smart devices and so on. Some manual treadmills will offer space for one or two items, but they aren’t as convenient as motorized machines.

Some manufacturers will add other features to their treadmills, such as arm trainers. These movable resistance poles encourage you to move your arms while you walk or jog, which gives you more of a full-body workout – similar to good elliptical trainers. These arms can be a nice addition, although not something to base your decision on.

Finally, the usual suspects on treadmills costing around $1,000 – such as cooling fans and safety tethers – are missing on manual treadmills.

This is because fans require electricity to function, while a safety tether is redundant when no motor is involved. Ultimately, there is no danger of the machine continuing to move when you are off it!

When you’re striving to get into shape, you’ll consider almost any purchase if it helps you to reach your goal. Even something as superfluous as a treadmill.

How on earth can you justify buying a machine that offers exactly what you could get by going outside? (For free!) Because running at the gym sucks. Those bright lights, the crowd of members… heck, if you wanted an audience while clocking miles, it’d be easy enough to join a 5k, right? Exactly.

But hey, not everyone shopping for a treadmill is deathly afraid of wearing spandex in public. Maybe you’re training. Maybe you’re just looking to stay fit. Perhaps you’re even recovering from an injury. While everyone has a different reason for wanting a treadmill at home, anyone shopping for one has something in common:

You want to buy the right machine for you. Otherwise? It’ll just end up in the corner, dust, clothes draped over the grip bars, silently mocking your lack of use.

Have no fear. Over the next few paragraphs, we’ll break down the pros and cons of the most popular manual treadmill models so that you can be absolutely confident in your purchasing decision, starting with…

First Treadmill Purchase? Try a Manual Treadmill Machine!

Quality and effective motorized treadmills don’t come cheap. A basic-but-decent motorized treadmill starts at $1000–and that’s scraping the bottom. On top of their steep price, motorized treadmills are super bulky, with a base footprint large enough to disrupt any room.

These state of the art machines feature multiple speed options, pre-set workout programs, speakers and TVs, cooling fans, fancy LED lights, variable inclines and built-in cocktail bars where you can hang out with other sweaty sophisticates once you’re done working out (note: that last part may be made up).

But do you really need all of those bells and whistles? Haven’t humans been walking since – well, forever? Shouldn’t losing a few pounds require losing a fewer dollars?

To answer these rhetorical questions in their original order, no, yes and yes. You can get a far more basic treadmill that will still help you to burn calories at home without taking up half your living space and costing more than your first car. You just need to think outside of the flashing, blinking, electrically-powered box.

The difference between a manual and motorized treadmill comes down to the motor. Manual treadmills, on the other hand, don’t have a bulky motor to the house. That’s because these treadmills don’t depend on a motor to move the belt. Instead, each step the user takes pushes the belt backward, creating action (Just think of it, like a hamster on a wheel concept).

On the upside, manual treadmills can help you burn a few more calories (beings as you’re pushing the belt with every step). The best thing about these treadmills is that they do not require electricity, giving you the ease of access and movability to every part of your home.

So if you have a garage that isn’t wired for power or even a garden shed without electricity, you can place a manual treadmill out of the way and use it without having to plug in. You’re not just improving your body. You’re saving the earth too. Therefore, manual treadmills while in no doubt are less advanced than their automated cousins, they provide certain benefits that you cannot find on the automated treadmills.

The lack of engine allows a significant decrease in size. Heck, they are lightweight and occupy less space. Furthermore, many can even be folded up for storage after use! Plus, the absence of expensive electronic parts means that manual treadmills are significantly less expensive–from one-third to one-fifth the price of motorized treadmills.

How much cheaper? We’re talking under $200 for some manual treadmill models. “Sounds awesome, right!”. Before you get your credit card out, hold onto your horses, because there are a few points to know before you buy.

Drawbacks of Manual Treadmills

Their unobtrusive footprint and drastically lower price points are why we recommend manual treadmills for first-time buyers. But, before you start shopping, it’s important to understand that there are a few differences between manual treadmills and their motorized counterparts. Many of the “cons” regarding manual treadmills focus on their lack of motor. “Doesn’t that just make sure you burn MORE calories?” you might very well ask.

Well, sure! However, manually moving the belt comes with a few unexpected quirks. Here are few drawbacks of manual treadmills:

1. Manual Treadmills Are Risky For Anyone With Weak Joints

Because the belt is put into motion through the user’s effort, you can only go as fast as you push. For that reason, manual treadmills can be tough on knees and ankles. In short, they’re not a great choice if you’ve got knee or hip arthritis or an Achilles heel (or any bum joint) that could be irritated by the additional effort.

2. Manual Treadmills Aren’t Optimal for Sprint Training

Maybe you’ve read the studies that claim to sprint in short bursts –not long periods of jogging–is best for your cardiovascular health. Or, perhaps you just enjoy pain. (Seriously, sprinting is AWFUL.) Either way, if your workout routine relies on a motorized treadmill to keep pace while you time just try your best to keep up, a manual treadmill won’t fit your needs.

3. Manual Treadmills Don’t Offer Hi-tech Features

It’s not just the base of manual treadmills that’s no-frills basic, they generally lack built-in workouts, apps, and other advanced features that can help you to push past your previous records. Now, if you have resources such as apps and online treadmill workout plans to vary your workout, this probably won’t worry you. However, most of the manual treadmill users rely on the machines simple battery-powered display for the speed, time elapsed, calories burned and distance updates—overcoming that big complicated console of the motorized treadmill with numerous unnecessary functions can be unbelievably satisfying!

In short, manual treadmills are the epitome of do-it-yourself. Like riding a bike to commute in lieu of driving, these human-powered machines require a commitment in a way their automated counterparts don’t.

Think you can deal with those three points to save (a minimum of) one grand? Awesome!

Below are reviews of the top five manual treadmills on the market–complete that go beyond specs to include the brand’s reputation and real-life experiences with each product.

Top Compact Treadmills Include:

Best Manual Treadmills – Top Picks of 2019

Here is the list of top picks for best manual treadmills by Treadmill Review Guru – Let’s go for treading.

1. ProGear 190 Manual Treadmill with Twin Flywheels

Look at that. The manufacturer of this treadmill is so proud of the multiple flywheels that they put it right in the name of the machine so that you don’t miss it. All joking aside, the ProGear 190 Manual Treadmill delivers everything you need, without weighing you down with features you don’t. Despite being available at a little more than a hundred dollars price, it provides you with two different incline positions, which is almost impossible to find on other treadmills at such a cheaper price. For this reason alone, the ProGear 190 Manual Treadmill is a great buy.

About Brand:

“ProGear” is a fairly popular brand name, It is a subsidiary of Paradigm Health & Wellness, Inc. headquartered in Southern California in the United States of America. The company holds an A+ BBB rating and is known for minimalist workout devices, in economic rates, and for serving best quality products. (Paradigm also owns other famous brands such as Exerpeutic, IRONMAN and WorkFit.)

In addition, they have sold over a million pieces of exercise equipment and according to multiple reviews, their customer service is incredible, which clearly means that finding replacement parts shouldn’t be a problem.

So, What’s the ProGear 190 Manual Treadmill Really Like?

The first thing to be noticed about the ProGear 190 Manual treadmill is that the belt movement is incredibly smooth. Thanks to its twin cast iron flywheels and over-sized belt rollers, which create an incredibly smooth glide providing a better simulation of outdoor walking, jogging and reducing the chances of injury.

ProGear 190 offers two different levels of manual incline, at 6 and 12 degrees for some variation in workout intensity. As your fitness level improves over time, you’ll be able to add some extra resistance to your workout to burn more calories, activate and stimulate different muscle groups.

Standing on the ProGear 190 tread belt feels surprisingly roomy for walking and jogging while you’ll still need to hold onto the handles (as opposed to allowing your arms to swing during the workout). The handles are extended as well as foam covered to provide extra safety, especially for those whose balance isn’t as good as it should be. In addition, when climbing the variable incline it’s nice to have something to hold on to.

This treadmill measures at 47 x 23 x 51 inches of length, width and height respectively. Its sleek size with folding design makes it a real space saver, and you can simply fold up the treadmill for unobtrusive, compact storage.

When folded, it measures 21″ L x 23″ W x 51″ H. Also, the frame has wheels which are disengaged during use but allow the treadmill to be moved around easily once it’s folded. This makes it a perfect choice for people with a limited amount of floor space or who don’t want to have their treadmill out on display.

Speaking of that incline, what’s perhaps most remarkable about this machine is that it offers a variable incline at a shockingly low price. Most manual treadmills in the same price range as the 190 have a fixed incline, so it’s great to find a machine where the incline can be varied at the lower end of the market.

ProGear 190 weighs only 49 lbs and can support weight only up to 230 lbs at most, which is quite low as compared to its predecessors. The users who are even approaching that size may have concerns about the stability of this treadmill.

We would like to tell you that the powder-coated metal frame isn’t as sturdy as it looks, and if you weigh close to 200 lbs or above, we are not entirely confident that this treadmill can stand up to long-term usage. Especially if you intend to run. Still, that probably won’t be an issue, since the 13 ¼” W x 43” L tread belt is too short to allow any but the smallest of people to get a full running stride.

Lastly, this treadmill comes with “1 Year Limited Warranty” as indicated on the manufacturer’s website (Paradigm Health & Wellness).

• Available at such a cheap price.
• Folding design to save your valuable floor space.
• Twin cast iron flywheels that enhance and mimic the feeling of a real road walking and jogging.
• Over-sized belt rollers for a smooth and pleasurable workout experience.
• 2 adjustable incline levels (6 and 12 degrees) for added resistance.

• 13 ¼” W x 43” L narrow tread area is not suitable for running.
• Low weight capacity of 230 lbs.

• Very simplistic LCD display powered by 2 AA batteries (batteries included) to help you track your fitness progress in terms of speed, distance walked, elapsed time and calories burned.
• 2 different manually adjustable incline settings (6 and 12 degrees) so that you can customize your workout intensity.
• Over-sized belt rollers in order to ensure a quiet, smooth and jerk free, gliding motion during the workout sessions.
• WhisperQuiet design reduces the noise of each step ensuring noiseless and uninterrupted workout sessions so that you don’t wake up the household.

• Flywheel: Twin cast iron flywheels, weighted.
• Incline: Two different incline positions; 6 and 10 degrees.
• Folding: Yes.
• Dimensions: 47″ L x 23″ W x 51″ H.
• Folded Dimensions: 21″ L x 23″ W x 51″ H.
• Running Area: 13 ¼” W x 43” L.
• Max. User Weight: 230 lbs.
• Treadmill Weight: 49 lbs.

2. Exerpeutic 100XL High Capacity Magnetic Resistance Manual Treadmill

Exerpeutic is a respected brand in the treadmill market, and this manual treadmill shows why with its solid build quality and an array of features. If you are looking for a manual treadmill that has the working quite similar to well build motorized treadmill, the Exerpeutic 100XL high capacity manual treadmill may just be the right buy for you.

About Brand:

Exerpeutic is also a subsidiary of Paradigm Health & Wellness, Inc.–a 10-year-old brand based in California. More importantly, Paradigm Health & Wellness, Inc. hold an A+ BBB rating. (Note: This rating is based, not just on positive reviews, but also on the company’s response to poor ones.)

What does that mean to you? Well, according to multiple reviews, ordering replacement parts from Paradigm is a breeze. Bonus: We hear their customer service rocks.

So, What’s the Exerpeutic 100XL High Capacity Magnetic Resistance Manual Treadmill Really Like?

Right off the bat, you can tell that the Exerpeutic 100XL manual treadmill is made to accommodate heavy individuals. Well, this treadmill is bigger than many other manual models, a 45-inch tread area and reinforced steel frame makes the 100XL capable of supporting big guys who weigh up to 325 lbs, which is more than most of its competitors.

Walking feels more natural on the Exerpeutic longer, wider belt. In addition to a roomier belt, you will appreciate the Exerpeutic 100XL’s extra long safety handles which are 20″ long to provide better and stronger grip for balance and safety. These handles have built-in heart rate sensors utilizing which you can keep track of your target heart rates.

What’s the best about this treadmill is the presence of two 6” diameter flywheels, which provide a quieter, smoother, more consistent workout experience as compared to single flywheel manual treadmills, allowing you to work your way to your ideal fitness body.

The dimensions of 100XL are 50″ L x 29″ W x 50″ H and weighs 73 pounds. It comes with a space saving design, and can easily be folded and stored after you are done with your workout session. When folded the treadmill measures 35″ L x 29″ W x 61″ H which makes it an ideal choice for people not having much space.

Exerpeutic 100XL features three manually adjustable incline positions – 8, 10 and 15 degrees. These can be easily adjusted with the help of adjustable quick-release under the runway, allowing for more variety in workouts. Plus, this treadmill has an eight-level magnetic tension ‘Pacer Control’ which provides different levels of difficulty and is a great feature to have. The truth about exercise is that you get better at it, and need to increase the intensity level over time if you want to keep seeing improvements. This is a treadmill that can keep up as you get fitter and continue to offer a challenge over time.

The 100XL is a manual treadmill that seems to have it all. But there are some drawbacks, too. First of all, there is no space for tablet holder, cup holder or water bottle holder though there is a small storage area present on the console, large enough for perhaps a TV remote, MP3 player, wallet, keys or similar item.

Also, on inspection, our testers over 6 feet found the tread area which the company claim is bigger than most other manual treadmills still too short to accommodate a normal running stride. So, if you 6 feet tall or close to it and running is something you’re interested in, we would recommend you to do some research and test out the Exerpeutic 100XL High Capacity before making a purchase.

Lastly, this treadmill can be seen with a 3 years limited warranty.

• Folding design to save household space.
• Twin 6″ diameter flywheels for a smoother and more consistent workout experience.
• ‘Pacer Control’ magnetic tension (8 possible levels).
• 3 different incline options (8, 10 and 15 degrees).
• Heart rate monitoring capability via heart pulse pads provided on handlebars.
• High weight capacity of 325 lbs.
• Long period warranty coverage.

• No cup or water bottle holder to keep you hydrated during the workout.
• 16” W x 45” L running area ends up being too short to accommodate normal running stride of people over 6 feet tall.

• Large easy to read LCD display powered by 2 AA batteries (batteries included) to track your performance statistics such as speed, elapsed time, distance covered, calories burned and heart rate.
• ‘Pacer Control’ 8 level magnetic tension, provides different levels of difficulty and helps stabilize the speed of the belt for hands-free walking at selected incline and tension settings.
• 3 manually adjustable levels of incline (8, 10, and 15 degrees) to make your workouts more challenging and effective.
• Heart pulse pads provided on handlebars using which you can measure your heart rate in real time and keep it within your ideal heart-rate zone to achieve better results.

Progear 190 Manual Treadmill Amazon

• Flywheel: Twin 6” diameter flywheels, weighted.
• Incline: Three different incline positions; 8, 10 and 15 degrees.
• Folding: Yes.
• Dimensions: 50″ L x 29″ W x 50″ H.
• Folded Dimensions: 35″ L x 29″ W x 61″ H.
• Running Area: 16” W x 45” L.
• Max. User Weight: 325 lbs.
• Treadmill Weight: 73 lbs.

3. Stamina InMotion Manual Treadmill

Stamina InMotion manual treadmill is most definitely on the lower end of the manual treadmill market. That doesn’t mean it doesn’t have anything to offer besides an attractive price. This treadmill could actually surprise you with its cheap price and amazing features. It has been around many years and is also one of the most popular manual treadmills, especially among beginners. It’s the best choice for anyone who wants to have a workout companion at their small home that could be stored easily and pull out to do the walking and jogging (and truth be told, watch some Netflix at the same time).

About Brand:

Stamina Products Inc. focuses on creating innovative and affordable fitness equipment for the home gym. The company was founded back in 1987 and they have been accredited with the BBB since 1991.

With more than 30 years in business, they hold an A+ BBB rating. Their exercise equipment are sold by multiple major retailers like Walmart, Amazon, and QVC, just to name a few. So, all in all, finding the replacement parts shouldn’t be a big headache!.

The treadmill’s quietness, compact size, lightweight, variable incline, and portability are the super-hot features behind it’s growing popularity. It provides a great surface for walking/ jogging exercise and its setup is incredibly easily –it shouldn’t take you more than 20 minutes once the treadmill is unboxed.

Similar to the other models we’ve reviewed, Stamina InMotion Manual Treadmill features dual-weighted flywheels instead of one. It’s easy to get going on this treadmill, as these flywheels contribute to smoother and more consistent movement of the belt so that you are not forced to exert extra force on the belt to get it to move.

Despite its low price, the Stamina InMotion offers two incline positions to allow for varied workout intensity. You can select either between 8 or 10-degree incline to add some challenge to your workout routine.

Switching between the two incline positions is very simple, just raise or lower notch and pin found on the treadmill’s rear legs. With that in mind, beginner manual treadmill users will find the 8-degree pitch difficult enough to start. Unless you’re super confident in your balance, we don’t recommend starting off with the incline set on 10 degrees.

Although, if you suffer from knee or hip problems, the treadmill’s steep 8-degree incline will only “kick your butt” in no time, but its far better than fighting the bugs, heat, and humidity doing the daily walkabout. Our suggestion? Just put a board under the back-end of your treadmill to level it out for a more even walking surface.

Unlike most other manual treadmills, Stamina InMotion has a textured and slip resistant track to increase walking grip and prevent slippage. It is also equipped with rubber gripped safety handlebars to help you maintain your stability, which is key to reducing injuries during exercise.

Stamina InMotion overall dimension are 47″ L x 22″ W x 45″ H, making it perfect for people with limited workout space. You won’t be running on this treadmill, though. The track is only 12⅜ inches wide and 41 inches long, making it more suitable for walking, or light jogging at best. Speaking of light, this treadmill is rated only for users of 220 lbs or below.

We would not recommend this treadmill to anyone above 180 lbs as it won’t seem very stable. If you’re on the bigger side, the small size and build quality of this machine may become concerning. But small isn’t always bad. With its ability to fold up for storage to a compact footprint of just 17″ L x 22″ W and light weight of only 50 lbs, this is a great machine to store in a closet, under the bed or against the wall after use.

Lastly, it comes with 1 – year frame warranty while the other parts and other components are covered for 90 days warranty.

• Available at a reasonable price.
• Folding design to save a lot of additional space when you’re not exercising.
• A pair of weighted flywheels for a vibration-free, smooth and low noise operation.
• 2 different incline settings (8 and 10 degrees) for an extra challenge.
• Textured, slip resistant surface for walking/ jogging.

• 12⅜” W x 41” L, narrow and short tread area is not ideal for running.
• Low weight limit of 225 lbs.

• Basic battery-operated (2 AA batteries included) electronic monitor to help track your workout performance such as time passed, distance traveled and calories burned.
• 2 different position manual inclination options (8 and 10 degrees) to let you burn more calories within the same distance and without increasing speed.
• Textured, non-slip walking track to prevent any foot slippage when exercising for optimal safety.
• Skid-resistant rubber floor protectors to ensure stability during intense workouts.

• Flywheel: Dual flywheels, weighted.
• Incline: Two different incline positions; 8 and 10 degrees.
• Folding: Yes.
• Dimensions: 47″ L x 22″ W x 45″ H.
• Folded Dimensions: 17″ L x 22″ W x 50″ H.
• Running Area: 12⅜” W x 41” L.
• Max. User Weight: 225 lbs.
• Treadmill Weight: 49 lbs.

4. Confidence Fitness Magnetic Manual Treadmill

The Confidence Fitness Magnetic Manual Treadmill is a budget-friendly treadmill with almost zero bells and whistles to mention but it still delivers an efficient workout experience. It is a very simple machine which takes low profile nature to a whole new different level. It’s a great choice for anyone looking for a starter manual treadmill, especially if space and noise are significant concerns. Let’s find out more:

About Brand:

There is no information regarding the Confidence Treadmill brand. However, Confidence products are sold on Amazon and at Walmart both in-store and online. The lack of a website or contact info about Confidence brand doesn’t necessarily mean a lesser quality product.

However, finding replacement parts might be difficult several months or years down the line.

So, What’s the Confidence Fitness Magnetic Manual Treadmill Really Like?

Stepping onto the Confidence Fitness Magnetic Manual Treadmill, there are several differences you will immediately appreciate as compared to other entry-level manual models.

First up, with a 15” W x 40.2” L wider track, this model from Confidence is one of the better manual treadmills for users with wide strides who want to walk as well as jog. The two flywheels present aren’t just for show! Apart from providing a smoother and quieter workout experience, they provide you the control over the tension of belt’s movement (as it passes over the flywheels). A tension knob provided on the right frame pillar allows you to increase or decrease resistance to control the intensity of your workout–within eight levels of variation!.

The Confidence Fitness Magnetic Manual Treadmill features an incredible low incline — approximately 5 degrees. Despite the decrease in pitch, this model doesn’t feel any more difficult when gaining momentum. Unfortunately, the incline is fixed and cannot be adjusted, so you will be stuck only with a single level and this limit’s you from adding more intensity to your workout session.

The Confidence is large and robustly made, so it should last through a long cycle of use. The machine dimensions are 47.2″ L x 19.1″ W x 48″ H and is rated up to 220 lbs, so heavier users may need to consider a different treadmill (Exerpeutic 100XL High Capacity Manual Treadmill).

Despite the great size of its deck, this treadmill by Confidence is quite the space saver. It folds up with the help of simple locking pin mechanism to a compact 48” H x 7.9” D footprint, and can easily be wheeled out of the way for convenient storage when not in use. This makes it a great option for anyone looking to conserve space. In addition, we found the treadmill handrails to be the most comfortable when compared to others in this category. The angle and length allowed for stability while speeding up to a brisk pace while maintaining a natural position.

One main advantage manual treadmills have over electrically powered models is the lack of a motor that helps to keep the noise down. But even by the standards of manual treadmills, this model is particularly stealthy. Combined with its portability and small footprint makes it an ideal treadmill for those who live in apartments, where the noise from an electric treadmill would quickly make your neighbors hate you.

On the negative side, you may experience some problem the belt fitting correctly at the beginning (A bit stiff belt!). It’s relatively simple to fix with some adjustment and the help of a little lubricant, but it is something you should be aware of before purchasing.

Also, the lack of inclination adjustment is a problem. The incline on this treadmill is set to 5 degrees, which is fairly manageable for most people. But over time, as your body adjusts and, hopefully, your fitness level improves, this may not be enough to keep challenging you during workouts. If you are the one who prefers variety in incline angles, then this treadmill won’t serve you well.

Lastly, It comes with a 1 – year warranty from the manufacturer, so you can purchase it with confidence.

• Available at a wallet-friendly price.
• Folding treadmill with a simple locking pin mechanism.
• A set of flywheels for a seamless and peaceful workout experience.
• 8 adjustable levels of magnetic resistance to tailor your workout needs.
• Quietest when to compared to others on this list.

• Fixed moderate incline (approximately 5 degrees).
• Only meant for walking and jogging, not running.

• Progress metrics LED display powered by 2 AA batteries to provide you with your workout progress in terms of speed, distance covered, time elapsed and calories burned. As the main part of maintaining an exercise regimen is seeing yourself making progress, so this feature is definitely one worth having.
• Simple locking pin mechanism to securely lock the deck in a vertical position for convenient cleaning and storage.
• Magnetic resistance with 8 adjustable levels provides you with different levels of workout intensity to best suit your desired workout needs.
• Noise reduction technology allows it to operate quietly without creating any disturbance, thus keep you focused on your fitness goals.

• Flywheel: Twin covered flywheels, weighted.
• Incline: Fixed incline, approximately 5 degrees.
• Folding: Yes.
• Dimensions: 47.2″ L x 19.1″ W x 48″ H.
• Folded Dimensions: 48″ H x 7.9″ D.
• Running Area: 15” W x 40.2” L.
• Max. User Weight: 220 lbs.
• Treadmill Weight: 46.9 lbs.

5. Phoenix 98510 Easy-Up Manual Treadmill

As the phoenix rises from the ashes, the Phoenix 98510 easy-up manual treadmill will give you an experience of getting burned and coming forth stronger than ever. The treadmill aims to make indoor exercise appealing and affordable. In addition, it is lightweight and has a small footprint which makes it highly suitable for people with the small home/ apartment.

About Brand:

Let’s start with the basics: Phoenix is a brand of exercise equipment that you can find at Kmart, Walmart, Amazon, and Sears. Despite the brand’s multiple retailers, we are unable to locate a presence with the BBB. That lack of presence isn’t totally abnormal–there are plenty of brands that stick to the supply game. (As opposed to going down the expensive road of building a reputation.)

All that means is that replacement parts are difficult to find several years out. However, at a price below 200$, you might not even bother.

So, What’s the Phoenix 98510 Easy-Up Manual Treadmill Really Like?

Our first impression of the Phoenix 98510 was that it’s relatively easy to assemble, and feels sturdy for its compact frame. Once assembled, we were ready to hop on. However, there was a little concern that the lack of a motor would mean an extra-strenuous workout.

Best Manual Treadmills For Walking

But, due to the presence of heavy-duty flywheel getting started was no trouble and we found that the belt’s action was almost too quick–the exact opposite of what we worried.

Using the Phoenix 98510 is straightforward–you hop on and walk. However, like most manual treadmills, this model is designed at an angle. The incline makes it a tad easier to gain momentum. However, there’s no sugarcoating it: A roughly 12.0-degree incline will light a fire in your calves, while the lack of ability to adjust the pitch means you’re endlessly walking uphill. (Well, incline can be adjusted, but only by propping up the back of the machine to make the belt level.) .

This treadmill has a folding design and weighs only 45 pounds, so it was quite easy to move it around, and fold for safe and efficient storage. Once folded up, it stands vertically and could be stored in a decent-sized closet so that you don’t have to look at a piece of exercise equipment all the time. As very few of us actually want to live in a gym.

Phoenix 98510 also features a water bottle holder for holding the water bottle and a small tray which is sufficient enough to hold your valuable items like smartphone, MP3 player or wallet too. Hence, you do not need to worry about losing/ dropping your stuff and can easily keep yourself hydrated while working out.

The Easy-Up is not without problems. Although it’s solidly made and surprisingly robust for its size and price, the belt area (13″ W x 41″ L) of Phoenix 98510 is very small, our testers over 6 feet also found the treadmill’s handrails to be uncomfortably low. Therefore, we do not recommend this treadmill for people having a height above 5 ft 7”. Although you must keep in mind, you get what you pay for. The larger and wider the treadbelt the more expensive the treadmill.

The dimensions of Phoenix 98510 are 46.5″ L x 21.1″ W x 50″ H. Not being too much spacious, but this makes it highly suitable for people who live in a small home/ apartment. This is an excellent treadmill for walking or even jogging, but for actual running, you may need something bigger to accommodate a full running stride.

Lastly, this treadmill comes with a 1 – year warranty for frame and 90 days warranty for parts.

• Available at an affordable price.
• Compact size and lightweight.
• Folding treadmill with a spring-loaded pull pin system.
• Heavy duty flywheel for a smooth and quiet operation.
• Storage for the water bottle and other accessories (Water bottle included).
• Low maintenance.

• Small running area (Not suitable for people over 5 ft 7”).
• Fixed 12.5% incline that cannot be adjusted.

• Easily readable single-button electronic display powered by 2 AA batteries (batteries included) to provide you with your workout statistics such as speed, time elapsed, distance covered and calories burned.
• Spring loaded pull pin system, you can slide in the pull pin to securely lock the running deck in the upright position for storage and slide out to release the deck back to the ground for your next workout.
• Although this treadmill is not equipped with cushioning function, its belt is made up of rubber, which induces a low impact on the joints and knees, making it safer to workout intensely.
• A water bottle holder and a small tray.

• Flywheel: Single, weighted.
• Incline: Set at roughly 12.00 degrees.
• Folding: Yes.
• Dimensions: 46.5″ L x 21.1″ W x 50″ H.
• Folded Dimensions: 21.7″ L x 21.1″ W x 50.2″ H.
• Running Area: 13” W x 41” L.
• Max. User Weight: 250 lbs.
• Treadmill Weight: 45 lbs.

Which Manual Treadmill is Right For You?

The five models of manual treadmills that we listed are available within the same price range, and come with relatively similar features. So, how do you know which treadmill is right for you?

Best Manual Treadmill for Low Budget!

• ProGear 190 Manual Treadmill with Twin Flywheels:The ProGear 190 is most definitely one of the most affordable treadmills out there. But don’t make the mistake of thinking that it must, therefore, be inferior to the others. With a variable incline and the smoothness that comes from using twin flywheels, this is a quality treadmill for a very low price. If the ProGear 190 supplies you with all the necessary basic features that you may need then why spend more than you have to?.

Best Manual Treadmill for Tall or Heavy Users

• Exerpeutic 100XL High Capacity Manual Treadmill:Without a doubt, this is one of the best treadmills for anyone even slightly above the average height and weight range. With its extra-large walking surface and steel frame, the Exerpeutic promises to be a smooth ride. Plus, that three-year warranty adds an extra dose of confidence that their product isn’t going to wimp out before you do!.

Best Manual Treadmills for Users with Knee and Hip Problems

Because manual treadmills rely on your movement to keep that belt in motion, using one can be a little hard on hips and knees. Add to that the dramatic incline seen on some of these manual treadmill models, and it’s easy to imagine the possibility for injury.

That’s why we recommend one of the following to users with any knee or hip problems:

• Confidence Fitness Magnetic Manual Treadmill:This treadmill offers the lowest incline of any of the above models at only 5%. However, you can relieve the incline of any model by simply butting a board underneath the back of two legs to even the walking surface out.
• ProGear 190 Manual Treadmill with Twin Flywheels: The incredibly smooth action delivered by the treadmill’s over-sized rollers with the lowest incline setting at 6 degrees offers the most relief to knees and hips.

Best Manual Treadmills for Experienced Walkers/ Joggers

• Stamina InMotion Manual Treadmill:The Law of Dimishing Returns is a real thing. The more you exercise, the better you get at exercising, and the harder you need to work to maintain your increasingly fit body. For more experienced walkers and joggers, this treadmill offers a steep incline that adds difficulty to your workout. An incline of 8% or 10% will really get your heart pumping and help you shed those pounds. Remember: the harder you work, the better that bathing suit is going to look on you.
• Phoenix 98510 Easy-Up Manual Treadmill: With the steepest incline of any of the treadmills on this list, the Phoenix offers a real challenge for more experienced joggers. 12% is quite a hill to climb, but you’ll feel like a champion when you make it up there. Don’t forget to wave to us little people from your lofty perch. If you need more of a challenge than the other treadmills on this list can offer, give the Phoenix a try.

The All-Around Best Deal?

After comparing the five most popular manual treadmill models, the ProGear 190 Manual Treadmill gets our top pick. Because the brand has been around for so long and also has shown to be super responsive to customer concerns, we feel confident that getting in touch with ProGear to resolve an issue or find replacement parts would be a relative breeze.

In addition, the ProGear 190 Manual Treadmill low price, powder-coated steel frame, roomy design, smooth gliding belt give an overall feeling of great quality while offering exceptional convenience and ease of use.

Benefits Of Using A Manual Treadmill

Manual treadmills lack motors, and also they do not have extended features such as pre-programmed workouts and cool lighting. This makes them seem like a lesser version of their electric cousins. But that’s not necessarily the case. Depending on your needs, a manual treadmill could be a far better choice for you than a hulking electrical model. Let’s think about some of the benefits of manual treadmills:

Manual Treadmill As Seen On Tv

• Price

Let’s start with the obvious. Thanks to the fact that they don’t have an expensive motor, manual treadmills are far less expensive than electrical ones. Particularly for those just starting out on the path to better health who aren’t sure if they’ll use their treadmill enough to justify the expense, this can make all the difference.

• Noise

Electric treadmills can be surprisingly loud when in use. By doing without a motor, manual treadmills cut out a lot of the noise associated with the motion of the machine. This makes them a far better option for shared houses or apartments. Do you really want the guy downstairs throwing a fit every time you try to get some exercise in? No. No, you don’t.

• Size

Without a heavier motor attached, manual treadmills can be far smaller than the electrical version. While this can make them less suitable for running, it also makes them far more convenient to keep at home.

Most of us are not lucky enough to be able to dedicate an entire room to use as a home gym. The chances are good that your treadmill will have to live in a spare bedroom, a laundry room or even your living room. If that’s the case, the smaller your treadmill is, the better.

• Portability

The smaller the treadmill, the lighter it is. Manual treadmills can often be carried or rolled away when not in use, allowing them to be stored out of sight in a closet. This is an advantage you’re not going to get with an electrical machine, some of which weigh hundreds of pounds.

The easier a treadmill is to use, transport and store, the more likely you are to use it regularly. As we all know, that’s the key to achieving long-term health goals. Don’t make it harder on yourself than it needs to be.

• Safety

With a manual treadmill, you provide the power that moves the belt. When you stop moving, so does the belt. So you’re never going to be thrown off a racing machine like a flea thrown off a shaking dog.

It does mean you won’t be able to make any hilarious treadmill-themed YouTube videos, though. If that was why you really wanted a treadmill, a manual probably isn’t for you!.

Conclusion

We, humans, are basically lazy creatures. Our big brains allow us to come up with all sorts of reasons why we can’t do the things we don’t want to. Every labor-saving miracle of technology out there owes its existence to the brave pioneers who stood up one day and loudly proclaimed, “I don’t wanna!”

Now that we no longer chase down antelopes for dinner, though, things have changed. More and more of us spend our working day at a desk, with all the detrimental health concerns that entail. Deliberate exercise is how we fight against our ever-expanding waistlines and try not to degenerate into lumps of vaguely people-colored jelly.

In the war on the waistline, a treadmill is a valuable tool. Having an exercise machine at home makes it much more likely that you will actually get off the sofa and crack a sweat.

And manual treadmills offer several benefits to the home user. Their small size and ease of storage mean you don’t have to turn your home into a gym. The fact that they use no electricity helps to keep your bills down and means that you aren’t forced to put your treadmill in a place that has access to power. The quietness of their operation means less disturbance for the people you share a space with. These simple machines can fit easily into your life in a way more complex options may not.

If you’re shopping for a treadmill, good for you. Don’t assume that you need to spend a lot of money to get the results you want. And don’t automatically discount manual treadmills just because they don’t look like the beefy machines they have at the gym. A smaller, sleeker, simpler machine could be the perfect fit for you. And so could your favorite pants, if you spend a little more time on the treadmill.