Manual treadmills have been around for a long time and recently more people have began to appreciate all the benefits they have to offer. So if you are looking at this type of treadmill you may really be confused as to what is the best manual treadmill in 2017, which of course is why we wrote this article. One reason these types of treadmills are growing in popularity is because for one thing they are very easy to fit into tight spaces, they are environmentally responsible and they also provide a great workout because the only thing powering the treadmill is of course, yourself. Below you can find our top 5 review as well as some more information about what to seek when looking for the best manual treadmill.
A Manual Treadmill, Are You Crazy?
Yes indeed (not crazy though)! A manual treadmill is simply a treadmill that is not motorized, they have been around for a long time actually. For it to function it relies on you walking or jogging. The treadmill’s power comes from you and not the electricity. Now that’s both healthy and economical at the same time!
Why On Earth Would Anyone Want A Manual Treadmill? Here Are Two Great Reasons:
1) It is significantly economical because it’s cheaper compared to treadmills powered by electricity.
2) You get more out of your workout because more traction and push is needed on the tread belt making your walking exercise more deliberate.
If your concern is the monotony of the treadmill then here are some suggestions that will help avert treadmill boredom.
- Walk or jog as you watch television.
- Listen to music on earphones.
- Listen to Podcasts or Audiobooks.
- Take virtual walks; technologies like Oculus Rift virtual reality headsets are fantastic. Some treadmill apps are set to follow a virtual path via Google maps; this opens up a whole new world for you during works out.
- You can vary the pace and difficulty level by changing speed and incline through the inbuilt program on your treadmill. Doing this at intervals breaks monotony while giving you a thorough workout.
Qualities Of A Good Manual Treadmill
- A wide enough belt
- Features that allow you to increase the difficulty of the treadmill
- Smooth and silent operation
- Nonslip tread belt
- A durable and reinforced frame
Now that you realize manual does not translate to boring, let’s check out the best top 5 manual treadmills of 2017:
5.) Phoenix 98516
The Phoenix 98516 is among the best manual treadmills on the market today. The operation is smooth and silent, and the design is uncluttered and immaculately pure with a strong, sturdy steel frame.
The folding frame is a great inclusion on this product allowing you to play around with your space. You can easily move it and use it in one spot to another depending on your preference. The steel frame locks in the upright position and rolls away just as easily making storage trouble free.
The control panel is even more uncomplicated offering a single button electronic display that reports your speed, distance, time and calories. The electrical display panel is powered by two AA batteries.
This option is outfitted with a heavy-duty flywheel and 41.5″ by 13.5″ running belt that is responsive to your walking or jogging.
Features and specifications
- Very little assembly is required as it Comes almost completely assembled
- Folding frame
- Walking surface is 41.5″ x 13.5.”
- Dimension: 46″ x 21″ x 50″ (open). 22″ x 21″ x 22″ (folded)
- Maximum weight capacity: 250 pounds
Our thoughts
Although manual, it’s refreshing to see the low-tech electronic display that tracks the essentials keeping you up to date with your performance. The silent and high responsiveness of the belt while walking or jogging is remarkable.
4.) Fitness Reality TR3000
Meticulously designed for high responsiveness and varying degrees of difficulty, this option is a favorite with consumers. The TR3000 comes fitted with a wider and longer tread belt.
The magnetic tension “pacer control” helps stabilize the speed of the belt. Once stabilized you can walk hands-free at selected incline and tension settings. This feature is unprecedented in manual treadmills.
Also noteworthy is the fact that the TR3000 starts as low as an 8 degrees incline, this design aspect is a plus because it prevents strain on the ankles and leg muscles in particular for beginners or those nursing injuries.
At face value, you might think the frame is flimsy due to its streamlined and uncluttered appearance. The frame on this treadmill is reinforced to accommodate high user weight capacity of up a whopping 325 pounds. The side rails are also wide enough which ensures safety.
Features and specifications
- Folds for storage
- The treadmill can be moved quickly owing to the transportation wheels.
- Almost fully assembled out of the box
- Heart pulse pads
- Twin Flywheels
- Extended treadmill belt
- Dimensions: 50″L x 29″w x 50″H
- Product Weight: 73 Pounds.
- LCD computer
- 3-year limited warranty.
Our thoughts
With this treadmill, it is easy to forget that it is manual because it runs so smoothly and the tread belt is highly responsive; this is the effect of the two flywheel and magnetic tension ‘pacer control’ working in tandem. It is one of the best manual treadmills out there.
This treadmill is for everyone irrespective of body size and weight. It is built to withstand the rigors of your workout.
3.) Phoenix 98510 Easy Up
The Phoenix 98510’s advantage is its simplicity and complete ease of use. The frame is foldable allowing ease of storage and space when you need to get it out of the way. It comes fitted with a spring-loaded pull pin which is a welcomed addition especially for users with limited space. It makes collapsing this treadmill almost effortlessly.
The silent and smooth operation is enabled by an outfitted heavy duty flywheel, and the belt has a sturdy feel while remaining highly responsive to your walking and jogging speed. The Phoenix 98510 comes with a simple one button powered electronic display panel that shows your distance, speed, time and calories. The display panel is powered by two AA batteries.
Features and specifications
- 41″ x 13″ belt.
- Maximum user weight is 250 pounds.
- Folds and locks in upright position include a water bottle.
- Dimensions: 46.5″L x 50″W x 21.1″H
- One year warranty on the frame and 90 days on parts
Our thoughts
The Phoenix 98510 takes the crown in simplicity but remains functional. It has even managed to sneak in a few pleasant surprises like the spring loaded pull pin to facilitate ease of storage.
2.) Exerpeutic 100XL
This treadmill can accommodate a user with up to 300 lbs in weight which makes it ideal for cumbersome and big bodied users.
It comes with a wider and longer tread belt fitted with a magnetic ‘pacer control’ which stabilizes the belt speed. Once stabilized, you can walk hands-free at selected settings. The Exerpeutic 100XL incline starts as low as 8 degrees and totals three difficulty levels, 8, 10 and 15 degrees incline.
The twin six diameters In- Flywheels allows for a smooth, silent and responsive operation.
The noticeably long handles are almost twice as strong as the reinforced frame. They make it easier and safer for you as you navigate and switch to different difficulty levels.
Features and specifications
- Extra-long handles with heart pulse pads.
- 3 levels of incline difficulty. 8, 10, 15 degrees.
- ‘Pacer control’ and 8 level magnetic tension.
- Foldable
- Transportation wheels
Our thoughts
This option offers three different variations in resistance making it ideal for users who want that extra push in their workouts. It also can withstand heavy weights making it perfect for heavier body types.
1.) Sunny health SFT1408M
The sunny health SFT1408M has a maximum user weight of 220 lb. While addressing safety for the user through the non-slip hand rails, the design of this treadmill allows for ample space while walking or running.
It comes equipped with an easy to read LCD that monitors speed, time, distance, heart rate and calories. The three difficulty levels will ensure you stay in tip top shape as you vary your workout for a stronger lower body.
Features and specifications
- Tread belt: 40″ x 13″
- Nonslip surface.
- Foldable.
- Pulse grip heart rate monitoring
- 3 manual resistance levels.
Our thoughts
It is an excellent option with incredible resistance levels. The safety features are sound making it suitable for most weight and body sizes; this is a result of the sleek foolproof design and spacing.
Conclusion
Manual treadmills are a great addition to your home or office space. They are safe around children and even cost less to maintain. Even better, there is something for everyone irrespective of size, build or even space. If you enjoyed this article you should check out our review of the best inversion tables in 2017. We think you’ll love it!
