Manual Treadmills

Our great range of manual running machines will ensure you get the perfect manual treadmill for you.

A manual treadmill will cost a lot less than other types of running machines due to the treadmill belt turning from your own momentum (as apposed to an electronic treadmill). If you have any questions on any manual treadmills here just get in touch with the Shop Treadmills team and we will help you out.

Manual Treadmill

When shopping for a treadmill, price is always a factor and somewhere around the lower end to middle of the range are manual treadmills. Just because there is a cost savings does not mean they are any lower in quality though; fact is they are built the same way minus the power motor that drives them in other more pricey models.

The cost savings is due to the lack of a motorized drive, most models that fall into the manual category offer magnetic tension adjusters to them. Compared to their electric counterparts that automate how fast the treadmill goes, the runner on a manual treadmill powers the belt and the magnetic tensioners adjust how much resistance is offered, making it harder or easier to run. Due to the lack of a motor, these manual treadmills are often much lighter in overall weight too, so they are easier to move from room to room if need be.

Manual treadmills are built the same way their electric counterparts are, so expect the same quality construction, welds, impact dampening running surfaces and on some models, heart rate monitors, timing devices, water bottle holders and more. Some users prefer to run on manual treadmills because they find powering by running alone allows for a better, more natural feel compared to running outside. The runner can control how fast or slow they want to go without having to look down and push buttons on a touch-pad to speed up or slow down the treadmill. This is especially useful when doing certain sprint training exercises like Yasso's or wind sprints.

An added safety bonus to manual treadmills is that they stop when you stop. Unlike an electric treadmill that keeps going if you step off, or stop to tie your trainers, a manual one will. Some people, especially with children greatly prefer these manual treadmills for that reason alone.

Don't think of manual treadmills as lesser quality based solely on their price point, look at them as an alternative, more natural running experience.