Like a hamster wheel, the belt of a manual treadmill won’t move unless you do—so you’re pushed to propel yourself harder with every step. This fact alone makes manual treadmills a safer option for beginners, seniors, and those currently rehabilitating an injury. When you slow down or stop, so does the belt. As an ACE-certified personal trainer with a specialization in orthopedic exercise, I’m a huge proponent of exercising on a manual treadmill: be it a leisurely walk, an uphill trek, or a heart-pumping jog, run, or sprint. Walking is widely considered one of the most effective forms of exercise and is linked with disease prevention, stronger bones and muscles, increased energy, and stress reduction. And the benefits only increase as you safely ramp up the frequency and intensity. Below, we’ve rounded up the best manual treadmills of 2022, for the most heart-pumping workouts or mental-health-boosting walks. Manual: Typically the best option for tighter spaces, manual treadmills rely on the user’s energy output to function. In turn, these machines boost your heart rate, challenge your muscular system, and omit the need for clunky wires. They tend to have narrower frames and shorter handrails. As a convenient bonus, many models fold up when not in use. Because manual treadmills won’t move unless you do, they provide a tougher workout than standard treadmills (especially if you choose a new-to-the-scene curved model). It’s important to note that many models with a flat deck don’t support speeds beyond a brisk walk. Motorized: Motorized treadmills are likely what comes to mind when you think about indoor running. They rely on an external electrical source to power the belt, incline, and intensity, along with additional features such as an LCD display. While motorized treadmills provide an excellent cardiorespiratory workout, the fixed speed and intensity settings allow the body to operate on autopilot, making for a more comfortable (likely easier!) workout than their manual alternative. Commercial: Like a standard motorized treadmill, commercial treadmills connect to a power source to deliver additional beneficial features like heart rate tracking and ventilation. Due to their powerful motors, these machines are able to withstand frequent use in commercial settings. Commercial treadmills tend to have the most bells and whistles, such as Bluetooth connectivity, TV access, and top-of-the-line sound systems. Hybrid: As a two-in-one fitness solution, hybrid treadmills fuse the functions of a treadmill with another piece of equipment, like an elliptical, stationary bike, stair stepper, or stair climber. This makes for a space-saving and financially savvy option while also preventing you from getting bored with the same workout. Zero gravity: Often used in rehabilitation settings and hospitals, zero gravity, or medical treadmills, offer a lower step height and provide extra cushioning, thereby reducing the impact on your joints. This allows for improved speed and endurance, without posing as a contraindication during treatment or rehab. First, identify the exact amount of space you’re working with, taking care to account for a few feet of clearance on each side of the machine so you can easily step on and off. Next, determine your intended usage. If you’re looking to simply add more movement to your day at a leisurely pace, you might opt for a flat-belt model that supports speeds from walking to light jogging, with fewer intensity and incline options. On the other hand, for running or intense athletic performance, be sure to choose a model that will properly challenge you, like one with a curved running belt and increased incline options. The best manual treadmill for you could very well be different from the one for your friend, trainer, or favorite professional athlete. However, if you’re looking for the best manual treadmill money can buy, the AssaultRunner makes it out on top for its cardio-promoting curved deck, high-speed capabilities, comprehensive display unit, and Bluetooth connectivity. It feels as cushy and luxe as the motorized treadmill in your favorite boutique gym, with the added challenge of a manual running belt. This manual treadmill comes preloaded with workouts geared toward elite athletes and beginners alike, hits a whopping 20 miles per hour, features a detailed screen for all your stats, and rolls away easily for storage. According to reviewers, the AssaultRunner Pro is easy to assemble and holds up great. One runner writes, “I think this is the best deal you can get and it’s a phenomenal product. I’m 6'2” and 240 pounds. I don’t go easy on it and consistently sprint up to around 15-17mph. It’s held up great and I’ve had ZERO issues!" Others say it’s “saved” their knees, praising the low-impact belt and the smooth stride it provides. One resounding theme from customers is how sturdy this treadmill is. It holds up over time and is fairly quiet, too. Reviewers praise the packaging and shipment process as well, with one person writing, “Even the quality of the packaging was first-rate—no chance of damage in-transit! And, the instructions to put it together were the clearest I have EVER seen. I’m 61 and was able to follow them & put it together—hardware & even tools come with it.” Shoppers love how quiet and compact this treadmill is, with most reviews mentioning the high quality for the low price. That said, if you are looking for a treadmill for running, this one isn’t it. And while many people love the fixed incline, others wish it was adjustable. Assembly is simple but best with two people. The WalkingPad gets a ton of praise—it even started a TikTok trend. Reviewers love how compact and lightweight this model is, plus the fact that it can slide easily under your desk. Overall, this treadmill is a great way to add movement to your day, even when you’re stuck on your computer. We’ve also included the WalkingPad on our round-up of the best under-desk treadmills. Overwhelmingly, people say this treadmill is a good buy for the cost. On the negative side, there are reports of it being loud and a bit creaky. That said, reviewers like the choice of incline levels, how easy it is to assemble, and the fact that it seems to hold up well over time. There’s a lot to love about this treadmill. Portable treadmills are not always the sturdiest, but reviews suggest that this one is well-made and built to last. Shoppers say it’s easy to assemble but best with two sets of hands. On the con side, there are a few complaints about the handlebar placement.
