Manual treadmills have been flying off the shelves this summer, and for good reason.

Not only do they save electricity and space, they also force you to expend more calories per mile, offering a more intense workout than the motorized options.

Further, they don’t come with the safety risks of electric models – they stop moving when you stop, making usage safer in homes with small children or pets.

However, all self powered treadmills are not created equal – some are far superior to others, and it’s important that you pick the best possible option for your home.

That’s where we come in! We’ve reviewed the top manual treadmills on Amazon so that once you’re through reading, you’ll have no doubts about the option for you.

Best Manual Treadmills

	Sunny Health Manual Treadmill	EFITMENT Magnetic Manual Treadmill	Fitness Reality Manual Treadmill
Dimensions:	49" x 23" x 50"	54" x 35.5" x 52"	47" x 23" x 51"
Max Weight:	220 Pounds	220 Pounds	230 Pounds
Monitor:	LCD: time, speed, calories	LCD: time, speed, distance, calories	LCD: time, speed, distance, calories
Folding:	Yes	Yes	Yes

For more of my exercise gear recommendations, have a look through these popular Women’s Workout guide links: Water Rowing Machines, Elliptical Machines, Recumbent Bikes.

Quick Answer: The 7 Best Rated Manual Treadmills For 2022

1. Sunny Health & Fitness Manual Treadmill 
2. Fitness Reality Manual Treadmill 
3. EFITMENT Adjustable Magnetic Manual Treadmill 
4. WEELOLOE 4-in-1 Mini Mechanical Treadmill 
5. Asuna Hi-Performance Manual Treadmill 
6. Sentuca Mechanical Treadmill 
7. KEO Folding Manual Treadmill 

Our reviews of the top rated manual treadmills with our comparison table and buyers guide will help you choose the right one for you.

Manual Treadmill Reviews

#1 Sunny Health & Fitness Manual Treadmill

Level up your workout routine with the Sunny Health & Fitness Manual Treadmill.

This compact machine features a multi-functional LCD monitor that tracks your time, speed, calories burned, and steps. You can even use it to scan through your metrics post-workout!

An ideal size for small spaces, it sports a 3′ x 1′ running belt that can support multiple incline angles and 220 pounds of weight. 

The treadmill itself weighs around 45 pounds, and folds in half easily for compact storage and pain-free portability.

But despite its small size, it’s as sturdy as can be, with foam hand railings and a non-slip traction belt for a safe and secure workout.

If you want to save power without sacrificing performance, this is one of the best manual treadmills you can own.

#2 Fitness Reality Manual Treadmill

The Fitness Reality Manual Treadmill is another small yet mighty machine, offering almost all the benefits of an electric model at half the size.

With 2 wheels for easy transportation and a foldable design, it can fit into the smallest of spaces and be stored almost anywhere.

It also sports a sleek LCD display which features elapsed speed, time, distance, and calories burned. 

This model features a durable, powder-coated steel frame that can easily support up to 230 pounds of weight.

You won’t ever feel insecure or unsafe on the no-slip belt, and you can stabilize your body by holding onto the long arm handles with foam grips.

Choose between incline levels of 6 and 10 degrees to challenge your body with every workout and elevate your fitness levels to new heights.

All things considered, this is by far one of the best non motorized treadmills you can find today.

#3 EFITMENT Adjustable Magnetic Manual Treadmill

Next up, we have one of the best magnetic treadmills on the market – the EFITMENT Adjustable Manual Treadmill.

This model features a state of the art flywheel and non-slip walking belt for a smooth, quiet and completely self-powered experience.

Equipped with 8 levels of magnetic tension and 3 variable inclines, it will help you personalize your workout to challenge your body as you progress!

This treadmill makes tracking your stats easy with an LCD digital monitor that displays time, speed, distance and calories.

You’ll also be able to monitor your heartbeat with the conveniently located hand-rail sensors.

Better yet, you won’t have to lift a finger for any of it – a scan function periodically scrolls through all the workout metrics for touch-free viewing.

Storage features include built-in transportation wheels and folding capability, which makes this an ideal choice for those living in smaller apartments or dorms.

#4 WEELOLOE 4-in-1 Mini Mechanical Treadmill

The WEELOLOE 4-in-1 Mini Mechanical Treadmill is another top contender for the best motorless treadmill on the market.

This is one of the most versatile models we’ve seen yet, featuring integrated bicep curl ropes and a sit-up panel in addition to more traditional features like an LCD monitor and folding design.

Despite its compact build, it has one of the highest max weight capacities on our list, capable of supporting up to 440 pounds.

With the WEELOLOE,  you’ll get the best of both worlds in terms of size and strength – it clocks in at only 42 pounds, making it extremely portable as well as small and mighty.

Strong suction cups keep it securely fixed to the ground, providing you with a safe workout experience from start to finish.

Once you’re done, you can tend to your sore muscles with the built-in massage wheel. What’s not to love!?

#5 Asuna Hi-Performance Manual Treadmill

Asuna has created a high performance manual model that’s more than just a treadmill – in fact, it can function as a full body trainer too!

The rubber-coated multi grip handlebars are specially designed to support multiple body positions, whether you’re jogging, squatting, or doing mountain climbers.

Meanwhile, a convenient tension lever lets users choose between 8 different levels of resistance. Use this tool to engage in unique and varied workout routines for a full-body experience.

This model was constructed with quality as a top priority – a sturdy dual flywheel design pushes the belt smoothly and consistently, so you’ll get a safe experience no matter what.

Moreover, the Asuna was built with durable high-grade steel, so it is capable of supporting a whopping 440 pounds.

Also included is a tablet holder for your mobile devices. Simply place your phone or iPad in the convenient pocket and you’ll be able to follow along to your favorite fitness videos!

This is one of the best self propelled treadmills you’ll find on the market today.

#6 1962 Folding Manual Treadmill

The 1962 Folding Manual Treadmill is a fan favorite, and for good reason.

One of the best non electric treadmills on the market, this model is built with a heavy-duty steel frame, foam-grip handrails, and a high precision PVC running belt.

Ideal for home workouts in small spaces, it is completely foldable and can support up to 240 pounds at one time.

Like most other manual models, the 1962 features a sleek LCD monitor which displays typical workout metrics like speed, distance, time and calories.

Although the slope adjustment is non-motorized, you can still play around with the incline levels manually!

Compact, ergonomic and lightweight, this machine will provide you with all the intensity of a gym workout, right from the comfort of your own home.

#7 KEO Folding Manual Treadmill

Finishing our list off strong, the KEO Folding Manual Treadmill is the ideal option to help you kick start your fitness journey!

This is a compact, lightweight treadmill that can easily fit into small spaces. It features a no-slip running surface of about 3.5′ x 1.5′, large enough for you to gather up speed for a light jog.

Despite its slim stature, it can support a maximum weight of 330 pounds – more than most traditional manual treadmills.

You’ll be able to create goal-specific workouts with a high quality LCD monitor which displays speed, calories burned, and steps.

Simply use the ‘scan’ function to scroll through your data and workout metrics without lifting a single finger!

To top it all off, the KEO’s non-electric function is perfect for saving power without sacrificing performance.

This also allows for flexible placement throughout your living space without the need for an electrical outlet.

It is certainly one of the best self propelled treadmills available today.

Manual Treadmills Comparison Table

How to Choose the Best Manual Treadmill – Buying Guide

Now that we’ve taken you through the best non-motorized treadmills the market has to offer, it’s time to decide which to bring home.

Settling on one can be challenging, so we’ve put together a comprehensive buying guide to lead you through the process.

Above all, what’s most important is that you pick the right product for your personal fitness goals and unique lifestyle. Our guide should help you do just that!

Know Your Personal Fitness Goals

It’s important to pick a product that helps you achieve your fitness goals efficiently.

Before purchase, you should be completely sure that a manual treadmill will provide the workout you’re looking for.

There are a few key differences to manual and motorized treadmills in terms of health and safety benefits. We’ve outlined them below.

Manual vs. Motor

Health Benefits

Manual treadmills are self-propelled, meaning they are activated by the movement of your feet on the belt, rather than with electricity.

This alone offers a slew of health and safety benefits that you may not have considered before.

Because the onus to move the belt falls on the user, studies show that manual treadmills force subjects to expend nearly 30% more energy while moving at the same speed.

Further research suggests that manual treadmill users actually burn more calories per mile on average than users of the motorized variety.

However, a key disadvantage to manual treadmills is their lack of personalized workout capacity.

Non-electric LCD monitors are limited in capacity, and don’t offer the varied resistance levels or different workout programs that electric models often include.

Therefore, if you’re simply looking to burn more calories in less time, a manual model is for you. If you’d rather personalize your workouts, stick to a motorized treadmill.

Safety Benefits 

Not only do self powered treadmills offer a more efficient workout, they also present some important safety benefits.

The running belt stops when you stop, so there’s less room for serious injury if you happen to lose your balance and teeter off course.

This feature also makes the machine much more child and pet friendly – you won’t have to lock it up in a separate room to prevent curious little ones from getting hurt.

On the other hand, a motorized treadmill presents significant safety hazards, as the belt keeps moving regardless of your body.

If you stumble or trip, you will be propelled off the back of the machine. This will only end in pain!

Portability 

In the case you must store or transport your treadmill, manual treadmills are much more convenient.

They are almost always foldable, making them one of the most portable exercise machines out there.

Because they can be compressed and don’t need to exist next to an outlet, you’ll have much more freedom in terms of positioning and layout.

They’re often significantly lighter than their electric counterparts, but this also leads to a lower max weight capacity. This brings us to our next point.

Weight Capacity

Once you’ve decided that a manual treadmill is for you, you must ensure that you’re getting the best option for your body.

Many non electric treadmills have a relatively low weight capacity, typically ranging from 200 – 440 pounds. This is something to keep in mind when selecting a model.

Crosscheck your weight with the max limit of the machine to confirm that you’ll be supported.

Features

Manual treadmills aren’t equipped with the high-tech bells and whistles of motorized machines, but they still offer plenty of special features that can make or break your decision

Incline Options

Check for models with a wide range of incline options – though you’ll have to manually set the resistance before your workout, you can still play around with the angle and challenge yourself.

Some models offer more incline levels than others, so depending on your fitness priorities you’ll have to take this feature into consideration.

LCD Monitors

If you’re a fan of tracking your workouts, don’t settle for an option without a monitor.

Instead, look out for the plenty of models which offer LCD monitors to log time, distance, speed and calories burned.

Many also come with grip heart rate monitors – a good way to check your stats if you’re worried about overstraining yourself.

Magnetic Belt Resistance

Finally, think about getting an option with magnetic belt resistance.This impacts how easily the belt moves as you start walking.

Manufacturers often claim that this feature helps stabilize the speed of the belt as you move, making it easier to walk without using hand rails.

Chat With A Doctor

Finally, chat with your doctor to make sure a manual treadmill is right for you.

If you are dealing with joint pain, deteriorative bone disease or recovering from prior injury, you should consult a professional before using any sort of exercise machine.

In particular, manual treadmills force you to strain against the belt, putting unnecessary stress on your joints, hips and knees.

Be sure to consult a physician if have any uncertainty!

FAQs About Manual Treadmills

Q: Do you burn more calories on a manual treadmill?

A: Not necessarily – this all depends on the duration and intensity of your workout, not to mention your body composition and fitness level.

However you will burn more calories running at the same speed on a manual treadmill than you will on a motorized option, because you must expend more energy to move the belt.

Q: Can you run on a manual treadmill?

A: Yes, in theory you can run on a manual treadmill – however, they’re best for brisk walks and light jogs.

This is because many models won’t go faster than 5.5 mph, an average jogging pace.

Q: How does a manual treadmill work?

A: Manual treadmills rely on your body to function as the motor. Simply step on the belt, and push against the deck to get it moving.

As you walk on the belt, it will move along with your pace – so you must constantly exert force to keep it going.

Simply speed up to jog/run and slow down to walk. It’s pretty straightforward!

Q: How do I make my manual treadmill smoother?

A: Nearly all treadmills will run into belt alignment and insufficient lubrication issues. This will effect the quality of your workout, so be sure to periodically inspect your machine for malfunctions.

Make your treadmill run smoother by regularly lubricating it – simply apply a good quality treadmill lubricant on the underside of the belt.

You can just lift it up and rub the oil on the center and sides of the belt’s underbelly – this alone should solve many of your problems.

If you’re having trouble with belt alignment, check out the video below:

How To Adjust A Treadmill Belt

Tips For Choosing Manual Treadmills

#1: Know your fitness goals.

Be sure that a manual treadmill is for you!

If your priorities are efficiency, convenience and portability, a manual treadmill is ideal.

However, if you value a more personalized workout experience, you should stick to a traditional motorized option.

#2: Know the limits of your treadmill.

Manual treadmills have limits – they can’t support high intensity interval training or sprinting, and are best used for power walking and brisk jogging.

If you try to push your manual model beyond its capacity, you will end up damaging or breaking it. Save yourself the trouble!

#3: Maintenance is key!

Maintenance is everything!

Make sure to periodically inspect your machine for defects and malfunctions. It’s better to catch them before they hinder the performance of your treadmill.

Summary

Now that you know how to pick a good manual treadmill, it’s time for you to make a decision!

Whichever model you choose, know that you’ll be getting one of the most popular, high quality options on the market.

Thanks for reading & happy shopping!

How We Researched

To come up with the top manual treadmills, we researched a variety of sources for reviews such as Best Buy, Walmart, Target and Sears along with our own personal experience.

The authors consulted sources such as online magazines for research and reviews unbiased information.

By using Fakespot.com we tried to eliminate fake reviews and use only genuine ones.

With so many options available, the authors narrowed down the selections by using products they felt were the best value for the money.

The staff authors have a wide and varied background as fitness trainers, yoga instructors and runners. The authors have decades of experience and are eager to share their knowledge with readers.

In order to narrow down the options, we used personal experiences plus recommendations from other trainers and instructors.

Sources