Manual treadmills are not as big a seller compared with their more popular counterparts, electric treadmills. Increasing in popularity, "Consumer Reports" states, "more Americans regularly work out on a treadmill than on any other type of exercise machine."
Selection
Although there is a large selection of electric treadmills to choose from with a wide price range, the selection of manual treadmills is limited. One major online retailer lists more than 90 models of which only eight are manual treadmills.
Types
"Consumer Reports" separates and rates treadmills into three categories; "budget", "mid-range" and "expensive." High-tech, quality of materials and stability of frame characterize the higher-end models, while lower end models sport few frills and smaller motors. If you are a walker, then treadmills in the budget range can be a good investment and meet your needs. Runners should consider more expensive models with a sturdier frame and more powerful motor.
Manual treadmills use fly-wheels instead of motors and some come with displays, powered by batteries, that can track time, distance and workouts. You can also find some that fold for easy storage.
Pricing
Higher-end brands, such as Landice, Nautilus and Life Fitness, can cost more than $6,000 as of September 2010. Moderate-priced treadmills can cost $700 to $1,200 while budget model electric treadmills will cost at least $500 at Sports Authority. Manual treadmills are for the cost-conscious with pricing less than $200, as of September 2010.
Features
While manual treadmills may feature a water bottle holder and workout tape as in the Denise Austin Easy Up Manual Treadmill, electric treadmills are keeping pace with technology by offering inputs for your iPod, a heart rate monitor, TV screen and brightly-lit controls displaying multiple programming options for your workout.
Considerations
How much you plan to use your treadmill, how many people will be using it, space available, weight limits and whether you are a walker or runner are points to consider when deciding between electric or manual. Electric treadmills can be dangerous around small children and pets because of their moving parts. Also, consider trying out both types of treadmills at your gym or local sports store.
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