Manual Treadmill Reviews and Comparison
These days, walking or running on a treadmill is one of the easiest and most effective ways to achieve a regimen of regular exercise. Unlike outdoor walking, treadmill fitness walking has the benefits of shock absorption and the convenience of exercising in the comfort and safety of your own home, in all weather conditions, in front of a TV or just listening to your favorite music.
No wonder treadmills have become the most popular and one of the most used of all indoor cardio training equipment!
The simpler, lighter, and cheaper version of this machine (see picture on the left) is commonly referred to as a manual treadmill, which has a moving platform with a wide conveyor belt. A manual treadmill does not have a motor. It moves only when the walker pushes the belt with their feet. The rate at which the belt moves is the rate of walking. Thus, the speed of walking may be controlled and measured.
(Note: Manual treadmills are sometimes called magnetic treadmills).
Most of the more popular manual treadmill models on the market are relatively inexpensive, costing around $100 to $200.
Please note:
Some manual treadmill models *may cost more than $200, Exerpeutic 100XL Magnetic Manual Treadmill and Avari Manual Treadmill are two typical examples.
* Update August 2012: Amazon price for Exerpeutic 100XL has since come down to below $200 inclusive of shipping cost! Now, Exerpeutic 100XL is a good buy. In fact, we've decided to include it in our list of Top 5 Best Manual Treadmill Models Priced Below $200.
* Update Feb 01, 2013: Unfortunately we have to exclude Exerpeutic 100XL from our list of Top 5 Best Manual Treadmill Models Priced Below $200 since its selling price has gone up to about $220, excluding shipping cost.
Whereas the more expensive, heavy-duty versions are motor-driven, often called electric or motorized treadmills (see picture on the left). On most motorized treadmills, you can easily adjust the speed and incline by pushing a button, while you are still walking or running.
An average motorized treadmill for home use costs anywhere between $400 to $1,000. Some advanced models may go as high as $5,000 each!
Manual treadmills have many drawbacks as opposed to the motorized ones. They are often difficult to get moving without using an extreme incline, and once moving you can't change the incline. You must get off the machine to adjust the incline.
Manual treadmills are very basic. They don't have all the extra features of the motorized cousins...
Anyone can go on and on to talk about the 'pros' of motorized treadmills vs the 'cons' of the manual ones...
Don't get the wrong impression...
Manual Treadmills DO have an undeniable place in the world of aerobic exercises for the following reasons:
Manual treadmills are affordable to most people ($100 to $200). Don't have to spend big bucks.
Cheaper to exercise with a manual treadmill because no electricity needed.
Manual treadmills are environmentally friendly and ecologically sound since the equipment doesn't require any electricity to operate.
Manual treadmills offer a quieter workout environment since the equipment doesn't have any electric motor.
A manual treadmill doesn't take up much space in your home and can be folded and stored away easily.
And yet manual treadmills offers great benefits for walking workouts at home. In fact if you just want to do some regular workouts to keep fit or lose fat around your hips and abdomen, a manual treadmill is the perfect choice since it's your own body that's driving the machine.
It's a proven fact that a regular cardiovascular exercise program can improve the physical and mental health for people of all ages, body types, and fitness levels. Too often, our busy lifestyles limit our time and opportunity to exercise. A manual treadmill provides a convenient, simple and inexpensive method to begin your assault on getting your body in shape and achieving a happier and healthier lifestyle.
Unlike motorized treadmills, there are not many manual treadmill models on the market that you can choose from. We've carefully researched most of them and finalized a list of the top 5 best models as shown below.
Is a manual treadmill right for you?
If your answer is 'yes', then check out our reviews and comparison of the Top 5 best manual treadmills priced below $200 based on our research...
Top 5 Best Manual Treadmills Priced Below $200
1. Stamina InMotion II 
2. Phoenix 98510 Easy-Up
3. Phoenix 98516 Easy-Up
4. Sunny SF-T808M
5. Stamina InMotion T900 
August 2012 Update: We've made the following changes to our list of Top 5 Best Manual Treadmill Models Priced Below $200:
1. Exerpeutic 100XL replaces Cory Everson.
2. Stamina InMotion T900 replaces Weslo Cardiostride Plus.
Feb 01 2013 Update: We've made the following change to our list of Top 5 Best Manual Treadmill Models Priced Below $200:
Sunny SF-T808M replaces Exerpeutic 100XL (price has gone up to above $200 + shipping cost)
Comparison Chart : Top 5 Best Manual Treadmills Priced Below $200
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Specifications
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Stamina InMotion II
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Phoenix 98510
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Phoenix 98516
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Sunny SF-T808M
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Stamina InMotion T900
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Price
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+/- $155
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+/- $150
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+/- $150
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+/- $125
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+/- $110
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Walking surface
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42" x 17"
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41" x 13"
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41.5" x 13.5"
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42" x 13"
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41" x 12 3/8"
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Max user weight
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250 lbs
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250 lbs
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250 lbs
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220 lbs
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225 lbs
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Monitor
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Electronic Multi-function, battery-operated
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Electronic, Single-button, 2 AA Batteries
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Electronic, Single-button, 2 AA Batteries
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Computer display
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Electronic, one-button control
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Open dimensions
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46.5" x 43.5" x 26"
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46.5" x 50" x 21.1"
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46" x 50" x 21"
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49.2" x 46.9" x 25.2"
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47" x 45" x 22"
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Weight
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56 lbs
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45 lbs
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44 lbs
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50 lbs
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50 lbs
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Warranty
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90 days parts, 1 year frame
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90 days parts, 1 year frame
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90 days parts, 1 year frame
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90 days parts, 1 year frame
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90 days parts, 1 year frame
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Extras
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Nil
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A water bottle
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Nil
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Nil
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Nil
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Motorized Treadmills
Motorized treadmills are much much more expensive in comparison to the manual ones. However, motorized treadmills offer a whole lot more options and advantages for your workouts.
Buying a good quality motorized treadmill can be an expensive investment as with so many brands and different models in the market, people get confused sometimes. See Treadmill Brands to get an idea on brands and models.
You may also like to read:
Cheap Treadmills - Top 3 Treadmills Below $500
Manual Treadmill Tips
Treadmill Buying Tips
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