The 7 Best Manual Treadmills Of 2023, From A Certified Personal Trainer

This foldable treadmill is great for running, walking, and HIIT exercises. It's easy to store and takes up minimal space, with a quiet manual motor that won't disturb the neighbors. The five-layer nonslip belt makes for a comfortable stride that's easier on your joints. Even better, this treadmill has an LCD screen that rotates up and down for easy adjustability depending on your height. The machine has a phone holder and 12 built-in HIIT programs.

Amazon customers say it's easy to assemble, "not overly noisy," and "perfect for narrow spaces." While the reviews are mainly positive, some do mention that this machine is a bit tricky to fold, warning that you need to remove four screws first.

For an unparalleled training experience, opt for a manual treadmill with a curved running deck that does a solid job of boosting your heart rate and engaging the posterior chain (your backside, including your glutes and hamstrings). Keep in mind, curved treadmills are designed for HIIT and sprinting—not for long-distance running. As Kathleen Leninger, P.T., DPT, physical therapist and RRCA coach at Custom Performance previously told mindbodygreen, "Running long distances on them can actually cause injuries."

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.

Some of the most efficient ways to improve your running on and off the tread is to strengthen your quads using incline and intervals. That's exactly what this beast of a manual treadmill does. Again, the curved running belt is ideal for sprint intervals. This machine has a slatted running belt with a pulley track system, which prevents any shifting from occurring, common with high speeds. The curve is a bit more minimal than other models, making this a good choice for any fitness level.

 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."

If you're more of a casual stroller than a runner, this reliable and minimalist model from Sunny Health & Fitness is a great bet for low-intensity, low-impact workouts. It features a compact design ideal for any space in your home and sits at a fixed 10 degrees of incline to boost the efficacy of your walking workouts. The LCD monitor displays your stats such as distance, calories, speed, and time elapsed. Another bonus? Nonslip foam handlebars help increase your comfort and safety. For less than $200, you're not going to find better than this foldable option.

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.

Your home is your sanctuary, and the last thing you need is a bulky treadmill occupying half your living space. The WalkingPad R2 contains both a motorized and non-motorized option, allowing you to change it up depending on what type of workout or movement you're looking for. In the manual setting, the belt speeds up or slows down depending on your foot placement, and the machine connects to an app that displays your stats in real time. What's more, the whole treadmill folds up into a neat little pad and comes with a discreet storage unit. It's also currently $400 off on Amazon.

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.

Cardiorespiratory activity is crucial at any age, and that importance increases with age as we lose muscle mass and lead more sedentary lives. Enter the ProGear 190 that's especially suited for folks experiencing instability and limited mobility. Its longer handles and foam grips widen your base of support for better stability, which might feel more comfortable for those accustomed to using a walker or relying on handrails during everyday living. Choose between two incline levels, and enjoy it right out of the box with minimal assembly while tracking your stats on the handy LCD display.

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.

If you don't want your treadmill to be a permanent fixture, grab this highly portable manual option. It features pulse monitors at the handrails to track your heart rate; a long, wide design to promote balance and stability; and eight magnetic tension levels to adjust the incline between 8, 10, and 15 degrees. Better yet, the treadmill is already assembled straight out of the box—all you need to do is attach the handy LCD screen (which displays your elapsed time, distance walked, calorie burn, speed, and heart rate monitoring). When not in use, simply fold it right back up for easy storage.

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.