Our testers found the AssaultRunner Elite to have a slightly heavier belt than the AssaultRunner Pro. That creates more inertia, which actually makes the tread quicker—and a little bit easier to run on (especially at faster speeds). With easier running comes better form and foot placement, which allows you to get the most out of the tread. The best part: With a lifetime warranty on the belt, you’ll likely retire from running before you need to retire this manual machine.

An oversized running belt makes the Grit Runner ideal for runners with a bigger stride—and six resistance levels allow you to challenge yourself even more than you could with your own two feet.

Our Tester’s Take

Doing a workout on a manual treadmill is tough enough. The Grit Runner by Tru Grit Fitness aims to make it more challenging by offering users six different resistance levels to choose from—a standout feature, according to our testers. The machine is still entirely self-propelled, but you can also opt for anywhere for anywhere between no resistance at level one to level 6, which essentially simulates a sled push or uphill interval training.

Another big selling point was the oversized rubber-coated slat belt: It’s 79 inches long and 19 inches wide, making this a really solid option for tall runners. It also has a 330-pound weight capacity. The downside of that is this would be a beast to move; while there are transport wheels on the front, the tread weighs a whopping 400-plus pounds. Once you decide where to set it up, consider it the pièce de résistance of that room—shifting locations would be a workout in its own right.

Designed for small spaces, the very budget-friendly Sunny Health and Fitness Manual Walking Treadmill easily folds up so it can be stashed out of sight once you’ve gotten your steps in.

Our Tester’s Take

Manual treadmills are just as good for walking as they are for running, and for that purpose you can’t beat the Sunny Health and Fitness Manual Walking Treadmill. This simple, no-frills option is perfect for racking up steps throughout the day—and consistent movement is one of the best ways to maintain fitness and health. Although there’s no curve, the fixed 13.5% incline design subtly boosts intensity as you work against not only the resistance provided by dual flywheels, but gravity.

What our testers really loved about this machine is how compact and portable it is. The 42-inch by 13-inch running surface is a downside for taller users, but it takes up significantly less space than more expensive machines and folds up to 20 by 23 x 50 inches—small enough to stash in a corner or closet (unfortunately, it’s a little too tall to slide under a bed). It weighs under 50 pounds, and comes with two transport wheels, making it easy to maneuver. Wherever you set it up—and assembly is pretty much dummy-proof—floor stabilizers help balance the machine on uneven floors, so you don’t have to worry about tilting or rocking.

Let’s Compare the Costs of These Manual Treadmills

No getting around it, the best manual treadmills get spendy—fast. Here’s a look at the cost of each model we tested.

How We Tested Manual Treadmills

The best way to test manual treadmills is to just start logging miles—and that’s what we did. Well, first, we found testers who could go the distance on these machines. We’re talking certified fitness pros, elite athletes, and running coaches who know a thing or two about what to look for. As they walked, jogged, and ran, we had them assess all the need-to-know about the best manual treadmills.

In our fitness testing, we assess every aspect of a piece of equipment before we add it to our rankings. We compared all the most important features—size, weight capacity, materials, technology, assembly, add-ons, price, warranty, and anything else you could imagine—in order to narrow down our top picks.

What is a Manual Treadmill?

You’re likely most familiar with an electric or motorized treadmill, which uses a motor to engage the belt. A manual treadmill is one powered by your own bodyweight and effort. Translation: The belt only moves if you move it. Non-electric treadmills usually have a slight incline or curve that will help you get the belt moving, but that’s not always the case. These machines don’t require any electric power, but most have a battery-powered display to track time, distance, calories burned, and other metrics.

Benefits of a Manual Treadmill

A treadmill is never going to replace running outside if you’re training for a specific event. But if you’re just looking to boost your cardio fitness and log some miles without having to brave the elements, running on a treadmill physiologically taxes your body in the same way as running outside, research published in the journal Sports Medicine determined. Manual treadmills have their own specific benefits, too, including higher cardiometabolic demands, more muscle activation, and improved gait.

How to Run with Proper Form on a Manual Treadmill

Running on a manual treadmill feels a lot different than running on a traditional tread or on the ground outside. And that’s going to affect your form. But first, you’ve got to get the belt moving. Like most treadmills, all of these machines come with handles and strips on the side where you can place your feet. To start the machine, step onto the belt and hold on to the front handle, pushing your body and feet away from it to generate momentum. (When you’re ready to top, you just slow your pace until you’re walking, or you can grab onto the handle and jump your feet out to the sides.)

When you’re running, keep these form cues in mind: “Keeping your spine neutral and your shoulders relaxed, look forward rather than down,” says Silva. “This alignment helps with balance and supports proper mechanics.” You should also focus on taking shorter, quicker strides to reduce ground contact time, enhancing efficiency and control, he adds. “And aiming for a midfoot landing minimizes impact and promotes a smoother transition into the next stride.” The good news: Runners tend to have shorter stride length on a curved non-motorized treadmill, according to a 2018 study published in Sports.

What to Look for in a Manual Treadmill

The best manual treadmill for you will depend on your goals—and a number of other factors. Here’s what to consider before purchasing one so you can get the most out of your investment.

FAQ

About the Experts

Ryan Wooderson, PT, DPT, OCS, is a physical therapist, strength coach, and co-founder of RevoPT Denver.

Jay Silva, CSCS, is an RRCA-certified run coach and certified strength and conditioning specialist.