Why Manual Treadmills Are Better Than Electric Ones

Photo by janeb13, CC0 1.0

If you are thinking about buying a new treadmill, you’re probably trying to determine whether or not you should go for an electric treadmill. Sure, these are much more popular and come with an array of options for incline and speed, but there’s something about a manual treadmill that’s just way more convenient.

We’re going to go through all of the advantages that come with using a manual treadmill over an electric treadmill. Keep reading down below and hopefully this will help you make the right choice when you head to the fitness store!

  • It’s Just Worth It.

When it comes to expenses, you’re not going to be able to go wrong with a manual treadmill. Manual treadmills are going to be a whole lot more inexpensive than electric ones. Manual treadmills can be bought for under $100, while the electric treadmills require yearly maintenance and cost a whole lot more up-front. Plus, you’re not going to have to worry about any kind of weather that can stop your workout. With a manual treadmill, you’re not tethered to any source of electricity like an electric treadmill.

  • You Can Build Your Speed.

When it comes to speed-customization, there’s no question that a manual treadmill is going to be better than an electric. While you won’t be able to set your own speed like you would on an electric, you will be able to build up your speed to one you’re comfortable with and slow or speed up from there. You will be able to start out at walking speed, go a little faster, and slowly work your way up to a sprint before you slow down again. It’s important to note here that when you speed up, you won’t have the option of pressing an emergency stop button on a manual treadmill. This means that you’re going to have to hop off onto the sides of the treadmill if you need to stop, rather than relying on an emergency button. This shouldn’t cause too much of a problem, but you should keep this in mind.

  • There Are Tons of Other Benefits.

Other than those first two points, there are tons of extra benefits that come along with using a manual treadmill, like those from by Treadmill Trends. For one, they are incredibly lightweight, so you will have no trouble moving them around your home if you want to switch up locations or move them outside. This contrasts directly with an electric treadmill that’s going to be stuck in one location unless you want to put in the tons of effort involved in moving it. Some models even come with wheels that allow you to easily roll a treadmill from one location to another.

Another benefit of a manual treadmill is that they are easy to store. If you don’t want to keep your treadmill out at all points during the day, it’s super easy to fold a manual treadmill and stick it in a storage closet until you need it again. Another advantage that comes along with a manual treadmill is the fact that there’s no outlet needed. A lot of the times, you have to determine where your electric treadmill is going to go depending on where there’s an electric outlet. With a manual treadmill, you won’t have to worry about this.

One last benefit that comes with using a manual treadmill is that you can use it outside, if you so wish. Most people don’t use electric treadmills outside because of the potential for harsh weather that can wear down the machine. With a manual treadmill, you can feel free to move it around to your patio or porch to get some fresh air while you run.

All of these points are great benefits to using a manual treadmill over an electric one. Make sure you keep these in mind when you’re making the final decision about whether to go manual or electric.