7 Best Manual Treadmills in 2024

Since I’ve started Garage Gym Reviews, I’ve always been asked questions about the best squat rack or the best dumbbells. More recently, people want to know what manual treadmills to put in their home gyms. Generally speaking, this is a pretty pricey purchase and one that people want to get right.

I decided to compile my top favorites after running, walking, sprinting, and doing HIIT treadmill workouts on quite a few. If you’re interested in seeing both my favorite electric treadmills and non-motorized treadmills, check out my best treadmills for a home gym piece. 

RELATED: Black Friday Treadmills Deals

We take treadmill reviews very seriously here at Garage Gym Reviews, so much so that I and my team have spent more than a day personally running on the manual treadmills you see here and many more that didn’t end up making the cut. We do this to give you a first-hand account of how it feels to run on each one, so you have all the information you need before making a purchase.

We asses things such as durability, workout programming, noise, resistance, value, and more before deciding which products are the best for what type of people. We also score each category based on our detailed fitness equipment testing methodology, which gives an overall score for each treadmill.

Best Manual Treadmills for 2024

• My Top Pick: AssaultRunner Pro
• Best Budget Manual Treadmill: Bells of Steel Wooden Residential Manual Treadmill
• Best Manual Treadmill for Running: TrueForm Trainer 
• Best Manual Treadmill for Walking: Sunny Health and Fitness Manual Walking Treadmill
• Best Manual Treadmill for Athletes: AssaultRunner Elite
• Best Curved Manual Treadmill: Grit Runner by Tru Grit Fitness
• Best Basic Manual Treadmill: Xebex Runner Smart Connect

Best Manual Treadmills Video Review

Compare Side by Side

	AssaultRunner Pro	Bells of Steel Wooden Manual	TrueForm Trainer	Sunny Health and Fitness Walking Pad	AssaultRunner Elite	Grit Runner	Xebex Runner
Rating Our expert product testers, who include certified personal trainers and coaches, use a multi-point testing methodology to determine average ratings out of 5 stars.
Speed Range	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Incline Range	N/A	N/A	N/A	13.5% (fixed)	N/A	N/A	N/A
Deck Size	62″ L x 17″ W	47″ L x 17.3″ W	54″ L x 17″ W	42″ L x 13″ W	62″ L x 17″ W	19″ W	67″ L x 17″ W
Foldable?	—	—	—		—	—	—
Programs	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	Around 9 preset programs	N/A	Preset programs available
Display	High contrast LCD	LCD screen	LED screen	LCD screen	High contrast LCD screen	LCD screen	LCD screen
Warranty	5-year frame, 3-year moving parts, 150,000-mile belt warranty	5-year frame, 2-year parts	10-year frame	3-year structural frame; 180-day parts and components	Lifetime belt, 10-year frame, 3-year moving parts, 1-year labor	Lifetime frame, 2-year belt, tread, and monitor	5-year frame, 3-year moving parts, 2-year console
	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price

My Top Pick: AssaultRunner Pro

Good for: Someone looking for a great value manual treadmill that’s easy to use

Best Overall

AssaultRunner Pro

GGR Score: 4

Check Price Save $200 for Black Friday

Product Highlights

• Low-impact shock absorbing belt
• Incredibly sturdy and durable
• Built-in wheels for portability
• 100% athlete-powered

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Extremely popular
• Durable machine
• No motor means fewer maintenance issues
• Easy-to-read monitor
• Thick rubber belt provides great traction
• Bearings under belt provide smooth run
• Sturdy
• Rear handle makes moving easier
• Powder-coating withstands the elements
• Affordable curved treadmill
• Staple for CrossFitters

Cons

• Extremely heavy
• Curved shape takes getting used to
• Plastic shell may crack
• High spin rate on belt
• No fancy monitor, water bottle holder, or other conveniences

Bottom Line

The AssaultRunner Pro is one of the best value non-motorized treadmills for home gyms on the market.

In terms of manual treadmills, the AssaultRunner Pro hits the mark for being a great value. It’s no secret that these pieces of cardio equipment can be really pricey, and the AssaultRunner Pro is about $3,000. However, this is on the affordable side of manual treadmills and has a lot to offer.

I’m an especially big fan of the monitor that takes inspiration from the Assault AirBike and includes nine built-in programs the AssaultRunner Pro features. These include quick-start, competition mode, target heart rate, target time, target distance, target calories, custom intervals, 20/10, and 10/20 intervals. 

RELATED: Best Exercise Bikes

This manual treadmill is a big hit with me especially because it’s versatile – running, walking, and sprinting are all a breeze on the AssaultRunner Pro. If you’re someone who likes doing sprinting intervals, you’ll probably find that the belt spins quite fast on this treadmill, which makes it ideal for this kind of activity.  

The AssaultRunner Pro is a fairly portable motorless treadmill at only 280 pounds. It also has wheels and a handle attached to help you easily move the machine around your garage gym. I was able to move it by myself fairly easily, but you could always grab a friend or family member to help, too. 

RELATED: How to move a treadmill

One of the major draws of this machine is the large, 60-inch running surface. This means you can feel confident if you’re someone with a bigger stride. Some of the manual treadmills have very short decks, which only make sense for walking because you can’t take a full stride. This is a big advantage for anyone interested in improving their jogging, running, or sprinting.

The warranty provided is average – 5 years frame, 3 years parts, and 150,000 miles belt. It isn’t the worst, but I think it could be better. However, the more expensive AssaultRunner Elite does have a longer warranty but it comes with an increased price tag. 

Learn more on my AssaultRunner Pro review.

If you’re looking for a heavier belt to help propel into running speeds (plus a lifetime belt warranty) check out the AssaultRunner Elite.

Best Budget Manual Treadmill: Bells of Steel Wooden Residential Manual Treadmill

Good for: Those looking for an affordable manual treadmill

Best Budget

Bells of Steel Wooden Residential Manual Treadmill

GGR Score: 3

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Product Highlights

• Self-propelled treadmill
• No electricity required
• Nearly 400-pound weight capacity
• 8.4-degree curve angle

Pros & Cons

Pros

• May help improve running form
• No electricity needed
• Smooth belt
• Sleek design

Cons

• Pricey
• Assembly required

Bottom Line

The Bells of Steel Wooden Residential Manual Treadmill allows users to run, jog, or walk at their own pace thanks to the self-propelled belt. This item is available for pre-order and ships by May 31st.

Despite costing less than the other manual treadmills on this list, the $2,000 Bells of Steel Wooden Residential Manual Treadmill still delivers many of the same benefits and is built to last. It should be noted that this is a new product, and some orders may not ship until May 31st.

Certified personal trainer Lindsay Scheele, lead reviewer of Garage Gym Reviews Everything, got a sneak peek of the curved treadmill and said it “kicked her butt.”

She’s also a fan of the aesthetics, saying the wooden frame could fit in some people’s living rooms. She also notes that, as with similar human-powered treadmills, it’s much easier to maintain. Bells of Steel recommends regular dusting, though you won’t have to tighten bolts or lube the treadmill deck like with traditional models.

Lindsay, however, adds this treadmill might not be for everyone. She points out that the 47-inch running deck is shorter than other manual treadmills — the AssaultRunner Pro is 62 inches long — which makes it difficult for people who want to do sprints or interval training.

For a solid sprinting machine, I suggest the AssaultRunner Pro or AssaultRunner Elite.

Best Manual Treadmill for Running: TrueForm Trainer

Good for: People looking to improve their running form 

Best For Running

TrueForm Trainer

GGR Score: 4

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Product Highlights

• Well-designed treadmill to help refine running form
• Smooth belt
• Expensive, but worth the money
• Not made in the USA

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Curved running surface to promote better form
• Durable frame
• Hefty weight capacity
• Excellent for HIIT and sprints
• 60 percent more affordable than the TrueForm Runner

Cons

• Costs around $3,000
• Non-motorized treadmill
• Basic monitor
• No preset workouts

Bottom Line

The TrueForm Trainer is a unique treadmill designed to help runners improve their form.

If you’re someone who struggles to run with proper mechanics in mind, the TrueForm Trainer might be a good option for you. Due to the structure of the slightly curved deck, you’re forced to engage all parts of your body to effectively run. Be warned: if you heel strike, you won’t last long on the TrueForm, as it’s much more difficult to run this way.

I’ve included the TrueForm Trainer on this list because it is the more affordable counterpart to the TrueForm Runner. For a commercial setting, the all-metal, made-in-America TrueForm Runner is my suggestion, but most home gyms would be better off with the lower-priced Trainer. There are a few differences between a commercial treadmill and home treadmill, mainly having to do with the construction and warranty. 

Speaking in terms of manual treadmills, the TrueForm Trainer is on the lighter side at 270 pounds. This means you can more easily maneuver it around your home gym. I also like that there is a user weight capacity of 400 pounds because it makes the machine a more inclusive choice for different people.

The TrueForm Trainer is made of thick, black plastic. Although I’m not a huge fan of equipment constructed out of plastic, the steel frame is very solid. It uses a welded frame with hundreds of bearings for the belt to ride. I think the plastic will crack over time, but the actual treadmill itself should hold up fine to regular cardio workouts. 

Check out my TrueForm Trainer review. 

If you have the cash to splurge on a similar treadmill built with a lot less plastic, check out the TrueForm Runner.

Best Manual Treadmill for Walking: Sunny Health & Fitness Manual Walking Treadmill

Good for: People who want a manual, low-impact cardio option

Best for Walking

Sunny Health and Fitness Manual Walking Treadmill

GGR Score: 3.13

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Product Highlights

• Costs under $200
• No electricity required
• Fixed 13.5 percent incline
• Compact footprint and can be easily folded

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Costs under $200
• Can be folded
• Has a fixed 13.5 percent incline for added challenge

Cons

• Short deck
• Only comes with a three-year warranty
• Maximum user weight of 220 pounds

Bottom Line

A low-impact and budget-friendly cardio machine that has a number of conveniences.

Some people just prefer walking over running, or can’t do the latter due to an injury. No matter, that’s what the Sunny Health and Fitness Manual Walking Treadmill is for. Like the other options on our list, this treadmill will go as fast as you go, which may not be too fast due to the 13.5 percent incline.

The incline is a huge plus for us because it provides an extra challenge for users while still allowing them to go at lower speeds than they would on a running treadmill. Incline walking has been shown to increase your metabolism and tone your lower-body muscles.

The GGR expert tester who ordered, assembled, and tested this manual walking treadmill says the treadmill isn’t excessively loud, but it was wobbly. When a treadmill wobbles it can put unnecessary wear and tear on the machine limit its longevity, which is why this treadmill earns a 2 out 5 stars for durability.

“This treadmill got pretty shaky,” says our GGR tester. “And there is a fair amount of back and forth shifting from the handles, which is unfortunate because you need to hold on to the handrails to propel the manual tread belt forward.”

For those who are tight on space, this walking treadmill comes with a compact footprint and can be folded. The shorter size means people with longer strides may not be able to use this, but for the average person, it should be just fine.

Our other callout about this treadmill is that it has a maximum user weight of 220 pounds and that it only comes with a short three-year warranty (not that you should expect much more from a product that costs under $200, but it’s still a little annoying.)

RELATED: Best Treadmill for Heavy People

The Sunny Health & Fitness Manual Walking Treadmill wasn’t stable during out testing process. If you can splurge for a more durable machine, we suggest the B.o.S. Manual Treadmill.

Best Manual Treadmill for Athletes: AssaultRunner Elite

Good for: Individuals who want a long-lasting manual treadmill

Best For Athletes

AssaultRunner Elite

GGR Score: 4

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Product Highlights

Introducing the most powerful and personalized manual treadmill ever created. The brand new AssaultRunner Elite is expertly crafted to meet the specific needs of professional athletes, home gym users, and commercial owners alike.

Pros & Cons

Bottom Line

For athletes who are serious about improving their running game, the AssaultRunner Elite is your best pick because of the heavier belt. In my years of using this and other manual treadmills, I’ve found that the Elite is better at correcting your form, foot placement, and mimicking the real-life feeling of pounding your feet on the pavement.

As I point out in my AssaultRunner Elite review, this is an expensive piece of equipment. Is it worth it? I think so. For one, it comes with a lifetime warranty (the less expensive AssaultRunner Pro is only covered up to 150,000 miles) that will ensure it stays in good conditioning during your entire athletic career and into your eventual retirement.

In addition to my thoughts, I’ve had many of our expert product testers on the GGR team test the AssaultRunner Elite over the years and everyone is super impressed with how much control you have over your own speed and foot placement. One of our experts says, “Once you learn how to pace your stride, running on the AssaultRunner Elite is a very controlled ride. It’s also ultra quiet and super stable.”

It also comes with two water bottle holders (some manual treadmills have none) so you can stay hydrated during training sessions and a UV-resistant console that allows it to be used outside without worrying about damaging the machine. Lastly, the 400-pound weight capacity is one of the highest on this list.

The durability also allows you to do weighted farmer’s walks, overhead carries, and other resistance training-based movements while you work on your cardiovascular fitness. Another factor to the durability is the heavy belt, which makes it easier to get the belt started for beginners and it’s easier to reach sprinting speeds. That said, because this machine has a heavy belt, it doesn’t come to an immediate stop, so I suggest using the side rails to prevent any accidents.

While the AssaultRunner Elite doesn’t have a touchscreen display for Peloton or iFIT programming, it does have Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity and a high-contrast screen with handful of built-in programs like custom intervals, target training options, and competition mode.

RELATED: Peloton Alternatives

The AssaultRunner Elite is a major investment. If you want top-notch Assault Fitness quality for less, check out the AssaultRunner Pro.

Best Curved Manual Treadmill: Grit Runner by Tru Grit Fitness

Good for: People who want a curved treadmill for cheaper than most

Best Curved

Grit Runner by Tru Grit Fitness

GGR Score: 3.7

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Product Highlights

• Manual, curved treadmill
• No power required
• Thick rubber tread
• Lifetime belt warranty
• 6 levels of resistance

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Affordable price point for a manual treadmill at under $2,000
• Lifetime warranty on the belt
• 6 resistance options

Cons

• Bare bones LCD console
• Wide gaps between the slats
• Lots of plastic that doesn’t seem particularly durable

Bottom Line

The Grit Runner by Tru Grit Fitness is one of the cheapest manual treadmills on the market.

The Grit Runner by Tru Grit Fitness is one of the most affordable curved manual treadmills on the market. This treadmill is right at $2,500 and includes free delivery, which is good considering it is 415 pounds (shipping would be expensive). 

RELATED: Best Budget Treadmill

My favorite thing about the Grit Runner is the thick rubber tread. You also get a lifetime belt warranty on this treadmill, which is a huge plus. Plenty of higher-end manual treadmills doesn’t have that guarantee so that’s nice to see on a budget-friendly option.

I like the Grit Runner for walking and running, but be warned: it is super loud if you try to sprint on it. In fact, it might be the loudest manual treadmill I’ve ever come across, so keep that in mind. It is also not designed to help you improve your running form like the TrueForm Trainer and Runner.

RELATED: Best Treadmill for Walking

The Grit Runner does include resistance options, which can be seen on higher end treadmills like the TechnoGym SkillMill, although I wish they offered more resistance than what’s currently available.

Something I’m not crazy about (but is unsurprising for the price) is the heavy use of plastic everywhere. The machine feels very wide and the shrouds wrap around the transportation wheels, which causes it to hit the ground when moving. I feel like they could have been a little more conservative with their use of plastic.

To learn more, read my TruGrit Runner review.

The Grit Runner tread belt runs fast and loud. The AssaultRunner Elite has a heavy belt that can help you get to top speeds without going too fast and stays reasonably quiet.

Best Basic Manual Treadmill: Xebex Runner Smart Connect

Good for: Those who want a simple manual treadmill

Best Basic

Xebex Runner

GGR Score: 3.5

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Product Highlights

• No electricity needed
• Compatible with numerous fitness apps
• Good warranty
• Not much maintenance required

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Bluetooth compatible with various apps (Kinomap, GymTrakr, Zwift, Selfloops Group Training, PerfPRO Studio)
• 10 year frame, 5 year parts, 2 year console warranty
• Low maintenance

Cons

• Made with a lot of plastic
• Spins fast and feels unnatural
• Resistance is lighter than I’d like

Bottom Line

A simple manual treadmill that requires no electricity.

If you’re someone who likes the idea of owning a manual treadmill but still wants to be able to utilize programming and apps, the Xebex Runner Smart Connect might be for you. The just under $4,000 machine is Bluetooth-compatible with apps like Kinomap, Zwift, PerfPRO Studio, Selfloops Group Training, and GymTrakr. 

The console attached to the Xebex is one of the better ones I’ve personally seen with a manual treadmill. You can set event mode to use the treadmill for timed competitions or even view one of eight different performance metrics after a workout. I was actually pretty impressed with the functionality.

I’ve had this manual treadmill for a few years, and it has required very little in the way of maintenance. The warranty for the treadmill is also pretty decent, so I feel pretty confident about the overall durability and longevity. 

Something I’m not crazy about – the spin of the belt is really quick and doesn’t exactly make me feel like I’m simulating real running conditions. This is fine if you’re into overspeed training, but if you’re not, the belt may move too quickly for your taste. The quick spin of the belt combined with light resistance makes this manual treadmill move really fast really quickly. 

The five-year warranty on the Xebex Runner could be better. If you’re looking for longer warranty policy, I suggest the TrueForm Trainer.

Other Manual Treadmills We Researched

There aren’t as many manual treadmills on the market as you might be used to seeing with motorized treadmills. We’ve been on some of the treadmills listed below but not all of them, and we are giving our opinion based on research. Here’s a look at some others of note based on different categories:

Foldable Manual Treadmills

EFITMENT Adjustable Incline Magnetic Manual Treadmill: In terms of folding treadmills, the deck of this one is slightly larger than others but still does allow for easy storage. However, with a weight limit of 220 pounds, this is well below the industry standard of 330 pounds. It does have different incline adjustment options. 

Fitness Reality TR3000 Maximum Weight Capacity Manual Treadmill: This foldable manual treadmill is under $300 and features a primitive-looking LCD screen and eight levels of magnetic resistance. The portability aspect of this treadmill is appealing and it does have a natural incline. There are two basic-looking handrails on the side.

Curved Manual Treadmills

Woodway Curve: For those looking to improve their sprinting, this manual treadmill provides stellar overspeed training for almost $6,000. The handlebars on this treadmill are curved to form a semi-circle. 

Technogym Skillmill Curve: If you’re willing to pay just over $9,500, this curved manual treadmill is great. It has multi-drive technology (plus compatible accessories) that allows you to do both pushing and pulling motions. However, that’s insanely pricey for home use in my opinion.

Flat-Belt Manual Treadmills

HiTrainer ATP+ Non-Motorized Treadmill: Calling professional and college athletes: this almost $8,000 flat-belt manual treadmill aims to make you more explosive. It has a lot of cool data to help you improve acceleration but that comes with a hefty price tag.

ProGear 190 Manual Treadmill: If you’re someone looking for a manual treadmill to simply walk on, this might be a good option for you. It is budget friendly at around $200 but it cannot withstand jogging or running. 

Sunny Health & Fitness Asuna High-Performance Manual Treadmill with Heavy Duty Dual Flywheels: This treadmill has a manual incline in order to give you a full body workout. The max weight it can support is 440 lb, which is above the industry standard.

Hybrid Manual Treadmill

NordicTrack Commercial X22i: This treadmill has an electric motor but can also be switched to manual mode. I like that sled grips and a push bar are included. This is a good option for people who want to stick their big toe into the world of manual treadmills. There are incline options on this hybrid treadmill that can force your full body to get involved in your workout. If you’re interested in this unique treadmill, it is worth noting that you should not store this in your garage – you won’t be able to use your warranty if you do.

How We Tested the Manual Treadmills

When testing a manual treadmill, I make sure to try the machine out with a variety of the best treadmill workouts – sprinting intervals, endurance runs, farmer’s carries, and power walking. It’s important for me to try a variety of different workouts with each treadmill since the shape and belt can have an effect on one’s stride. I also analyze things like warranty, materials used, dimensions, cost, and assembly in order to get the full picture of each manual treadmill.   

Be sure to check out our guide to help you fix your treadmill here.

What is a Manual Treadmill?

A manual treadmill is a piece of cardio equipment where the tread is powered by the runners’ stride instead of electricity. Unlike the treadmills most people are used to, they have no motor, but the advantage to that is you basically get unlimited speed. The belt will move as fast as you do.

Benefits of Using Manual Treadmills

Wondering why you should take the plunge and purchase a manual treadmill? Here are a few of my top reasons:

• Less maintenance than a motorized treadmill 
• Can help you correct improper running form
• Regular cardio exercise can reduce your risk of premature death due to heart disease¹
• User-controlled which means you won’t reach a level your manual treadmill can’t handle
• Simple to use
• No electricity required
• May increase your perceived² exertion up to 27% over a motorized treadmill

RELATED: Treadmill Benefits

How to Choose the Best Manual Treadmill for Your Home Gym 

Materials

Some manual treadmills are constructed using heavy-duty steel while others are made with plastic to save on costs for the consumer. You’ll have to decide what you prefer plus consider the durability factor.  

Features

Is it important to you to have programs available on the monitor? Do you have to have a phone or water bottle holder? Does the manual treadmill have to be able to be transported or folded? Do you care if the treadmill has an LCD monitor? These are all questions to ask yourself when choosing a manual treadmill. 

Size

This is probably obvious, but don’t choose a manual treadmill that is too large for your space. I would suggest carefully measuring the area you plan to put this piece of cardio equipment before checking out the options I’ve mentioned. This will help you know which will fit in your space and which will not. You can also consider some of the foldable options I’ve put at the bottom of this piece but be warned: they are far less sturdy and durable than their heavier, non-foldable counterparts. 

Budget

As much as I’m sure we all wish we could blow $10,000 on a manual treadmill without so much as batting an eye, this just isn’t realistic for most of us. You’ll need to consider your budget or even watch out for sales during periods such as Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Black Friday. I also recommend checking on our site as GGR often posts coupon codes for readers to save on their home gym equipment. 

Stability

You’ll want to make sure the treadmill stays steady as you start to get into a stride.

RELATED: Garage Gym Reviews Deals page

Frequently Asked Questions About Manual Treadmills

References

1. Nystoriak, M. A., & Bhatnagar, A. (2018). Cardiovascular Effects and Benefits of Exercise. Frontiers in cardiovascular medicine, 5, 135. https://doi.org/10.3389/fcvm.2018.00135
2. Schoenmakers, P, Reed, K. The physiological and perceptual demands of running on a curved non-motorised treadmill: Implications for self-paced training. Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, Volume 21, Issue 12, 2018, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsams.2018.05.011

Coop Mitchell

Cooper Mitchell ("Coop') is the creator of Garage Gym Reviews. He's produced more content on home gyms and training equipment than likely anyone else in the world and is recognized as the foremost expert in the space. When not writing about barbells, squat racks, and other pieces of equipment, he can be found eating tacos and reading biographies on dead people. Coop has been featured in prestigious publications such as The Art of Manliness, Starting Strength, Men's Health, Business Insider and many others.

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