Manual vs Motorized Treadmill | Which One to Use?

Key Takeaways

• Manual treadmills are cost-effective, typically under $300.
• Motorized treadmills such as the ones by SOLE offer advanced features such as preset workouts and heart rate monitoring but are more expensive, often exceeding $500.
• Manual treadmills are ideal for high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and compact spaces, while motorized treadmills are better for long-distance running and low-impact workouts.
• SOLE treadmills combine the best of motorized treadmill features with superior build quality.

At SOLE Fitness, we're proud to offer the best treadmills for your home or gym. These machines are crafted to meet the highest standards of quality and performance, ensuring they are ideal for anyone - from fitness novices to seasoned athletes. Featured Product SOLE Treadmills: Starting at $1,199.99, SOLE treadmills excel in ergonomic design, durability, and value. Equipped with advanced cushioning to minimize joint impact, powerful, quiet motors, and wide running surfaces, they suit any fitness level. SOLE Strength: Starting at $99.99, SOLE strength products such as adjustable dumbbells and stands, free weights, Olympic barbells, etc. are designed to promote functional strength and progressive muscle growth.

Basics of Manual Treadmills

How Manual Treadmills Work
Manual treadmills operate without electricity; they rely on the user's movement to power the belt. When you walk or run, your feet push the belt backward, and this motion propels the treadmill, which means that manual treadmills can be more physically demanding.

Types of Manual Treadmills
There are generally two types of manual treadmills: flat-belt and curved-belt. Flat-belt manual treadmills are simpler and often used for walking or light jogging.

Curved-belt manual treadmills, on the other hand, are designed for more intense workouts, including running. The curved design allows for a more natural running motion and can help burn more calories.

Here’s how a curved manual treadmill looks - the one above is by TrueForm.

Advantages of Using Manual Treadmills

• Cost-Effective: They are generally less expensive, often priced below $300.
• Customizable Pace: Users control the speed and incline.
• Compact and Portable: Many models are lightweight and foldable - suitable for small spaces and easy to store.
• Stability: Their simpler design offers more stability - beneficial for beginners or those recovering from injuries.

Disadvantages of Manual Treadmills

• Limited Features: They often lack advanced features like preset workouts and heart rate monitoring.
• Physical Demand: Users must exert more effort to keep the belt moving, which can be tiring over longer sessions.
• Maintenance: Regular maintenance, such as lubrication, is required to ensure smooth operation and prevent wear.

Motorized Treadmills

How Motorized Treadmills Operate
Motorized treadmills are powered by an electric motor that moves the belt - which allows for a consistent pace. Users can adjust the speed and incline with the push of a button for a more convenient and comfortable exercise experience.

Features and Technology in Modern Motorized Treadmills

• Built-In Workouts: Many models include preset workout programs for different fitness levels and goals. All SOLE models have pre-programmed and user-defined programs. For example, the SOLE F80 has 10 pre-programmed (i.e., Manual, Hill, Fat Burn, Cardio, Strength, HIIT, 5K, 10K, Custom, HRC, and Fitness Test) and 12 user-defined routines.
• Incline & Speed Settings: Motorized treadmills also allow you to adjust the incline and speed with just a button press - for a seamless transition between different workout intensities. SOLE treadmills, for example, provide incline settings up to 15 levels to simulate hill training. A few models like the SOLE F85 have 6 levels of decline too!

• Tracking Capabilities: These treadmills can track distance, calories burned, and heart rate, providing valuable data for users. For SOLE treadmills, you can connect them with health apps like SOLE+ and Kinomap to monitor the fitness metrics and watch fitness classes.
• Cushioning Systems: To reduce joint stress, motorized treadmills often feature cushioned belts, which is great for longer workouts. All SOLE treadmills have Cushion Flex Whisper Deck that reduces joint impact by up to 40% when compared to running on asphalt.

Benefits of Motorized Treadmills

• Convenience and Comfort: Motorized treadmills provide a consistent pace and often include features like cushioning to reduce joint stress.
• Advanced Features: Many models come equipped with technology such as built-in workouts, adjustable speed settings, and tracking capabilities for distance, calories burned, and heart rate.
• Ease of Use: Speed adjustments and incline changes can be made with the push of a button.

Drawbacks of Motorized Treadmills

• Higher Cost: Motorized treadmills typically cost more, with many options priced over $500 - and can go significantly higher depending on features and quality.
• Space Requirements: They often have a larger footprint and require access to an electrical outlet.
• Dependence on Power: If there’s a power outage or the motor fails, the treadmill won’t be usable.

Manual vs Motorized Treadmills

Cost Comparison
Manual treadmills are generally priced below $300 - so they’re generally more accessible. In contrast, motorized treadmills start at around $500 and can go up to several thousand dollars, depending on the features and brand.

Our cheapest model is the F63 which is $1,149.99 (at the time of writing). But we also offer payment plans so that it’s cheaper for you to pay monthly over a period of time.

Feature Comparison
Manual treadmills are quite basic - they lack preset workouts, heart rate monitors, and detailed displays. On the other hand, motorized treadmills come packed with features such as built-in workout programs, tracking capabilities, and cushioned belts.

SOLE treadmills, for instance, offer Bluetooth connectivity - so you can sync your workout data with fitness apps like Kinomap.

Workout Experience
The workout experience on a manual treadmill is more physically demanding - users have to exert more effort to keep the belt moving, which can be beneficial for high-intensity interval training (HIIT). However, this can also be tiring over longer sessions.

Motorized treadmills provide a consistent pace and allow for effortless adjustments in speed and incline; meaning they’re more suitable for varied and longer workouts.

Manual vs Motorized Treadmill Comparison Table

Feature	Manual Treadmill	Motorized Treadmill
Power Source	User-powered (no electricity needed)	Motor-powered (requires electricity)
Cost	Generally more affordable	Typically more expensive
Workout Control	User controls speed and incline manually	Automatic speed, incline, and decline adjustments
Features	Basic features (speed/distance display)	Advanced features (workout programs, heart rate monitors)
Space Requirement	More compact and easier to store	Often bulkier, but many models are foldable such as our SOLE F63 - only our SOLE TT8 and SOLE ST90 are non-foldable.
Impact on Joints	Less cushioning, potentially higher impact	More cushioning, lower impact on joints
Ideal Use	HIIT, short intense workouts	Long-distance running, endurance training
Maintenance	Requires regular lubrication and upkeep	More complex maintenance due to electronic components
Range of Motion	Greater freedom of movement	Limited to the belt's range of motion

Choosing the Right Treadmill For Your Needs

Fitness Goals and Preferences
If your primary goal is to engage in high-intensity workouts and you prefer a more physically demanding exercise, a manual treadmill might be the better choice. They allow for quick speed adjustments and require more effort, which can help burn more calories.

However, if you're training for long-distance running or need a lower-impact workout, a motorized treadmill would be more suitable. The consistent pace and cushioned belts make it easier on the joints and more comfortable for extended sessions.

Space and Storage Considerations
Manual treadmills are typically more compact and often foldable - ideal for smaller spaces. They are also lighter and easier to move around.

Motorized treadmills, on the other hand, require more space and need to be placed near an electrical outlet. If you have a dedicated workout area with ample space, a motorized treadmill could be a better fit.

Budget Constraints
Manual treadmills are generally the more affordable option - they typically cost under $300. On the other hand, motorized treadmills often start at $500 and can go up to several thousand dollars, depending on the features and quality.

SOLE treadmills, while on the higher end of the price spectrum, provide excellent value with powerful features and build quality.

Ideal Users for Each Treadmill Type

Manual Treadmills are Suitable for:

• Budget-Conscious Users: Manual treadmills are generally more affordable - suitable for those on a tight budget.
• High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) Enthusiasts: Users who prefer workouts that require quick speed adjustments and greater effort will find manual treadmills beneficial.
• Compact Spaces: Individuals with limited space will appreciate the typically smaller footprint of manual treadmills, which are often foldable and easier to store.
• Users Seeking Simplicity: Those who prefer straightforward equipment without advanced features or technology may find manual treadmills more appealing.
• Beginners: New users might benefit from the stability and control offered by manual treadmills, which can help build confidence in their workout routine.

That said, manual treadmills can be more physically demanding, which may not be suitable for everyone, particularly those with joint issues or limited mobility.

Motorized Treadmills are Ideal for:

• Long-Distance Runners: Individuals training for distance running will benefit from motorized treadmills, as they provide a consistent pace without requiring the user to exert constant effort to maintain speed.
• Users Seeking Advanced Features: Those who want to track their workouts with features like heart rate monitors, preset programs, and adjustable inclines will find motorized treadmills more suitable.
• Rehabilitation and Low-Impact Workouts: Motorized treadmills typically offer a lower-impact workout due to their cushioned belts - ideal for users recovering from injuries or those with joint concerns.
• Convenience Seekers: Users who prefer the ease of adjusting speed and incline at the push of a button will find motorized treadmills more user-friendly.

Final Thoughts

Manual treadmills are cost-effective and compact - but they require more physical effort and lack advanced features. Motorized treadmills, on the other hand, provide a consistent pace, advanced features, and a more comfortable workout experience, but they come at a higher cost and require more space.

With features like built-in workout programs, Bluetooth connectivity, and cushioned belts, SOLE treadmills stand out as an excellent option for those considering a motorized treadmill. Their build quality and advanced features make them a reliable choice for various fitness needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which treadmill type is better for beginners?
Manual treadmills can be better for beginners because they offer more stability and control. However, motorized treadmills with preset workout programs and cushioned belts can also be beneficial for those new to exercise.

Are manual treadmills harder to use?
Manual treadmills can be more physically demanding because users have to exert more effort to keep the belt moving. This can be tiring over longer sessions but can also provide a more intense workout.

Do motorized treadmills require a lot of maintenance?
Motorized treadmills do require regular maintenance, such as lubricating the belt and checking the motor. Regular maintenance helps extend the lifespan of the treadmill and ensures a smooth workout experience. However, many modern models come with maintenance-free features that reduce the need for frequent upkeep.

Can manual treadmills be used for running?
While manual treadmills are generally better suited for walking or light jogging, some models, particularly curved-belt manual treadmills, are designed for running. These models offer a more natural running motion and can be used for high-intensity workouts.

However, running on a manual treadmill can be more physically demanding and may not be suitable for everyone.

What are the key features to look for in a motorized treadmill?

• Built-in workout programs: Offer variety and guidance for different fitness levels.
• Tracking capabilities: Monitor distance, calories burned, and heart rate.
• Cushioned belts: Reduce joint impact and provide a more comfortable workout.
• Incline and speed adjustments: Allow for varied workouts and simulate different terrains.
• Connectivity options: Sync with fitness apps and track your progress via Bluetooth or WiFi.