When people go to purchase a treadmill, one of
first questions they ask is “Do I want a manual or motorized treadmill?”What’s difference between two?
The Basic Difference:
With a manual (or non-motorized) treadmill, you push belt with your feet. The action of your feet against treadmill moves belt.
With a motorized treadmill you keep pace as treadmill motor moves belt for you at a pace you set electronically.
Advantages & Disadvantages:
Manual treadmills:
Tend to be cheaper (since you’re not paying for motor) and can range from $200 to $600.
They also tend to be smaller, take up less space and are easier to move (since they aren’t as heavy as a motorized treadmill).
Some people have theorized that manual treadmills burn more calories than motorized treadmill since you supply power to move belt.
This is unfortunately NOT TRUE.
Because you supply power, unless you are in top athletic shape, you will tend to move slower and get tired more easily. This results in LESS calories burned on a manual treadmill.
Plus, action of getting belt to move initially and keep it moving can cause a strain on your joints.
It’s also difficult to run on a manual treadmill so if you want to start a jogging program or train as a runner, a manual treadmill would not meet your needs.
Motorized treadmills:
