I’ve been looking into buying a treadmill.
And I’ve noticed there seems to be two different kinds.
And I was wondering what the difference was.
And if maybe one is better than another?
I plan on losing a lot of weight and would like a good treadmill.
So I can get a good work out.

So any info would be great!
Please and Thank You!

Hey Heather,

Manual treadmills is you using your own power to make the belt on the treadmill go round, where as motored ones use electricity from the mains. If you were to buy a treadmill a motorized one would be your best bet.

You mentioned you want to lose weight?, indeed treadmills use alot of energy, but have you considered going running outside, you see , it is proven that compared to a treadmill you burn more fat out running on rough terrains as you use more muscle, so personally, If you have got a quiet bit( or even if you haven’t-go out early) go for a run outside. save yourself the hassle of buying one, look at it this way, more money for you to spend on buying nice new clothes for your new look…

Best of Luck

Im a guy…weigh 80 kg….my height is 176 cm….i want to lose my weight to 74 kilos….i have a bit of a belly fat….what machine will help me best? a WBV machine or a manual treadmill or a motorzied treadmill? Please help!

You don’t need a machine to lose weight (except the weight in your wallet). Eating right, and going outside and being active will do it.

After running for a little while the belt keeps getting stiff. There is nowhere on the treadmill to make any adjustments. Does anyone have any ideas?

On my treadmill I have to put white lithium grease between the belt and the running platform.

I have a manual treadmill and want to convert it to an automatic one please can some one help.
Thanks, Akz

What you want to do it’s almost impossible.

There are a lot of options for motor driven treadmills. Avoid headaches and choose a new machine.

I train on treadmills almost daily (all motorized). It’s worth it! All depends on your budget. I did some good treadmill reviews. Maybe they’ll be helpful (read more at www.runreviews.com)

All the best!
Anna

Hi, we are beginners and havent used treadmill before. so for starting and only for walking, are manual treadmills a reasonable choice or are there some serious cons of manual treadmills.
Thanks!!

Manual Treadmill Vs. Motor Treadmill
By Beth Bartlett
eHow Contributing Writer

A good treadmill workout can help you lose weight, stay healthy and build stamina. Your choice of treadmill, whether manual or motorized, depends on a variety of factors including price, size, quality and smoothness of the workout, and how much information you want back during your cardio session. Both types of machines have their pros and cons. From basic human-powered models to compact motorized options to large, gym-worthy equipment, treadmills are widely available.

Cost
1. Foot-powered treadmills are often far less expensive than their motorized cousins. You can buy a manual treadmill for less than $300, while a motor-driven treadmill can cost two to ten times more. However, there is a thriving after-market for motor treadmills; you can buy them second-hand from gyms, schools and individuals at a price competitive with manual treadmills.
Portability
2. Can you fold up a treadmill and slip it under your bed? Not likely, unless you have a manual treadmill. Since these treadmills don’t have motors, they are much lighter. Many models are made for easy storage, so you can buy one that you can move from room to room or keep in a closet until you need it. Motorized treadmills, especially commercial models, are usually heavy. The exception is the light-use treadmill, which is motorized yet compact.
Workout Quality
3. With a manual treadmill, you are the motor. The treadmill speed is however fast or slow you can go, and the workout can be filled with stop-and-start action, affecting the quality of your cardio session. A motorized treadmill provides a continuous workout session, complete with programmable inclines and changes in speed.
Monitoring
4. Both manual and motor treadmills usually include monitoring accessories, either built-in or as an add-on. These may include monitors for heart rates, total calories expended and miles you’ve traveled on the machine. Advanced models of motorized treadmills also accept preprogrammed workout chips in the onboard computer to keep you motivated and keep track of your progress.
Workout Surface
5. One reason the manual treadmill is lighter and more portable is the smaller width of the belt surface. Less surface area means you may have a shorter stride and you need to watch the sides carefully to keep from misstepping. Commercial machines have a large, wide surface to exercise on, letting you pick the stride that feels most comfortable. Some smaller motorized treadmills have a small walkable area like manual treadmills.