Manual Treadmill-feedback appreciated.

Laydee

I really want to buy a treadmill, with funds being low I can only afford a manual treadmill. It displays speed, calories burnt, distance and time. Are manual treadmills any good? I really have my heart set on getting one but everyone that I ask just says "Save for a motorized one" or "join a gym" Neither of these are an option due to the lack of funds. If I saved for a motorized one I'd probably spend the money on a bill & I cannot afford a gym membership. If anyone has any positive feedback I'd love to hear it & if anyone has any negative feedback please give me the kick in the proverbial that I might need

dcRoadie

Laydee,

Forget about a treadmill and just get outside and run. Cheaper, less boring, won't take up space in your house, greater utilisation of your muscles etc. Whatever excuse you can think off not to run outside there is always a solution to it.

dc

Clanket

I'd have to say no to Manual treadmills. Wife had one a few years back and the tension on the belt was awful. Felt nothing like running. As last poster suggests, go out jogging.

rccaulfield

Hit the park- treadmills are a bit easy i find-they push your foot back for you whereas on a run every step is more of a push-big difference in results for me!!

yimrsg

Having worked in a sports shop stocking both manual and motorised treadmills, i'd never buy a manual one. Never. No good will come from your purchase!

Not sure what particular model you're looking at but the brands I'm familiar with Body Sculpture and Benny were rubbish and a total waste of money. I often had customers saying they wanted a manual treadmill and did my best to change their mind. I honestly felt if the customer bought a manual treadmill like a manipulative dishonest salesperson.

Firstly its not running, jogging, walking etc you're doing but more like a bull drawing back it's hoof in preparation for a charge. Also if you have a decent stride length you will find yourself inhibited by its size of the running belt, which is about the size of two tea towels.

As it requires the user to power the belt it is always set at an incline so if you aren't as sure-footed as a mountain goat, you're likely to take a tumble. You may have to "prop up" the treadmill to increase the incline so that the belt can overcome your weight acting on it. FYI, 2 Golden pages does the job.

Finally, you have no real control over the speed at which the belt moves underfoot, so you have to hold the support rails which further inhibits natural movement.

My advice would be to look at second hand models so you get a realistic idea of what a real treadmill costs (adverts.ie, buyandsell, newspapers) and try out as demos in store so you get an idea of what a treadmill which meets your requirements.

If you have your heart set on a manual treadmill, write down all the other things you could do with the money and go try a manual treadmill, that is the greatest reason not to buy one.

Failing that here is my recommendation:
http://www.phd-fitness.co.uk/store/p/38173/1/Kidz-Treadmill.html

Prowetod

Looking to buy a treadmill, have a budget of €1000. Any recommendations?

corkcomp

Laydee wrote: »

I really want to buy a treadmill, with funds being low I can only afford a manual treadmill. It displays speed, calories burnt, distance and time. Are manual treadmills any good? I really have my heart set on getting one but everyone that I ask just says "Save for a motorized one" or "join a gym" Neither of these are an option due to the lack of funds. If I saved for a motorized one I'd probably spend the money on a bill & I cannot afford a gym membership. If anyone has any positive feedback I'd love to hear it & if anyone has any negative feedback please give me the kick in the proverbial that I might need

avoid is my advice op.. i know its not helpful but you would be better off investing in a good pair of running shoes and heading out for a brisk walk .. or maybe jogging eventually. a good motorised treadmill would be great but i dont think i could ever use one at home, gym is a different story..