Manual Vs. Motorized Treadmills

When people go to purchase a treadmill, one of the first questions they ask is "Do I want a manual or motorized treadmill?"

What's the difference between the two?

The Basic Difference:

With a manual (or non-motorized) treadmill, you push the belt with your feet. The action of your feet against the treadmill moves the belt.

With a motorized treadmill you keep pace as the treadmill motor moves the belt for you at a pace you set electronically.

Advantages & Disadvantages:

Manual treadmills:

Tend to be cheaper (since you're not paying for the 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 the power to move the belt.

This is unfortunately NOT TRUE.

Because you supply the 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, the action of getting the 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:

Tend to be more expensive and can range from $800 up to $8000. However, they tend to last longer and are built to take more of a beating.

Also, because the belt moves for you at varying speeds, this motivates you to keep up and actually results in more calories burned (vs. a manual treadmill).

You can easily adjust the speed and incline on most motorized treadmills, usually while still on the machine. This makes it much more convenient and saves the strain on your joints.

A final advantage to the motorized treadmills is that they tend to have more options and features (iFit compatibility, numerous built-in workout programs, scrolling information consoles). This makes your workout more interesting and possibly even enjoyable as you can watch your progress.

This means that you will probably USE the treadmill more often which again results in more calories burned and a better body achieved.

The Final Conclusion:

Unless you're in extremely good physical shape, a manual treadmill is not recommended. Choose a motorized treadmill for maximum calorie burning and exercise convenience.

The biggest motivation to choose a manual treadmill is the low cost. However, you can find a quality motorized treadmill for a relatively low cost if you know where to look.

Regardless of what you choose remember to have fun and commit yourself to a better, healthier you!

Kathryn O'Neill is the chief editor for Treadmill Review

For more buying tips, treadmill brand reviews, and best buys visit http://www.treadmillreview.net

---

5 Sure-Fire Tips To Save You $1000s On Your Home Gym

It always amazes me when people say "Home Gyms are... Read More

There Are Alot Of Features To Look For When Deciding On An Elliptical Trainer Thats Perfect For You

Have you decided to purchase a piece of home workout... Read More

Wholesale Room Humidifier

Room HumidifierA room humidifier can help raise the level of... Read More

Choosing an Elliptical Cross Trainer

Elliptical cross trainers have been around for several years and... Read More

Have Fun With The Nordic Track Elliptical Trainer

The Nordic Track elliptical is a lower end priced machine.... Read More

So, You?re Looking For Discount Treadmills. Decision Time.

A treadmill, although one of the best pieces of indoor... Read More

Get A Total Body Workout With An Elliptical Machine

Whether you work out at home, on some home gym... Read More

Free Weights Vs Machines - The Battle!

It seems like everyone has an opinion on this debate.... Read More

5 Big Reasons to Buy Adjustable Dumbbells

Just imagine if you could replace a room full of... Read More

The Technology Behind Elliptical Cross Trainers Creates Unique Advantages and Benefits

The Technology Behind Elliptical Cross Trainers Creates Unique Advantages and... Read More

Treadmill Training!

According to the Sports Goods Manufacturers Association, treadmills are the... Read More

Riding The Vision Fitness Elliptical Trainer

The Vision Fitness elliptical trainer comes in five models. Ranging... Read More

Elliptical Trainer Reviews Dont Get The Facts Straight

There are many misconceptions regarding elliptical trainers. I believe this... Read More

Pacemaster Treadmill Reviews

Runner's World, a magazine for athletes who are serious about... Read More

Weight Loss by Treadmill

Weight loss using a good Treadmill workout program has worked... Read More

Home Sweet Treadmill

For those of you trying to stay in shape or... Read More

Exercise Bikes ? Discover The Magic

There are two types of exercise bikes available. The upright... Read More

Sheep Treadmills

The term sheep treadmills refers nowadays to the exercise devices... Read More

Life Fitness Ellipticals are Among the Best

The Life Fitness company makes six different models. They are... Read More

6 Questions To Ask Before Hiring A Personal Trainer

Once reserved only for the rich and famous, personal fitness... Read More

Recumbent Exercise Bikes - Advantages

There are so many exercise bikes available that it's easy... Read More

How to Choose an Elliptical Trainer that Suits Your Needs

When choosing an elliptical trainer, you'll want to consider a... Read More

Daily Treadmill Workouts are a Great Way to Keep in Shape

Serious runners and walkers eventually turn to treadmill workouts so... Read More

Elliptical Exercise Machines Provide Low Impact, Total Body Workouts While Improving Cardiovascular

Elliptical Exercise Machines Provide Low Impact, Total Body Workouts While... Read More

What To Look For In An Elliptical Trainer

To get a decent elliptical trainer you should be prepared... Read More

Finding The Best Home Gyms - Which Is Right For You?

There are many brands and styles of home gyms available... Read More

Top 10 Reasons for Buying a Home Treadmill

Why are treadmills becoming so popular? Why does everyone have... Read More

Durable Medical Equipment

Durable medical equipment and MedicareWith costs of the most common... Read More

Choosing A Home Exercise Equipment

Technology in the 21st century has made life much easier... Read More

Best Home Gyms Tips

Best home gymsIt isn't always easy to find the best... Read More

Treadmill Reviews - Top 3 Things to Keep in Mind When Reading Treadmill Reviews

So you're excited about buying a treadmill. You're looking forward... Read More

Elliptical Trainers ? Glide Your Way to Good Health

The Diet Exercise DilemmaYour doctor has just told you that... Read More

Steam Bath or Sauna ? Which Is Better?

There is sometimes confusion between the terms 'steam bath' and... Read More