The 6 Best Manual Treadmills For Seniors Reviewed (+Buying Guide)

Staying in shape is extremely important, especially as we grow older. Although motorized treadmills are very popular, manual treadmills come with their own set of advantages, especially for seniors.

If you’re a senior or taking care of a loved one, then you probably know the importance of working out. A manual treadmill allows you to move those muscles without stressing your body. In this article, we’ll review some of the best manual treadmills for seniors and help you choose the right one.

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Reviews of the Best Manual Treadmills for Seniors

Shopping for a manual treadmill isn’t easy, especially if you need something that would help a senior stay active. Check out our reviews.

1. ProGear 190 Manual Treadmill with Twin Flywheels

Our first manual treadmill is a sturdy model from ProGear that can support any user up to 230 pounds. It features a strong steel frame and wide handrails for added safety and comfort that will allow any senior to work out without any help.

This is a minimalist treadmill that doesn’t overwhelm the user with features that they won’t need. Thanks to the twin cast iron flywheels and the oversized belt rollers, you’ll enjoy safe and smooth movement that tempts you to work out every day.

As you get more advanced, you can spice up your workout regimen by adjusting the inclination degree to 6 or 10 degrees. It comes with longer foam handles that you can hold onto, which is a great feature especially for seniors who face some problems with balance.

ProGear manual treadmill features an LCD that allows you to monitor your progress. No power outlet is required so you can work out wherever you want to. It weighs 49 pounds and requires some assembly, so seniors might need some help to set it up.

When you’re done, you can fold this practical treadmill for convenient storage. It features transportation wheels that allow you to move it easily from one room to another.

If you’re interested in running, this might not be the most suitable treadmill on the market because the 43” L x 13 ¼” W belt doesn’t provide enough room for running. Nevertheless, if you’re looking for an affordable and low profile manual treadmill then this is an excellent one to pick.

What We Like

• Low profile design at an affordable price.
• Foldable frame with wheels for easy transportation.
• Ability to change the inclination degree.
• Foam-covered stability bars to add balance.
• Oversized belt rollers for a smooth experience.

What We Don’t Like

• Not suitable for running.
• Not suitable for people weighing more than 230 pounds.

Verdict

ProGear offers this minimalist yet practical manual treadmill for beginners and seniors. It’s easy to store and doesn’t overwhelm you with unnecessary and expensive features.

2. Exerpeutic 100XL High Capacity Magnetic Resistance Manual Treadmill

This is a sturdy manual treadmill from Exerpeutic that is specifically designed to suit heavyweight seniors as the maximum weight limit is 325 pounds. It features 6-inch flywheels that allow for smooth and quiet experience.

It provides enough room for walking and running which is a great plus for seniors who want to stay fit. The longer and wider belt is a suitable choice for seniors who deal with mobility problems.

It is a big treadmill that measures 50″ L x 29″ W x 50″ H and weighs 73 pounds. However, you can easily fold it when you’re not using it for easy storage. In spite of the big size of this treadmill, it might not be the best option for someone taller than 6 feet, although it’s designed to withstand heavier weights.

For extra stability, this treadmill features foam-covered handles which are two times longer than the ones you can find on other models. This provides the needed stability and safety that seniors need while working out in case they’re worried about losing balance.

The inclination level has 3 settings so you can customize your workout, as the machine inclines at 8, 10, and 15 degrees. You can also adjust the tension thanks to the Pacer Control. The magnetic tension can be adjusted to 8 different levels to stabilize the treadmill for hands-free walking and also allow you to increase the level of difficulty.

Monitoring your health metrics is easy thanks to the LCD. You can monitor your heartbeat rate, calories burned, time elapsed, and distance traveled. There’s also a small spot where you can store the TV remote control so you can watch your favorite TV show while working out.

Becoming more fit is guaranteed as this treadmill will help you to evolve and grow. However, it’s more expensive than other manual treadmills. It doesn’t have a cup or bottle holder to keep you hydrated which is extremely important when you’re working out.

What We Like

• Suitable for overweight people.
• Wide belt for walking and running.
• 6-inch twin flywheels for a smooth movement.
• 3 inclination levels.
• Adjustable tension to increase the level of difficulty.

What We Don’t Like

• Not suitable for people taller than 6 feet.
• More expensive than other models on the market.

Verdict

At a higher price, this treadmill from Exerpeutic is what heavyweight seniors need to stay in shape.

3. Sunny Health & Fitness Manual Treadmill

This is another expensive manual treadmill from Sunny Health & Fitness, but it’s extremely popular among seniors and young people because it can support a maximum weight of 300 pounds. The deck measures 53 “ L  X 16 “ W which gives enough room for taller and heavier people to walk and run without worrying about tipping over.

One of the best features of this manual treadmill is that the tension level can be adjusted to 16 different levels. This provides room for making your workout more challenging as you increase your fitness level.

However, you can’t adjust the level of the inclination as it is set to 13.5%. It’s not a suitable choice for beginners or seniors who suffer from serious mobility problems as it will represent a huge pressure on their joints. Nevertheless, it’s a great choice for experienced seniors who have been working out for a while and want to take their fitness to the next level.

Due to the weight of the dual flywheels, the senior using the treadmill will have to do more effort. With more force, you’re going to work out all your body muscles better. The sweat guards protect the wheels from sweat and debris.

Rubber stabilizers are located to secure the treadmill wherever you choose to set it up. This allows you to walk and run as much as you want without worrying about the treadmill moving or sliding.

It can be folded for convenient storage despite its big size. It weighs 127 pounds thanks to the steel frame but you can easily move it around when it’s folded thanks to the wheels.

Thanks to the multi-grip handrails, you can support your body while running or walking. The multi-grip feature allows you to place your hand in multiple positions, reducing the pressure on your joints and providing the needed balance while you’re working out.

It’s more expensive than other manual treadmills on the market and doesn’t have an LCD to help you keep an eye on your health metrics. The fixed inclination limits some of your options when you’re working out.

What We Like

• Sturdy and heavyweight manual treadmill.
• Supports a maximum weight of 300 pounds.
• Rubber stabilizers to keep it stable.
• Foldable design with wheels.
• 16 levels of tension for more challenging workout plans.

What We Don’t Like

• More expensive than other models.
• Doesn’t have a screen to monitor your health metrics.

Verdict

More experienced seniors and those who are looking for a more challenging workout can benefit from this well-made treadmill from Sunny Health & Fitness.

4. Fitness Reality TR1000 Manual Treadmill

Setting up this manual treadmill from Fitness Reality is extremely easy. It features a durable steel frame with a powder-coated finish that maintains the status of the treadmill for a very long time. The belt size is 43″ L x 13 ¼ ” W which makes it an excellent choice for walking but not so great for running.

It allows you to increase the inclination level from 6 to 10 degrees. This adds more resistance to your workout and helps you increase your mass muscle over time.

Walking on this manual treadmill won’t disturb anyone thanks to the cast iron flywheels. It features an LCD which shows the time elapsed, calories burned, distance walked, and speed. Keeping an eye on your progress is easy so you can adjust your workout regimen.

Folding this manual treadmill is easy. It also comes with transportation wheels that allow you to move it to the storage space or any other room. Since it’s a manual treadmill, a senior can use it in the open air without worrying about having access to a power outlet.

This treadmill weighs 49 pounds and won’t suit anyone who weighs more than 230 pounds. It comes with wide handrails for extra safety, which will be extremely important for a senior who can’t maintain balance.

What We Liked

• Affordable treadmill.
• Easy to set up and transport.
• Folds easily and comes with wheels for transportation.
• Inclination can be adjusted to two degrees.
• Comes with wide rails for added balance and safety.

What We Don’t Like

• Not suitable for overweight seniors who weigh more than 230 pounds.
• Belt isn’t wide enough for running.

Verdict

For seniors who need an affordable and easy to use treadmill, this is definitely the one to pick.

5. Phoenix 98510 Easy-Up Manual Treadmill

Phoenix Vital Life offers a minimalist manual treadmill that’s quite easy to assemble. Yet it feels sturdy for its compact frame so any senior can use it comfortably. It features a foldable design and weighs 50 pounds.

The belt measures 41″ L x 13″ W so it’s more compact than other models. It’s a good choice for walking but might not be the right treadmill for running. Once it folds, it will stand vertically so you can store it wherever you want.

It’s designed at a fixed angle of 12 degrees which provides the needed inclination. This will help you add a little resistance to your workout. There’s also a single electronic button that displays your speed, distance, time, and calories burned.

Staying hydrated is extremely important especially for seniors. This treadmill comes with a special bottle to remind you to take a sip of water whenever you’re working out.

There are 2 safety handrails to provide balance and they’re positioned so they won’t strain your arms. Moreover, they will give you the needed support.

Although this treadmill is designed to withstand a maximum weight of 250 pounds, it’s not suitable for taller people due to its compact size. You can’t adjust the tension or the inclination which limits your options while using the treadmill.

What We Like

• Affordable and low-profile manual treadmill.
• Easy to assemble.
• Compact and foldable design.
• Safety handles that won’t strain your hands.
• Comes with a water bottle.

What We Don’t Like

• Not suitable for taller people.
• The inclination and tension can’t be adjusted.

Verdict

This is what seniors need if they need a hassle-free treadmill. It’s one of the easiest ones to set up and store after you’re done.

6. EFITMENT Manual Treadmill

Any senior can customize their workout regimen while using the Efitment manual treadmill. The inclination angle can be adjusted to 8, 9, and 10 degrees to add a little resistance to your workout routine without stressing the muscles. Changing the inclination is extremely straightforward.

Combining the adjustable magnetic tension with the inclination adds some resistance to your workout. The more fit and experienced you get, the more tension you can add to help your muscles grow and stay in shape.

This is a compact treadmill that is more suitable for walking than running. No need to look for a power source because it operates by the power of the body. This means that you can use it indoors or outdoors to stay in shape.

While you’re working out, you can keep an eye on your health metrics to stay safe. The large LCD displays time, speed, distance, and calories, in addition to an odometer. Each metric is displayed automatically for 4 seconds, so you can detect the slightest change. This allows for a hands-free experience so you can stay informed without pressing any button.

The size of the belt is 42” L X 13 ½” W so it’s not a good choice for taller people. However, the compact size of the treadmill makes it a suitable option for people who don’t have enough space to set the treadmill up. The treadmill folds and features wheels for easy transportation.

Using the handrails, you can maintain your balance while walking or jogging. They also record and detect the changes in your heartbeat rates for maximum safety. The higher your pulse rate the more fats you’re burning.

This treadmill weighs 67 pounds and supports a maximum weight of 220 pounds so it doesn’t suit heavyweight seniors. There’s a squishy sound that you’re likely to hear as you go faster.

What We Like

• Compact and well-built manual treadmill.
• Adjustable inclination level and magnetic tension.
• Folds and comes with wheels for easy storage.
• LCD that shows health metrics.
• Support handrails with pulse reading pads.

What We Don’t Like

• Too small for taller and heavier people.
• A bit noisy.

Verdict

If you have limited space, then this treadmill from Efitment is what you need.

What Are the Benefits of a Manual Treadmill for Seniors?

Lots of people still prefer a manual treadmill over an electronic one. Here is why you should consider buying a manual treadmill.

• Manual treadmills are more affordable.
• They don’t require access to a power source so you can set your treadmill up wherever you like.
• They’re better for the environment.
• You don’t have to select the desired speed because the treadmill will be powered by your own body.
• You can start real slow so you don’t strain your muscles.

How to Choose the Best Manual Treadmill for Seniors?

Manual treadmills are simple, however, there are a few things that you need to take into consideration before buying one.

Design

Most manual treadmills are foldable and come with wheels. These models can be easily transported and set up wherever you need to work out. When the design is easy to assemble and folds after you’re done, it becomes more suitable for seniors who like to feel independent.

Having support rails is a must, especially for seniors. These handrails support the body and provide the needed balance so you can feel safe while working out your muscles. Multi-grip handles that you can hold at various points are more comfortable because you can select the position that suits you the most.

Size of Belt

This determines how comfortable it will be to walk and run on the treadmill. A shorter and thinner belt is more compact and doesn’t occupy much space. However, taller people will feel a little uncomfortable while using it.

Longer and wider belts are more suitable for tall seniors, especially the ones who like to walk and jog. In this case, the treadmill might be a bit big and more difficult to move around.

Weight Limit

Exceeding the maximum weight means that your treadmill might accidentally break. This can be a real problem because you might fall and injure yourself while using it.

It’s extremely important to stick to the maximum weight specified by the manufacturer. The higher the weight limit, the more durable the treadmill will be.

Incline Selection

Although there’s no motor, there are ways that can help you adjust the inclination level. This gives you the option to choose between walking on a flat surface or making it steeper and more challenging.

In some models, this level is preset, which limits your options. If the inclination level can be adjusted, you need to make sure that this can be done easily.

Tension Adjustment

This is another feature that helps you make your workout more customized. By adjusting the magnetic tension, you can easily make your workout more or less challenging.

It’s always recommended to start slow, so you can get your muscles in shape. After a while, you can increase the tension and the intensity of your workout.

Main Console

Although most manual treadmills for seniors are low-profile and affordable, some of them still come with various features that make the workout session more enjoyable. One of these features is having an LCD. This displays information about distance traveled, speed, heartbeats, and calories burned.

Keeping an eye on your health metrics is crucial, especially if you suffer from high blood pressure or other cardiovascular disorders. It also helps you track your progress.

Having a water bottle holder is another plus. It will remind you to stay hydrated which has a huge impact on your health.

Wrap Up

We took a good look at several treadmills to find the best treadmill for seniors. Our top pick is the ProGear 190 Manual Treadmill with Twin Flywheels. In spite of its minimalist design, this treadmill offers everything an active senior would need to stay in shape. The inclination level can be easily adjusted to make your workout more challenging.

If you’re a heavier person, we recommend that you take a look at the Exerpeutic 100XL High Capacity Magnetic Resistance Manual Treadmill. It’s designed to support a maximum weight of 325 pounds.

As you can see, there are several good options that will help you start working out today. There’s no need to procrastinate as working out will have a great impact on your emotional, mental, and physical well-being.  Any product you pick off our list won’t disappoint you.