Introduction
In the world of treadmills, there are two main options: motorized and non-motorized. Some may call this manual vs. electric. Nevertheless, both options will allow you to run regardless of weather conditions or if you need to stay close to home, but each offers a unique experience separate from one another. So which one is right for you? We will break down each type of treadmill, talk about the kind of training it supports, and help you decide which type is best for you if you are interested in adding one to your space.
Motorized vs. Non-motorized Treadmill
The main (and most obvious) difference between a motorized and non-motorized treadmill is how it is powered.
What is a motored treadmill?
A motored treadmill is your “standard” treadmill. It is plugged into an outlet and is powered by a motor. Most have different speed settings that you can adjust with the touch of a button to make the belt move faster or slower, and they often have incline settings.
Motored treadmills can also come with programmed training sessions. Whether you want to run intervals or do a ‘fat-burning’ workout, you can start those with a push of a button. Fans, speakers, and other add-ons can also be available with motored treadmills.
What is a non-motorized treadmill?
A non-motorized treadmill does not plug into the wall. It does not have a motor. You are the motor. The faster you move on the treadmill, the faster the belt will move. They accomplish this by having a curved deck. You propel the belt as you run forward (up the deck). There is a bit of a learning curve. It does not take long to get the hang of it and feel controlled entirely. If you have never been on one, you may feel unsafe.
There are no settings on a non-motorized treadmill. Most have a small display that gives you different metrics to work with as you work out. The only programs with a non-motorized treadmill would be offered on an app or other programming device, not on the machine itself.
What are the benefits of a motored treadmill?
A motored treadmill would be better than a non-motorized option in the training styles it supports and the user experience.
Running at a set pace for a long duration on a non-motorized treadmill is difficult. If long, consistently paced workouts are something you are interested in, a motored treadmill would be better.
A motored option may be preferred if you characterize yourself as a distance runner or an endurance athlete.
A motored treadmill can accomplish that if you enjoy running, walking at an incline, or using pre-programmed training settings. A non-motorized treadmill cannot change the angle; without a motor, it does not have any training settings.
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What are the benefits of a non-motorized treadmill?
Non-motorized treadmills have their benefits. They support a different type of training style that you can’t accomplish as smoothly with a motored treadmill; they help better running form and technique and are built to last.
The ability to go from walking to jogging, to sprinting, back to running again, and to do it as naturally as your body moves is a huge perk of a non-motorized treadmill. This ability supports sprint and interval-style workouts better than a motored option.
Unskilled runners using motored treadmills can often get by with inferior running technique that either doesn’t transfer to actual running or will lead to injury. Non-motorized treadmills promote mid-foot striking, and they require you to use an upper-body lean. The curved deck makes running nearly impossible with a heel strike on a non-motorized treadmill.
With no motor, fewer mechanical issues can occur with a non-motorized treadmill. This can lead to a longer relationship with a pretty pricey piece of equipment. The build of these machines is straightforward and effective. If you purchase a non-motorized treadmill, you should be confident that it will last with little to no maintenance for a long time.
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What is the cost difference between the two?
This can surprise many people, but the non-motorized treadmill options can get expensive even without a motor. Some options are cheaper than others, but on average, you are looking to spend around $3,000. That number can go up if you look at more premium options.
On the other side, you shouldn’t purchase a motorized treadmill if it can’t withstand a substantial beating. We would recommend spending more on ‘commercial options.’ You can find some good ones for around $1,400-$2,500; of course, you can easily triple that number for more premium options.
Looking at the numbers, a motorized treadmill may seem slightly more straightforward, but the non-motorized options will last longer.
Non-motorized treadmills can also be used more confidently in garage settings. There may be brave garage gym lifters who have done it and say there is no issue, but with the price tag, it’s not recommended. Putting an expensive commercial-grade treadmill where it will be exposed to the elements is a risk you may want to avoid.
Conclusion: What’s Best For You?
Everything discussed above is something that should be considered.
Non-motorized treadmills are better for interval and sprint-style training. They are pretty simply built, but they are made very well and will last a long time. Those without a motor can cost more than motorized options, but you shouldn’t need to put additional costs into them as they are low maintenance. They are the preferred option for a garage gym.
Motored treadmills are better for longer runs. They offer settings like incline, as well as different training settings. You can find decent options for under $2,000, but with more mechanics, there could be some maintenance costs in the future.
There are positives and negatives attributed to both options. It boils down to how you plan to use it in your space.
If you plan to run longer distances or want incline options, a motored treadmill will suit you better than a non-motorized one.
If you want quick, high-intensity workouts, a non-motorized treadmill may be better.
One More Thing. Treadmills Are Not for Everyone
It’s true. Treadmills are not the top priority for many home gym owners.
Cardio, in general, is not on the top of the list for many home gym folks that want a home gym for strength training. For those who do cardio in their home gym, a giant, expensive treadmill is usually not the top equipment choice.
People usually use running as their go-to form of cardio because there is such a low barrier to entry. All you need is a pair of running shoes.
There are also less expensive pieces of cardio equipment that can take up a much smaller footprint in your home gym than on a treadmill. This could be something as simple as a slam ball or a jump rope, to something like an air-bike or a rower (both of which are less expensive and very mobile).
Treadmills are genuinely for people who like to run or want to use running/walking specifically to improve their health. They are large pieces of equipment that come with pretty hefty price tags. You can also run without a treadmill, so before considering one, be sure it’s something you will use.