Types of Treadmills

Treadmills come in all shapes and sizes, and most are pretty basic when it comes down to it: a running track with a motor that happens to move when you push certain buttons, and some come with incline options too. But all treadmills are ultimately divided into 3 basic groups:

Manual Treadmills

This kind of treadmill is rarely seen anymore. But it comes without electricity or a battery. It comes with the roller and belt, but there is no power cord. Actually, I haven’t seen a manual treadmill in at least 20 years. But this was the beginning. Vendors typically sell these for $200 to $600, and the basic idea is that you run at whatever pace you want and the roller moves at that speed. But you cannot use it while you are changing the incline. The good thing about this is that nothing will ever short out.

Motorized Treadmills

This is the typical treadmill you might see. This operates with a power cord and electricity, and it can measure your speed, calories, distance, etc. It moves the rollers for you, allowing you to determine the exact measurable speed you want to go. Some allow you to change the incline, and it can be changed while you are using the treadmill.

Foldable Treadmills

Foldable treadmills can be easily stored in smaller areas where treadmills that do not fold cannot. These are typically low to mid-price range treadmills, and most are generally designed to be more convenient.