Weslo CardioStride Plus

Experts generally don't recommend manual treadmills because they are tedious to use and sometimes uncomfortable, but the Weslo CardioStride Plus gets high marks from owners at Walmart.com. Those who like it say they just want an inexpensive way to walk at home or while they watch TV, and the Weslo CardioStride Plus fits the bill. Assembly is pretty easy, according to reviews, and the treadmill folds compactly. Most say the Weslo CardioStride Plus is quiet and provides a good workout, but some users say that walking on a manual treadmill is much harder than they anticipated. The 13-inch-by-41-inch walking area is small, and the incline must be adjusted manually. Like most cheap manual treadmills, the Weslo CardioStride Plus comes with a short warranty with one year of coverage for the frame and 90 days for parts and labor. If you can afford to spend a bit more, experts say even the cheapest motorized treadmill is probably a better bet than a manual treadmill. The Gold's Gym 480 (DISCONTINUED) is one cheap treadmill that gets high user ratings.

Professional reviewers don't rate or recommend manual treadmills, so user reviews are the best source of information. Walmart.com has the most reviews for the Weslo CardioStride Plus. More than 200 owners weigh in, and some reviews are nicely detailed and balanced. Amazon.com is also worth checking. Bestcovery.com has a brief review of the Weslo CardioStride Plus, but it doesn't reflect hands-on testing.