Customer Reviews

Phoenix 98510 Easy-Up Manual Treadmill

5 star:		(39)
4 star:		(23)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(6)

 

 

I am sooo glad I got this inexpensive manual treadmill instead of an expensive motorized one. I put it together in about half and hour. Its a little more of a workout than walking on a level surface (you're walking slightly uphill all the time) so be prepared to stretch your calf muscles after using it. I also like how light and portable it is. I can push it out of the way easily when I'm not using it (though folding it up IS a little harder than they claim it is). I can also shift it easily to watch t.v. while I'm working out, or shift it in another direction and look out my picture window instead (you can jog on it, too). It also takes up a lot less floor space than the huge motorized ones. The metal and rubber surface area that you walk on is less stressful to your joints than walking on concrete or asphalt-there's a little bit of 'give' to it. I didn't think I'd use the little computer console, but its kind of fun to see how fast you're walking and how many calories you've burned when your done. I also don't have to keep checking my pedometer to see how far I've gone. The clock is 'off' though, it'll tell you you've walked for five minutes when you've walked only about three minutes. Also, when putting it together, they forgot to include the screws that hold the computer console onto the handlebars. However, when I called them about it, I immediately was on-line with a courteous REAL person, and they mailed the missing screws to me promptly (in about three days). My treadmill came pre-lubricated, but after a couple of weeks of use I noticed it was 'sticking' a little. I lifted up the belt in a few places and just sprayed on some WD-40, and I was gliding along again just fine.

The item arrived safely and was well packaged. All the parts were included and easy to unpack. It took me about 20 minutes to assemble by myself (a second person is definitely not required). I jumped on and was amazed at 1) how quiet the machine is; I can actually hear my music or the TV while working out, and 2) what a fabulous workout this provides; my legs were burning within minutes! Having to push the belt with my legs provides a much better workout than a non-manual treadmill, and I could immediately feel the difference in my hamstrings and glutes - my biggest trouble spots. I was even able to jog on it; it feels very sturdy. It did take a few minutes to get a good groove going because the belt was slightly jerky, but as soon as I did it was smooth sailing. As everyone else has said, you will need to hold onto the handrails while using to keep from flying across the room and crashing into the dining room table, but it really isn't a big deal for me and doesn't seem to cause any problems. I am 5'4" and my inseam is about 30", and the length and width of the belt are plenty spacious; I never feel as though I might take a wrong step on accident. The machine is fairly lightweight and very easy to move around from room to room. And you can't beat the price! I was sad at first that I could only afford a manual treadmill, but now I realize that it was a much better purchase for me. It is smaller and takes up very little space; it folds up and can be stored in an out-of-the-way corner; it is lightweight; it is very sturdy; it has fewer electronic parts that can break and cost money to fix; and in my humble opinion, it simply provides a more efficient workout than one where there belt is moving for you. I would definitely purchase this product again.

This product was pretty much what I expected. It was not too difficult to assemble. However, it should come with some lubricant for the belt, it was a bit "jerky" at the beginning. After using some lubricant on the belt it was much smoother.

There's really not much I can add to the other positive reviews for this machine, I think it's all that they say. I like the fact it's maneuverable, and it wasn't at all difficult to put together. I'm a 56 year old female, not fit (anymore) but I was able to put it together with a little thought. You want to use a normal phillips-head screwdriver... something with a decent handle to give you leverage and a better grip. And a normal wrench for the larger bolts at the base. The problem areas were the first step in assembly: putting the screws holding the handles to the console bar--use a regular-handled screwdriver and moderate force; they'll go in fine. The front bottom piece (front support) that goes to the base of the handles...it is a very tight fit, and I had to get on the floor, put one end inside the opening, and push (muscle) the other side over to its opening. This was hard...you may need another person to hold one end or do the pulling/pushing.

I read somewhere there was a 'sticking' issue. I found that this was due to my finding my balance....any motion that causes hesitation or a stop will feel like the tread sticks. I bought the silicone spray that was recommended as well, and had sprayed the backside of the tread before I did very much. It will still stop or feel jerky if your motion isn't complete...walk like you normally walk, and hang onto the handles! It's a balance issue.

I was worried about the 13" width for the walking surface, but it's fine! I can see where I might be able to jog eventually...but I'm doing well to finish 15-20 minutes just walking. My heart rate is up within a few minutes....the workout is really better than I expected. Lots of glutes, quads, hamstrings...all get a terrific workout. I'm very happy with this machine :)

Oh, an added perk: the console is large enough to maybe put a book holder onto it. One of the drawbacks I saw with other manual machines that had only the little computer box, no console. (Computer also works fine....make sure all your wires are connected).

I am person that the package is always missing some parts, the directions are not clear, and I can never get the darn thing assembled in a reasonable amount of time, not so with this product and assembly was a snap! Great product and needed no belt adjustments right out of the box. The slight elevation gives a good workout for someone my age of 66 years old. I am more than completely satisfied with this product. I don't recommend this product for running but for slow to medium to a brisk walk this is excellent. Good job Amazon for offering this treadmill.

I'm trying to be healthier and decided walking should be an important part of that process. I wanted a machine that would allow me to walk indoors during the winter and also when it's raining. I also did not want to spend an arm and a leg on a fancy machine. I picked this machine and it is wonderful. I put it together by myself in about a half hour. It's light weight but very sturdy. I am about 5'10" and weigh about 205 pounds. I've had no issues with the machine at all. It's much more rigorous than actually walking though. I get a fantastic cardio workout just by keeping up a casual walking pace. I now use it on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for 30 minutes, no matter the weather outside. I don't run, so I don't know if the treadmill would allow that but I seriously doubt it. If you are like me, and just want to walk, I can't recommend it enough. One of the best features is how quiet it is. I can actually watch TV while on the treadmill. People in the other part of the house have no idea when I'm walking on it. I've had it now for about 6 weeks and I am very pleased.

This definitely was easy to put together, I had it done it less that half an hour by myself (female, 50). I did place it on top of a bed for assembly then lowered it to the floor when it came to the final steps. I was used to using a motorized treadmill, so the manual part took a little getting used to, but it actually gives you a better work out. I like the handles on this model although i add handtowels to each side to absorb and for more comfort. I also like the larger digital monitor with waterbottle holder and tray, just makes it more convenient for the MP3player ... I put a long rug upside down under it to protect the wood floor and can actually easily scoot it from one room to the other. For the price, a great purchase and I am very happy with it. Still miss my motorized version, but this was SO much more affordable, WAY quieter and uses NO electricity - and being "self propelled" you work up a sweat faster. A great product for the price!

So far so good. The treadmill was a piece of cake to assemble. Very simple and it took about 1/2 hour from start to finish. Adjusting the belt was a snap. There is a screw on each side of the end of the base frame for adjustments. It only needed a minor turn of one screw to move it over to the left. Everything worked fine. It is impossible to find a manual treadmill anywhere in town. I was a little worried ar first, wondering what shape this would be in after shipping half way across the country from California, but it was in great shape, so this was a very good experience having it shipped right to my doorstep.
The only thing that I can say as a possible negative....it is a bit hard to get used to walking on a manual treadmill. It's not like you are just out for a walk. Your muscles actually have to do a bit of work as you walk, as you have to hold onto the hand rails and work your legs, so you do work up a sweat, and your muscles do get worked out. I've never used a power treadmill, like a gym has, so I don't know if they work you out as much as a manual one does, but I would think that they don't. On those you just get on it and walk. But for $139 compared to $500-$900 they wanted in town for a power treadmill, this will do!

The only problem I have with it is that you can't adjust the incline. It's design makes it naturally incline a bit and more difficult for me (having a heart problem) to walk. If you need a flat surface, don't get this. But if you're up for a challenge, by all means. Also, pay close attention to the belt size (width, legnth) It's not very much walking space, so if you're not that graceful, spend a little more for a wider belt.

I received the treadmill today (03/16/11)and just as others have said, it only took about 50 minutes to set up. I followed the advice of another reviewer and put silicone spray on the platform and belt as soon as I set it up. I got right on it and noticed the belt start to slide immediately to the right. I followed the instructions in the book and had to tighten the right tension nut about 5 times and then the left one 3 times to get the belt to stay in the middle. I used it for 1/2 hr non stop without any real issues and boy, what a work out. The incline may not look that steep, but like others have said, you start to feel it in your calves, hips, back and front of your thighs right away! I like it! Here are my Pros and cons;
Pros;
Easy setup
Provides good workout
Decent digital display, I only care about the Time function - to be honest.
Easy stride motion while walking after silicone spray application.
I can run on it if I choose - I'm 5'5 and 240lb. Not a small woman - hence, the reason why I purchased it.
Good treadmill for the price.

Cons;
Squeaky platform noise on the right side of platform when walking. I have to check if the preinstalled screws underneath are loose on the right side-my weight could be a factor.
Not as small and collapseable as it looked. I also don't like the fact that you have to unscrew some parts each time you want to collapse it.