As they require extra power, or “oomph,” manual treadmills can help build strength, improve your balance, and may even lead you to burn more calories than you would on their motorized counterparts (2, 3). So, using a manual treadmill can certainly help if you're interested in weight loss, but it's important that any weight loss program combines consistent exercise with a healthy eating plan. If a manual treadmill is a piece of equipment you enjoy and that you're motivated to use on a regular basis, it can absolutely fit into a successful weight loss plan.