4 Best Manual Treadmills Reviews and Buying Guide
Table of Contents
Why Do You Need a Manual Treadmill at Home?
The good thing about a manual treadmill is that it does not need electricity. A manual treadmill will activate as soon as you start running or walking on it. A thirty-minute workout routine on this treadmill will help ensure your body and mind stay healthy and fit. Of course, automatic treadmills come with more features than manual options. Nevertheless, manual units are preferred due to their durability and compact size.
Thanks to the different options available in the market to meet your requirement of buying a manual treadmill. Nevertheless, when you intend to shortlist one, you will be overwhelmed with different choices. To bring down your confusion, we have shortlisted the top 6 options available in the market. Before getting into a detailed review of these six units, here is a list that shows how each one is better than the other five:
Quick Summary
- The Best Manual Treadmill that Fits Into Small Corners: ST-T1407M Foldable Manual Treadmill from Sunny Health & Fitness
- Easy to Setup Manual Treadmill: 190 Manual Treadmill with Twin Flywheels and 2 Level Incline from ProGear
- The Best Manual Treadmill with Large Heavy-Duty Deck: Manual Treadmill SF-T7723 with 16 Levels of Magnetic Resistance from Sunny Health & Fitness
- Manual Treadmill with the Utmost Weight-Bearing Capacity: 100XL Magnetic Resistance High Capacity Treadmill from Exerpeutic
The Best Manual Treadmills – Detailed Reviews
1. ST-T1407M Foldable Manual Treadmill from Sunny Health & Fitness
The compact design of this manual treadmill, it will help you get fitness irrespective of the size of your home. This lightweight and compact treadmill fits into small spaces without any trouble whatsoever.
Whether you wish to engage in light jogging or power walking, this unit can withstand your weight without any issues. The running/walking surface in this unit is 42 x 13 inches. With this unit, you can track your fitness progress as it comes with an easy-to-read digital monitor. From the monitor, you can get to know the calories you burn, the distance you cover, the speed at which you walk or jog, and how long you work out in every session.
The good thing about this space-saving treadmill is that it does not need electricity. Due to this feature, it will not need much maintenance from your end. Along with transportation wheels, this unit’s easy folding functionality allows you to move and store this unit easily. As it comes with a non-slip running surface, you can feel secure and safe on the smooth belt. The weight-bearing capacity of this unit is 220 lbs.
The monitor has an option to scan through your workout details. Above all, you can do this without lifting your fingers.
The dual flywheels in this unit offer an endless source of resistance by requiring the production of more force than you produce when you intend to increase tension, power output, and speed. The flywheels have sweat guard protection covers to free them from debris and sweat.
This unit’s high-density rubber handrails come with slip resistance to provide added support as you move forward at a steady pace. You can easily wipe-clean this treadmill to remove debris and sweat with the help of a damp cloth.
The wheels in this unit help transform your home into a fitness studio effortlessly. You can just tilt and roll out the unit when you intend to work out or when you wish to store the treadmill after the workout session. The wheels ensure easy transportation of the treadmill from one room to another without any muscle strain and heavy lifting.
The incline in this unit is better than the incline in an electric treadmill as you can move forward at your own pace.
Pros:
- It easily fits into a small space
- Floor stabilizers ensure the stability of the treadmill
- Compact and ergonomic design
- Non-slip running surface
- Non-Slip foam handlebars
- LCD Monitor
- Designed to fit into small corners
Cons:
- The incline is not adjustable
- Not ideal for running
2. 190 Manual Treadmill with Twin Flywheels and 2 Level Incline from ProGear
This manual treadmill has been tested for up to 230 lbs of user weight. It has wide side rails for safety. It has a steel frame with a powder-coated finish, making this unit look good.
This unit has oversized belt rollers to bring a consistent and smooth walking experience. It has easy and quick 2-position incline adjustment levels of 6 and 10 degrees.
The longer handles in this unit come with foam grips to prevent loss of balance. In turn, you can expect better security when you walk on this treadmill. This unit’s oversized belt rollers offer a consistent and smooth walking experience. The handles in this unit encompass an LCD that features details of speed, calories burned, distance walked, and elapsed time. This unit comes with a battery included.
This treadmill has been designed to fold up with ease for easy storage. The transportation wheels in this unit make sure that you can easily move this unit from one room to another in your home.
Many users of this unit appreciated the portability of this treadmill. Many users in their review also stated that it easily fits into a small space. Further, many are happy with the very easy setup of this treadmill. Further, many stated that the instructions in the manual are clear with pictures that make setup easier. Many stated that this unit is ideal for winter usage when they cannot engage in outdoor cardio workouts. Many stated that when they work out in this unit, they can get drenched in sweat in as little as 30 minutes.
Many users are happy with the construction and how sturdy this treadmill is. Also, many users are happy with the quiet operation of this unit with a slight zipping sound. Many also expressed that it becomes very compact when folded, and storage does not take much space.
You can get a better workout for your legs with this manual treadmill compared to a motorized unit. Anyone with a height of less than 5 ‘6” will find working out in this unit comfortable and easy.
Pros:
- Easy to setup
- Wide side rails
- Oversized belt rollers for consistent and smooth walking
- Long handles with foam grips
- Durable steel frame with powder-coated finish
Cons:
- No phone or water bottle holder
- It has a learning curve to use
3. Manual Treadmill SF-T7723 with 16 Levels of Magnetic Resistance from Sunny Health & Fitness
If you are looking for a manual treadmill with a weight-bearing capacity at a higher end, you will find this unit from Sunny Health & Fitness helpful. It comes with an ample tread deck. It has a larger running surface of 53L x 16W, providing room and support for your workout sessions. It offers a 13.5% fixed recline.
It offers 16 levels of magnetic resistance that will help you get a full-body workout. You can challenge your body with speed or by increasing resistance so that it will be possible to take your performance to the next level.
The large heavy-duty deck in this unit has been designed for standing up to high-intensity workouts. It is entirely self-powered and does not need electricity for operation.
With transportation wheels, you can easily move the treadmill from one room to another in your home.
As it has been designed to handle people with the utmost weight of 300 lbs, it has been made with a steel frame. So, it can handle the strongest and toughest fitness enthusiasts.
This unit has a couple of flywheels, where the weight of these two flywheels demands higher energy from you to start the belt. In turn, there can be greater metabolic demand in your body. This increase is achieved when you increase your resistance level.
The good thing about this unit is that it comes with non-slip handles with multiple grips. You can run or walk in different positions by pushing against the rails. The high-density handrails in this unit help you get challenging and versatile cardio workout sessions.
You can easily store this unit anywhere in your home as it has an easy-fold design. It locks up and holds the running deck straight when you fold it. With this facility, you can easily store this unit anywhere in your home.
The soft drop system in this unit lets the deck gently lower itself to the floor. With this feature, you can stay assured of this unit’s safe and hands-free unfolding.
This unit’s fixed recline and adjustable magnetic resistance allow you to enjoy a muscular, power-based, versatile cardio workout.
Pros:
- Large Heavy-duty Deck
- Can provide workout opportunities for heavyweight people
- Can hold up to 300 lbs of weight
- Dual-structure flywheels
- Multiple grip handrails
Cons:
- The running belt frequently shifts from left to right.
4. 100XL Magnetic Resistance High Capacity Treadmill from Exerpeutic
Do you have a heavyweight family member at home? If so, you will be interested in helping him/her get the best workout at home. In this case, you can choose this manual treadmill as it has a high weight-bearing capacity of up to 325 lbs. It comes with a couple of 6” diameter flywheels that offer a more consistent and smooth workout than other manual treadmills with a single flywheel.
The heart pulse pads in this unit allow users to keep a watch on achieving the intended heart rates. Compared to most other treadmills, the longer and wider exercise pad in this unit brings benefits to users that only electric treadmills are known to provide.
The Extra-long safety handles in this unit are more than double the length of other similar treadmill handles. In turn, users can expect better security and stay assured that they will not lose balance when walking or jogging in this unit.
The LCD computer part of this unit features heart rate, speed, calories burnt, distance covered, and elapsed time. The treadmill has the appropriate space to store your television remote. So, you can watch your favorite television channels when you walk on this treadmill.
It offers three levels of incline along with 8 level tension. The quick-release incline adjustment features easy and quick three-position reclines of 8, 10, and 15 degrees. To help you get the workout as per your fitness goals, this unit offers Pacer Control 8 Level magnetic tension, providing you with different difficulty levels. The Pacer control feature of this unit aids with stabilizing the belt speed so that you can walk at chosen tension and incline settings. To prevent tension in leg muscles and ankles, this unit starts at as low as an 8% incline.
Pros:
- The utmost weight-bearing capacity of 325 lbs
- A couple of flywheels with extended belt
- Foldable design
- LCD computer
- Extra-long handles with pulse monitoring
- Wider and longer workout area
- Three levels of incline
Cons:
- The incline is a bit higher even on the smallest setting
What is a manual treadmill?
There are two major types of treadmills available in the market. They are manual treadmills and motorized treadmills. Manual treadmills, as the name suggests, are powered solely by the power and effort of a human. It does not come with a motorized running deck which starts moving once the machine is instructed to. It uses a stationary running deck that can only be moved if a person starts purposefully moving it. The belt of the running deck can be moved according to the person’s desire, but it requires much more effort and force to move the running belt on a manual treadmill than on a motorized treadmill. It is estimated that a person using a manual treadmill at the same speed as a motorized treadmill can spend around 30% more energy.
Athletes and other sports enthusiasts generally prefer working out on a manual treadmill. It is because in a manual treadmill, the machine rarely puts in any power; thus, it could give a hard workout to the person using it. A manual treadmill demands a level of personal fitness to make it move at a constant speed for a while and also, for developing personal fitness and health, a manual treadmill is considered a better option than a motorized treadmill. Even at a lower speed, a manual treadmill can burn more calories than a motorized treadmill. It does have a limitation with the highest speed. It usually achieves a speed of around 4 miles per hour maximum, and thus, it does have limitations to be used in high-speed running. However, still, it physically tries the person using it and thus can be used as one of the best tools presently available in the market to have for fitness.
Manual treadmills also have different variations. There are different types of manual treadmills like traditional manual treadmills, foldable manual treadmills, slat belt manual treadmills, slat belt curved manual treadmills, and hybrid treadmills. Traditional manual treadmills are basic machines that do not use electricity and are equipped with a minimum amount of technology. Foldable manual treadmills can be used anywhere and everywhere irrespective of the space and availability of power. The slat belt ones come with slats on the running deck which would take extra effort and power to move and thus, are mostly used by athletes. Curved treadmills are quite difficult and function similarly to a hamster wheel. The hybrid treadmills come with a built-in motor but can also be operated manually, which can be shifted according to the user’s liking.
How does a manual treadmill work?
A manual treadmill works with minimum components as it doesn’t use any motor or associated parts to fetch power. These minimum components include parts like the treadmill’s frame, running deck, running belt, rollers, etc. A closer look at these components will provide a better understanding of the working of a manual treadmill. The following list contains summaries of each of the major parts of a manual treadmill.
Treadmill frame
A treadmill frame is a crucial part of a treadmill, especially for manual treadmills. It is required for the treadmill to have a well-built, high-quality frame to ensure maximum durability and longevity. Generally, manual treadmills use heavier-gauged steel material to build the frame. Various nooks and corners of the frame are joined mostly by spot welding to ensure a smooth surface for the machine.
Running deck
Running deck is another part that is very crucial to the proper working of a manual treadmill. Numerous materials with which a running deck is usually made, like plywood, particle board, fiberboard, etc., and a medium-density fiberboard is estimated to provide maximum strength and durability. The running deck is also coated with a protective layer that can resist damage. It is attached to the frame by spot welding.
Running belt
The running belt or the running track is the part that comes in direct contact with the user’s feet and the part where maximum pressure is being applied. The running belt usually comes in different thicknesses and is named single-ply belts, or 2-ply belts, depending on the number of layers the belts have.
Treadmill rollers
Rollers occur at both ends of the running belt, facilitating the belt to move back and forth. It also assists in keeping the running belt centered all the time. It is mostly made of a single piece of steel and can vary in weight and size. It is usually observed that the width and weight are directly proportional to the efficiency or performance of a roller.
What are the benefits of a manual treadmill?
Manual treadmills are one of the most chosen products in the fitness markets both online and offline. In addition to the fact that they are much less expensive than the other models of treadmills, there are many reasons why a manual treadmill would be a great addition to any home gyms or professional gyms. Some of such major advantages related to a manual treadmill are listed and briefed below to create a better understanding of their pros.
High-intensity workouts are possible
Unlike regular motorized treadmills, manual treadmills make high-intensity workouts possible for the user as they move solely out of the effort put in by the user. Professional athletes even use it to keep up with their fitness, especially for leg and lower body fitness, as it is mainly the lower body being exerted more while using a manual treadmill.
Ideal for weight-loss
It is a scientifically proven fact that manual treadmills are better at burning calories than motorized treadmills. It can spend around 30% more energy in a unit of time when compared to a motorized treadmill. The market statistics also prove the fact that a majority of the customers buying a manual treadmill aim at weight loss.
No electricity required
The biggest benefit of owning a manual treadmill is that it does not demand any power sources like electricity to function. It need not be provided with an electric charge or connected to a wall outlet while operating. This gives great flexibility and convenience for the user to place it anywhere, irrespective of any electric outlets. The ability to work without electricity is a positive feature for the user’s budget. The user need not worry about the hike in electricity bill due to the treadmill anymore.
Safety
Manual treadmills offer higher safety to the user than any other models of treadmills. As most other treadmills are motorized, the user is supposed to clip a safety clip onto his or her clothing so that in case of an emergency, the user can stop the machine immediately by removing the clip. But for manual treadmills, maintaining safety is much easier. As the effort of the user operates them, if the user faces any kind of problems, he or she can simply stop walking or running, and the machine will stop immediately. This higher form of safety offered by a manual treadmill makes it an ideal choice to be used even around children and pets.
Supports form
Another popular observation is that a manual treadmill supports the user to maintain their proper body form and posture. It is said so because when someone uses a manual treadmill, they have to pull the belt with enough force to move it and to maintain the movement of the belt, the user has to land with a correct technique that puts pressure on the correct muscles of the leg. Indirectly, this process is said to improve the form of the person.
How to choose a manual treadmill?
Choosing a manual treadmill may be a daunting task for many because as it is not a motorized one, there are bare minimum features to look at in them, and it would be confusing to find which one is better than the other based on these minimal characteristics. But there are several features that the experts advise every user to look closely in a manual treadmill before proceeding to buy one. Some of those basic features are detailed below for further reference.
Nature of the workout
It is a known fact that manual treadmills are not everyone’s cup of tea. If you are someone who plans to use a treadmill for normal purposes like brisk walking and running, a manual treadmill may not be ideal for you. It takes much effort to use a manual treadmill, and thus, you may find it difficult to use. If you are willing to put in more physical effort for exercise and training, a manual treadmill can provide you with the opportunity to exert yourself more physically. Another category that can find manual treadmills helpful is people who have medical issues and cannot spend much time exercising. Such people can use manual treadmills for less time than a motorized treadmill and still achieve their desired fitness.
Type of treadmill
Manual treadmills are available in numerous ways, like foldable, slat belt ones, hybrid ones, etc. The user has to go through each of these treadmills’ specific features and decide which one is more suitable for them. Each model also varies in price, and thus, the budget should also be a considering criterion along with the features they got to offer.
Running track
Running track is one of the core areas of a manual treadmill. Two types of running tracks are available in the manual treadmill section- flat and curved. The flat running tracks are the regular ones that can be seen in most treadmills available in the market, whereas a curved running track, as the name itself points out, comes with a running track that is curved in design. The curve is so that the middle part of the running track dips, and the two ends of the track rise. This curved design may appear as something very difficult. But, once accustomed to it, it enables the user to maintain a proper form and stay in the middle throughout the workout session, causing the user to utilize the space in the best way possible.
Strength of frame
Manual treadmills are made to withstand extreme pressure and physical exertion. As the users have to operate them with their muscle power, the force to which the running track is subjected is incomparable. So, the strength of the treadmill’s frame is one of the crucial features of a manual treadmill that has to be paid enough attention to. It has to be ensured that the treadmill’s frame does not lose stability while operating. Subpar products would vibrate and be unstable throughout the workout session; thus, close attention should be paid to these aspects. The maximum weight the treadmill can carry should also be checked before settling on a product.
Inclination
There are many models of manual treadmills that come with and without incline. The incline makes it more difficult to run or walk on a manual treadmill, and thus, it is mostly preferred by athletes and people who want to exercise more time and effort. Having an incline feature may also reflect on the treadmill’s price; thus, it is important to identify the user’s needs and decide whether the incline feature is required.
Power panel
As manual treadmills are sturdy frames with a manually operated running track, many manufacturers refrain from employing a power panel that contains all the information regarding the status of the workout. But it is very important to have a power panel containing parameters like the workout’s duration, calories burnt, speed, etc. to understand the exercise better and for the user to wrap up the workout at the appropriate time. So, ensure that the manual treadmill you buy is equipped with a display panel with all the relevant information.
The thickness of the running belt
Manual treadmills go through severe manual pressure, and being under an immense force for a specific time could gradually take a toll on the running belt. A thicker running belt is inevitable when buying a manual treadmill. The thickness of the belt should be kept at a minimum of 1.5 mm to have a decent workout and go up to 4 mm. Also, try to buy manual treadmills that have an anti-slip running surface for the user’s convenience, as chances are high for the user to slip and trip while trying so hard to move the running surface continuously.
Manual Treadmill FAQs
How to use a manual treadmill properly?
Although one of the best devices to burn a maximum number of calories, using a manual treadmill is quite easy. It does not have motor parts or electrically powered components; thus, there is no need to plug it onto any power source before using it. The users can simply hold on to the sidebars and step slowly into the treadmill one step at a time.
You can step on the sides of the manual treadmill, which is stationary and stays in place. Once the user is successfully standing on the machine, holding either the sidebars or the handlebar, he or she can slowly place one foot at a time on the running track, slowly pushing the track backward. Make sure to start slowly, as speeding up abruptly may cause the person to fall from the machine. Once the resistance and the manual treadmill speed are familiarised, the user can slowly and gradually increase the speed as much as required.
Is a manual treadmill good for weight loss?
Manual treadmills are considered the best candidate for a proper weight loss-friendly device. Compared to the other products in the section, manual treadmills have proven to burn more calories. They are completely operated by the effort of the person using them; thus, there won’t be any external support for the user. If the user likes to move the machine faster, he or she will have to inevitably run or walk faster and put in more effort. This results in a high-impact workout and causes more calories to burn.
High muscle power is required to push the running track faster and harder every time; thus, manual treadmills spend more calories in a very short time compared to their counterparts and can be considered the best product to rely on for weight loss. Due to this weight loss supporting feature, manual treadmills are widely used for HIIT workouts in gyms and fitness centers worldwide.
How to adjust the manual treadmill belt?
The running belt of a manual treadmill is almost similar to that of a regular treadmill. Sometimes, chances are there for the manual treadmill to have the position of the running belt a bit misadjusted. So, the user is expected to correct it, which can be done in a few simple steps. First of all, the issue has to be properly identified, so the user must mount on the machine and work it for a while. Once the machine starts moving at a reasonable pace, step out of the machine and observe the movement of the running belt closely. Identify the width of the gap between the running belt and the deck and the amount to which the belt must be adjusted.
At the rear of the deck, two caps are present, and a couple of rear-roller bolts that help adjust the belt’s position are present. If the requirement is to move the running belt to the right, the user has to hold the left bolt and turn it a bit to the right and then turn the right bolt a bit to the left. Monitor the position of the running belt and make necessary changes. Once the bolts are in place, the user can check the effectiveness of the change made by walking on the machine again and checking the belt’s position.
Are manual treadmills better than electric?
Both manual and electric or motorized treadmills have their share of pros and cons, and it is the requirement, budget, etc. of the user are the criteria to pick an ideal one out of the two. One of the best things about manual treadmills is that they are completely muscle-powered and thus would support the user in shedding more calories than a regular motorized treadmill.
Also, being devoid of any motor and electronic parts, manual treadmills come at a very affordable price range. They don’t need any electric power, thus letting the user save money on electricity bills. if weight loss or high-intensity training is the user’s preference, manual treadmills are undoubtedly the best to choose. Also, in terms of safety, manual treadmills are one of the best.
When it comes to a motorized or electric treadmill, the number of workout options present is one of the highest that any product can offer. They reduce the strain on the user’s muscles and are also ideal for long workout sessions.
Can I run on a manual treadmill?
Running can be carried out on a manual treadmill successfully. It only takes time for the user to safely familiarize themselves with operating the manual treadmill to start running on it. It is a machine that responds to the pace the user provides. So, it is up to the user to choose whether to walk on the machine or run on it. There is a speed limit to a manual treadmill, which is mostly around 3 miles per hour, and any kind of running that comes within this prescribed limit is supported by the machine.
The beginners can start with slow and brisk walking and once get used to the machine, proceed to the running part. It is advisable to run slowly in the initial days by holding onto the handrails. Afterward, strong running at a fairly reasonable speed can be carried out on it.
Are manual treadmills good for seniors?
When it comes to choosing a treadmill for seniors, one of the major conflicts is between manual treadmills and motorized treadmills. Although both of them can be used by seniors, many are in the favor of manual treadmills. One of the major reasons is that the operating procedure is extremely easy when compared with other products. There is no need of reading a manual, setting up the machine, installing any program, plug the machine into any power source, etc. the senior can conveniently use it right out of the box.
Another advantage is that the machine can be operated at the pace of the senior itself. He or she need not decide on any pre-programmed pace and rather walk at a comfortable speed on the manual treadmill. Also, due to health issues, most seniors may not be in a position to spend too much time on a workout machine. Manual treadmills help the seniors burn more calories in a very short period compared to their counterparts. As far as safety is concerned also, manual treadmills are at the top chart for seniors.
Do manual treadmills burn more calories?
Manual treadmills are known for their incomparable effect on weight loss and maximum calorie burning. As they completely rely on the muscle power and effort of the user, the metabolic activities and the energy consumption of the user’s body significantly increase while using the manual treadmill.
If the user has to increase the pace on the treadmill, he is expected to put in more effort and force into the running belt, which in turn causes the consumption of more calories on his or her body. This process enables the user to significantly lose calories and thereby weight in a comparatively shorter period. Most athletes and fitness enthusiasts are fond of manual treadmills due to their ability to burn more calories.
How to make manual treadmills smooth?
At times, the users of manual treadmills could identify a greater level of resistance and inconvenience in freely moving the running belt around. This loss in smoothness is due to the lack of lubrication inside the running belt, which shows the need for a lubricant in the manual treadmill system.
To make the machine smooth again, the user has to reach the back end of the machine where the running belt ends and identify two roller bolts generally used to adjust the position of the running belt. Once the bolts are spotted, both the bolts have to be turned left together to release the running belt from the machine’s frame. Lift the running belt upwards and add the necessary lubricant to the machine’s inside.
Once the lubricant is applied, close the belt, position it accordingly, and then turn both the roller bolts towards the right until the running belt is 2-3 centimeters above the frame. This pace has to be maintained while closing the running belt to facilitate the smooth movement of it around.
Are manual treadmills noisy?
Generally, manual treadmills are louder than traditional motorized treadmills. But it can’t be termed noisy as it only produces a bearable amount of noise due to the high force with which the user is trying to push the running belt backward. If a manual treadmill happens to produce a loud noise, it indicates the fact that the frame is less sturdy and is made of less quality material thus, the noise is an important feature to look for during purchase.
Are manual treadmills safe?
Manual treadmills are considered one of the safest treadmills available in the section. Because the traditional motorized treadmills expect the users to wear a safety clip on the removal which only the machine stops in case of an emergency. So, chances are high for the person to get hurt during an emergency due to the machine that is still running.
But when it comes to a manual treadmill, it is the user who feeds the machine with the speed and momentum and thus, once the user meets with an emergency and happens to stop the movement, the machine also comes to an immediate stop causing no injuries of any such. Also, they are devoid of any electrically-powered parts and thus there should not be any fear of being electrocuted either.
Conclusion
Now, with these 6 manual treadmills, you might wonder which one to shortlist. Here is a list of the top options you can consider based on your needs:
- Easy to Setup Manual Treadmill: 190 Manual Treadmill with Twin Flywheels and 2 Level Incline from ProGear
- The Best Manual Treadmill that Fits Into Small Corners: ST-T1407M Foldable Manual Treadmill from Sunny Health & Fitness
The idea here is to choose a manual treadmill that fits your requirements rightly. If you have space constraints, you should choose one accordingly. If you are a person with heavy body weight, you should choose a treadmill that can handle your weight. If you are looking for a treadmill with a better incline, you should choose one accordingly. Of course, these six are the best units, thereby forming part of your review. So, you can confidently choose one of these to meet your fitness goals.
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