Curved treadmills have garnered a lot of hype over the years. The overall shape allows users to build a better and more efficient running form.
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What is a Curved Treadmill?
A curved treadmill is a non-motorized treadmill built at almost a 30% incline. The self-powered treadmill requires users to use more natural force to move. This, in turn, exerts more energy and calories overall. During the downward movement of your run, your foot and weight pull the belt down and back. This allows you to pace your run and burn more fat.
Some people consider curved treadmills to be the best manual treadmill for jogging because it allows the runner to establish a pace and improve running efficiency. A curved treadmill sprint is also going to work and tone the user’s legs a lot more because he or she is providing all the power. Various training methods also make curved treadmills a popular option for home and commercial gyms.
Benefits of Curved Treadmills
There are a ton of curved treadmill benefits, which help both in weight loss and cardiovascular health improvements.
Become a More Efficient Runner
These U shaped treadmills require the runner to plant with the balls of his or her feet. Most people land on their heels when running on a regular treadmill which can often lead to unnecessary injury. Additionally, runners can expect to improve posture and stand taller with ever run. Often times, runners add an unnecessary forward lean when running outside. This creates an imbalance in your form which can lead to an inefficient run. Running tall also allows more activation in your core and glutes, helping to build a stronger and more muscular frame.
Burn More Calories and Fat
When you use a manual treadmill for running, it requires more effort with each stride to continue moving. Curved treadmills are said to burn almost 30% more calories than regular treadmills because you have to keep the belt moving. Increasing your pace to a sprint requires significant leg drive on a curved treadmill versus a motor doing all the pull on a regular treadmill. The increase in caloric burn also helps aid in fat loss and improve overall body definition.
Easier Maintenance
Without as many moving parts as regular treadmills, curved treadmills are a lot easier to maintain, especially in big commercial gyms. The lack of electricity also makes curved treadmills a lot more environmentally friendly as well.
Curved Treadmill Reviews
Check out our review of some of the best curved treadmills for sale today.
Assault Fitness AirRunner
The Air Assualt Runner curved treadmill is one of the most popular options on the market. The efficient and durable build allows for runners to get the most work out of every run. With a strong steel constructed base, corrosion resistant hardware, firm 17.25-inch wide belt, and 350 weight capacity the Air Assault treadmill is guaranteed to last for years of great use.
One of the most unique components of the Assault Fitness AirRunner is how lightweight it is, coming in at only 280 pounds. It also features built-in wheels on the bottom which allows for easy movement.
This is a great motorless treadmill for both beginners and advanced runners. It allows the user to easily change the pace and build strong cardiovascular strength. The lack of a motor also means there isn’t a maximum speed so you can push the limits as hard and far as you want.
The Assault AirRunner is also one of the most popular Crossfit treadmills on the market with Crossfit Champion Ron Ortiz showing a ton of support for the product.
Assault Air Runner vs Treadmill
Other than the shape of the machine, the biggest difference between the Assault Air Runner and a traditional treadmill is how it is powered. Most traditional treadmills you’ll find in a gym or in someone’s home are powered by motors, which are measured in horsepower, while the Assault Air Runner is entirely manual.
Not only will this provide a really great workout since the user has to all the work with his or her legs, but it also helps eliminate future mechanical issues. A good quality treadmill will come with a good warranty, but there’s always the potential for parts breaking in the long run. Obviously, the Assault Air Runner isn’t indestructible, but limiting the amount of potential mechanical issues is always a plus.
SpeedFit Speedboard ProXL
The SpeedFit manual treadmill is one of the best in class when it comes to personalizing your workout. Boasting a futuristic design and a 17-inch wide belt, the SpeedFit ProXL offers 5,000 personal workouts built solely on your potential as a runner. The U shape treadmill is built for runners to use more energy over a shorter period of time. This, in turn, helps you burn more calories without getting bored with your workout.
The SpeedFit Speedboard ProXL curved treadmill is perfect for those who love doing High-intensity interval training. This is because the user can easily set the pace between sprinting, jogging, and walking solely by the energy exerted with each leg drive.
Unfortunately, this manual treadmill does not come with a heart rate monitor, so you will have to use something external if you want to collect that data.
Amazon productRESOLVE FITNESS Reactive Runner Treadmill
If you’re looking to get an innovated and efficient workout then the RESOLVE FITNESS Reactive Runner Treadmill might be the best curved treadmill for you. With a durable steel frame, the Reactive Runner manual U shaped treadmill can hold up to 330 pounds.
The Reactive Runner by RESOLVE FITNESS also has the largest curved treadmill belt on the market coming in at 63 inches long and 19 inches wide. This curved treadmill also comes with a resistance lever that allows you to set four different workout difficulties. This ensures you’ll always be able to push yourself and never get bored with every run.
You can also get a great lateral and sled workout in with the perfectly designed handlebars. It is also Bluetooth ready and comes with a phone and tablet holder to ensure you’re entertained throughout your workout as well.
Amazon productIN10CT Health Runner
Marketed as the best-curved treadmill for gyms, rehab centers, clinics, and homes, the IN10CT Health Runner is incredibly versatile both in design and functionality. The advanced performance monitoring helps you track important metrics about your runs like: time, distance, calories burned, and heart rate.
Promising to give you the most natural indoor running experience possible, the IN10CT Health Runner is definitely a solid choice. The built-in transportation wheels also allow this manual treadmill to easily be moved around your gym or home.
This is also an incredibly safe machine as it is powered entirely by your movements, so it stops when you stop. The manual component also helps save on electricity while also building maximum heart and muscle strength.
Amazon productCurved Treadmills vs. Regular Treadmills
You might not be sure if you want to purchase a curved treadmill or flat treadmill for your home or gym, so it’s important to know the main differences.
Speed Changes
Motorized treadmills have automatic settings to adjust the speed. Most come with a digital control panel for you to easily make the adjustment. Manual treadmills, on the other hand, require the user to exert more energy to increase the speed. Because of this, curved treadmills offer a more unique and efficient workout overall.
Technology Features
Most manual treadmills lack a lot of the cool bells and whistles found on motorized treadmills. In fact, some curved treadmills don’t even have a basic heart rate monitor. While this may be a turnoff for some people, it’s also important to remember this makes maintenance a lot easier as there are fewer moving parts.
Price
If you are looking for a treadmill with a lot of advanced technology, you’re probably going to pay around what you would for a curved treadmill. If you are on a budget or want something more cost-effective, you’re better off going with a lower end motorized treadmill like the NordicTrack T 6.5 S for example.
Weight Loss
Cardio workouts are a great way to lose weight, with high-intensity interval training proving to be the most efficient. While you can still perform these runs on a flat treadmill, HIIT running workouts are a lot easier on a manual curved treadmill. Instead of adjusting the speed and potentially losing your balance and hurting yourself, you can just slow your run on a manual treadmill to go between your sprints and jogs.
Why are Curved Treadmills so Expensive?
Compared to a traditional treadmill, the curved treadmill cost is usually a lot higher. This has to do with the overall construction of the machines, as well as the tremendous workout you can get by using one.
Here are a few manual treadmill options that are a great alternative if you’re looking for something a little more cost-effective, while also ensuring a great workout.
Sunny Health & Fitness Manual Treadmill
This manual treadmill from Sunny Health & Fitness boasts a large tread deck, guaranteeing an ample amount of room for a great cardio workout. There are 16 levels of mechanical tension, which will allow you to add variety to your routine.
Because this is a manual treadmill, there is no electricity involved. It requires the user to use force and energy from his or her body to get it started and keep the cardio routine going.
The fixed incline of this treadmill allows you to enjoy the curved treadmill advantages, without paying the hefty price tag.
Amazon productConclusion
In conclusion, curved treadmills are definitely a great option if you’re looking to add something new to your gym. It’s a great treadmill alternative and offers an innovative and efficient workout.
It also helps improve your overall running form, forcing you to stand taller and push your foot and knees out for better stability. Creating a more efficient stride cycle will also help you improve your cardiovascular health and overall pace on your runs.
