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6 Best Curved Treadmills In 2023: Pros And Cons Of Curved Treadmills Vs. Flat Ones, Per An Expert
It's time to level up your workout.
By Olivia Evans
If you've been looking to level up your workout routine, you should probably check out a curved treadmill. These machines boost endurance by requiring more physical output, per the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport. Unlike traditional flat treadmills, they aren't powered by electricity, but instead your stride, which pushes the belt forward—similar to how a hamster wheel operates.
If you've never used one, a curved treadmill can seem like a super intimidating machine, but that's because they're not really supposed to be used like normal treadmills, says Amanda Brooks, a certified personal trainer and author of the running blog RunToTheFinish. The key to a successful workout on a curved treadmill is learning to control your pace so you don't burn out too quickly. Curved treadmills don't allow you to control speed with the push of a button, unlike electric treadmills. If you remain consistent, you'll definitely see results. Eventually, you may notice you can even run faster, says Brooks.
See some of the best curved treadmills below:
What exactly is a curved treadmill?
A curved treadmill is a non-motorized treadmill that has a slight upward curve. It is usually nonelectric, so it saves energy while also creating a more intense workout for its user. They're a lot simpler than regular treadmills machine-wise.
The workouts they create can be much more intense, since the track of a curved treadmill is operated by the user running on it. "We know [a curved treadmill] burns more calories, so for folks who have a shorter timespan, it's a great way to get a harder workout in during a shorter time," Brooks says.
A user-operated track allows the user to create a harder run on their own, rather than relying on the machine to do it for them. However, some curved treadmills do come with resistance levels like typical treadmills, if you're looking for a machine that's really gonna make you work.
What are the pros and cons of curved treadmills?
Depending on what you're looking for in a treadmill workout, curved treadmills can be better than a typical treadmill.
Pros:
- It burns more calories.
- It increases your cadence at a faster rate.
- Great for HIIT workouts.
- No motor, so less likelihood of repairments needed.
Cons:
- It's harder to control your pace.
- Not ideal for distance runners.
- They're pricey.
Curved treadmills are great if you're training or really looking to up your fitness regimen. "[Using] a curved treadmill improves your cadence, and anything that improves cadence is great," Brooks says. According to Brooks, curved treadmills instantly make any run a bit harder, so they are great if you are looking to do interval training or for a short run that will get your heart rate up. Plus, once you become a curved treadmill pro, you'll have a lot more control over your pace and endurance.
If it sounds like you can benefit from adding a curved treadmill to your at-home workout space, see below for the best curved treadmills you can shop right now.
SB Fitness Equipment Self-Generated Curved Treadmill
SB Fitness Equipment Self-Generated Curved Treadmill
Pros
- Lightweight
- 3 resistance levels
Cons
- Tricky assembly
Brooks recommends this option for first-time curved treadmill buyers because it has a less intense curve than other treadmills, plus a set of good handles for different workouts and more stability. It's great if you aren't necessarily training or a big runner, but do want to intensify your at-home workouts.
| Max Weight | 375 lbs |
|---|---|
| Track Size | 60 x 18 in. |
Assault Fitness AssaultRunner Pro
Assault Fitness AssaultRunner Pro
Pros
- Includes pre-programmed workouts
- Bluetooth connectivity
Cons
- Reviewers say customer service is poor
The AssaultRunner Pro is probably best for curved treadmill veterans. You can hit up to 20 miles per hour on it, and because the belt only moves forward, you'll feel more stable, too—no matter how fast you go. Prefer workouts with guidance? The treadmill also comes with eight pre-programmed workouts you can access them using its small screen.
| Maximum Weight | 350 lbs |
|---|---|
| Track Size | 43.3 x 22 in. |
Signature Fitness SF-S2 Curved Sprint Treadmill
Pros
- Cheaper than other models
- Seven levels of resistance
Cons
- Only one-year warranty
Designed to be ultra-thin with flexible slats, this curved treadmill from Signature Fitness is lightweight and easy to move. It's designed with mobility wheels, so you can easily transfer it around your apartment or house.
In terms of functionality, the treadmill features seven levels of resistance, so you can go from walking to sprinting and everything in between.
| Maximum Weight | 300 lbs |
|---|---|
| Track Size | 66.5 x 27.5 in. |
IN10CT Health Runner Manual Treadmill
IN10CT Health Runner Manual Treadmill
Pros
- Compact design
- Rubber slats to reduce joint impact
Cons
- Performance monitor can be difficult to see and adjust
Made with rubberized slats, this treadmill offers a pretty smooth run—a great feature if you're still intimidated by a non-traditional treadmill. The belt stops when you stop, so if you accidentally fall off there's less of a chance of injury.
To track your progress, the treadmill also comes with a performance monitoring display you can use to see your time, distance, calories burned, pace, and more.
| Maximum Weight | 400 lbs |
|---|---|
| Track Size | 61 x 17.2 in. |
Runow Curved Treadmill
Runow Curved Treadmill
Pros
- Multiple running modes
- Easy maintenance
Cons
- Very large and heavy
Yep, you can train on this curved treadmill, but it also packs a bunch of extra features you'll love. It's designed with a cup holder that'll keep your water during those more intense runs. On it, you'll also find a five-inch mini LCD screen, which tracks time, distance, calories, and more.
The treadmill's also built with easy transport wheels, and a rubber tread, which excels at shock absorption—all of that and it's still super easy to assemble and maintain.
| Maximum Weight | 330 lbs |
|---|---|
| Track Size | 63 x 17 in. |
NOHrD Sprintbok Curved Manual Treadmill
NOHrD Sprintbok Curved Manual Treadmill
Pros
- Sleek design
- Wooden frame limits vibrations while in use
Cons
- Very pricey
Aesthetically, this is the best option on this list, but its design is also very functional. The Sprintbok is designed with a sleek wooden frame that serves to minimize vibration and noise, while the treadmill is in use.
If you're the type of person who enjoys following a programmed workout, you'll also love that the Sprintbok features a 17.3-inch tablet that allows you to connect to the Sprintbok app to track stats and follow pre-programmed exercises. At over $7,000 it's a splurge, but you'll totally appreciate how natural it feels to run on this treadmill.
| Max Weight | 350 lbs |
|---|---|
| Track Size | 63 x 18 in. |
Olivia Evans (she/her) is an editorial assistant at Women’s Health. Her work has previously appeared in The Cut and Teen Vogue. She loves covering topics where culture and wellness intersect. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, running, and watching rom-coms.
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