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After a few failed attempts at going to the gym or running outside, you may be considering buying a home treadmill. The best treadmills have all the features that elevate your training and also fit your budget and needs. Even so, a detail that is often overlooked when choosing a treadmill is long-term maintenance. For that reason, you should consider getting a curved treadmill, as they require minimal upkeep.
The Best Curved Treadmill - Our Top Picks
- Best Overall Curved Treadmill: Assault Fitness AssaultRunner Pro
- Best Designed Curved Treadmill: Assault Fitness AssaultRunner Elite
- Best Curved Treadmill for Runners: TrueForm Runner
- Best Compact Curved Treadmill: TrueForm Trainer
- Best Budget Curved Treadmill: SB Fitness Equipment CT400
Much like comfortable running gear, a comfortable treadmill will get a lot more use. For instance, if you find yourself struggling to find programming or dealing with achy joints resulting from the belt impact, you're less likely to use it. Which is the best curved treadmill? The Active Reviews Team has combed the marketplace and narrowed it down to five choices to help you the one that meets your needs.
Why Trust Us?
ACTIVE.com's editorial team relies on the knowledge and experience of fitness and wellness experts including competitive athletes, coaches, physical therapists, nutritionists, and certified trainers. This helps us ensure the products we feature are of the highest standard. Collectively, the team has spent countless hours researching equipment, gear, and recovery tools in order to create the most accurate, authentic content for our readers. Customer satisfaction is also a key part of our review process, which is why we only feature products that are highly rated.
Best Overall Curved Treadmill - Assault Fitness AssaultRunner Pro
SPECS
- Dimensions: 69.9"L x 31.7"W x 64.4"H
- Weight: 289.2 lbs.
- Weight capacity: 350 lbs.
- Features: ANT+ (advanced and adaptive network technology) and Bluetooth compatibility, wheels for mobility, built-in programming, steel frame and corrosion-resistant hardware
The Assault Fitness AssaultRunner Pro treadmill offers great features, durability, quality, and price, which is why it's our choice for the best overall curved treadmill. It comes equipped with several training programs that you can follow on the display, which is UV resistant and high contrast, making it easily read indoors and outdoors. The built-in handles are there when you need some extra support or need to take a breather, and the transport wheels allow you to move it around as needed.
The frame is made from solid steel and incorporates corrosion-resistant hardware, making it very durable. With 100 precision ball bearings and 12 roller guides, the drivetrain system moves smoothly and is rated for up to 150,000 miles. This curved treadmill matches your output and has a low-impact design to prevent injury and help you maintain proper form.
What We Like
- Bluetooth compatibility
- Belt reacts to the strike force of your foot, hip position, and posture
- Built-in programming
- Low maintenance
- Heavy-duty frame and smooth belt design
What We Don't Like
- Lackluster warranty for the price
- May be too heavy for some users to move on their own
BUY: Assault Fitness AssaultRunner Pro
Best Designed Curved Treadmill - Assault Fitness AssaultRunner Elite
SPECS
- Dimensions: 69.9"L x 31.7"W x 64.4"H
- Weight: 289.2 lbs.
- Weight capacity: 400 lbs.
- Features: Water bottle holders, storage compartment, Bluetooth compatibility, built-in programming, wheels for mobility
The AssaultRunner treadmill was designed to make running as comfortable as it can be. There are two water bottle holders and a center storage compartment for your convenience. If you need to move off the belt, the side panels are extra wide, so they are easily accessible. Since there are built-in programming features, you don't have to worry about creating or finding a running workout.
The frame is made of steel, with heavy-duty oval tubing that ensures stability and smooth movement. In case you work up a sweat and need to hold the hand grips for support, they're non-slip. The top coat is rust-resistant, which is great if you have to keep it in a space that's not temperature controlled. It also has wheels, making it a mobile unit.
What We Like
- High-contrast, UV-resistant screen can be read easily in any environment
- 10-year frame, 3-year non-wear parts, and 1-year labor warranties included
- Built-in programming
- Bluetooth connectivity available
What We Don't Like
- No option to save your workouts
- May be too heavy for some users to move on their own
BUY: Assault Fitness AssaultRunner Elite
Best Curved Treadmill for Runners - TrueForm Runner
SPECS
- Dimensions: 64"L x 36"W x 57"H
- Weight: 325 lbs.
- Weight capacity: 700 lbs. walking, 450 lbs. running
- Features: Subtle curve that promotes good posture and form, standard handrail height, high weight capacity, designed for high-speed training
With "runner" in the name, we couldn't resist choosing the Trueform Runner as the best treadmill for runners. Beyond the name, its belt is made from rubber slats to provide a firm and stable running surface. The Runner’s design can handle the most advanced training, including intense runs, and it simulates running on the road. Feel free to throw on all your combat and first response gear. This treadmill can handle weight up to 700 pounds walking and 450 pounds running.
The TrueForm Runner has a more subtle slope, which helps you better control how fast or slow you want to move because you won't feel as if you need to keep up. Since you're applying more power to move the belt, you can burn more calories than on a motorized treadmill. If you need to train on a different surface, there are custom belt options available at an additional cost.
What We Like
- Higher weight capacity
- Track, turf, or naboso (barefoot) belt options available
- Durable belt that operates smoothly
What We Don't Like
- No built-in programming available
- Expensive
BUY: Trueform Runner
Best Compact Curved Treadmill - TrueForm Trainer
SPECS
- Dimensions: 64"L x 31"W x 63"H
- Weight: 280 lbs.
- Weight capacity: 400 lbs.
- Features: Lightweight and compact, subtle curve that promotes good posture and form, LED display
The Trainer treadmill by TrueForm has a gentle curve of 2.5 inches from the highest point to the lowest point, making it one of the most subtle curves on the market. This can help promote good form while walking, running, or sprinting. It also allows you to control your speed more quickly. You can track your speed, pace, distance, and time using the LED display, and it is compatible with Polar heart monitors (sold separately).
The belt is designed to react to your movement so you can switch from a walk to a jog immediately. You'll also feel if your form is off because the belt will move involuntarily, which enforces good posture, form, and core engagement. This is helpful in improving movement patterns off the treadmill as well.
What We Like
- Made from high-quality steel
- Belt reacts to the strike force of your foot, hip position, and posture
- High weight capacity
- Lighter weight and more compact than other models
What We Don't Like
- Running surface is only 17" wide
- Polar heart rate monitor is an additional cost
BUY: TrueForm Trainer
Best Budget Curved Treadmill - SB Fitness Equipment CT400
SPECS
- Dimensions: 72"L x 31"W x 62"H
- Weight: 165 lbs.
- Weight capacity: 375 lbs.
- Features: 3 resistance levels, designed for walking, running, sport-specific training, and HIIT (high-intensity interval training), digital display with workout details
If you're looking for a budget-friendly curved treadmill option, the SB Fitness Equipment CT400 is an excellent choice. It's designed for walking, running, sport-specific training, and HIIT (high-intensity interval training). There are three resistance levels with no maximum speed, so you can do an all-out sprint. The CT400 adjusts quickly to changes in speed, including when you need to slow down.
If you like to incorporate lateral shuffles and other agility movements as part of your pre-run routine, the handlebar design gives you several options for hand placement. The track slats are thin and flexible, which helps absorb shock and lessens the stress on your joints. This treadmill is pretty low maintenance too. In fact, it's rated for up to 150,000 miles and doesn't require regular upkeep.
What We Like
- Budget-friendly
- Unique handlebar design supports different movements
- 3 levels of resistance
- Excellent warranty options for the price point
- Light and portable
What We Don't Like
- No option to save your workouts
- Lower max capacity than some models
- No built-in programming available
BUY: SB Fitness Equipment CT400
How to Choose the Best Curved Treadmill
Dimensions
Regarding the size of a curved treadmill you can buy, it's important to consider the space you have available. By definition, these treadmills are less compact than motorized versions; however, there are curved treadmill models that are designed slightly smaller. Some also have built-in wheels so you can move them around as needed.
Weight and Weight Capacity
If you plan on keeping your treadmill in one place, you may not have to take into consideration the weight as much as someone who wants to move it around. All of the treadmills on this list start at around 160 pounds and weigh up to 325 pounds. Typically, a more compact treadmill will be lighter, but since the frames are made of steel, they're never going to be super light.
When thinking about what weight capacity you'll need, consider how much you weigh and also whether you plan to wear tactical gear while you train. If you're closer to a weight capacity, with or without gear, it's a good idea to consider a curved treadmill with a higher capacity.
Features
Even though the curved treadmills are more simplistic in design than motorized treadmills, they still offer some great features. Many come with built-in programming, while others just track the basics on their display. If you like to keep water or other items within reach, it's probably a good idea to look for a curved treadmill with storage. Handlebar size and styles vary as well, so think about what will be comfortable and useful for you.
In addition to the cosmetic features mentioned above, the design of the belt is important. A good quality belt will reduce the impact on your joints as you run and also move smoothly no matter what speed you choose. Some brands even allow you to customize your belt, which is an excellent option for those who want to train on turf or barefoot.
Benefits of Curved Treadmills
A curved treadmill can provide many benefits, including helping you improve your running form and posture. The shape of the belt encourages you to run on the balls of your feet, and that combined with the belt can absorb the shock from your landing so there is less stress on your joints. If you are leaning forward slightly, hunching over, or not bracing your core, the belt will move to force you to maintain control with proper posture.
Since the belt is self-propelled, you don't need to plug it in, which saves energy. You also don't need to worry about where the nearest plug is located. In fact, many athletes like to use curved treadmills outdoors. No motor also means you don't need to worry about motors going on the fritz. You may also burn more calories than with a motorized treadmill because you have to exert extra force to propel the belt.
FAQs About Curved Treadmills
How long do curved treadmills last?
They can last about 10-15 years with minimal maintenance.
Are curved treadmills better?
Curved treadmills provide many benefits that include improved posture and less impact on joints, and they offer an experience similar to road running.
Are curved treadmills good for running?
Yes, since there is no max speed, there are no limitations. The belt is fully propelled by you, and the curve supports good running form.
Do curved treadmills burn more calories?
Since you have to use your energy to propel the belt, you may burn more calories than on a motorized treadmill.
About the Author
Rachael Gonzalez is a Staff Writer for ACTIVE. She spent five years in education before she joined the ACTIVE team in 2022. In this role, she is still able to make a positive impact on others by writing about something she loves: health and wellness.
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