A curved treadmill is a type of treadmill that is non-motorized, propelled by the motion of your own body. As you stride, the belt is pulled behind you. This is great because there is no electricity required.
As you increase your pace, the belt will move faster in response, meaning you control how fast you want to go for any given workout.
In this article, you’ll learn:
- What is a Curved Treadmill for CrossFit
- The Best Curved Treadmills
- What the pros and cons of a Self-Propelled Treadmill
- Non Motorized Treadmill Buying Guide
The reason why a curved treadmill is special is due to its unique U shape. This is ergonomically desired to reduce joint stress and promote a more natural feel while you keep your running form in line.
This is due to its mechanical secret of the motorless treadmill with the mix of friction, gravity, and other forces when you run. During the downstroke of your feet, the foot and weight of the body naturally pill the tread back. The point of contact is ahead of the center of mass, resulting in a self propelled treadmill that deloads the body with vertical ground reaction forces.
This is great for crossfitters as u shaped treadmills are great for running at a constant speed but bad for acceleration. Providing you consistent conditioning and help improve the stamina for all your WODs.
As a collegiate athlete who has trained in several small to world-class CrossFit gyms, I want to share my thoughts on different Crossfit Curved Treadmills I have used along the way of my CrossFit journey.
The Best Curved Treadmills Compared
| Product's name | Main Features | More Info | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Best Budget Option Assault Air Runner | - Molded Thermoplastic Elastomer - 112 Sealed Steel Ball Bearings - Injection Molded Polymer - LCD – AA Battery | View latest price |
 | Best for Intense Training Assault Fitness AirRunner, Black Frame/Charcoal, 2" x 16.4' | - Motor-free treadmill / indoor running machine - Built-in handle and transport wheels - Digital console with HIIT and heart rate programs | Check Price |
 | Best Mid-Range Motorless IN10CT (Intensity) Health Runner Curved Manual Treadmill - Non Motorized Treadmill with Curved... | - Corrosion resistant sturdy steel frame | Check Price |
 | Best Quality Woodway Curved Treadmill | - Drive System 112 Precision Ball Bearings with 12 Roller Guides - Slats: ⅜” Thick composite T-sections - Self-Propelled Drive Motor | View latest price |
 | Best innovative Xebex Runner Smart Connect | - 10 year frame, 5 year parts, 2 year console | View latest price |
Best Budget Option
#1- Rogue Trueform Trainer
Specifications
- Dimensions: 64″ x 31″ x 63″
- Unit Weight: 270lb
- Max Weight: 400lb
- Frame: Steel
- Covers: Single Formed Reinforced Polymer
- Tread Surface: Molded Thermoplastic Elastomer
- Bearings: 112 Sealed Steel Ball Bearings
- Pulleys: Injection Molded Polymer
- Display: LCD – AA Battery
Rogue is one of the largest American distributors and manufacturers of strength and conditioning equipment. From CrossFit and military to collegiate and professional sports teams, Rogue has become a household name to all North Americans that want trustworthy and reliable sports equipment.
The Trueform Trainer is a non motorized treadmill made by the TrueForm and Rogue brand. The motorless treadmill is made from hard and thick plastic versus metal that other u shaped treadmills offer. This allows Rogue to present the trainer at a more affordable option.
The shallow deck of the trainer is designed to improve your run in a mid foot striking position, reducing your overall risk of injury while improving your overall form. With the rubber that helps your feet grip as you run and the smooth moving belt that is balanced and light, it reduces the overall fatigue on your feet, allowing you to run longer distances.
Although it’s less durable than the Trueform Runner, its predecessor that used metal as a base, the thick plastic is still durable and well made that can withstand heavier runners. Since it uses plastic, it is also much lighter and more portable, allowing you to easily move your trainer if needed.
The monitor is logically designed and easily read. It uses AA batteries and is very easy to replace. It tracks your speed, time, distance, and heart rate.
If you’re looking for a non motorized curved treadmill that is designed for improving your running performance and CrossFit endurance, then we recommend you have a look at the TrueForm Trainer.
Pros
- 400 lb weight capacity
- Easy assembly
- Subtle curve for more natural feel
- Solid steel frame
- High-end slatted rubber tread
- No max speed
- Help improve your running form
- Set your own pace without pushing console buttons
- Burn more calories than a motorized treadmill
- No electricity necessary
Cons
- Smaller running surface
- Short warranty
- Simple console
Best for Intense Training
#2-Assault Fitness AirRunner, Black Frame/Charcoal, 2" x 16.4'
Check PriceSpecifications
- Weight: 280 lb / 127 kg
- Length: 69.9 in / 177.5 cm
- Width: 32.8 in / 83.3 cm
- Height: 64 in / 162.6 cm
- Max User Weight: 350 lb / 158.8 kg
- Motor-free treadmill / indoor running machine
- Built-in handle and transport wheels
- Digital console with HIIT and heart rate programs
- Can be integrated into Queenax™ functional circuit training
- Uses no electricity – low carbon footprint
Assault Fitness has become one of the leaders in the fitness industry providing opportunities to improve life through fitness. Manufacturing bikes, treadmills, rowers, apparel, and other accessories aimed to support, inspire, educate, and strengthen everyone from those who are just beginning their fitness journey to professional athletes.
Whether it’s encouraging educational development or designing elite fitness equipment AssaultFitness also promises to elevate and uphold standards of life for every individual and community around the globe.
The Assault Air Runner has become one of the most popular non motorized treadmills for Crossfitters and home gym owners.
Made with a steel frame with powder coated uprights and rubber slats that combine to create a slat belt that sits on a 100 low-friction ball bearing. This allows the belt to move very smoothly over the surface of the curved frame.
The curved frame is very sturdy with adjustable leveling feet on the base ensuring that the curved treadmill sits level on your floor. With the wheels at the front of the motorless treadmill, you can lift and move it around where you want.
It weighs 280 lbs which are lighter than most competitors on the market and can support up to 350 lbs. As the running belt is 62.2” long and 17.1” wide, there is enough kickback length and forward stride to work with.
If you’re looking for a self propelled treadmill that is perfect for High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) or any CrossFit WODs, then the Assault Air Runner is the perfect curved treadmill for you as you control the speed and intensity to increase your heart rate, and overall your workout.
Pros
- Lightweight weighing around 280 lbs
- Smaller carbon footprint meaning it fits in smaller rooms and spaces in your home
- Doesn’t use any electricity making it environmentally friendly and save you on power fees over time
- Provides the light weight feeling when you run
- No limits on maximum speed
- High max user weight of 350 lbs
- The belt is maintenance free and you will never need to replace the deck or adjust the tension.
- As there is no motor on the u shaped treadmill, there is no worry about it being faulty or breaking down
- Wide deck of 33”, wider than standard treadmills that are only 20 to 22”
Cons
- Screen display monitor is small
- No built in programs
- Labor warranty is short at one year
- No incline features available
Best Mid-Range Motorless
#3- IN10CT (Intensity) Health Runner Curved Manual Treadmill - Non Motorized Treadmill with Curved...
Check PriceSpecifications
- Treadmill Dimensions: 69” L x 32” W x 61.5” H
- Running Surface: 17.16” x 61”
- Max User Weight: 400lb
- Console: Time, Speed, Distance, Calorie, Pace, Watt, Pulse.
- Frame: Corrosion resistant sturdy steel frame
- Belt: Slatted running belt with pulley track system to avoid belt from moving off track
IN10CT (Intensity) is a manufacturer that creates innovative products to help simplify and enhance consumer’s lives. Pushing modern-day thinking boundaries, they focus their efforts on designing high performing and efficient products that solve all your health needs.
IN10CT Health Runner is a great addition to any CrossFit gym environment. It is made with a steel frame with powder coated uprights. This durability allows fitness enthusiasts who are either heavy or those who love High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) for CrossFit WODs to push themselves to the limits without worrying for their curved treadmills from breaking.
The rubber slats provide the cushioning that reduces the impact on your joints when you run. It is designed to mimic outdoor surfaces while providing the necessary support. It also provides responsive training so you don’t have to wait for the treadmill to catch up to you or slow down.
If you’re looking for a solid non motorized treadmill that has great shock absorption, a smooth track, and great for CrossFit workouts, then we recommend you have a look at IN10CT Health Runner.
Pros
- Durable build with rubber slats to reduce the impact on joints.
- There is no max speed. It will go as fast as you do.
- It is suitable for workout and rehab.
- Clear display with workout details.
- Supports user weight up to 400 lbs.
- It is a curved manual treadmill that allows indoor cardio.
- Compact design
- Great for HIIT and CrossFit Training
- Transport wheels and the rear handle makes it easy to move to any location.
- Doesn’t require electricity.
Cons
- Basic display
- Weighs more than other motorless treadmills on the market
Best Quality Motorless
#4- Woodway Curved Treadmill
Specification
- Powder coated steel frame
- Shock-absorbing slat belt
- Running Surface Dimensions 17” W x 67” L
- Treadmill weight: 355lb
- User Weight Capacity Run: 400 lb.
- User Weight Capacity Walk: 800 lb. (4 mph max)
- Drive System 112 Precision Ball Bearings with 12 Roller Guides
- Slats: ⅜” Thick composite T-sections
- Self-Propelled Drive Motor
- Footprint: 33” W x 67” L x 73” H
- Step Up Height: 11”
- Power not required (standard console display; ProSmart Touchscreen display requires electrical outlet)
- Self-Propelled manual treadmill
Woodway is an international manufacturer of high end fitness equipment with its attention on treadmills. They are known for their slat belts or unique tracks, lasting over 150,000 miles before needing replacement. Focused on large treads for all skill levels and CrossFit training purposes, Woodway continues to offer equipment to help improve your overall fitness experience.
The Woodway Curve offers a natural as possible running experience in the comforts of indoors. That’s why it’s used by top-end home setups, running clubs, professional sports teams, and CrossFit gyms.
The belt is made of 60 individual slats that are driven by 112 precision ball bearings and 12 roller guides to provide a frictionless belt system. This also provides a gripping while smooth run when you begin using the curved treadmill. It is very quiet and the running track provides sufficient shock absorption reducing the stress on your joints.
The curve is ergonomically made to provide proper form when running or walking, as it encourages running upright with your stride hitting your center of gravity on each of your steps. It also encourages your feet to run with your weight on the mid section or front foot creating an ideal weight distribution.
The difference between other motorless treadmills on the market is its innovation. With Bluetooth connectivity, you can connect with other apps to track information about your workouts and heart rates.
If you’re looking for the best quality self propelled treadmill on the market, we recommend you have a look at Woodway Curve Treadmill.
Pros
- Long lifespan of 150,000 miles
- No electricity required to use meaning it can be installed anywhere
- Quiet due to not having a motor
- Heart rate monitor and Bluetooth compatible
- Great shock absorption
- Long warranty
Cons
- More expensive than the rest of the competitors on the market
- Not easy to move around once it is set up
Best Innovative U Shaped
#5- Xebex Runner Smart Connect
Specification
- Net Weight: 150.7KG (332 LBS)
- Gross Weight: 182.5KG (402 LBS)
- Ship Dimensions: 185x91x56 cm (73″ x 36″ x 22″)
- Assembled Dimensions: 179.7×88.4×152.5 cm (71″ x 35″ x 60″)
- Running Area: 67″L x 17″W
- Max User Weight, Run: 159KG (350 LBS)
- Max User Weight, Walk 4 mph max: 318KG (700 LBS)
- Made in Taiwan
- Warranty: 10 year frame, 5 year parts, 2 year console
Xebex has been manufacturing and designing equipment for top athletes and CrossFit users around the world. Made up of elite engineers, trainers, and athletes who know the functional fitness market, they continue to provide durable and high quality machinery to home gyms, commercial gyms, and CrossFit gyms all across the world.
Xebex Runner is a self generated, curved, and motorless machine. As it doesn’t use any electricity, it allows the user to run at their desired speed and change the intensity or output with no minimum or maximum settings.
Using a 10mm thick, shock absorbing, vulcanized, low impact, and rubber running surface to reduce the stress on your joints and allowing you to perform longer for your WODs and HIIT workouts. It is also very responsive allowing you to pick up speed, maintain speed, or decrease speed very easily.
The console keeps you informed of the stats of your workout including Pace, RPM, Watts, Speed, Distance, Calories Burned, Time, and Heart Rate. This is all included with its unique interval program that connects to mobile fitness apps, allowing you to add some competition into your workouts.
If you’re looking for an innovative curved treadmill that has most features of a standard treadmill, we recommend you have a look at Xebex Runner Smart Connect.
Pros
- Durable build with rubber slats to reduce the impact on joints.
- Responsive to speed change
- Bluetooth Capabilities and Mobile Third Party App Connectivity
- Clear display with workout details.
- It is a curved manual treadmill that allows indoor cardio.
- There is no max speed. It will go as fast as you do.
- It is suitable for workout and rehab.
- Compact design
- Great for HIIT and CrossFit Training
- Doesn’t require electricity.
Cons
- Not easy to move around once it is set up
- No incline features available
Benefits of using Curved Treadmills
Activate and Use More Muscle Groups
When you run outside, you engage more muscles than when you are on a treadmill because you have to push yourself forward. Curved treadmills are more like running outdoors as you have to drive yourself forward if you want to get started.
You cannot increase your speed automatically by pushing a button as you expect on a treadmill because you have to run faster resulting in you expending more energy as you run.
Helps Improve Your Running Form Naturally
When running with the curvature of the treadmill, it forces you to run on the balls of your feet. This allows your core to be engaged more, forcing you to maintain a better posture.
With better posture and running form, it will help reduce potential injuries. Proper running form reduces the impact and forces on your joints. They are better than running outside because the rubber surface is designed to help absorb the shock on your tissues and joints, alleviating potential injuries that may come from running on the pavement.
Harder and Increased Calorie Burning Workouts
It was found that athletes that run 30% harder on a curved treadmill burn 30% more calories than running on a traditional treadmill. This means that you can have more of the benefits that you are looking for in a less amount of time and in the comforts of your own home.
Safe and Simple To Use
Because the motorless treadmills are self powered, you never have to worry about setting the pace. You adjust yourself depending on your condition, so if you choose to run faster, you do that by naturally running faster.
Similar to running outside, you choose your pace but the reduced potential injuries as your joints are taking less force from the hard and different surfaces.
Curved Treadmills Last Longer
As there are no moving parts such as an electric motor in a self propelled treadmill, this means you have fewer pieces that are likely to break down. The most common parts that are usually replaced are the slats on the belt which is affordable. With proper care and maintenance, curved treadmills last about 10 to 15 years.
Why Curved Treadmills are the best for CrossFit
Safer Than Traditional Treadmills and Outdoor Running
As the running deck of the treadmill has more grip, it provides better traction for your feet than standard conventional treadmills that use cotton nylon belts or harsh asphalt and slippery grass.
By having the thick rubber slats that curved treadmills use, there is less friction and less heat that is being generated between the transport system and belt system. Making it safer to have in your gym in the fire hazard perspective.
No Electricity Required
Non motorized treadmills are great because they do not use any electricity. This means it will be friendlier to the environment and save you power costs and electricity.
Minimal Maintenance and Long Service Life
As there are no moving parts such as an electric motor in a self propelled treadmill, this means you have fewer pieces that are likely to break down.
The most common parts that are usually replaced are the slats on the belt which is affordable. With proper care and maintenance, curved treadmills last about 10 to 15 years.
Non Motorized Treadmill Buying Guide
Usability
The easier and more accessible the treadmill, the more benefits you will get from it. If you’re a CrossFitter that doesn’t have much time or don’t want to pay hundreds of extra dollars on electrical bills, then a non motorized treadmill will be perfect for your situation.
Make sure you find one that offers versatile applications and features for your specific workouts.
Stability
A U shaped treadmill that does not move reduces the risk of injuries ensuring you have a more satisfying and effective workout. Make sure it doesn’t move around when you sprint and run so you can focus more on your workout than protecting your legs.
Setup
Since non motorized treadmills do not require electricity, they are simpler to set up as all you need to do is to begin walking. If needed, make sure they have routines and different training modes to personalize your CrossFit workouts.
Weight Limit
A maximum weight limit will provide you an idea of how good the curved treadmill operates under certain stresses. If your weight exceeds the maximum weight limit, we do not recommend purchasing a curved treadmill.
Warranty
When purchasing a curved treadmill, a warranty is a factor that you should think about. Often curved treadmills will come with a 5 year warranty for the frame and parts and labor for a few years less.
Conclusion
When choosing a curved treadmill, there are many factors to consider. The Usability, Stability, Setup, Weight Limit, and more.
However, taking all of this into consideration, out of all the Curved Treadmill, we recommend the Assault Air Runner.
The Assault Air Runner has become one of the most popular non motorized treadmills for Crossfitters and home gym owners.
Made with a steel frame with powder coated uprights and rubber slats that combine to create a slat belt that sits on a 100 low-friction ball bearing. This allows the belt to move very smoothly over the surface of the curved frame.
The curved frame is very sturdy with adjustable leveling feet on the base ensuring that the curved treadmill sits level on your floor. With the wheels at the front of the motorless treadmill, you can lift and move it around where you want.
It weighs 280 lbs which are lighter than most competitors on the market and can support up to 350 lbs. As the running belt is 62.2” long and 17.1” wide, there is enough kickback length and forward stride to work with.
If you’re looking for a self propelled treadmill that is perfect for High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) or any CrossFit WODs, then the Assault Air Runner is the perfect curved treadmill for you as you control the speed and intensity to increase your heart rate, and overall your workout.