5 Best Curved Treadmills

Three of the best curved treadmills

Share on Pinterest

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process.

Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:

Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?

We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.

What is a curved treadmill?

Unlike regular treadmills, curved treadmills feature a concave design and are nonmotorized, meaning that you control your pace by adjusting your speed and stride rather than by changing settings on the treadmill.

Since they don’t need to be connected to a power source, curved treadmills can be set up almost anywhere and often require less maintenance than motorized treadmills.

In addition to saving energy, curved treadmills may offer several other benefits, especially when it comes to preventing injuries and improving your form (1, 2).

That said, running on a curved treadmill is generally more challenging and may take some getting used to. It typically requires you to expend more energy and causes you to run a little differently than you would on a conventional motorized treadmill (1, 3).

Pros

doesn’t need electricity to function
may help improve running technique with regular use
increases workout intensity and number of calories burned
decreases impact on joints, which may help prevent injuries
can last longer and require less maintenance than a motorized treadmill

Cons

generally more expensive than a motorized treadmill
bulky and requires more space than other equipment
fewer models to choose from
limited training options

available
may take some time to adapt for those used to running on motorized treadmills

How we chose these treadmills

There are a variety of curved treadmills on the market, which vary in terms of price, features, and available training options.

The curved treadmills featured in this article were selected based on the following criteria:

Training options: Most of these treadmills include training programs, such as preset workouts or multiple levels of manual resistance.
Features: Many of these treadmills offer a range of special features, such as Bluetooth connectivity, transport wheels, and built-in touch-screen displays.
Price: A wide range of price points are included, but we looked for treadmills that provide a good value for the price.
Customer reviews: These treadmills have largely positive customer reviews online.
Warranties: Most of these treadmills include warranties on the frame, tread, or parts to help protect your purchase.
Vetting: The treadmills on our list have been vetted to ensure that they align with Healthline’s brand integrity standards and approach to well-being. You can read more about our vetting process.

Here are 5 of the best curved treadmills of 2022.

A note on price

General price ranges with dollar signs ($–$$$) are indicated below. One dollar sign means the product is rather affordable, whereas three dollar signs indicate a higher cost.

Generally, prices range from $1,999 to $7,299, though this may vary depending on where you shop.

Pricing guide

$ = under $2,000
$$ = $2,000–$5,000
$$$ = over $5,000

Healthline’s picks of the best curved treadmills of 2022

Best overall

Assault Fitness AssaultRunner Elite

Price: $$

Assault Fitness treadmills are popular in commercial facilities and home gyms alike. Thanks to its durable design and impressive features, the AssaultRunner Elite gets our pick as the best curved treadmill of 2022.

The machine offers a digital console, water bottle holders, a variety of heart rate and interval training programs, and Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity for streaming workout classes on your favorite fitness apps.

It has a durable steel frame and corrosion-resistant hardware. It’s also lighter than some other curved treadmills and has built-in transport wheels for easy portability.

Assault Fitness AssaultRunner Elite at a glance

Dimensions: 70 × 31.7 × 64.4 inches (in.) (178 × 80.4 × 163.5 cm)
Weight: 289.2 pounds (lbs.) (131 kg)
Training programs: Quick Start, Intervals (20/10, 10/20, Custom), Targets (Time, Distance, Calories, Heart Rate), and Competition Mode
Warranty: 10 years on frame, 3 years on non-wear parts, 1 year on labor, lifetime on belt
Weight capacity: 400 lbs. (182 kg)
Special features: Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity, built-in training programs, sweat-resistant handgrips, water bottle holders, transport wheels, rear handle
Pros:
- features durable frame and corrosion-resistant hardware
- offers multiple training programs
- includes Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity
Cons:
- relatively expensive

Shop now at Assault Fitness

Best value

SB Fitness Equipment CT400 Self-Generated Curved Treadmill

Price: $

If you’re looking for a curved treadmill that won’t break the bank, check out this model from SB Fitness.

This treadmill offers three levels of manual magnetic resistance, an easy-to-read digital display, and flexible slats designed to maximize shock absorption.

It also includes transport wheels and a handle, so you can move and store it between workouts.

Plus, it has multigrip handlebars and several training programs, including intervals and targets based on time, distance, calories, and heart rate.

SB Fitness Equipment CT400 Self-Generated Curved Treadmill at a glance

Dimensions: 73 × 30.5 × 61.6 in. (185 × 77 × 156 cm)
Weight: 165 lbs. (75 kg)
Training programs: Intervals (20/10, 10/20, Custom) and Targets (Time, Distance, Calories, Heart Rate)
Warranty: 10 years on frame, 7 years on parts, 2 years on console, 1 year on labor
Weight capacity: 375 lbs. (170 kg)
Special features: 3 levels of manual magnetic resistance, transport wheels, rear handle, multigrip handlebars, built-in training programs
Pros:
- more cost-effective than other models
- includes three levels of manual magnetic resistance
- has multigrip handlebars
Cons:
- doesn’t include Bluetooth or ANT+ connectivity

Shop now at Walmart

Best design

NOHrD Sprintbok Curved Manual Treadmill

Price: $$$

This treadmill features a solid wood frame and 62 movable slats on the running belt, which help absorb shock and reduce strain on your joints.

NOHrD uses sustainably sourced wood to craft the Sprintbok, and the slats are finished with linoleum for added durability.

It’s also equipped with a 17.3-in. (44-cm) tablet, making it easy to track your progress and performance.

Plus, a variety of preprogrammed workouts are available, along with scenic runs, which you can access using the Sprintbok app.

However, it’s relatively expensive and includes only a 1-year warranty, which may not be ideal if you’re on a tight budget. (If you register your treadmill within the first year of purchase, you can upgrade to a 2-year warranty.)

NOHrD Sprintbok Curved Manual Treadmill at a glance

Dimensions: 71 × 28 × 55 in. (180 × 70 × 140 cm)
Weight: 353 lbs. (160 kg)
Training programs: preprogrammed workouts available on Sprintbok app, including scenic runs and walks
Warranty: 1 year (2 years if registered within the first year of purchase)
Weight capacity: 353 lbs. (160 kg)
Special features: built-in tablet with app
Pros:
- equipped with built-in tablet
- includes preprogrammed workouts
- unique design featuring natural materials
Cons:
- expensive
- shorter warranty than other products
- difficult to move

Shop now at Amazon

Most customizable

TrueForm Runner Treadmill

Price: $$$

The TrueForm Runner Treadmill is one of the few curved treadmills to offer several customization options.

You can choose from among five tread options: field turf, rubber, red or blue running track, and a surface designed specifically for barefoot running.

The treadmill also includes an LED monitor and has a shallow curve, which helps control your speed and supports a balanced gait.

With a weight capacity of up to 500 lbs. (227 kg), it’s highly durable and can accommodate runners of various sizes.

However, it’s a bit heavier and bulkier than other curved treadmills, which is an important consideration for those with limited space.

TrueForm Runner at a glance

Dimensions: 64 × 36 × 63 in. (163 × 91 × 160 cm)
Weight: 340 lbs. (154 kg)
Training programs: manual mode
Warranty: 20 years on frame, 3 or 5 years on tread (varies by tread type), 5 years on tread mechanisms, 3 years on display, 1 year on labor
Weight capacity: 500 lbs. (227 kg)
Special features: customizable tread surface, LED monitor, transport wheels
Pros:
- high weight capacity
- 5 unique tread options to choose from
- long warranty
Cons:
- pricey
- bulkier and heavier than other models
- limited training options
- no Bluetooth or ANT+ connectivity

Shop now at TrueForm

Best for small spaces

IN10CT Curved Manual Treadmill

Price: $$

While curved treadmills are generally pretty bulky, this option from IN10CT has a smaller footprint than most others, so it’s a good choice if you’re short on space.

It’s made with rubber slats to reduce the impact on your joints (4).

It also includes a digital monitor to help you track your performance.

This portable treadmill is lighter than some other curved treadmills and has transport wheels and a rear handle so you can move or store it when you’re not using it.

However, it doesn’t offer any preprogrammed workouts or varying resistance levels, which may be a drawback for those who prefer more training options.

IN10CT Treadmill at a glance

Dimensions: 69 × 32 × 61.5 in. (175 × 81 × 156 cm)
Weight: 331 lbs. (150 kg)
Training programs: manual mode
Warranty: 5 years on frame, 3 years on other parts
Weight capacity: 400 lbs. (182 kg)
Special features: digital display, transport wheels, rear handle
Pros:
- lighter than several other models
- includes transport wheels and rear handle
- equipped with rubber slats to reduce impact on joints
Cons:
- no preprogrammed workouts or varying resistance levels
- relatively pricey
- shorter warranty than other products
- doesn’t include Bluetooth or ANT+ connectivity

Shop now at Amazon

How do these curved treadmills compare?

PriceWarrantyWeight capacityTraining programsAdditional featuresAssault Fitness AssaultRunner Elite$$10 years on frame, 3 years on non-wear parts, 1 year on labor, lifetime on belt400 lbs. (182 kg)Quick Start, Intervals (20/10, 10/20, Custom), Targets (Time, Distance, Calories, Heart Rate), and Competition Mode• Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity
• built-in training programs
• sweat-resistant handgrips
• transport wheels
• rear handle
• water bottle holders

SB Fitness Equipment CT400$10 years on frame, 7 years on parts, 2 years on console, 1 year on labor375 lbs. (170 kg)Intervals (20/10, 10/20, Custom) and Targets (Time, Distance, Calories, Heart Rate)• 3 levels of manual magnetic resistance
• multigrip handlebars
• transport wheels
• rear handle
• built-in training programs

NOHrD Sprintbok$$$1 year353 lbs. (160 kg)preprogrammed workouts available on Sprintbok appbuilt-in tablet with appTrueForm Runner$$$20 years on frame, 3 or 5 years on tread (varies by tread type), 5 years on tread mechanisms, 3 years on display, 1 year on labor 500 lbs. (227 kg)manual mode• customizable tread
• LED monitor
• transport wheels

IN10CT Curved Manual Treadmill $$5 years on frame, 3 years on other parts400 lbs. (182 kg)manual mode• digital display
• transport wheels
• rear handle

How to choose the best curved treadmill

There are several factors to keep in mind when purchasing a curved treadmill:

Training options: While some offer only basic features, others include multiple resistance levels or built-in training programs.
Price: Additionally, curved treadmills vary greatly in price. Be sure to look for a machine that’s within your budget and consider the warranty of the product. You’ll also want to factor in additional fees, such as shipping or assembly.
Space: If you’re short on space, you may want to choose a more compact model or one that has transport wheels for easy storage.

Benefits of curved treadmills

Curved treadmills don’t have motors. They’re propelled solely by the motion of your body, which makes them a convenient and energy-saving alternative to regular treadmills.

They can also help increase the intensity of your workout and boost the number of calories that you burn.

One small study in 13 male runners found that running on a curved treadmill for 4 minutes increased heart rate and oxygen consumption significantly more than running on a motorized treadmill (3).

According to one review, running on a curved treadmill may also improve your running gait, posture, symmetry, and balance (1).

Not only can improving your running technique enhance your performance, but over time it may also help reduce the amount of energy that your body requires to run at a certain pace (5).

Furthermore, some research suggests that running or jogging on a curved treadmill can reduce the impact on your joints to help prevent injuries (6).

Frequently asked questions

Is it harder to run on a curved treadmill?

Because curved treadmills are self-powered, it can be more challenging to get started and maintain your momentum. They also operate quite differently than motorized treadmills, so it may take some time to get used to a curved treadmill if you’ve never tried one before.

Still, many people prefer curved treadmills because they can increase the intensity of your workout and boost the number of calories that you burn (7).

Are curved treadmills better than regular treadmills?

Compared to regular treadmills, curved treadmills can help you burn more calories and reduce the impact on your joints (8).

However, they are typically more expensive and bulkier than regular treadmills. Curved treadmills also have fewer models available and offer fewer training and customization options.

Who are curved treadmills for?

Curved treadmills may be a good option for people hoping to improve their gait, decrease strain on their joints, and increase the intensity of their running routine.

Because they aren’t motorized, they may also be a good choice for people looking for a durable and energy-saving alternative to regular treadmills.

The bottom line

Curved treadmills are a great addition to any home gym.

They can not only ease the strain on your joints but also help you burn more calories, save energy, and improve your gait.

By considering factors like the price, size, and available training options, we’re confident that you’ll find the right product for your running needs.