4 of the best curved treadmill

Jun 17, 2023

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Curved treadmills are an alternative to standard treadmills and provide an aerobic workout. These treadmills do not need electricity to work.

Curved treadmills are nonmotorized devices featuring a curved running surface. They require no electricity, as the person's movement moves the treadmill belt forward. When the individual stops running, the belt also stops. These machines may suit those with a bigger budget and who wish to engage in intense exercises. They may also have links with improved posture, balance, and symmetry.

This article will explore what to look for in a curved treadmill, along with some products that people can consider. It will also look at some health benefits, potential risks, and alternative equipment and exercises.

People may wish to consider the following factors before purchasing a curved treadmill:

Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based.

The AssaultRunner curved treadmill features:

It also has a slat belt running surface that lasts up to 150,000 miles.

The curved treadmill weighs 280 lb and has the following dimensions:

Additionally, the company offers:

The Xebex Runner Smart Connect may suit all fitness levels and those with a bigger budget. People can connect the treadmill to third-party apps, such as Zwift, Xert, and RGT Cycling.

Some additional features include:

It also comes with a 10 millimeter (mm) shock-absorbing vulcanized rubber surface, so runners do not put a lot of stress on their joints.

Its console keeps track of the person's stats, such as heart rate, speed, and running time. It is also compatible with ANT+ chest belts for heart rate monitoring.

It has a net weight of 332 lb. Its dimensions are:

The equipment also comes with:

This treadmill features a running width surface of 17 in, which is slightly less curved than alternative models. Other features include:

The product weighs 280 lb, and its dimensions are:

This treadmill has an LED battery display screen that tracks the user's progress.

It features polyurethane-reinforced responsive belt technology and a molded thermoplastic elastomer tread. This reportedly helps provide a natural running surface that reacts to changes in movement from the hips, posture, and force of the foot strike.

The machine also has a 17-in wide running surface.

Other features include:

It weighs 375 lb and has the following dimensions:

Curved treadmills help people burn more calories, increase their heart rate and get a cardio workout inside their home. However, those interested in home cardio workouts may consider using other home gym equipment, such as:

Individuals who do not have the budget or room in their home may also consider engaging in other cardio exercises that do not require equipment. These can be body weight plyometrics, which people often refer to as jump training, and can use fast twitched muscles.

Potential exercises include

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) state that people should engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise each week. Walking or running on a treadmill, especially a curved treadmill, can help a person meet this goal.

A 2017 study noted that individuals have to work harder on a curved treadmill because instead of the belt going at a set pace, the runner determines the pace. People with a lower body mass may have to work at a higher intensity to overcome the equipment's belt resistance than those with a higher body mass index.

However, this effect may not be applicable to those with lower body mass. A small 2018 study compared the oxygen consumption and exertion of male runners completing 4 minute runs on a curved, nonmotorized treadmill, and a motorized treadmill. The researchers found that heart rate and oxygen consumption were higher on a curved treadmill compared to running on the motorized ones. They also noted an increase in running cadence or steps per minute.

However, it is important to note that most people will spend longer than 4 minutes on a treadmill and that these effects may not persist past 4-minute runs.

In another study from 2018, researchers noted that running on a curved nonmotorized treadmill can improve a person's running posture, balance, and symmetry. The noted improvements may work when they are not using a treadmill, but scientists need to conduct further research to determine the long-lasting effects.

Though running on a curved treadmill can help people achieve their fitness goals, it may reduce their exposure to green space areas or open areas of natural features such as plants. In a 2018 systematic review, researchers found that green space exposure can have many health benefits. For example, it can increase sleep duration and reduce diastolic blood pressure and the chances of stroke.

However, indoor exercise is likely better than not moving at all. According to the CDC, people who do not exercise regularly may have an increased chance of developing certain health conditions, including:

Curved treadmills help people engage in high intensity running or walking exercises. The person controls the workout intensity since their movement powers the treadmill belt.

Evidence suggests that these treadmills may improve running posture, burn more calories, and increase the user's heart rate more than a motorized treadmill.

People should consider comparing different brands and choose the exercise equipment that best suits their needs and budget.

Please note: Medical News Today does not imply warranty of fitness for a particular purpose or endorse any of these applications. Nobody at MNT has evaluated these apps for medical accuracy. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved them unless otherwise indicated.