But have you ever wondered what the difference is between a curved treadmill, and a flat 'normal treadmill'? Well, luckily I've just the answer for you. 

Firstly, what is a curved treadmill, and how does it work?

A curved treadmill is a non-motorized, self-powered treadmill that has a concave shape (hence the name!). This U-shape style is designed to be more ergonomic and is promoted to help reduce joint stress while feeling more natural, compared to a standard flat non-motorized treadmill. The design of the treadmill promotes/enables the point of contact from the foot to the treadmill to be ahead of the centre of mass. This makes the experience of running on a curved treadmill significantly different from that of running on a non-motorized treadmill or running on the ground. 

The belt of the treadmill is made up of slats, rather than a continuous piece, as you speed up your running pace, the belt will start moving faster in return. So, how fast you want to run is entirely up to you at any given moment while using a curved treadmill by adjusting your speed and stride.

However, you’ll quickly find that it’s easy to get moving FAST on it, which is why it’s not ideal for everyone. 

Benefits of the Curved Treadmill:

Engages More Muscles

Curved treadmills tend to engage more muscle groups due to the propelling technique that’s required to move the belt forward.

They’re particularly good at engaging the posterior chain muscles, that is the glutes, hamstrings, and calves.

Increases Calorie Burn

A study published in the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport shows that runners work about 30 per cent harder on the curved, non-motorized running surface of a curved treadmill, which also leads to more calories being burned.

If you ignore that they are usually running for a much shorter time than on a regular treadmill, which then means they have burned fewer calories overall.

Useful for Sprint Intervals

These are meant to be used for sprint intervals and can be useful when doing tempo runs or training where you need to adjust your pace.

Improves Your Running Gait

Runners tend to stand up straighter and take shorter steps for better form while running on a curved treadmill.

Studies back this by showing that it results in significant changes to your gait characteristics, that is your step length, stride length, and stride angle.

More Eco-Friendly

Since they are self-propelling and non-motorized, no electricity is needed! There are no power cords with these due to their completely manual nature.

So you can set these up anywhere without having to worry about a power outlet. It’ll help to save up on your energy bill and also be eco-friendly in the process.

Minus the fact that they still need to be manufactured and delivered…

Other Claimed Benefits

Other benefits are routinely mentioned when talking about curved treadmills:

• Potential for less joint impact – although it’s meant to be easier on the joints, I’ve been unable to find any data or studies to back this.
• No routine maintenance is required – but let’s be honest, how many of you do anything to your regular treadmill anyway?
• They’re sometimes considered safer than regular treadmills – I think this is debatable as there’s a learning curve (no pun intended) to controlling your speed. You can’t just hit a stop button, you have to physically stop your body.
• Claims to last longer than a traditional treadmill 

Drawbacks of Using a Curved Treadmill

With that being said, there are certain cons to using (and buying) a curved treadmill that you need to know:

❌More Expensive

They tend to be a lot more expensive than traditional treadmills. Though it would seem with fewer parts they should be less expensive than a motorized treadmill, you’ll find many are 2 to 4 times the cost. It’s like a bikini, why does so little cost extra?

In this case, it’s largely because they are still new and not mainstream.

Thus this cost hasn’t yet been driven down. 

❌Difficult to Control Your Pace

While some might argue that you can control your pace better on a curved treadmill, the reality is different. It’s hard to learn to control your pacing and as I mentioned above, there is a learning curve to them. (Excuse the pun)

You will also have to change your pace goals due to the higher effort – which leads me to my next point.

❌Not Meant for Distance Runners

While curved treadmills are great for sprint intervals, they’re not meant for distance runners. They’re not designed with marathoners in mind when it comes to long runs. Distance running is about your mind, as well as your body. You can’t just get into the zone and run with these. They require you to stay alert and aware while using them.

They’re not a treadmill I would advise the average runner to use for distances above 1.5/2 miles. It’s designed for those doing classes or interval-style workouts, faster or elite runners.

❌Potential Injury Risk

With the change in running gait from the curved treadmill increased stress is placed on the posterior chain. This can lead to a higher number of injuries to the calves/hammys. Particularly if you don't do a lot of strength/interval training. From my anecdotal experience users of a curved treadmill run in a style where the feet are striking the ground more narrowly (looking like they are running on a tightrope). When these runners then move back into outdoor running where they need to change direction etc. it can lead to more ankle rolls/knee injuries. 

So, what is the verdict:

A fantastic tool for intervals. Cannot fault it there. A great bit of kit to utilise on top of your normal run training. But if you are trying to build an endurance base. Stick to the great outdoors. 

See you out there people 🏃‍♀️