Why Are Curved Treadmills So Expensive?

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Have you ever wondered why curved treadmills are so expensive? They look cool and have become pretty popular over the last few years.

But, I must admit, they can be a bit hard to come by for most home gyms and are mostly found in high-end commercial gyms with pricey memberships.

Now, curved treadmills can range in price from around $500 to as much as $8000-9000, with the average cost being about $4000.

I know that might sound steep when you can find amazing treadmills for under $2000, and budget treadmills for way less than that, but curved treadmills are among the most expensive treadmills you can buy.

But before we dive into why curved treadmills are on the pricier side, let’s take a moment to understand the science behind them.

How Does a Curved Treadmill Work?

The mechanics behind curved treadmills involve a clever blend of gravity, friction, and the exploration of forces during running.

As you run, the curved shape of the treadmill causes your foot and body weight to pull the tread down and back during the downstroke backwards.

This unique design shifts the point of contact ahead of your center of mass, creating a different experience of support compared to other non-motorized treadmills or running on the ground.

Using a curved treadmill is similar to running overground, but it’s not an exact substitute. The differences might not be immediately noticeable, but they help slightly reduce the stress on your legs from vertical ground reaction forces.

However, measuring forces on curved treadmills can be challenging because conventional force plates are flat, making it harder to assess the impact accurately.

The key to a good curved treadmill lies in its ball bearings or the ability to minimize horizontal friction during the early part of foot strike.

This reduction in friction helps improve muscle firing patterns, though there’s a delicate balance because some braking phase is necessary for propulsion.

While top speed running relies more on redirecting vertical force, submaximally, horizontal forces contribute to running locomotion.

Research has shown that a balance of lateral, horizontal, and vertical forces is essential for sprinting success. Therefore, while using a curved treadmill feels similar to running outside, it’s not a perfect substitute.

Curved Treadmill Function

Curved treadmills excel at constant speed running, but they aren’t ideal for acceleration.

Acceleration requires pushing behind while leaning forward, and the body’s natural response prevents us from falling.

Some treadmills are designed for acceleration, but most are incline options with support bars or a chest support. However, they may not provide the same benefits as outdoor sprinting due to the limitations of treadmill design.

So, why use a curved treadmill? Apart from its eco-friendly and low-maintenance features, the curved treadmill offers a more natural experience as it uses the force of every step, allowing for greater movement variability compared to constant speed belts in motorized options.

However, it’s essential to recognize that curved treadmills may not be the best tools for working on starts and first-step quickness, as they are better suited for conditioning rather than top speed development.

While treadmill running contributes to overall training, there are distinct differences between sprinting at maximal effort on a curved treadmill and sprinting outdoors on grass or a track.

As coaches, it’s crucial to have a clear understanding of the intended training outcomes when incorporating curved treadmills into athletes’ routines.

Why are curved treadmills expensive?

Intensifies Calorie Burn

Experts have confirmed that curved treadmills can boost calorie burn by a whopping 30% compared to regular treadmills. These machines are specifically designed for high-intensity training. Since the belt speed depends on your energy input, your body needs to exert greater force to keep the belt moving at high speeds.

As a result, your body stays in the fat-burning zone throughout the entire workout, making it more efficient than other aerobic exercises.

Engages More Muscle Groups

The benefits of curved treadmills don’t end with just fat loss; they are also highly effective in building muscle. Unlike a traditional treadmill that may not fully engage all leg muscles, the curved treadmill is designed to keep your upper body stable while effectively working your glutes and hamstrings.

With the manual belt requiring more effort, it helps tone and engage multiple muscle groups in a shorter period of time.

Prevents Running Injuries

Some trainers worry that manual treadmills can lead to injuries due to excessive strain on lower body muscles, resulting in joint and knee pain, and quicker fatigue, which can reduce overall calorie burn.

However, curved treadmills address these concerns with an impeccable shock absorption system and a rubber belt. This setup absorbs the impact of your foot strike, reducing the risk of injuries and allowing you to enjoy a longer, safer workout.

Curved treadmills truly offer an exceptional workout experience with intensified calorie burn, engagement of multiple muscle groups, and enhanced injury prevention features.

Advanced Shock Absorbing Technology

While high-end motorized treadmills come with an 8-point shock system for elasticity in the running surface, the curved treadmill takes it to a whole new level.

The curved running surface reduces pressure points and minimizes the risk of injury.

The shape of the curve positions your foot strike at an angle, distributing force more evenly and reducing reactionary force compared to regular motorized treadmills. This ensures a more stable and injury-free workout experience.

Curved treadmills are designed for high-intensity workouts, and a robust shock absorption system is essential for enjoyable and effective sessions. With a premium shock absorption system, these treadmills have a longer lifespan and require fewer repairs, saving you money in the long run.

High Quality Curved Treadmill

You know the saying, “You get what you pay for”? It’s true for treadmills too. Regular treadmills may offer cheaper alternatives, but they often lack the durability and longevity you need. Constant repairs can overshadow the joy of working out, making the initial lower cost less appealing in the end.

The price of a treadmill is determined by the quality of its materials, and curved treadmills are made with top-notch components to cater to athletes and HIIT trainers.

The higher cost is justified by the superior build and performance that lasts for years. So, although the upfront price may be higher, the reduced depreciation cost and longer lifespan mean you won’t need to worry about a new purchase for about five years.

Heavier Components

Curved treadmills need sturdier and heavier components to withstand the intense pressure of fast-paced runs. Weaker components would simply fall apart under such high pressure. As a result, the use of heavier components does lead to a slightly higher cost, which contributes to the overall price of the treadmill.

Moreover, to ensure the durability and long-term viability of these heavier components, they require careful adjustments and expertise during the manufacturing process. This additional level of skill and attention further adds to the production cost, ultimately impacting the final price of the curved treadmill.

High-End Running Belt

The running belt of a curved treadmill feels different and premium compared to motorized treadmills. It’s made of high-grade rubber with a balanced composition of polythene and elastane, ensuring both a smooth running experience and long-lasting durability.

The concave shape and advanced elastane technology of the curved treadmill’s belt create a natural posture, allowing you to run for longer intervals without feeling fatigued. The belt’s technology also optimizes the movement of your strides, resulting in an effective and comfortable running motion.

Designed for High Intensity Training

Curved treadmills were specifically devised to cater to high-intensity training needs. Unlike higher incline settings on regular treadmills that may not yield the desired strength training and sprint intervals, a curved treadmill allows trainers to run at their natural pace, maximizing calorie burn and boosting the metabolic rate. This results in a higher strain on your body, helping you build strength for longer and more effective workouts.

Durability and Endurance

To endure the intense pressure during fast-paced runs, curved treadmills require heavier components. Weaker parts are prone to falling apart under such pressure, compromising the treadmill’s performance and longevity. The use of heavier components adds to the overall cost of the treadmill, but it ensures a reliable and robust workout experience.

Angular Parts for Aesthetic Appeal

Curved treadmills not only provide an efficient workout but also boast an aesthetically pleasing design. The non-conventional arched shape appeals to many users. However, achieving this unique design comes with higher manufacturing costs.

The belts, base, and structure have to be carefully molded to accommodate the curved shape, and creating these parts isn’t an easy task. Proper installation is crucial to ensure the treadmill’s durability and enjoyable workout sessions. Manufacturers invest more to ensure a seamless fit that doesn’t malfunction.

Smooth and Natural Motion

Curved treadmills are also designed to ensure a smoother and more natural motion during your workout.

Unlike flat treadmill belts, which can cause undue strain on your joints when rotating, the angular components of a curved treadmill make the belt easier to rotate.

This feature is essential to maintain the purpose of buying a manual curved treadmill – to enjoy a smoother and more controlled workout experience.