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Curved Treadmills: Why Should You Use One?
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You might have seen a curved running machine in your local gym's cardio or group training area. As opposed to other cardio machines, which are becoming ever more technologically advanced, these self-powered treadmills are stripped back to basics and offer a refreshing alternative.
Here are our top reasons as to why you should consider a curved tread the next time you see one and the benefits it can bring to your training.
What is a Curved Treadmill?
First, let's talk about what a curved treadmill is and how it works.
Unlike running machines that require electricity, curved treadmills do not. Its curved running surface puts a greater demand on the user than a traditional motorised treadmill
Running on this type of self-powered treadmill allows you to run naturally on the balls of your feet. This motion creates momentum to turn the treadmill belt by pushing your body forward. By using this type of running style, the runner is able to use more muscle groups in comparison to the traditional heel strike.
This is a versatile piece of cardiovascular equipment that has many applications:
- Aerobic Fitness
- Anaerobic Power (Speed Training)
- Anaerobic Capacity (Including: Interval Training, Fartlek Training, Timed Intervals, etc.)
- Max speed/Speed Training (Overspeed training, Technical work, Sprint Drills (Acceleration technique, Bounding))
- Youth and/or Rehabilitative Locomotor Patterning
- Decreased Ground Reaction Force Training (including Quick Leg Cycle, and Powerful Strides)
Why Should You Consider Using a Curved Treadmill?
A curved running machine is not only versatile, but it also boasts a number of health and performance advantages.
Use More Muscle Groups and More Energy
During your run, the curved treadmill recruits more muscles. The glutes and hamstrings, in particular. This is due to the propelling technique required to drive the running belt forward (similar to running outside).
A curved treadmill also helps to reduce the vertical displacement of the body's centre of mass (COM). As a result, energy expenditure is increased.
Run More Naturally and Burn More Calories
The design encourages you to run on the balls of your feet. This reduces the impact on joints and ultimately improves running performance. Furthermore, there is more core and trunk engagement due to the need to run at an ergonomically correct angle. This forces you to maintain proper posture, otherwise, you will feel off balance and it will affect your running gait.
The most appealing fact is that a curved treadmill has been proven to increase average calorie expenditure by 30-40%. This is in comparison to walking for 10 minutes on a flat treadmill at 3 miles per hour.
A Harder Workout Guaranteed
Increased Rate of Perceived Exertion (Borg Scale 6-20) has been demonstrated to be around 1.44 units higher on a curved treadmill compared to the conventional flat treadmill. That’s the difference between very light and light exercise. An increased heart rate by 22% and relative VO2 was 41% greater at the same speed on a curved treadmill.
Self-Powered and Simple to Use
It is simple and quick to get started on the curved treadmill because it is entirely driven by the user. To walk, jog, or run, simply climb on and shift your body weight forward - no buttons required. On these treadmills, we recommend that you begin by walking. This allows you to become used to the difference before increasing your speed.
Why Consider Adding a Curved Treadmill to Your Gym?
There are several reasons why a gym should incorporate a curved treadmill to its cardio area. The following are some of the advantages:
Safer than Traditional Motorised Treadmills
The treadmill's running deck has a lot more grip. This is significantly different from standard treadmill running belts, which are made of cotton-nylon.
The belt system and the transportation system, on the other hand, have minimal friction and generate no heat. From a fire hazard standpoint, this makes it safer to have in your gym.
No Electricity Required
Because they are entirely powered by the user, they are more environmentally friendly. This reduces your operating costs and saves you money on power.
Long Service Life
As there are no motorised elements on a curved treadmill, it has a longer service life than a standard treadmill. Servicing costs are kept to a minimum over the lifetime of the machine if regular maintenance is routinely carried out.
How to Train on a Curved Tread?
Curved treadmills can be used in the same way that flat-bed treadmills are. From sprint intervals to slower steady-state running, anything goes.
The curved treadmill, on the other hand, excels at three main types of training:
Sprint Training
As there is no motor in the treadmill, sprint intervals on a curved treadmill are an ideal workout. This means that the user can start their sprint interval right away, rather than having to wait for the treadmill engine to turn the belt at a specific speed before sprinting.
Indoor Drills
With a curved treadmill, you have the ability to adjust your pace to mimic road or running tracks. Since they have no speed limit, it is a great choice for elite-level athletes where the pace required is faster than the top speed of any commercial motorised treadmill.
Group and High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
When it comes to group training, a curved tread is a perfect solution. This is due to the fact that it is simple to go on and off. When the user stops running, the speed of the running deck decreases instantaneously. As users move from one exercise to the next, this enables for quick and seamless transitions.
For more training advice for runners, check out this article.
Origin's Very Own Curved Treadmill
Introducing Origin's new curved treadmill. There are four main products in the Origin Storm range, including the Curved Treadmill. Additionally, among the Storm range are the Origin Storm Rower, Origin Storm Ski Trainer, and the Origin Storm Air Bike. This makes up the perfect HIIT offering for any group exercise session.
The Origin Storm® Curved Treadmill is powered by you and designed to mimic natural walking or running movement. With no electricity required and no top speed restrictions, this treadmill is a game-changer for HIIT.
Are you ready to cause a storm?
Summary
When a new type of fitness equipment is introduced to the market, the marketing claims are sometimes met with scepticism.
It is clear to see that the curved treadmill offers many advantages to the user as well as gym owners when compared to a traditional motorised treadmill.
This type of treadmill is very versatile. It has a wide range of legitimate training applications and is environmentally friendly. We're not suggesting that it will completely replace the classic treadmill, but it can play an important role in any training programme and cardio zone alongside it.
