Treadmills: motorless curved treadmills for speed, conditioning and intervals
Treadmills for cardio, HIIT and sprints: at PRFRM you will find the AssaultRunner Elite and the AssaultRunner Pro, non-motorised curved treadmills from Assault Fitness for home gym, studio and box.
Treadmills allow running training that is easy on the joints, regardless of weather, time of day and surface. Whether walking, brisk jogging, sprint intervals or long endurance sessions: you train endurance, fat burning and running technique. The trend in cardio training is the curved treadmill, a treadmill with no motor at all. The AirRunner from Assault is known to many from cardio training and is also an ideal training machine outside the box.
The most important points at a glance
- Motorless curved treadmill: you set the belt in motion solely with your own muscle power
- Speed without limit: you run as fast as you want
- No power connection needed, only the display needs small batteries
- A natural running feel that is easy on the joints thanks to the curved running surface
Curved treadmill or classic treadmill?
|
Curved treadmill (AssaultRunner) |
Classic motorised treadmill |
| Drive | Muscle power, no motor | Electric motor, power connection |
| Speed | You decide yourself, no maximum speed | Limited by the motor power |
| Start | Simply start running | Set the speed and wait |
| Safety | You control the speed at all times | A preset speed has to be kept up |
| Running feel | Curved surface, natural cushioning | Flat surface, cushioning depending on the model |
| Maintenance and operation | Low maintenance, no motor noise, no power consumption | Motor, electronics, power consumption |
| Ideal for | HIIT, sprints, cardio training, box and home gym | Steady runs, programmes, incline |
The advantages of the AirRunner at a glance
Speed without limit
The AirRunner runs without a motor and therefore has no maximum speed. You can run as fast as you like. That makes it ideal for HIIT and fast sprints.
Simple operation and safety
You do not have to push the speed up or wait until it is reached: you start running and the belt follows you. You control the speed the whole time. If you run more slowly, the belt also slows down. If you move forward towards the curve, the speed rises, and if you drop back, it slows down. It cannot happen that a preset speed is impossible to keep up.
Natural running feel that is easy on the joints
The curve of the running surface provides a pleasant, natural running feel and natural cushioning. Running on the AirRunner is therefore particularly easy on the joints.
Environmentally friendly and low maintenance
Without a motor the AirRunner uses no electricity, only the display needs small batteries. That saves energy and lets you place the machine freely in the room. Thanks to the handle and wheels it is easy to move. Because little technology is built in, it is extremely low maintenance and you are free of disruptive motor noise.
Our treadmills at a glance
| Model |
Features |
Well suited to |
| AssaultRunner Elite | Motorless curved treadmill, an intense workout in a compact design | Home gym, studio and box, HIIT and sprints |
| AssaultRunner Pro | Motorless curved treadmill | Home gym, studio and box, HIIT and sprints |
You will find all the technical details on dimensions, weight and equipment on the respective product page.
Who is an AirRunner suitable for?
In principle the AirRunner suits everyone. Without a motor you can walk slowly, power-walk, run at a moderate pace or complete fast sprints. Because of the quick changes of pace, the machine is used especially by experienced runners and in cardio training.
| You are |
What the AirRunner brings you |
| Beginner | You set the pace yourself and build up step by step, with no presets |
| Runners | Intervals and tempo runs regardless of the weather, with a natural running feel |
| Functional fitness athletes | Sprints, intervals and conditioning as is usual in cross-training |
| Studio and box owners | Robust, low-maintenance machine with no power connection |
Training on the curved treadmill
Beginners: 4 weeks of basics
| Week |
Sessions |
Content |
| 1 | 3 per week | 15 to 20 minutes of alternating walking and easy running |
| 2 | 3 per week | 20 to 25 minutes of easy running, choose the pace yourself |
| 3 | 3 per week | 25 minutes, including 5 x 1 minute faster |
| 4 | 3 per week | 30 minutes, one session with short intervals |
The plan is an example. Adjust duration and pace to your level and plan rest days.
Interval workouts for advanced users
- Sprints: 10 x 20 seconds sprint, 40 seconds walking
- 4 x 4 minutes: brisk pace, 3 minutes of easy jogging in between
- Pyramid: 30, 45, 60, 45, 30 seconds hard with equally long rest
Warm up for 5 to 10 minutes before intense sessions. If you have any complaints or pre-existing conditions, talk to your doctor first.
Running technique on the AirRunner
- Run upright with a slight lean forward from the ankles
- Land your feet under your body and use short, quick steps
- Swing your arms loosely, they support your pace
- Rest your hands on the handles only for safety, not for support
- If you want to lower the pace, let yourself drop back a little
What to look out for when buying
| Criterion |
What to look out for |
| Drive | Curved treadmill (muscle power) for speed and intervals, motorised treadmill for steady runs |
| Space required | Check the dimensions on the product page and plan space behind and beside the machine |
| Weight and transport | Handle and wheels make it easier to move |
| Display | Shows training data, needs small batteries |
| Place of use | For a home gym a compact model is suitable, for studio and box a robust one |
Care and maintenance
- Wipe the running surface and frame down after training
- Check screws and running surface regularly for a firm fit
- Change the display batteries when needed
- Place the machine on a level, stable surface
Avoiding typical mistakes
- Too much too fast: start moderately and increase duration and intensity step by step
- Leaning on the handles: hold on only briefly, run upright
- Strides too long: short, quick steps are more efficient and gentler
- No warm-up: warm up calves, hips and ankles before sprints
Videos of the AirRunner
Combining treadmills
The AirRunner complements Endurance training with bike and rower excellently. For strength and conditioning, Functional Training is a good fit, and for recovery after intense runs Mobility & Regeneration. You will find more branded machines at Concept2.
FAQ: frequently asked questions about treadmills
How does a treadmill without a motor work?
The curved treadmill has a curved slat belt. The curve lets you set the belt in motion solely with your own muscle power. The faster you go, the faster it runs.
Is the AirRunner suitable for beginners?
Yes. You set the pace yourself and the belt adapts. Start with walking or easy running and build up step by step.
Is a treadmill without a motor easy on the joints?
The curved running surface provides a natural running feel and natural cushioning. That makes running on the AirRunner particularly easy on the joints.
Does the AirRunner need electricity?
No. It runs without a motor and without a power connection. Only the display needs small batteries.
How fast can I run on the AirRunner?
As fast as you like. The machine has no maximum speed, which makes it ideal for HIIT and fast sprints.
Where can I put the AirRunner?
Anywhere in the room, because there is no power connection. Thanks to the handle and wheels it is easy to move. Check the dimensions on the product page.
Is a curved treadmill better than a motorised treadmill?
That depends on the goal. For intervals, sprints and changes of pace the curved treadmill is ideal, while for steady runs at a fixed pace or incline programmes a motorised treadmill is better.
How often should I train on the treadmill?
To start with, two to three sessions a week are enough. Increase duration and intensity step by step and plan rest days.
Can I lose weight on the treadmill?
Running uses energy and supports weight loss. Consistency and a suitable diet are what matter.