Treadmills aren’t just about moving belts anymore. With more options on the market, many fitness spaces now offer both curved and flat treadmill designs. What’s the difference — and are curved treadmills better?
This guide breaks down the key features, benefits and use cases of both to help you choose the right fit for your training style and fitness goals.
What is a curved treadmill?
A curved treadmill is a non-motorised treadmill with a concave, curved running surface. Instead of relying on a motor to power the belt, the movement is driven entirely by your legs. As you run, the belt moves in response to your stride, speed and positioning on the curve.
This self-powered design means there’s no speed setting — your pace is 100% under your control. It also makes curved treadmills ideal for high-intensity workouts, sprint training and users looking to build running efficiency.
Curved treadmills vs flat treadmills: How do they differ?
In the comparison between curved treadmill vs regular treadmill, the key difference lies in mechanics. Flat treadmills (or regular treadmills) use a motor to drive the belt at a consistent and adjustable speed. They’re excellent for controlled pace runs, endurance training and indoor walking. Most models include shock absorption, incline features and digital performance tracking.
Curved treadmills, on the other hand, do not use motors. They require more energy output from the user and adapt instantly to changes in pace, making them better suited for interval or sprint training.
What are the benefits of a curved treadmill?
There are several curved treadmill advantages to consider:
- Higher energy output — Curved treadmills can increase calorie burn by up to 30% compared to flat treadmills at the same perceived effort.
- Improved running form — The curve encourages a more natural gait, reducing overstriding and promoting better posture.
- Greater training control — Since there’s no motor, you control acceleration and deceleration instantly — ideal for sprints and interval workouts.
- No power source needed — Curved treadmills don’t require electricity, making them more sustainable and versatile for gym setups.
Curved treadmills vs flat treadmills: What type is better?
It depends on your training goals. If you’re focused on sprinting, high-intensity intervals or improving running mechanics, curved treadmills offer a unique advantage. They’re harder to run on, but that challenge can translate to greater fitness gains in less time.
In contrast, flat treadmills are ideal for steady-state cardio, incline walking or tracking consistent pace over long distances. They’re often more beginner-friendly and offer built-in programs, entertainment options and detailed performance data.
When considering curved treadmills vs regular treadmills, the answer isn’t about which is better overall, but about what suits your needs better.
Should beginners use a curved treadmill?
Curved treadmills can be used by beginners, but they do have a steeper learning curve. Unlike motorised machines, curved models are self-powered. There’s no preset pace to guide you, which often leads to a steeper learning curve. In the curved treadmill vs treadmills with flat deck debate, flat machines tend to feel more intuitive for beginners. They offer structured workouts, consistent pacing and better tracking for distance and speed.
That said, beginners can absolutely benefit from curved treadmills with the right guidance. Start with short sessions, focus on form and gradually increase duration. The payoff is improved strength, balance and a better connection to your stride.
Shop commercial curved and flat treadmills at Life Fitness
Life Fitness offers a wide range of treadmills for every training style. Our flat treadmills feature FlexDeck® cushioning, immersive digital consoles and reliable motors for commercial performance. For more advanced or performance-focused facilities, we also offer curved treadmill options that challenge your form, power, and pace.
Looking to compare curved treadmills vs flat models for your gym or training centre? Contact our team to explore premium treadmill options from Life Fitness and Hammer Strength. We’ll help you choose the right treadmills to support your home gym or your members.
