Non-Motorized Curved Treadmills

Non-motorized, curved treadmills are designed to closely mimic outdoor running. You control the speed yourself, which encourages better running form and more natural movement.

Why Use a Curved Treadmill?

More Natural Running Mechanics

• Encourages foot contact under and slightly behind the body

• Promotes propulsion rather than braking

• Reduces impact forces compared to motorized treadmills

• Better prepares you for outdoor running

Improved Form

• Requires active hip drive and leg push-off

• Supports efficient cadence and stride length

• Encourages good posture without relying on belt speed

How Speed Works

Unlike a motorized treadmill, there are no buttons to press:

• Speed up by:

  • Increasing cadence

  • Lengthening your stride

  • Moving slightly forward on the curve (steeper section)

• Slow down by:

  • Reducing cadence or stride length

  • Drifting naturally toward the middle of the belt

With a little practice, you can smoothly transition between paces—ideal for both interval sessions and long aerobic runs.

Using a Curved Treadmill in Your Training Plan

You can complete all run sessions on a curved treadmill if needed. Many athletes train primarily indoors due to environment or location.

Keep these tips in mind:

• Be patient when starting—it feels different at first

• Use fans or air conditioning to manage heat

• Set a 1% incline to offset the lack of wind resistance

• Long runs still provide strong endurance and mental training benefits

• As race day approaches, try to complete 1–2 long runs outdoors in race-like conditions

Zones, Power & Calibration

• You may need to adjust threshold pace and zones for treadmill running

• If your curved treadmill measures power, this can be used to guide intensity

• Calibrate your watch if required (e.g. Garmin treadmill calibration)

Helpful links:

•  Can I adjust Run Workouts to Export to Power?

• How Does the Treadmill Calibration Feature Work on My Garmin Watch?

Extra Benefits

• No electricity required → low carbon footprint

• Quieter than motorized treadmills

• Simple, intuitive pace control once familiar

Curved treadmills can be an excellent training tool—especially when outdoor running isn’t practical—while still supporting strong, efficient, race-ready running.