Yes, you can use a curved treadmill for walking, but it does not feel like walking on a motorized treadmill, and the first few sessions take some getting used to. There is no motor and no speed button: you move the belt with your own feet, and where you stand on the curve sets your pace. This guide explains what walking on a curved treadmill is really like, what the research says about how hard it is, how to set the resistance for walking, and who should pick a flat motorized treadmill instead.
How a curved treadmill for walking works
A curved treadmill has a concave slat belt on bearings. When you step toward the front, higher part of the curve, gravity and your push speed the belt up. Step back toward the flat middle and it slows down. To walk at a steady pace, you stay in one zone of the belt rather than holding a set speed.
On the Tru Grit Grit Runner ($2,495), resistance changes how freely the belt spins. Tru Grit’s own Grit Runner page lists six levels and gives this guide: levels 1 to 2 for running, levels 3 to 4 for walking, and levels 5 to 6 for sled pushes. That matters for walkers. On the lowest setting the belt can roll away from you, so a moderate setting makes walking steadier.
Curved treadmill vs flat for walking: what the studies found
Two lab studies compared walking on a curved non-motorized treadmill with walking on a motorized one at the same speed:
| Study | Who | Walking test | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smoliga et al., Physical Therapy in Sport, 2015 | 10 healthy athletic adults | 3 minutes at 1.34 m/s (about 3.0 mph) | 5.9 METs on the curved treadmill vs 3.4 METs on the motorized one; effort ratings were slightly higher |
| Bruseghini et al., Journal of Sports Sciences, 2019 (doi 10.1080/02640414.2018.1504605) | 25 young volunteers | Walking at preferred speed (about 3.2 mph on average) | Energy cost of walking 37% higher on the curved treadmill |
In plain terms, the same walking speed is noticeably harder on a curved belt because you are doing the work the motor normally does. When asked to pick easy and moderate running paces without seeing their speed, people in the Smoliga study also chose slower paces on the curved treadmill. So expect your usual walking pace to feel harder than it does on a motorized belt, and judge workouts by effort, not by the number on the screen.
These were small groups of young, healthy adults, so treat the exact percentages as a guide, not a promise. Tru Grit also claims its Grit Runner Elite burns at least 30% more calories than a motorized treadmill; that is a manufacturer claim and your results depend on pace, body weight and effort.
Manual curved treadmill: how to use it for walking
- Start with resistance in the walking range. On the Grit Runner that is level 3 or 4, per Tru Grit.
- Hold the handrails at first. Step on, hold both rails, and take short steps toward the middle of the curve until the belt starts moving.
- Find your spot. Walk a little forward of the lowest point. If the belt speeds up, ease back a few inches. If it stalls, step slightly forward.
- Keep steps short and upright. Tru Grit says the curve promotes a quick stride cadence with a mid-foot and toe strike. Short, quick steps keep the belt rolling evenly.
- Let go of the rails gradually. Once you can hold a steady pace for a few minutes, try one hand, then none.
- Stop safely. Step back toward the flat middle, slow your steps, and hold the rails. The belt stops when you stop pushing.
Expect it to take a few sessions to find a steady walk. Walking while reading or watching TV takes longer, because the belt responds every time you shift position.
Is a curved treadmill good for walking? Pros and cons
Where it works well for walkers
- More effort at a gentle speed. Per the studies above, a brisk walk on a curved belt is a harder workout than the same walk on a motorized belt.
- Instant changes. You can go from a stroll to a fast march or a jog without pressing anything.
- No power needed. The Grit Runner’s console runs on batteries, so it can live in a garage or basement without an outlet.
- Hill-style work. Higher resistance makes each step feel like pushing uphill. Tru Grit describes its top level as equivalent to uphill interval training.
Where a flat motorized treadmill is better
- Easy, steady walks. A motor holds a constant pace while your mind wanders. A curved belt does not.
- Price and size. The Grit Runner is $2,495 and the Grit Runner Elite is $3,495 and weighs 291 lb, per Tru Grit’s published specs.
- Balance and step height. Tru Grit lists the Elite’s deck at 13 inches high at the back and 16 at the front. That is a big step up for anyone unsteady on their feet.
Curved treadmill vs a walking treadmill
| Grit Runner (curved) | Grit Runner Elite (curved) | Rove Concepts Camino (flat, motorized) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,495 | $3,495 | $517 |
| Power | None (battery console) | None (battery console) | 110V plug |
| Speed | Set by your stride | Set by your stride | 0.6 to 3.7 mph by remote |
| Max user weight | 330 lb (Tru Grit) | Not published | 265 lb |
| Best for | Walks, runs, sprints, sled pushes | Same, plus Bluetooth and ANT+ apps | Steady walking at a desk or while watching TV |
The Rove Concepts Camino Treadmill is a low, non-folding walking treadmill with a 43.3 by 17.7 inch running area and a top speed of 3.7 mph. If walking is all you plan to do, it costs a fraction of a curved treadmill; see our Camino treadmill review. If you want to walk most days but also run, sprint or push a sled, the curved treadmill earns its price.
Who should choose a curved treadmill for walking
- Walkers who want a harder workout without running.
- Households where one person walks and another sprints or trains for sport.
- Garage gyms without a convenient outlet.
If you mainly want gentle, hands-free walking, or you have balance concerns, a flat motorized treadmill is the safer and cheaper choice. For other low-impact cardio, compare the Tru Grit rower and the Grit Bike in our rowing machine vs treadmill and air bike vs rowing machine guides. Still deciding on a curved model at all? Read is a curved treadmill worth it and our full Tru Grit Runner review, or start with the home gym buying guide. All Tru Grit gear is on our Tru Grit Fitness page.
A health note: these are general product guidelines, not medical advice. If you have heart, joint or balance concerns, or are new to exercise, check with your doctor or physical therapist before starting on any treadmill.
Frequently asked questions
Can you walk slowly on a curved treadmill?
Yes. Stay near the back of the curve and add some resistance so the belt does not roll away. Very slow, steady walking can be the trickiest pace to hold at first, so give yourself a few sessions.
Is walking on a curved treadmill harder than a regular treadmill?
Yes, at the same speed. In the studies above, walking took about 37% more energy in one study and 5.9 vs 3.4 METs in the other.
What resistance level should I use for walking?
Tru Grit recommends levels 3 to 4 for walking on the Grit Runner. Adjust from there until the belt feels steady.
Is a curved treadmill good for seniors?
It can be for fit, steady walkers, but the high deck and self-paced belt make it a poor fit for anyone with balance concerns. Talk to your doctor first, and consider a flat motorized treadmill with a low deck.
Does walking on a curved treadmill need electricity?
No. The belt is powered by you, and the Grit Runner’s display runs on batteries. Questions? Call 866-777-2590, Monday to Friday, 9AM to 6PM PST.
