The Best Curved Treadmills Compared: Woodway, Technogym, and French Fitness Models
The Best Curved Treadmills Compared: Woodway, Technogym, and French Fitness Models
If you’re after improved endurance, sprint speed, or calorie burn, there’s no better piece of equipment than a curve treadmill for home gyms.
Whether Technogym or French Fitness, a curve treadmill will take your endurance training to the next level. Unlike traditional motorized machines, a manual curved treadmill is powered entirely by your stride, but no two curved running machines are alike.
Knowing that your needs may be different from those of another fitness enthusiast, we carry some of the most trusted treadmill models available. From premium remanufactured curved treadmills like the Woodway Curve and Technogym Skillmill, to high-value new curved treadmills from French Fitness, there’s bound to be a self-powered treadmill model for you at Fitness Superstore.
Check out our side-by-side breakdown so you can choose the right fit for your goals, budget, and training style.
Woodway Curve Treadmill
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Technogym Skillmill
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French Fitness CT100
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French Fitness CT80
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Condition | Remanufactured / Commercial-grade |
Remanufactured / Commercial use |
New (commercial build) |
New (commercial build) |
Belt/Deck Type | Nylon slat belt |
High Quality Aluminum slat belt |
High Quality Aluminum slat belt |
Elastic rubber arc deck |
Resistance | None (purely manual) |
Multidrive magnetic resistance; 11 levels |
Magnetron resistance; 6 levels (incl. 0 resistance) |
8 levels; rotary-knob adjustment |
Speed Range | No max speed (user-powered) |
User-powered; no max speed |
User-powered |
User-powered; cordless; display uses batteries |
Running Area | 67″ × 17″ (170 × 43 cm) |
66.1″ × 18.9″ (168 × 48 cm) |
60.75″ × 18.8″ (154.3 × 47.8 cm) |
60.75" × 17.37" (154.3 × 44 cm) |
Max User Wt. | 400 lbs (181.5 kg) |
397 lbs (180 kg) |
397 lbs (180 kg) |
400 lbs (181.5 kg) |
Treadmill’s Wt. | 355 lbs (161 kg) |
397 lbs (180 kg) |
355 lbs (161 kg) |
346 lbs (157 kg) |
Dimensions | 70″ × 33″ × 77″ (178 × 84 × 195.5 cm) |
75″ × 35″ × 61″ (191 × 89 × 154 cm) |
70.9″ × 38.2″ × 64.2″ (180 × 97 × 163 cm) |
78″ × 34″ × 59.5″ (198 × 86 × 151 cm) |
Power/ Console | Non-motorized; no electricity |
Non-motorized; resistance console options |
Self-powered; console shows time, speed, distance, calories, level |
Non-motorized; cordless; display shows time, distance, calories, speed |
Handles and Portability | Standard front rails; ships mostly assembled |
Dual handlebars; rear transport wheels; leveling feet |
Front and side handles for stability |
Rear handles and front wheels for moving |
Build / Materials | Slat belt with 112 ball bearings; up to 150,000 miles of use |
Heavy commercial frame; aluminum slat construction |
3 mm steel tubing; ABS plastics |
Rubber arc deck; precision bearing transmission; shock-absorbing |
Ceiling Height Guidance | Suitable for most home ceiling heights |
Suited even for low ceiling heights |
Made for gym environments and suitable for various ceiling heights |
14 to 16″ above user height recommended |
Assembly | Ships mostly assembled; arms removed |
Ships fully assembled |
Ships new in box; assembly manual provided |
Ships new in box; assembly manual provided |
Warranty | 1 year parts & labor (extendable up to 5 years) |
1 year parts & labor (extendable up to 5 years) |
Lifetime Frame / 10 years parts / 1 year labor (commercial) |
Lifetime Frame / 10 years parts / 1 year labor (commercial) |
Best Use / Training Notes | Pure runner’s treadmill; HIIT and rehab friendly |
Multipurpose conditioning: sprints, sled pushes, resistance work |
Compact running surface; affordable commercial option |
Cushioned, joint-friendly ride; versatile with resistance |
Which One Should You Choose?
When choosing a curved treadmill, consider your training goals, durability needs, resistance preferences, and budget.
- Best for Pure Running & Longevity: Woodway Curve (Remanufactured) with its slat-belt design engineered for up to 150,000 miles of use and minimal maintenance. The gold standard for runners who want a machine that lasts decades.
- Best for Versatile Training: Technogym Skillmill (Remanufactured) with 11 resistance levels and Multidrive Technology transforms from a sprint treadmill to a sled push station. Ideal for performance centers and HIIT training.
- Best Value (New Commercial Equipment): French Fitness CT100 delivers aluminum belt construction, 6 resistance levels, and commercial warranties (Lifetime Frame / 10 years parts) at a lower price than European competitors.
- Best for Joint Comfort: French Fitness CT80 with cushioned rubber arc deck absorbs impact like running on sand while wearing Hokas. Perfect for users dealing with shin splints, knee pain, or joint issues.
- Longest Running Surface: Woodway Curve at 67″ × 17″ provides the most deck space for taller runners with longer strides.
- Most Resistance Options: French Fitness CT80 offers 8 adjustable resistance levels with rotary-knob control for maximum workout variety.
- Widest Running Belt: Technogym Skillmill at 18.9″ wide offers the most lateral space for sled pushes and explosive lateral movements.
- Highest Weight Capacity: Woodway Curve and French Fitness CT80 both support up to 400 lbs for heavier athletes or loaded training.
- Best for Low Ceilings: Technogym Skillmill at 61″ height fits comfortably in basements and facilities with ceiling constraints.
- Best Remanufactured Warranty: Both Woodway Curve and Technogym Skillmill include 1 year parts & labor (extendable up to 5 years) with professional rebuilding that performs like new.
Run, jog, or sprint to our Benicia, CA showroom to test these curved treadmills in person, or browse our selections online at Fitness Superstore.
FAQs
Are curved treadmills better for calorie burning?
Yes, curved treadmills are better for calorie burning than motorized treadmills. Curved treadmills require you to power the belt entirely with your stride, which increases energy expenditure by 20-30% compared to motorized models at the same perceived effort.
Is a remanufactured curved treadmill a used treadmill?
No, a remanufactured curved treadmill is not a used treadmill. Remanufactured curved treadmills are professionally rebuilt, tested, and restored to like-new performance standards while offering significant cost savings over factory-fresh units.
Can I use a curved treadmill with joint issues?
Yes, you can use a curved treadmill with joint issues if you choose the right model. The French Fitness CT80 features a cushioned rubber arc deck that absorbs impact like running on sand, making it ideal for users dealing with shin splints, knee pain, or joint concerns.
What resistance is best for curved treadmills?
It depends on your training goals. The French Fitness CT80 offers 8 resistance levels for maximum workout variety, while the Technogym Skillmill provides 11 levels for sled pushes and power training. The Woodway Curve has no adjustable resistance for pure running focus.
Do curved treadmills require electricity?
No, curved treadmills do not require electricity to operate. Curved treadmills are self-powered and run entirely on your stride, though some models like the Technogym Skillmill use optional power for the resistance console and digital features.