No products in the cart.
Motorised vs. Curved Treadmills – What you need to know!
Cardio | October 22, 2021
When it comes to treadmills you have two main options- motorised or manual. If you never knew there was an alternative to your standard electric treadmill at the gym, your next question may be what is the difference between a motorised and manual treadmill? Or what treadmill should you get? The treadmill that will work best for you will depend on your personal fitness needs and what you expect to get out of your cardio workout.
A motorised treadmill otherwise referred to as an electric treadmill is probably what you are most familiar with, it is powered by an electric motor to set the belt in motion. The motorised belt automatically rotates under your feet to facilitate walking or running, these treadmills are popular at gyms and for home use. A curved treadmill, also known as a manual treadmill has recently made its way onto the fitness equipment scene as an alternative to your standard electric treadmill. Instead of using an electric motor, a curved treadmill is operated manually by using your feet and muscles to set the belt into motion.
Find out more about treadmill workout tips here
Motorised Treadmill
Motorised treadmills are designed to cater to just about every running, walking, jogging or sprinting routine possible. They come jam packed with tech features like incline (and sometimes decline) and an LCD display to not only track your workout but play your favourite videos. Most motorised treadmills come with a frame, running belt, cushioning technology, drink bottle holder, heart rate sensors and safety keys. The quality of these features will vary depending on the type of treadmill you purchase.
THE PROS
Speed and incline adjustability: Motorised treadmills allow you to easily adjust your speed and incline with the press of a button. They also allow you to easily maintain your speed, forcing you to keep up with the set pace without inadvertently slowing down.
Features: If you love using workout programs or switching on your favourite show to keep you company while you run, then the motorised treadmill may be your saving grace. Many electric treadmills come with handy features including in-built entertainment programs, Bluetooth connectivity, built-in-fans, speakers and workout app compatibility.
Reduced strain: Unlike manual treadmills, you don’t need to use extra force to kick start the electric treadmill. Instead, easily stick to your set speed without concerns about straining yourself or placing unnecessary pressure on your joints.
Home use: If you’re looking to introduce a treadmill into your home, then the motorised treadmill tends to be smaller and more adaptable to a living space. These days many electric treadmills have a folding mechanism meaning you can store your treadmill upright, leaving more room in limited spaces. For apartment living, walking treadmills can be a game changer, the slim design allows for storage under beds or sofas while the smaller motor keeps noise to a minimum.
THE CONS
Electricity: The catch with electric treadmills is that they’re electric... An electric treadmill can narrow down options on where you can use your treadmill and cause a jump in your electricity bill.
Safety: When working out on any electric machine there is a risk of injury like tripping or falling. Safety keys fitted onto most motorised treadmills do attempt to minimise the risk of injury while exercising.
Curved Treadmill
Your standard manual treadmill just got a facelift with the new curved treadmill making its way into the cardio equipment space. Designed to eliminate speed boundaries set by electric treadmills, the curved treadmill allows runners to test the limits of their speed. Another key feature of the curved treadmill is of course the curved belt, designed to offer you the most natural walking or running sensation possible. Outdoor runners will love this treadmill!
THE PROS
You power the treadmill: Instead of pre-setting your speed, you now have the power to move as fast or slow as you want. Many athletes prefer this option as they have unlimited speed and easy stop-starting capabilities making the curved treadmill perfect for High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT).
Greater energy exertion: Manual treadmills will require you to exert more energy not only in your legs but also your glutes and core to keep the belt moving. The increased energy exertion will help to burn calories quicker and keep your heart rate up.
No electricity needed: One of the defining features of the manual treadmill is it doesn’t consume power. Whether you’re looking for an eco-friendly option or simply don’t have the space near a power outlet, the curved treadmill could make a good substitute.
Natural stride: The curved design isn't just for show, the curve mimics your natural stride pattern offering a more natural run or walk. This design alongside the rubber surface is more likely to reduce pressure on the joints and absorb shock.
THE CONS
No incline: The curved treadmill is quite limited for incline options. By walking closer to the front of the belt, you can get a small amount of incline, however it does not have the option to electrically incline the belt like a motorised treadmill.
Requires more space: Unlike motorised treadmills, curved treadmills are bulkier and aren't as home friendly. The curved treadmill doesn’t have folding options therefore, you will need a considerate amount of space to accommodate a treadmill of this size.
Cost: If you are on a tight budget then the curved treadmill may not be your best option. Most curved treadmills will have a higher price point in comparison to their motorised alternative.
Less features: Manual treadmills don't have built-in workouts, apps and other tech savvy features. The curved treadmill comes with a simple display showing workout stats such as time, distance, speed and calories.
Which is Best for You?
As you can see, there are many differences between the motorised treadmill and the manual curved treadmill. The motorised treadmill will offer you more variations to your cardio workout and come with more features. On the other hand, if you prioritise unlimited speed and the ability to adjust your speed without pressing buttons then the curved treadmill is for you.
Another factor to consider is maintenance. A motorised treadmill will require belt lubrication and replacement of the motor brushes over time, whereas the curved treadmill won’t require the same kind of upkeep. If you are looking for a cost friendly option, the motorised treadmill tends to be slightly cheaper compared to its curved counter option.
Latest Posts
Cardio | July 13, 2026
Best Cardio Machines for Winter Home Workouts in AustraliaWinter is a real test of your resilience when it comes to workout consistency. 33% of Australians report that they f...
Read more
Cardio | June 22, 2026
EOFY Home Gym Upgrade Guide: Where to Invest in Treadmills, Bikes & Strength EquipmentThe end of financial year is coming up, which we believe is one of the best times to evaluate your long-term fitness...
Read more
Cardio | June 09, 2026
Low-Impact Cardio Machines for Home: Best Options for Joint-Friendly WorkoutsAre you someone who's avoided running because you're worried about your knees? Maybe you've taken a break from cardi...
Read more
gift | May 05, 2026
Mother’s Day Gift Ideas 2026This year, get your Mum a gift that's functional and life-enhancing. If you've got a Mum who likes early morning jog...
Read more
Training | May 01, 2026
Lifespan Fitness Customer Transformations: Bec ChristensenFor most people, a fitness journey starts with a simple goal. For Bec Christensen, her initial drive to get her fitn...
Read more
Exercise | April 24, 2026
How to Stay Consistent with Home Workouts Over Long Weekends & HolidaysMost people will say that they lose motivation over long weekends, but that's rarely the real issue. What actually d...
Read more
Cardio | April 15, 2026
Treadmill vs Exercise Bike vs Cross Trainer: Which Is Best for Your Home?Treadmills. Exercise Bikes. Cross Trainers. These are the big 3 when it comes to home cardio equipment. While most o...
Read more
Treadmill | April 02, 2026
Scott Clark’s 24-Hour Marathon JourneyOn the morning of 15th March, a battered Scotty Clark was lowered into an ice bath, feeling the cool sting calm his ...
Read more
Training | March 10, 2026
Meet the Man Who’s Running for 24-Hours StraightThis former AFL sports trainer is taking ultra-marathons to another level with his 24-hour treadmill challenge.
Read more
Ice baths | February 20, 2026
A Cold Plunge to HealthIn 2002, British long-distance runner Paula Radcliffe won the 10,000m gold medal at the European Athletics Champions...
Read more
Cardio | February 06, 2026
Effects of Exercise on Mental HealthDid you know that regular physical exercise can actually increase the volume of parts of your brain? Namely, the par...
Read more
Cardio | January 12, 2026
Belt Slipping: Cause and CureBelt slipping is what happens when the belt moves out of sync with the treadmill motor and rollers. This can happen ...
Read more
gift | December 19, 2025
Christmas Gifts for Gym Lovers: The Ultimate Holiday Fitness Gift GuideDo you have someone in your life who's a meal-prepping, gym-obsessed, endorphin-chasing fitness junkie? Then you hav...
Read more
Cardio | December 08, 2025
12 Days of Christmas Fitness: Unwrap Your Best Self with These Holiday WorkoutsThe 12 Days of Christmas Fitness is a simple, engaging way to stay motivated during the holidays. Each day introduce...
Read more
November 06, 2025
Your Questions Answered: Our Most Common Service & Product QueriesEvery day, we hear so many interesting and unexpected questions from customers in-store, online and over the phone. ...
Read more
November 05, 2025
Kettlebells vs Dumbbells - Which is Best for You?They may look the same (and have very similar names), but dumbbells and kettlebells can create very different workou...
Read more
October 20, 2025
The Different Types of Weight Plate (and How to Tell them Apart)If you're at all serious about building a solid home fitness setup, you can't skip on weight plates. They have a spe...
Read more
Exercise | October 02, 2025
Gym Rubber Flooring: How Good Is It for Home GymsTo build the home gym of your dreams, you've got to start from the ground up. Gym flooring often gets overlooked, as...
Read more
Treadmill | September 22, 2025
Lifespan Fitness WalkingPad M2 Featured on SunriseOur WalkingPad M2 treadmill was recently featured on Sunrise, where wellness expert Lizzie Williamson showed just h...
Read more
pilates | September 12, 2025
Lifespan Fitness Contour Pilates Reformers Featured on The BlockWeek 6 of The Block saw police-officer duo Britt & Taz take a bold leap: transforming their rumpus room into a P...
Read more
Subscribe to our Newsletter
Join our subscribers list to get the latest news, updates and special offers delivered directly in your inbox.
Connect with us
