Best Curved Treadmill for HYROX: The Official Centr Tread, AssaultRunner and Cheaper Options

Curved treadmills are everywhere in HYROX gyms now: no motor, no speed buttons, just you pushing a slatted belt as fast as your legs will go. HYROX even has an official one. But do you need one at home, and which is worth it? Let’s run through it.

This guide uses Centr’s product page, BarBend’s best curved treadmills and REP Fitness’s product guide, listed under Sources. We haven’t tested these treadmills ourselves. Prices change, so check before you buy. Our Amazon links are affiliate links; see our affiliate disclosure.

Why curved treadmills feel so hard

A curved treadmill has no motor. The belt moves only when you push it, so speeding up means running harder and slowing down is instant. That makes it a natural fit for intervals.

BarBend cites a 2014 study (Robertson, Eastern Washington University) that found a curved treadmill produced “a significant increase in calorie burn and RPE” (rating of perceived exertion) compared with a motorized treadmill. It’s one small thesis, so take it as a sign that it feels harder, not a precise number.

One reality check: HYROX runs aren’t on a treadmill. They’re 1 km laps on a flat indoor course. A curved tread is a way to train hard indoors, not a copy of race day.

The picks at a glance

Treadmill	Price	Max user	Resistance	Notes
Centr x HYROX Perform Tread	$6,999	396.8 lb	8 magnetic levels	Official HYROX; sled push and pull handlebar
AssaultRunner Elite (BarBend best overall)	$3,999	400 lb	Not specified	Lifetime belt warranty
SB Fitness CT400 (BarBend best cheap)	$1,795	450 lb	Not specified	Lightest pick at 165 lb
REP Strive	Not listed	Not listed	8 magnetic levels, 2 inclines	Sled-work capable, per REP

Centr x HYROX Perform Tread: the official one

Centr, HYROX’s official equipment provider, sells the Perform Tread at $6,999. It was out of stock when we checked on November 13.

• Self-powered: no electricity needed
• 8 magnetic resistance levels
• Converts to a sled station: the multi-position handlebar works for sled push and pull simulation
• Slat deck: aluminium slats with rubber tops for shock absorption
• Specs: 59 × 19 in running area, 400 lb machine, 396.8 lb max user
• Console: resistance, time, distance, heart rate, watts, calories and speed, with Bluetooth
• Warranty (consumer): limited lifetime frame and belt, 7 years moving parts, 2 years labour

If you want one machine for both running and sled-style pushing, this is the one built for exactly that. It’s also the priciest here by far.

AssaultRunner Elite: BarBend’s best overall

$3,999, 400 lb max user, Bluetooth and ANT+ monitor, built-in handle and wheels, and a lifetime belt warranty. BarBend’s cons: no incline, heavy, and hard to assemble alone.

Worth knowing: Assault Fitness is in Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Read what that means before you buy, especially for warranties.

SB Fitness CT400: the budget curve

BarBend’s best cheap pick at $1,795. It’s the lightest on BarBend’s list at 165 lb, holds 450 lb, and has slats rated for 150,000 miles. There’s no storage for a bottle or phone.

REP Strive: resistance plus incline

REP says its Strive has 8 magnetic resistance levels and two incline settings, a Bluetooth and ANT+ console, and can be used for sled work. REP’s page didn’t show a price or max user weight when we checked. Warranty is 10 years on the frame and 3 years on the belt and moving parts.

Check price on Amazon: Curved manual treadmills · AssaultRunner

Should you buy one?

Yes, if you train indoors most of the time (Las Vegas summers, we’re looking at you), love intervals and have the space and budget.

Probably not, if you can run outside. The 8 km in a HYROX race is the biggest single chunk of your time, and road or track running trains it for free. Spend the money on a sled or sandbag instead.

Make the most of it

1. Run 1 km repeats. That’s the race distance between every station. Our pacing splits give run targets for every finish time.
2. Pace by heart rate too. A Garmin Forerunner 265 or a chest strap gives a steadier read; see our chest strap vs wrist guide.
3. Add compromised runs. Run straight off the wall balls or lunges to practise running on tired legs.

More home gym kit: our HYROX home gym setup guide and the gear page.