The Curve: Just Spinning your Wheels?
Just when you thought the treadmill would never change, a non-motorized version has come along, aptly named The Curve. Way back when, the first iterations of the treadmill did not use electricity, but most were inconvenient because of the need to strap in and hold on tight. It seems The Curve has remedied these problems and adds an additional benefit of increased exercise efficiency.
Vive la Différence
Woodway, the largest specialized treadmill manufacturer in the world, is behind The Curve. Known for their treadmills for medical rehabilitation,and high performance athletic training, Woodway is a trusted producer of treadmills. (Their Desk-Mill Desk Treadmill is the solution to the problem of a sit down job.)
Unlike non-motorized treadmills of old, its construction is sturdy and boasts a near-frictionless drive system which inhibits noise and promotes proper walking form. The curved belt design prevents the need for the treadmill to be on an incline, creating less strain on the knees and hips. The Curve allows serious athletes and rehabilitating individuals alike to work more muscles with less restriction.
Eric Weber, Director of Sales and Marketing for WOODWAY explains, “As a completely non-motorized treadmill, the unique curved shape allows the user to accelerate and decelerate at his own desired pace.” For less mobile folks, the fact that The Curve does not require a constant pace allows for personalized improvement. Conversely, serious athletes can reach ultimate exertion because The Curve does not have a maximum speed. The Curve has also been proven to burn 30% more calories than a traditional treadmill because the user is doing to work of powering the machine.
Sticker Shock
First, realize that The Curve is not only easy on the environment but, compared to traditional treadmills, it requires less maintenance because it avoids common electrical problems. The Curve will last up to 4 times longer than a regular treadmills. But the initial cost of The Curve is a big hurdle for most to make the switch. With a published introductory price around $5500, you may have to find a gym or rehab center that has recently purchased The Curve to see if it is worth its financial weight. But even if you are ready to buy, you cannot buy The Curve online; instead, you have to find a retailer or sales representative to buy The Curve in a bricks-and-mortar store. See The Curve in action and, for more information, visit Woodway’s website to learn about The Curve.
- For a recent review of treadmills using info from users and experts, see ConsumerSearch Treadmills: Reviews
Your thoughts....
Under what circumstances would you spring for The Curve?
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Comments
I've seen these on TV. It looks like a nightmare. My knees hurt just looking at it.
Original Post by: angelbinksIn South Africa that is more than most people earn in 3 months..considering its low tech ( ie no tech) I would expect it to cost way less, they will sell more and create a mass fanbase...at this price it will just become another invention that is not a household name.
It's at least 2 months wages for a lot of people here in Canada, myself included. I can't believe how expensive some of this junk is. There's got to be a way that they can make this affordable; they may be shooting themselves in the foot at this price. 
If there are no electrical parts or motor how can they possibly justify this outrageous price?? The sidewalk outside my house has no motor either, but unlike this ridiculously priced piece of equipment it is free. The only people who should even consider buying this are those that are elderly or infirm and need a safe environment to walk in.
We had a nordick track non-motorized treadmill years ago and it was awful to use. They made some of the same claims I am reading here. I would never buy another one.
I saw these on Biggest Loser! I could NEVER afford one this expensive! Even if you found one in a gym, the gym membership would be cheaper and you could use the thing for free!
Original Post by: drseamonsNice ad. How much did Woodway pay you for it?
That was my initial thought too. Sorry, Calorie Count :-\
I laid out a good 3500k for my home treadmill 7 yrs ago and was recently looking at some newer models. I'd definately consider this treadmill - the idea that it has a near friction-less drive system tells me it would be much like running on your own power and not that of a drive belt. Gotta check this one out!
Under no circumstances would I "spring for The Curve." My husband and I pay $35 per month for our joint Y membership, which allows us unlimited access to everything: cardio machines, weights, swimming pool, tennis courts, saunas, fitness classes, etc. I also live in Southern California, where we have year-round walking weather. Treadmill? No, thanks.
I sure hope the manufacturer reads these comments. I can only echo on what's being said. No mechanical parts and yet it's more expensive than lots of other machines??? Do you take us for suckers? Like others, that price would take me 3 months to accumulate if I weren't paying another single bill. Ridiculous!
I use my own version of the treadmill called "walking around outside." I realize that it's not possible for everyone, but it's a heck of a lot cheaper. Seriously, 5 grand for a treadmill?
I would actually love to have a treadmill like this. I'm in charge of the speed? And without having to constantly be pressing buttons? That would be wonderful! But for $5500? That's more than half of my yearly pre-tax income. We're not even getting into the post-tax cash. As much as I would love to get my hands on one of these Curve treadmills, there's no way I could ever justify paying that much money for one. I think the Woodway people need to have themselves a reality check: no one's going to pay several thousand dollars for a man-powered treadmill when they can get a motorized one at Wal-Mart for a few hundred. Talk about ridiculous!
Actually I think a lot of people will buy them. I envision late night infomercials and people not smart enough to realize that 60 payments of 100 bucks is that much money. They wont see a big price tag... only $100 a month, and that is doable for some people.
How many people do you know that spend WAY too much money on diet crap???? This is no different. It's the magic.... NOTHING else will get you results like The Curve **insert magical music** sign here please....
In answer to the question, I would spring for one of these the day after I learned that all the hunger and violence and sadness and evil in the world had been eliminated.
Original Post by: kidamyOriginal Post by: angelbinksIn South Africa that is more than most people earn in 3 months..considering its low tech ( ie no tech) I would expect it to cost way less, they will sell more and create a mass fanbase...at this price it will just become another invention that is not a household name.
It's at least 2 months wages for a lot of people here in Canada, myself included. I can't believe how expensive some of this junk is. There's got to be a way that they can make this affordable; they may be shooting themselves in the foot at this price.
AGREED AGREED AGREED... As someone else mentioned, they did just have the curve shown on Biggest Loser. This does just seem to be another advertising ploy. As a thought... At my gym, I pay 30 a month, for everything, dozens of cardio machines, weights, pool, spas, saunas, basketball courts, classes, ... with a personal trainer twice a month, It would still take me longer to pay off the curve. I get all that for 5 years at the same cost!!!
Original Post by: kidamyOriginal Post by: angelbinksIn South Africa that is more than most people earn in 3 months..considering its low tech ( ie no tech) I would expect it to cost way less, they will sell more and create a mass fanbase...at this price it will just become another invention that is not a household name.
It's at least 2 months wages for a lot of people here in Canada, myself included. I can't believe how expensive some of this junk is. There's got to be a way that they can make this affordable; they may be shooting themselves in the foot at this price.
That's about 3 months wages for my husbands job, we are in The States and have 6 kids. It looks neat though, I have seen them on The Biggest Loser and Heavy, will just have to stick to my electric treadmill that was given to us, it was about $500 new but free to us, We have decent weather 7-8 months out the year and I enjoy walking outdoors then, much better than any treadmill :) Think I'd rather have an eliptical for indoors...
I missread it and thought it said $550 and got super excited :(
I love my body and want it to be healthy, but thats the ammount that I have in my TFS (Tax Free Savings) Account and I really don't think that's worth it. I'd rather save my money and wait till nice weather to walk outside, thanks.
Or Bike ride.
Or Rollerblade.
It's 5 months pay for me and then I haven't eaten, or paid the rent. I barely save anything at the end of the months and I'm really strict with my spending. No eating out, no party. My only fun is belly dancing classes. I cook for myself and buy at the market the cheapest ingredients.
A note to those people who have a lot of kids. Sorry, but no one forced you to have so many. Where I live most people have one or two, both parents work, and can barely make it at the end of the month. It's because that is as much as they can afford. I have a colleague who would like a 3rd child, but she gave up on it because they can't afford it.
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When I first started reading my ears perked up at the thought of a treadmill I could use in the winter and not pay electricity costs. Ouch.
Please quit whining about the price. I am sure that most of these are sold to rehab facilities. Let the free market sort the price for the consumer.
the woodway curve is the BEST treadmill of all time....i have tried every treadmill out there...if i had the money i would sure get one for my house...i used this on the USS Ronald Reagan on a deployment and maybe one of these days it will be affordable
I use this treadmill at my fitness center. I have had both knees replaced due to arthritis. The design is great. The curve reduces this to virtually no painful impact and I am able to walk far longer than I can on the street. For those of you whining about the price - you don't have to buy it. For someone such as myself who has trouble walking without pain, this machine is the best I have used. A actually look forward to walking on it because I CAN, without pain. I just came back from a trip where I was doing some walking tours and the steps, stairs and streets were killing me. I can walk on the curve as long as I want without having my knees swell up and joints lock.
I can't recommend this enough to people who suffer from arthritic knees. It is almost as low impact as swimming. It is priced for rehab and health clubs, not home use - although I would consider it money well spent if I could afford it.
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In South Africa that is more than most people earn in 3 months..considering its low tech ( ie no tech) I would expect it to cost way less, they will sell more and create a mass fanbase...at this price it will just become another invention that is not a household name.