TRUEFORM vs ASSAULT Which Curved Treadmill Is Right for You?

When it comes to manual curved treadmills, two names dominate the conversation: TrueForm and Assault Fitness.

Both are self-powered, motor-free treadmills designed to increase output and reduce impact, but they’re built for very different users.

This page breaks down the real differences between TrueForm and Assault—design, feel, durability, biomechanics, noise, maintenance, and long-term value so you can choose the right treadmill for your training or facility.

Feature	TrueForm Runner	AssaultRunner
Power Source	100% manual, athlete-driven	100% manual
Running Feel	Smooth, natural stride	Aggressive, Steep curve
Noise Level	Very quiet	Loud (noted for noise)
Belt System	Slat belt (rubber or turf options)	Slat belt
Maintenance	Low	Higher (artifical belt spin)
Company Location	USA 🇺🇸	Overseas
Best For	Runners, Hybrid Athlete, coaches	HIIT, CrossFit-style workouts

Design Philosophy: Performance vs Punishment

TrueForm: Built for Running Form

TrueForm treadmills are engineered around natural biomechanics. The belt resistance is tuned so pace increases smoothly as you move forward—without feeling like you’re dragging weight behind you.

Encourages midfoot strike
Promotes upright posture
Ideal for distance running, gait retraining, aerobic base work
Comfortable for walking, jogging, and sprinting

TrueForm was designed by runners, for runners—not just for short bursts of suffering.

Assault: Built for Max Effort Intervals

Assault treadmills are intentionally more resistant. The feel is heavier and more aggressive, which some users enjoy for short, intense efforts.

Popular in CrossFit & HIIT gyms
Steep Curve = fast fatigue
Less forgiving for long runs or recovery sessions
large plastic design contributes to noise and maintenance

Good for HIIT circuits—but less ideal for daily mileage.

Running Feel & Biomechanics (The Biggest Difference)

Independent research shows that curved manual treadmills can reduce braking forces and encourage better mechanics—but how they’re tuned matters.

TrueForm runners consistently report:

Easier pace control
Less calf & Achilles strain
Smoother transitions between speeds
Ability to run longer, not just harder

If your goal is better movement, not just higher heart rate, this difference matters.

Noise, Maintenance & Gym Environment

TrueForm Advantages

Designed to limit noise= quieter operation
Fewer moving parts
Lower long-term maintenance costs
Better for home gyms, boutique studios, rehab facilities

Assault Considerations

Desinged for HIIT= louder
More frequent servicing
Best suited for loud, high-energy gym floors

Durability & Long-Term Value

TrueForm treadmills are:

Made in the USA options and a Based in the USA company
Built with commercial-grade steel
Designed for decades of use, not product cycles

Assault treadmills are durable—but prioritize cost efficiency and mass production over refinement.

Who Should Choose TrueForm?

Choose TrueForm if you:

Are a runner or endurance athlete
Want to improve form and efficiency
Train frequently (not just occasionally)
Need a quiet treadmill for home or studio
Value craftsmanship and longevity

Choose Assault if you:

Primarily do short HIIT workouts
Want maximal HIIT benefit
Don’t mind noise
Use the treadmill as a conditioning tool, not a running platform

Final Verdict: TrueForm vs Assault

Both treadmills are effective, but they’re not interchangeable.

Assault = intensity, punishment, short efforts
TrueForm = performance, precision, longevity

If you want a treadmill that teaches you to run better, adapts to all speeds, and becomes a long-term training partner—TrueForm is the clear choice.