Quick Summary
If you’re interested in a treadmill that is like no other treadmill you’ve tried before, you’re going to want to take a look at the Assault Fitness Runner. What sets this treadmill apart from all others is the fact that it has no motor.
You read that right: no motor. This treadmill is entirely self powered, which means you not only torch calories faster, but there’s no maximum speed. This helps you completely customize the workout to your own needs and skill level.
What many people don’t realize about your typical treadmill is that there is some push from the belt underneath you. While it’d be great to think that it’s all you doing the work on that treadmill, this actually isn’t the case. The belt is going to help drive you forward thanks to that motor, so when you run at 7mph on a treadmill, it is not the same as running at 7mph on real ground.
So if you step out to do a race and have done all your training on a treadmill, you may find that you don’t quite finish with the time you had expected. Running on real ground is a lot harder, so you’ll probably notice that your pace is considerably slower, especially as fatigue sets in.
While some advanced treadmills do have the ability to remove the shock absorption so that it feels like you’re running on real ground, you still do get that additional drive from the motor pushing you along.
The Assault Fitness Runner does away with this so that’s not even going to factor into your considerations.
Specifications
Model | Assault Fitness Runner |
Rating | 84.5% |
List Price | $4,999 |
Best Price | $3,699 |
Speed | Unlimited |
Incline | N/A |
Motor | N/A |
Deck | 33-inch width |
Belt | Slate Belt Running Surface |
Folding? | |
Programs | 0 |
Max. Weight | 350 lbs |
Heart Rate | no |
Dimensions | 69.9” x 32.8” x 64” |
Display | LCD High Contrast |
Cooling Fans | |
Accessory Tray | |
Speakers | |
Quick Controls | |
Warranty | 3 years non-wear parts 1 year labor |
Our Rating
Rating: 84.5/100. This treadmill is an interesting one because it has some truly great features to it, but it also lacks in many areas where traditional treadmills shine. If you are someone who likes different, you’re probably going to really enjoy this treadmill. But if you prefer having workout programs, having incline capabilities, and so forth, you are probably going to find this treadmill seriously lags behind.
Who this treadmill is best tailored for is the individual who loves running outdoors with nothing but them and their shoes (possibly their headphones as well). They don’t need programs that guide them through their workout journey, built in trainers to assist them on their way, or the ability to change speed and know what speed they’re traveling at.
This treadmill also shines for those who are interested in interval training. But, the caveat here is that you control the speed. This is good because you can push yourself to the limit when doing your intense interval however some may view it as a bad thing because if you are having an off day, you may not be able to push yourself at your own free will. With a treadmill, you could set it at a speed and now you have to keep up. With this, there is no help.
At the end of the day though, this is really how it should be, so should not really be seen as a negative thing.
This treadmill’s design is interesting as well as it takes on a slightly curved shape and can give you the feeling as though you are running on air. For those who are more about the experience of actually running on the treadmill versus all the shiny bells and whistles, you might really find you love this.
What doesn’t please us though is the fact there is no incline on this treadmill. Being able to incline a treadmill and walk uphill serves as a fantastic alternative for those who are hoping to add more intensity to their workout program and also save their joints. If you find that regular walking is not enough for you but you have sore knees or a sore back that makes running nearly impossible, you really have no choice but to run. With a standard treadmill, you can simply incline the treadmill and now you’ll be on your way to getting into better cardiovascular shape while also increasing your total calorie burn.
For this reason, we find this treadmill lacking.
Another downside to the treadmill is the fact that there are no program options. As noted above, if you don’t need these because that’s the stage you’re in your running career, that’s great, but we find that many users do benefit from having some sort of program at their fingertips. This helps ensure continual progress and can also help keep them committed to coming back for more.
While the company will send you workouts to do via email, these are not strictly running workouts and may involve exercises that you neither have the desire to do or the equipment available to do them.
Pros:
- Is very lightweight weighing in at just 280 lbs.
- Has a small carbon footprint so should fit in smaller spaces in your home
- Doesn’t use any electricity so is easier on the environment and may save you power fees over time
- Offers are very lightweight ‘like air’ feeling as you run
- You are not limited by a maximum speed when using this machine
- Has a pretty good max users weight at 350 lbs.
- Has a belt that will virtually never require replacing. It’s a slat belt and good for 150,000 miles. Considering the average user will run 2-3 miles during a HIIT session, this belt should be good for up 50,000 to 75,000 workout sessions. Even if you worked out every day, this means it would last for 205 years. It’s a treadmill that will outlive you.
- The belt is also maintenance free. There’s never any need to adjust the tension or replace the deck. It can simply be used as is for as long as you have this treadmill (which will be forever if you don’t sell it).
- Because there is no motor in the treadmill, you won’t have to worry about any upkeep with that or it becoming faulty and breaking down
- Has a very wide deck at 33” – much wider than most commercial treadmills that are only 20-22”
Cons:
- There are no built in programs with this model so users are in the dark when it comes to coming up with their own running routine
- The screen size is really quite small
- The labor warranty is short on this treadmill at just one year
- There is no incline feature at all
- It comes with a high price tag, although financing options are available
Introduction
The Assault Fitness Runner is a treadmill designed for those who never want to be limited by machinery. There is no motor in this treadmill so it’s entirely self powered, meaning you set your limits.
This treadmill is unique in that it has no motor, an ultra wide deck and also has a belt that is good for 150,000 miles. This treadmill is very low maintenance so while it does have a relatively short labor warranty at just one year, most people won’t need to ever repair this machine.
The Assault Fitness Runner is built with the HIIT workout in mind, so most people who are using it should be focusing on this type of training style since it’s what the treadmill is going to be best suited for.
The treadmill is also light weight at just 280 lbs. and takes up very little space in your house, so is an easy addition to any home gym. This said, it’s still not going to be as small as a treadmill that can fold up as that is the ultimate in space saving designs.
Workout Programs
This treadmill unfortunately comes with no workout programs built in. However you can receive workouts by email from the company if you desire.
Assault Fitness Runner Features
This treadmill features an unlimited max speed, a lightweight design, a wide deck, a comfortable running experience, and a belt that will likely never need maintenance or replacing.
Warranty & Guarantee
With this treadmill you get a 3-year warranty on non-wear parts and a one year warranty on labor.
Conclusion
The Assault Fitness Runner is a specific type of product that is tailored to a unique individual. It’s not a treadmill that’s going to fit the needs of everyone or is aimed at the general market.
If you want to do HIIT style training just like you would outdoors, this is a great treadmill choice. If you want a full program built in for you and guidance along the way, this treadmill will simply not deliver, so look elsewhere.