Introduction
Cardio equipment is expensive, especially treadmills. Often, it is because of the motor and components that go into them. So, why is the price tag for motorless treadmills so large, and why might you consider the Trueform Trainer if you are in the market for a treadmill? Hopefully, this Trueform Trainer review will answer these more critical questions and a few others as you navigate the treadmill market.
With that being said, we do believe that the Trueform Trainer is the best motorless home gym option for those looking to keep and improve proper running form.
*Listen to our audio review below
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Review Structure
This review covers:
Motorless vs. Mortored Treadmills
Before seriously considering a treadmill, it is recommended to first determine if that is a specific need you have for your space. There are other smaller and less expensive cardio pieces out there that may make more sense.
Motorless Treadmill vs. Motored Treadmill
First, you need to consider if a motorless treadmill is right for you. There are some things you need to consider: budget, training style, and footprint are some of the top considerations.
Let’s get this part out of the way. What is the difference between a motored and motorless treadmill? And, how do you use a motorless trainer?
A motored treadmill is your typical treadmill, where it is plugged in and powered by a motor. You select your speed settings that can be increased and decreased, and the belt starts moving. Most motored treadmills also allow you to run at an incline with the simple touch of a button.
The user powers motorless treadmills; they are not plugged in. These treadmills have a curved running surface that causes the surface to move as you move forward up the curve. The faster you attempt to move, the quicker the surface moves. It is as close to a human hamster wheel as you can get. It may take a few minutes to adjust, but they are simple to use.
Now consider your budget.
A significant deterrent to buying a motorless treadmill is the cost. These treadmills are expensive but do not have any unforeseen mechanical breakdowns that come with motored treadmills. When comparing prices to a commercial-grade motor treadmill, motorless treadmills may be the right option.
Buying a treadmill can feel like a gamble. Check out the second-hand markets. They are littered with ‘lightly used’ treadmills, and most have motor issues or worn-out belts or mechanics. Imagine saving up your hard-earned dollars, bringing a decent treadmill into your space, and then having it stop working 2-3 years later. That’s enough to have most people at least consider a motorless treadmill. That isn’t always the story, as plenty of treadmill owners have had their treadmill for years without issue, but it is also something that happens.
When buying a motored treadmill, a beefier ‘commercial’ line will hold up better than the ‘at home’ residential models. A commercial-grade treadmill from reliable companies ranges from about $1,500-$4,000. In comparison, the price tag of the air runner (motorless treadmill) doesn’t seem too outrageous, though it is larger. The sticker shock can scare many potential buyers away, but if you plan on putting consistent work on a traditional treadmill, a commercial-grade treadmill is the path you’re going to want to go.
Would your training style fit better for a motorless treadmill?
Another benefit to the motorless treadmill is the training style that it supports. You can go from walking to jogging to sprinting as fast as your body can take you there. Motorless treadmills are the ideal machines for sprint and short interval work. There is a natural build-up and slow-down where you are not dependent on a motor to increase or decrease speed.
On the flip side, having a motor to keep pace can be ideal for endurance running. Maintaining a consistent pace on something like the TrueForm can be difficult, and putting in a long workout on an air runner compared to a treadmill can be twice as taxing. It is also more difficult to ease into a run on a motorless treadmill, especially if you fight fatigue and soreness.
Motorless treadmills are mobile, but they still take up a lot of space.
Cardio equipment, in general, takes up an enormous footprint, and space in most gyms comes at a premium. The cost alone of any treadmill style should cause you to consider your purchase carefully, but taking up an ample space if you don’t plan on using something consistently is also a huge consideration.
Some ‘commercial’ motored treadmills fold up, but the motorless treadmills do not fold up. They are built like tanks and take up almost as much space as one. Even though the trainers have wheels in the front and a handlebar in the rear to wheel them around your space, they still take up a lot of room regardless of where you keep them.
Why TrueForm?
TrueForm treadmills differ from others because they claim to train you to become a better runner. How? The curve promotes mid-foot striking, and unlike a treadmill, it also encourages an upper-body lean. If you are a heel striker, you will struggle to run on a TrueForm.
By running on a curve, striking with the back of your foot, your heel, or running flatfoot is nearly impossible. The angle is also more predominant in the front of the treadmill and more subtle on the back end. The thinner track also makes you focus on your gait (how your leg travels while you run), improving your running form.
Now, there are a lot of great air-runners out there. The TrueForm is more expensive than some of the other options. If you want an air-runner, another brand may fit your needs and your budget better. The TrueForm was designed to address making people better runners specifically. If that is important to you, then the TrueForm should be a consideration.
How Does It Work?
There are 112 ball bearings lined with no gaps under the tread. The bottom of the tread has a groove that fits into the ball bearings, similar to a train track, to keep the tread running on the bearings. At the end of the track, there are two large plastic wheels to direct the tread around the bottom of the treadmill.
It is a straightforward yet effective design. As mentioned above, it leads to a very smooth experience.
The Monitor
The monitor for the TrueForm trainer allows you to see and program very basic metrics.
There are 5 small displays on the monitor that will allow you to see and track your pace, speed, distance, time, and heart rate if you have a monitor that will connect. You are able to buy a heart rate monitor from TrueForm if you want to be sure it is compatible.
The monitor has 4 buttons that control all of the settings that the monitor allows. There is a ‘reset’ button to clear all of your current numbers, a ‘mode’ button that allows you to program either a time-based or distance-based workout, and up and down arrows that allow you to change time and distance when using the mode setting.
The monitor is basic, but it also is easy to use and read. The metrics it gives the user are beneficial for different training styles. The one thing to be aware of is how quickly the monitor will reset when the treadmill is not in use. If you step off to use the restroom or to grab a drink and the belt stops moving, you only have a minute or two before you lose all of your data.
The App
TrueForm recently released an app. The app has many features: daily running workouts, a workout catalog, 5k/10k/half and complete marathon programs, weight workout programs, a nutrition guide, and many articles and videos with a variety of good information.
The daily workouts and the workout library are great tools to use. The movements are written out, and you can run with a coach through video. The daily exercises build on themselves to enable you to run farther, faster. They are interval-style workouts that have you follow heart rate percentages. If you do not have a heart rate monitor, it is recommended, but the coach also gives excellent references on a 1-10 scale on the effort you should be using.
The app recently added strength training to the daily workouts. The strength workouts are mixed in with running and typically not on the same days. They are broken down into strength building and a second workout which is a circuit workout. You are not able to adjust the types of lifts or equipment, but if you are familiar with training, you can find substitutes that fit your needs.
Overall, the app gives a guide and is an excellent motivation to get on and use the treadmill. You can also use the app without a motorless treadmill, but the interval workouts are ideal for an air runner. The videos are great to follow along with and can keep you focused on your training. The leading coach is great. He does not go over the top with energy, nor is he dry on camera. He is motivating and gives a ton of great advice and motivation.
The app can improve data tracking and its overall user experience. If there were a page that just kept track of you personally and what you are currently working on, it would be a nice addition. There is currently only one way to track data, entering the total distance covered once you finish your workout. The distance is the culmination of all the movement you did during the intervals and walking during the rest periods. The only way to compare your progress would be if you had identical workouts.
The app costs $20/month, which is fair for what you get.
What Else You Need to Know
Here are some things that are important to know if you are seriously considering buying the TrueForm Trainer.
It’s tall.
Depending on the height of the feet which level the Trainer while in use, you are going to be raised 10″ or higher. When you consider that and that while running, you will be lifting yourself an extra 1-2″ in the air, you can see how this might be an issue for those on the taller end. Be sure you have the space for the unit to sit and that your ceiling height is also tall enough for you to use the Trainer comfortably.
The overall dimensions are 64″L x 31″W x 63″H. It also weighs a solid 270 lbs, but is easy enough to move around the room.
It is more difficult than running on a traditional treadmill or outside.
Running a mile outside or on a treadmill is a nice warm-up for someone with even a little endurance. The claim made by TrueForm is that ‘you will burn 44% more calories than on a motorized treadmill. Running a mile on any motorless treadmill (the TrueForm Trainer included) is different. You are doing more than striking and kicking when you are on an air runner. You are pulling yourself along. Good news if you are looking for a more challenging workout, but this may deter you if you want something to put long hours on.
Pacing is difficult.
Holding pace on the Trainer is a skill. The more you are on it, the better you can become, but it isn’t easy, especially if you are trying to keep pace for a significant period. Based on the design, if you lean forward and run up the arc, you will speed up, but if you keep a center of gravity and try to kick, you won’t move. It takes a consistent methodical strike and kicks to hold a steady pace.
The TrueForm design promotes a more efficient running style.
The design of the curve forces a mid-foot-to-toe strike and keeps you off your heel. It also requires some upper body forward lean. Both of these form adjustments lead to a more efficient running technique. This claim (which is valid) sets the TrueForm apart from other motorless designs.
TrueForm Trainer vs. Assault Runner
There are two primary differences between the TrueForm Trainer and Assault Runner, which is its most common “rival”. First, the Assault Runner does have the better monitor. It includes more variables and is easier to toggle between settings.
The second difference is the belt on the Assault Runner seems to glide easier when compared to the TrueForm Trainer. If you step off of the Assault Runner while running the belt continues to move pretty quickly. If you jump off the TrueForm while running, it slows down almost immediately. It takes less effort to run on the Assault Runner.
Though the Assault runner may be an easier machine to work with, the TrueForm may in turn make you into a stronger, better runner.
TrueForm Trainer vs TrueForm Runner
TrueForm also offers a “Runner” where they don’t take any shortcuts and is built for commercial use. It was made in America, but you pay for it. The price tag on the Runner is currently $6,895. Even though it includes an all-metal construction, it’s easy to assume that is out of reach for most home gyms. That’s why the Trainer is a much likelier option for most. The TrueForm Trainer is essentially a clone of the Runner, but where the Runner doesn’t take any shortcuts, the Trainer does. The TrueForm Trainer has plastic components and is made in an overseas facility. Currently, the Trainer costs $3,995.
Buying and Warranties
TrueForm does have different financing options. They have other options that vary from 12/24/36 months and some with 0%.
When buying from TrueForm, you can use credit cards, Paypal, or Google pay. If you are outside of the US, they require a wire transfer. The unit has a delay in shipping as they are either backed up, or supply chain/transport is having issues getting the units out on time.
The warranty for the trainer comes with a one-year labor warranty and a five-year frame, parts, and components warranty.
Conclusion
The TrueForm Trainer is an expensive option for adding equipment to your home gym, but it is comparable to commercial-grade treadmills, which are meant to last longer and take more of a beating. Though the Trainer is built with plastic components (compared to the runner), it is still an option built to last. It also has a design that promotes proper form, which sets it apart from its competitors.
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