TrueForm Trainer Treadmill Review 2024

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Last Updated: February 5, 2024

The TrueForm Trainer has the shallowest curve of any curved manual treadmill.

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Star Rating: 4.8

MSRP: $2,995

Overall Rating: 81

Workout Experience 8

Specs / Features 8

Dimensions / Storability 7

On-Board Workouts & Apps 6

Build Quality 7

No electricity, no speed limit, and no subscription are required to run on the TrueForm Trainer.

TrueForm Trainer Treadmill Review: Bottom Line

If you’re looking for a hearty, non-motorized treadmill for your home, then you’re at the right place! After thoroughly testing the TrueForm Trainer, we have determined that this is a durable treadmill that’s excellent for home use.

It’s fairly lightweight to move around when needed, although it’s probably best to stay in a designated area in your home. The rubber-slat belt absorbs the impact on your joints so your lower legs don’t feel discomfort or fatigue. The shallow, curved belt is specifically designed to encourage a midfoot strike and proper form, plus it will go as fast as your legs can. While the monitor doesn’t track as many metrics as we would like, the TrueForm Trainer doesn’t require electricity to use.

We recommend this model to runners, athletes, and individuals who want a treadmill that will help them excel at running.

Editor’s Note, 2/5/2024: The latest edition of our TrueForm Trainer treadmill review was updated with noise ratings and comparison to other manual treadmills to assist your treadmill shopping experience.

What We Like

This treadmill is non-motorized so you control the pace of the belt with your feet. It can move as fast as you can.

The shallow curve of the deck is designed and proven to help promote correct running form and a midfoot strike.

It’s excellent for home use and for runners and athletes.

The rubber slat belt absorbs the impact on joints to make for a comfortable running experience.

It doesn’t require being plugged in and is lightweight to move and use pretty much anywhere.

The design can handle up to 400 lbs while walking and running, so it will work for most people.

This model is the affordable alternative to the Runner which is found in commercial gyms. has been used in competitions like the CrossFit Games.

Areas for Improvement

The console doesn’t track very many metrics and isn’t backlit.

It has plastic components so it isn’t as heavy-duty as the TrueForm Runner.

There isn’t any storage for a device or water bottle.

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From Manual to Motorized, We Test All Home Treadmills…

When we create reviews of treadmills, we draw from our experience using the machine and from our years of testing. As for who “we” are, we’re personal trainers, fitness instructors, and exercise enthusiasts who love everything related to home fitness. Our goal in our reviews is to help you make informed decisions when determining which treadmill is best for you. We know that most treadmills can’t be tested before you take them home, so we do that work for you. You can trust that we’ve spent time using every treadmill that comes into our studio and that our reviews reflect our team’s experience.

Another factor that helps us compile reviews is comparing them to other models. When testing the TrueForm Trainer, we compared it to the TrueForm Runner, and AssaultRunners, among others. This way we could give you even more insight into how the Trainer compares to other popular models.

TrueForm Trainer Review Video

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TrueForm Trainer vs Similar Treadmills

We compared the TrueForm Trainer manual treadmill to other comparable treadmills. These manual treadmills do not require electricity, have unlimited speed capabilities, and have slat belts, but they differ in several ways.

Treadmill TrueForm Trainer AssaultRunner Pro AssaultRunner Elite Bells of Steel Blitz Manual Treadmill TrueForm Runner

Price (MSRP) $2995

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$2,999

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$3,999

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$4,999

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$6,899

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Star Rating 4.8 4.9 5 4.5 4.8

Bottom Line With the subtlest curve of any manual treadmill, the TrueForm Trainer encourages better running form while its low-tech console minimizes distractions from your workout. The AssaultRunner Pro is an affordable manual treadmill with a belt that should last 150,000 miles. The AssaultRunner Elite manual treadmill lets you run as fast as you can with its unlimited speed potential and smooth rolling slat belt. With its 6 levels of magnetic resistance and steep curve, this manual treadmill is unique and challenging. This manual treadmill has a gentle slope and a cushioned slat belt for a more natural running stride.

Ratings TrueForm Trainer AssaultRunner Pro AssaultRunner Elite Bells of Steel Blitz Manual Treadmill TrueForm Runner

Overall Rating 81 84 83 78 82

Workout Experience 8 8 8 7 8

Specs / Features 8 8 8 8 8

Dimensions / Storability 7 7 7 6 6

On-Board Workouts
& Apps 6 8 8 7 6

Build Quality 7 7 7 8 8

Paid Programming – Cost N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

# of Onboard Workouts 1 7 7 5 1

Netflix / 3rd Party Apps N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Display LCD Battery (Bluetooth optional) UV resistant console Hi-contrast. UV resistant console digital console Bright LED Rechargeable Battery

Dimensions (In Use) 64″ L x 31″ W x 63″ H 69.7″ L x 33.1″ W x 64″ H 69.9″ L x 31.7″ W x 64.4″ H 70″ L x 30″ W x 62″ H 64″ L x 36″ W x 63″ H

Dimensions (Folded) N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Treadmill Type manual, curved, slat belt, non-folding manual, curved, slat belt, non-folding manual, curved, slat belt, non-folding manual, curved, slat belt, non-folding manual, curved, slat belt, non-folding

Treadmill Weight 300 lbs 280 lbs 289.2 lbs 325 lbs 350 lbs
Weight Capacity 400 lbs 350 lbs 400 lbs 400 lbs 700 lbs (walking), 450 lbs (running)

Running Surface 17″ x 54″ 17″ x 62″ 17″ x 65″ 17″ x 65″ 17″ x 54″

Deck Height (Step Up) 14″ Coming Soon! Coming Soon! Coming Soon! 11″

Deck Height At Highest Incline N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Ceiling Height Required(6’ Tall Runner) Coming Soon! Coming Soon! Coming Soon! Coming Soon! Coming Soon!

Motor Size N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Incline/Decline N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Min / Max Speed unlimited unlimited unlimited unlimited unlimited

Frame 8 gauge/4.5 mm steel solid steel solid steel 9-gauge steel 7 gauge/4.5 mm steel

Roller Size 112 sealed steel ball bearings 100 precision ball bearings with 12 roller guides 100 precision ball bearings with 12 roller guides 200 precision ball bearings 106 sealed steel ball bearings

Warranty 10-year frame 150,000-mile belt, 5-year frame, 3-year moving parts 10-year frame, lifetime belt, 3-year non-wear parts, 1-year parts, 1-year labor 5-year frame, 1-year parts 20-year frame

Connectivity Bluetooth optional Bluetooth, ANT+, AssaultFitness app, Zwift app Bluetooth, ANT+, AssaultFitness app, Zwift app ANT+ Bluetooth optional

Heart Rate Sensors Polar heart rate monitors Bluetooth, ANT+ Bluetooth, ANT+ ANT+ N/A

Additional Features decals, shallowest curved manual treadmill phone holder, competition mode, work/rest light indicators cup holders, phone holder, competition mode, work/rest light indicators, cushioned TPU belt 6 levels of magnetic resistance, sled push handles, steep curve tread surface options: tread, turf, track, Naboso; custom paint and decals, shallow deck curvature

In-depth Testing & Analysis of the TrueForm Trainer Manual Treadmill

Workout Experience

Overall, the TrueForm Trainer is a high-quality piece of cardio equipment that will certainly help improve your running and take it to the next level.

The TrueForm Trainer is excellent for home use and more affordable than the TrueForm Runner.

As far as using the Trainer, (and any other curved, manual treadmills) there is a little bit of a learning curve when you’re a beginner. Being able to control the belt yourself feels different than using an electric treadmill. When you first start, keeping a steady pace can be a little difficult. With time though, you get used to running on the deck. If you’re new to using manual treadmills, just expect that they’re going to feel different than using standard motorized treadmills.

Compared to running on the AssaultRunner Elite, the Trainer’s belt feels more challenging to get going. More of your posterior chain is recruited to move the belt. The AssaultRunners have heavier belts than the trainer, so they’re easier to get going. The shallower curve on the Trainer also contributes to requiring more effort to move. In our opinion, AssaultRunners are best for most people and typically preferred for sprinting because their belts are easier to run on. The TrueForm Trainer is the better option for runners and athletes striving to improve their form. It’s more challenging to run on with poor form such as heel striking.

If you’re wanting to reduce your risk of injury, improve your balance and speed, as well as your running overall, this is the treadmill to get. The TrueForm Trainer is also a great option if you want a treadmill where you set the pace, rather than having to keep up with the pace set. We recommend it for athletes and home fitness enthusiasts because it’s durable, versatile, and an excellent home treadmill that you can run as fast and as long as you want on.

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Dimensions/Storability

A big difference between the Runner and the Trainer is the frame materials and weight. The Runner is heavier because the outer frame is made up of steel, while the Trainer is made up of steel and plastic. This makes the Trainer significantly lighter than the Runner at 300 lbs and easier to move. There’s a built-in steel handle at the base to make tilting up the backend to engage the front wheels, more convenient. Being our smallest reviewer, I’m able to move the Trainer, however, it is still pretty heavy and might be hard and potentially impossible for some to move, so keep this in mind.

The rear handle really helps when we have to move the TrueForm Trainer.

The TrueForm Trainer Treadmill has a maximum deck height of 16 inches and a step-up height of 14 inches at the middle of the deck. You don’t have to factor in the ability to incline on the TrueForm Trainer, so you only need a minimum ceiling height of 8’ for a 6’ runner to train comfortably. For more information, check out our blog on ceiling height to find the appropriate space for your treadmill.

Console & Features

When it comes to manual treadmills, they can typically be used just about anywhere because they don’t require an outlet to use. Some people even roll them outside – weather and climate permitting. This is due to their lack of motors and battery-powered consoles. The TrueForm Trainer has an LCD display that uses batteries. When the belt starts moving, the console turns on.

Everything is clear and easy to see on the console.

Even though we expect simple consoles on manual treadmills (their lack of electricity is their appeal), the Trainer’s console is more basic than most.

For starters, it only displays your pace, speed, distance, time, and heart rate (when connected to a compatible Polar heart rate tracker). Unfortunately, metrics like calories aren’t tracked. You can change the distance and speed from miles to kilometers and vice versa, though.

There is a mode that lets you create your own intervals, too. You can only set time and/or distance goals in this setting.

As far as storage, you won’t find any on this treadmill. There isn’t a place for your phone or water. I do think that eliminating distractions, like watching your device for instance, is maybe intentional on TrueForm’s part. Less room for distractions and more room to focus on your running and improving as an athlete. Not a bad idea if this is your goal. Although, a water bottle holder would be nice.

Overall, this console is underwhelming and could use some upgrades. The console on the AssaultRunner Elite has a lot more functionality in comparison. The console isn’t a huge dealbreaker for the TrueForm Trainer though. I promise you, this is a worthy contender for any runner. Keep reading to find out why.

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Build Quality

Now let’s dive into the construction. The TrueForm Trainer is the less expensive little brother to the TrueForm Runner which is built for use in public gyms. The Trainer is made for home use, but in our testing, is still very durable.

The Trainer is best suited for home use.

Among other components of the construction, one aspect that has us impressed is the weight capacity. The TrueForm Trainer is rated to handle up to 400 lbs. This means most people should be able to use this machine.

Frame

The frame is made up of welded 7 gauge steel with steel uprights and handles. A molded thermoplastic makes up the side rails and outer part of the frame. There are also 112 sealed steel ball bearings under the deck, as well as large pulleys that control the direction and motion of the belt. In order to walk backward, for instance, you have to turn around and face the rear of the treadmill.

The handles consist of one continuous piece that the console is attached to.

The handles are metal and extend back on either side of the deck while you’re running to provide balance assistance when you need it. They can be used as leverage when getting into a full sprint, too. Overall, the TrueForm Trainer feels as durable as competitors like the AssaultRunners, but it feels a little bit different to use which I’ll get into below.

MotorLess

A big aspect that makes manual treadmills unlike electric ones, is the fact that they don’t have motors. The Trainer doesn’t have a motor. Instead, your feet control the speed. What makes this treadmill, and other curved manual treadmills, ideal for running, especially at high speeds, is the fact that the belt will go as fast as you do. The TrueForm Trainer has an unlimited max speed. It also requires significantly less maintenance than motorized treadmills because of its lack of a motor.

We took noise measurements of the TrueForm Trainer with two different runners at 3 miles per hour, 6 miles per hour, and 9 miles per hour. They varied in their weight, height, and foot strike pattern. The results showed that the taller runner was louder when training on the Trainer from a range of 48 dB to 63 dB. The other runner’s range was 47 dB to 61 dB. This shows that there is some variance from runner to runner, but the noise level of the Trainer is similar to other manual treadmills and even to motorized treadmills (without anyone walking or running on them).

Deck

The deck is unique to not only motorized treadmills but to other curved, manual treadmills because of its shallow curve to the belt. TrueForm claims that they have the shallowest curve in their decks compared to other manual treadmills. From the highest to lowest points on the deck, there is only a 2.5” difference. The shallower curve is definitely noticeable when the Trainer is lined up next to others, like the AssaultRunner Elite.

TrueForm says that less of a curve makes for more “natural and neutral” running form. TrueForm has designed their treadmills (both the Trainer and Runner), to help improve form and encourage a midfoot strike. There was even a study showing how effective the TrueForm Runner is at correcting runners’ gaits. The Trainer and Runner have the same angle of the curve and pretty negligible differences in the belts unless you customize the Runner with turf, so rest assured you can experience the benefits of correct running mechanics on the TrueForm Trainer, too.

As far as the cushioning, the belt is made out of rubber slats that help absorb the shock that comes with running. From our experience, motorized treadmills with less cushioning can result in sore joints. This happens to me when I run on certain brands with firmer decks, however, the rubber slat belt on the Trainer doesn’t make my joints ache like this. So, if you’re an outdoor runner who needs a break from running on concrete from time to time, the Trainer will feel nice underfoot because of the shock absorption.

The belt itself is 17” wide and 64” long.

Regarding width, manual treadmills are known for having narrower decks to help keep you running in a straight line. This deck is plenty long for all stride lengths whether you’re just walking or at an all-out sprint.

Should You Buy the TrueForm Trainer

Calling all runners, athletes, and fitness enthusiasts who want a treadmill that can handle a lot of use and doesn’t require electricity. The TrueForm Trainer is the one to check out! TrueForm has created high-end manual treadmills that are durable and designed to help improve your running form. The TrueForm Trainer is the more affordable alternative to the practically indestructible Runner.

We consider the TrueForm Trainer to be one of the best manual treadmills on the market. We’ve awarded it as the best manual treadmill for athletes. Not only is the Trainer durable, but it has a shallow curved belt that is proven to help improve your running form. This isn’t your typical plug-in treadmill that has a motorized belt to keep up with. The TrueForm Trainer is fully manual and designed for runners and athletes of all levels. On this capable machine, you can run as fast as you want and work on bettering your balance and running overall.

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TrueForm Trainer Treadmill Q&A / FAQ

Is the TrueForm Trainer worth it?

The TrueForm Trainer is a high-quality manual treadmill with the shallowest curve on any slat belt manual running treadmill. It encourages a midfoot/forefoot running stride over heel striking. The belt is cushioned and moves smoothly underfoot. Training on the TrueForm Trainer burns more calories than on a motorized treadmill, because you have to move the belt yourself. While the TrueForm Trainer has unlimited speed potential, it is harder to run on like all manual treadmills.

Given all of this, the TrueForm Trainer could be worth it for someone who wants all of a manual treadmill’s benefits. The Trainer is one of the best manual running treadmills and is priced competitively.

Can you walk on a TrueForm Trainer?

Yes, you can walk on the TrueForm Trainer. But, it is harder to walk on than a motorized treadmill. Maintaining your walking pace is difficult because the treadmill is best for jogging, running, and sprinting. The TrueForm Trainer may be overkill for only walking, but it is a great option for athletes who want to supplement the rest of the training on the Trainer with low-intensity sessions.

What is the difference between the TrueForm Trainer and the TrueForm Runner?

The Trainer is a residential manual treadmill with more plastic components. The TrueForm Runner is a heavy-duty manual treadmill designed for high-use settings like commercial gyms. The Runner comes in multiple colors and belt textures. The Trainer is a more affordable version that is suitable for heavy use by one person or a household of users only.

What is a TrueForm Trainer?

The TrueForm Trainer is a manual running treadmill with a slat belt. It is the least curved manual running treadmill available. This design encourages forefoot and midfoot running instead of rearfoot running. It does not require electricity, has unlimited speed potential, and comes with an impressive 150,000-mile belt warranty.

Is your TrueForm Trainer Manual Treadmill review a paid review?

No, our TrueForm Trainer review is not a paid review. Many of the treadmills and other products we receive are sent from the brand for free, but we are not paid to conduct the review. Brands do not give guidance for our reviews. We have developed our own process over a decade of reviewing and testing.

How do we make money, then? When you use the links included on many of our reviews and other pages, we may receive a commission when you make a purchase through them. This does not increase the cost of the treadmill or other products for you. We have this relationship with most home fitness brands, so we are able to give a balanced review on each product, because we won’t steer you toward one brand or another. Our goal is to match you to the right treadmill for your circumstances.

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About the Author

Sydney Kaiser, ISSA-CPT, ISSA Nutritionist Certification
Sydney is a certified fitness instructor, personal trainer, and sports nutritionist who combines her passion for fitness, health, and wellness with her passion for writing. After graduating from UC Riverside with a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing, she began teaching indoor cycling and Lagree Fitness group fitness classes to people of all ages and abilities. Raised in Central Michigan, Sydney grew up training and competing on the Arabian Horse Association circuit through both Regional and National levels in Dressage and Sport Horse classes. In college, Sydney went on to compete at the collegiate level as a Division 1 equestrian athlete. Here at TRG, Sydney relies on her extensive background in fitness when reviewing and recommending all kinds of fitness, recovery, and health-related products.

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