When it comes to choosing a treadmill, most people focus on price, size, or speed settings. But here’s the truth: one of the biggest decisions you’ll make is whether to go curved or motorised. These two categories offer fundamentally different experiences, and understanding how they work can make or break your home gym investment.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know - from how each treadmill works, to what kinds of workouts they suit best. Plus, we’ll highlight BRIXX’s top models (including the new SHUA collection) so you can choose what truly fits your space, goals, and budget.

What’s the Difference Between Curved and Motorised Treadmills?

A motorised treadmill is powered by an electric motor. You control the speed and incline using digital buttons. It’s what most people are familiar with from gyms and home setups.

A curved treadmill, on the other hand, has no motor. Instead, you power the belt with your own stride. This allows for a more natural running style, improved engagement of the posterior chain, and greater calorie burn.

The biggest differences:

• Motorised = Controlled pace, electric-powered, consistent
  
  

• Curved = Self-powered, no max speed, more intense workout
  
  

Curved Treadmills: Why They’re Gaining Popularity

Curved treadmills have become popular among athletes and HIIT fans because of how closely they mimic outdoor running.

Take the BRIXX Commercial Curved Treadmill for example:

• Self-powered (no electricity needed)
  
  

• Supports natural running mechanics
  
  

• Engages more muscle groups (especially glutes and hamstrings)
  
  

• Burns more calories than flat motorised treadmills
  
  

It even features magnetic resistance, which lets users simulate sled pushes and high-resistance running for next-level conditioning.

Bonus: No max speed cap. Go as fast or as slow as you like - the treadmill responds to your pace.

View the BRIXX Curved Magnetic Resistance Treadmill →

Motorised Treadmills: Still Worth It?

Absolutely. Motorised treadmills are ideal for structured cardio, interval programs, and rehab sessions where controlled speed is a must.

Let’s take a look at the new SHUA Sprint Series, available now through BRIXX:

SHUA Sprint 2.0

• Price: $1,950
  
  

• Speed: Up to 18 km/h
  
  

• Incline: 0–12%
  
  

• 15.6" LED touchscreen
  
  

• Foldable for small spaces
  
  

SHUA Sprint 1.0

• Price: $1,495
  
  

• Speed: 0.8–16 km/h
  
  

• Incline: 0–15%
  
  

• Fold-up design
  
  

• LED display and Bluetooth connectivity
  
  

SHUA Commercial Light Treadmill

• Price: $3,500
  
  

• 2.5 HP AC motor
  
  

• 0–15% incline, 20 km/h top speed
  
  

• Large 520 x 1450mm belt
  
  

• Commercial-grade durability
  
  

View all SHUA treadmills →

SHUA: Premium Equipment, Trusted Worldwide

The SHUA range now available at BRIXX is manufactured to world-class commercial standards. SHUA is:

• A partner of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
  
  

• A board-listed manufacturer of gym equipment
  
  

• An official supplier to a National Olympic Committee
  
  

In short: these aren’t your average treadmills. Whether you’re buying for home or light commercial use, you’re getting build quality trusted by pro athletes worldwide.

Curved vs Motorised: Which Should You Choose?

Here’s a quick comparison:

Where Do You Train?

Another factor to consider: your space.

• If you’re in a small apartment, the foldable SHUA Sprint 2.0 or 1.0 will fit the bill.
  
  

• If you’re setting up a garage gym, the BRIXX Curved Treadmill or SHUA Commercial Light will give you a premium training experience that mirrors commercial setups.
  
  

And if you’re near Melbourne, don’t forget you can also pick up your treadmill directly from the BRIXX warehouse:
62 Goodall Cl, Dandenong South VIC 3175

Common Mistakes When Choosing a Treadmill

1. Focusing only on speed – Pay attention to deck quality, incline, cushioning, and durability.
   
   

2. Overlooking storage needs – Not all treadmills fold away.
   
   

3. Ignoring build quality – If you train daily, invest in models designed for frequent use (like SHUA Commercial Light).
   
   

4. Assuming all treadmills are the same – A curved model feels very different from a flat electric one.
   
   

5. Choosing based on price alone – Think in terms of performance per dollar, not just the sticker.
   
   

FAQs

Q: Is a curved treadmill better for weight loss?
Yes. Because it demands more effort, it increases heart rate and calorie burn faster than traditional models.

Q: Can I use a curved treadmill if I’m a beginner?
Yes, but start slow. It’s best suited for interval-style training or short bursts rather than long, steady sessions.

Q: Do curved treadmills require electricity?
 No. That’s part of their appeal - they’re completely self-powered and eco-friendly.

Q: What’s the best value-for-money treadmill at BRIXX?
The SHUA Sprint 1.0 offers strong features (foldable, incline, Bluetooth) at $1,495. Great for home use.

Q: Can I pick up my order in Melbourne?
Yes. BRIXX offers local pickup at 62 Goodall Cl, Dandenong South VIC 3175.

Which One Belongs in Your Home Gym?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. If you want to build power, burn calories, and mimic natural running - the BRIXX Curved Treadmill is a clear winner.

If you’re after a versatile, programmable cardio machine for structured workouts, the SHUA Sprint Series offers unmatched value.

Whichever way you go, you’ll be getting world-class equipment backed by the team at BRIXX Fitness - and that’s a win.