Before you even step onto it, you can already tell that the Assault Fitness AirRunner is a treadmill with a difference.
From its solid build and sleek design to the unique curved deck, just the sight of the Assault AirRunner gives you confidence that it’s going to do exactly what it promises – help you to perfect your running form.
Even better, the Assault Fitness AirRunner is self-powered. So, unlike other form-perfecting treadmills on the market which need to be plugged into a high-watt power source, the only energy the AirRunner needs is the movement of your legs.
Of course, nothing is perfect – despite these benefits, there are a few drawbacks to the Assault Fitness AirRunner that you should factor into your purchase decision.
Ready? Let’s dive deeper into our Assault AirRunner Treadmill Review.
| Pros | Cons |
| Robust | It cannot be folded |
| Ergonomic handles for safety | Large (69.9 x 32.8 x 64 in) |
| More affordable than many treadmills on the market | Nowhere to put your water bottle or phone |
| Bluetooth and ANT+ functions enabled so you can connect your progress to apps etc | The running surface is 17.1 in wide which some runners may find a little narrow |
| Low maintenance | No speed control |
| Fairly lightweight (280lbs) | Premium price point |
| More interesting than regular treadmills | |
| Cheaper to run than regular treadmills |
So, Who Are Assault Fitness?
Born in California USA, Assault Fitness has been designing and manufacturing high-end fitness products, including bikes, rowers, and treadmills, for well over a decade.
And it’s clear they’ve learned a few things in this time.
Their flagship product, the Assault AirBike, is now world-renowned as amongst the most challenging and effective fan bikes out there. This innovative machine harnesses the air to create resistance you work against throughout your workout.
Their products are perfect for those of us who don’t just want to work out, but want to push past personal limits, improve overall fitness and exercise form.
What’s The Point Of The Assault AirRunner?
The Assualt Fitness AirRunner is designed to enhance your running technique, perfect your form and increase your speed.
As the AirRunner is self-powered and not connected to any power source, in order to move the belt properly, it requires you to run with a specific stride and technique.
In this way, by using the belt’s curved shape, the AirRunner forces you into the proper running form, giving a much more natural running feel than traditional treadmills.
You need to be disciplined enough to set your own pace, as it doesn’t have any form of speed control.
It takes some getting used to, as at the start it will likely feel very different to anything you’ve tried before. However, once you adapt to this feeling, you will be able to replicate your running form anywhere and anytime you run, even on other treadmills.
Rather than a drawback, the lack of features in the Assault Fitness AirRunner is a benefit – leaving you pretty impressed how its simplicity can lead to such amazing benefits.
And while it’s simple, it has an incredible build quality that has led to it being used in many high-spec commercial gyms as well as in your homes.
Who Should And Shouldn’t Buy the Assault AirRunner?
If you want to increase your running speed, target improving your form, burn more calories or need an extra-long running surface. The Assault Fitness AirRunner is an excellent indoor running solution.
However, if you like your running machines to be feature-rich and full of tech, you probably won’t like it.
The Assault Fitness AirRunner is best suited to runners who can already control their speed and pace. However, if you are not an experienced runner, learning and adapting to the machine won’t take long.
In fact, if you’re looking to improve your running technique, this is the perfect machine to perfect your form.
If you find running on a treadmill tedious, you may find the AirRunner a bit more interesting. Even though it hasn’t got a big screen to distract you, the fact that you are controlling the speed makes the experience more engaging.
How Much Does It Cost?
The Assault Fitness AirRunner isn’t exactly cheap at around $3,800 (2021) but you certainly get what you pay for. And you get an incredibly powerful tool for your fitness training.
At $3,800, the AirRunner is still amongst the lesser expensive treadmills out there, and as it requires no electricity, you’ll make the money back on that which you save on your energy bill.
Not only will the robust build mean that it will last for years, but it also comes with a great warranty to cover any issues.
Plus, the tried and tested AirRunner model has remained the same for years. This is not only a testament to its quality and effectiveness, but unlike other treadmills that are constantly updated, you won’t be left feeling like it’s out-of-date any time soon.
It may not have all the tech of a smart trainer, but it will help you push your limits and enhance your performance. The other added bonus is that it doesn’t send your electricity bill through the roof.
The Features of The Assault Fitness AirRunner
Curved Deck And Belt
We have to talk about the machine’s curved deck. The deck has a belt made up of slats that roll freely under leg power.
The belt is heavy-duty made for intense training. Its curvy shape makes moving the belt easier for runners but harder than running on electric treadmills. If you want to simulate uphill running, run closer to the front of the belt. For less incline, stay more toward the middle.
There is nothing to increase resistance or incline. The speed and effort are only determined by how much effort you put in.
The shape of the deck and motorless action changes your form, improve your strength and running technique. This all comes from controlling the belt using your own leg power.
Unlike most treadmills, the Assault Fitness AirRunner has no speed limit. But to get higher speeds, you will need to push seriously hard, as you are moving the belt yourself.
Related article: ProForm City L6 Review: A Compact And Portable Treadmill
Easy To Maintain
Due to the simplistic nature of the Assault Fitness AirRunner, you get an extra added bonus of it being easy to look after. There is less to go wrong on an AirRunner than a regular treadmill. It is also easy to clean, and you don’t even have to lubricate it too often.
Durable Construction
How well any exercise equipment is made is very important. You don’t want your machine to fall apart or start squeaking as you run.
Assault Fitness recognizes this, so they have constructed the AirRunner around a durable metal frame. The frame and handles are powder-coated, so they will last a long time while looking great.
The powder-coating also makes the machine resistant to corrosion. So when you drip sweat onto the machine, you know it won’t rust. This machine should still look brand new after years of use.
Included Workouts​
Even though the AirRunner is pretty basic in terms of tech, it does have a few pre-programmed workouts. You can access HIIT, Tabata, target, and heart rate workouts via the small console.
These included workouts make it easy to decide what you want to do on any particular day. Which is great if you lack inspiration.
Keep Track Of Your Metrics
The machine has a small LCD screen. It shows information such as time, calories burned, distance, speed, and watts.
All these metrics are essential for monitoring your progression. But keeping an eye on them also lets you know that you are working hard enough to reach your fitness goals.
Bluetooth Connectivity
The AirRunner comes with a chest strap monitor. This is an accurate way of keeping tabs on your heart rate. You can also connect other heart rate monitors, thanks to Bluetooth and ANT+ compatibility.
Due to the Bluetooth connectivity, you can link your phone to the AirRunner so you can use a range of fitness apps. Therefore, you can keep track of all your workouts and monitor your progress.
Assault Fitness AirRunner Specifications
Weight
The AirRunner is pretty light at 280lbs, but it has excellent build quality. It has a heavy-duty steel frame and robust belt designed to withstand the stresses of heavy training and sprinting.
You will notice that even though the machine is lightweight, it doesn’t move around, even when you are sprinting hard. The build quality is reassuringly robust, so you can push as hard as you want with confidence.
Running Area
Some people may find the belt a little narrow at 17 inches wide, but it is something you will get used to. But its 62-inch length is pretty long. The extra length helps you to maintain your stride as you run.
Maximum Weight Capacity​
The weight capacity for users runs around average at 350 pounds. Assault Fitness built the AirRunner around this high weight limit to ensure inclusiveness. Therefore, no matter your weight, you can use the AirRunner to improve your fitness.
You can start your fitness journey by walking on the AirRunner. Once you start to feel more confident, you can build up to running to take your fitness to the next level.
Folding Options and Dimensions
Once assembled, this machine sits at 70 inches long x 33 inches wide x 64 inches high. So it isn’t exactly a small machine. Unfortunately, you cannot fold the AirRunner, so you need to make sure you have a dedicated space for it.
However, if you do need to move it around, it has built-in transport wheels. These are at one end of the machine and allow you to move it around with ease, using the handle at the other end.
The Takeaway
Now you have a good picture of the Assault Fitness AirRunner, you will probably have an idea of whether it is suitable for you.
It isn’t cheap, but the cost is lower than a regular treadmill over time, as it requires no power. So, you don’t have to worry about your electricity bill while you work out.
This excellent running machine may be a little unorthodox for some people. However, if you want to add indoor running to your workout schedule, the Assault Fitness AirRunner is one of the most effective ways to improve your fitness.
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