The Assault Air Runner Self Powered Treadmill

One of the key features of the Assault Fitness Air Runner is the fact that there is no limitation to how fast you can run.

Unlike on motored treadmills, which typically max out at 12 mph and take time to transition from one speed to the next, here you can choose to run as fast as you’d like, and you can change it up instantaneously.

As such it is ideal for HIIT training, where transitions from top speeds to moderate speeds to low speeds are critical.

Since the Air Runner is completely self powered, there is zero electricity use. Traditional treadmills require an enormous amount of power, especially at top speeds and high inclines.

Here you have none of that, which is a nice way to decrease your energy usage and help the environment a little.

The Assault Air Runner is only 70″ long and 33″ wide, so it’s considerably smaller than traditional treadmills. It is also only 280 lbs., which is very light for a commercial grade machine.

If you compare that to its main competitor, the Woodway Curve, it’s about 70 lbs. lighter, making it much more portable.

The Air Runner comes with 8 built in workouts, and you have the ability to track all of your workouts with the built in Bluetooth connectivity.

This feature is becoming more and more popular these days, especially with the proliferation of fitness apps that allow you to do pretty much everything, including tracking, sharing, setting goals and winning prizes for various achievements.

You get a basic but functional high-contrast LCD display, powder coated steel frame, 350 lb. max weight capacity and additional programming options with trainer Kal Chatham.

Although the Assault Air Runner is a fantastic training tool, it may not be ideal for those who are used to a more traditional treadmill workout.

You don’t get incline or decline, motorized belt, advanced console/touch screen, workout fan, tablet holder, music port, etc.

So if all or even some of these features appeal to you, you might be better off with a regular treadmill.

The Air Runner will run you around $5,000, which is about the same price as a Cybex treadmill, one of the most expensive brands out there.

Although they are built tough, and you’ll save a lot of money on electricity, you have to decide if this is really what you want for your home. You can get an incredible traditional treadmill with all of the bells and whistles for this price.

For those who are really into HIIT training and prefer to choose their own speeds, the Assault Air Assault is a great choice, as is the Woodway Curve, which is a very similar model.

It gives you a lot of versatility and the fact that it is self-powered is great for the environment. It’s also compact and light weight, and virtually maintenance free.

On the flip side, it’s very expensive, and it is missing many of the features and comforts that you find on traditional treadmills, especially those in this price range.

So it’s a matter of really deciding if this is the right machine for you. Your best bet is to try one out at your gym if possible. You might have a Curve there or one of the other Woodway models, as those are even more high end and are commonly found at the better health clubs.

If you love the workout, and you can afford the hefty price tag, by all means go for it.