Treadmills are the most used cardio equipment in the gym but have seen the least amount of innovation in the past 15 years. The fitness industry has accepted the treadmill in its current form, and every issue that comes with it, as part of club operations. Members have accepted the fact that a treadmill is a treadmill. If the unforgiving deck causes joint pain or flares an old injury, members are banished to the elliptical. If a deck needs to be replaced every two years, it’s just a cost of doing business. Without an alternative, the industry and its members have continued to utilise these same models despite lack of enthusiasm or comfort – until now.

Free yourself from what you know about treadmills. Star Trac, the no. 1 brand for cardio enthusiasts, brings innovation back to the treadmill category with the ingenious addition of the Star Trac FreeRunner™ .

This inventive, patent-pending treadmill generates a revolutionary feel for both runners and walkers by utilising the HexDeck System – an unprecedented aluminum running deck supported by proprietary hexagonal polymer suspension. Whether you’re a facility buyer, performance runner, or recovering from an injury, this treadmill caters to your needs by improving performance and comfort, while also significantly increasing belt and deck life.

The HexDeck offers unrivalled responsiveness with an initial cushion and flex when the foot strikes, reacting immediately to impact. The returning support and energy for the push off the toe mimicking that of an Olympic track. For running members, there is no better outdoor training substitute than the FreeRunner.

In an independent study by California State University, Fullerton, more than 3 out of 4 study participants preferred the FreeRunner to a traditional treadmill and gave FreeRunner nearly a 4.5 out of 5 rating for overall satisfaction. Compared to a traditional treadmill, participants had measurably lower impact and more shock absorption on the FreeRunner. In other words, the FreeRunner provides softer landings (you’re welcome, joints!), so users can run farther and faster for longer. And bonus: lesser impact means decreased recovery times and reduced risk of bone injury. Avid and casual runners alike will be thrilled to train without pain at greater intervals than ever before.

Running world record holder and Core Health & Fitness senior master instructor Sonja Friend-Uhl says: “If there is one word I would use to describe the feel of the FreeRunner it would be responsive. The surface and mechanics allow one’s unique running or walking form and gait to work for them during their workout.”

Click here for full details on the Star Trac FreeRunner™