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Exercise Guide

How to do assault run

Master the setup, range of motion, and tempo for safer, more effective reps.

The assault run, typically performed on a manual treadmill, is an intense cardiovascular exercise that challenges your speed and endurance. Unlike motorized treadmills, the pace is entirely controlled by your effort, forcing you to engage your glutes and hamstrings more effectively to drive the belt. It is a premier tool for high-intensity interval training, improving aerobic capacity, and building mental toughness through demanding, self-paced running sessions.

Stats

DIFFICULTY
Untrained to Advanced
EQUIPMENT
Assault Runner
TARGET MUSCLES
Quads, Hamstrings, Glutes, Calves

Instructions for Proper Form

Setup:

  1. Position: Step onto the curved deck of the self-propelled treadmill (like an AssaultRunner or TrueForm).
  2. Posture: Stand tall with your chest up and look forward.

The Run:

  1. Initiate: Begin walking by taking small steps. The belt will start to move under your feet. There are no buttons to press.
  2. Increase Speed: To speed up, lean forward slightly and increase your stride rate and length. The further up the curve you step, the faster the belt will move.
  3. Maintain Speed: Find the 'sweet spot' on the curve to maintain your desired pace.
  4. Form: Focus on a midfoot or forefoot strike. The curved design encourages better running mechanics.
  5. Slow Down: To slow down or stop, simply slow your pace and drift back towards the lower, flatter part of the curve.

Tips:

  • Self-propelled treadmills are more demanding than motorized ones, so your pace may be slower.
  • They are excellent for sprint intervals due to the instant response to your effort.

Common mistakes: Slouching or leaning too far forward, overstriding which can lead to joint impact issues, and holding onto the side rails for support.

Alternatives

Leg Extension

one leg extension

Quads
Leg Extension

leg extension

QuadsGlutes
Barbell

barbell squat

QuadsGlutes
Leg Press

seated leg press

QuadsGlutes
Squat Rack

barbell front squat

QuadsGlutes
Bench

barbell bulgarian split squat

QuadsGlutes
Barbell

barbell box squat

QuadsGlutes
Hack Squat Machine

hack squat

QuadsGlutes
None

forward lunge

Quads
Kettlebell

kettlebell front squat

QuadsGlutes
Kettlebell

kettlebell goblet squat

QuadsGlutes
None

rear lunge

QuadsGlutes
Kettlebell

kettlebell one arm swing

QuadsGlutes+2
Kettlebell

kettlebell thruster

QuadsGlutes+5
Barbell

barbell overhead squat

QuadsGlutes
Barbell

barbell zercher squat

QuadsGlutes
Barbell

barbell overhead lunge

QuadsGlutes+1
Leg Press

squat calf raise on legpress

QuadsGlutes+1
None

step up with chair

QuadsGlutes+1
Dumbbell

dumbbell swing

QuadsHamstrings+3
Dumbbell

dumbbell thruster

QuadsGlutes+4
Smith Machine

smith-machine leg press

QuadsGlutes
Bench

sissy squat

QuadsGlutes
Smith Machine

smit-machine split squat

QuadsGlutes
Hack Squat Machine

reverse hack squat

QuadsGlutes
Smith Machine

smit-machine squat

QuadsGlutes
Dumbbell

dumbbell lunge

QuadsGlutes
Pendulum Squat Machine

pendulum squat

QuadsGlutes
None

pistol squat

QuadsGlutes
Sled Leg Press

sled 45° leg press

QuadsGlutes
Tread Mill

run on treadmill

QuadsGlutes+1
None

run

QuadsGlutes+1
Assault Runner

assault run

QuadsHamstrings+2
Ski Trainer

ski trainer

QuadsGlutes+3
Barbell

barbell thruster

QuadsGlutes+4
Assault Bike

assault bike run

QuadsHamstrings+6