Back to Library
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:
- Position: Step onto the curved deck of the self-propelled treadmill (like an AssaultRunner or TrueForm).
- Posture: Stand tall with your chest up and look forward.
The Run:
- Initiate: Begin walking by taking small steps. The belt will start to move under your feet. There are no buttons to press.
- 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.
- Maintain Speed: Find the 'sweet spot' on the curve to maintain your desired pace.
- Form: Focus on a midfoot or forefoot strike. The curved design encourages better running mechanics.
- 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