When preparing elite athletes for the NFL Combine, MLB season, or professional competitions, every training advantage matters. For the past four years, Justin Wakefield at Apex Performance has made the Aussie Pro Runner a cornerstone in his elite athlete development programs, delivering measurable results for professional athletes across multiple sports.
Key Takeaways
- Curved treadmills provide precise assessment of running mechanics
- Self-powered design creates authentic ground force reactions
- Versatile training options from max velocity to acceleration work
- Resistance features replicate sled training without additional equipment
- Proven performance improvements in elite athletes
Professional Insights: Training with Justin Wakefield
Apex Performance has established itself as a premier destination for elite athlete development, specializing in NFL Combine and Pro Day preparation, NFL offseason training, and MLB/MiLB offseason performance enhancement. Justin Wakefield's approach integrates cutting-edge equipment with proven methodologies to develop complete athletes.
Why Curved Treadmills Excel for Elite Training
Superior Movement Analysis
For coaches working with elite athletes, movement assessment is critical. The Aussie Pro Runner provides unique advantages:
"What makes the Aussie Pro Runner a valuable tool for elite athlete training is the convenience factor. Getting a professional athlete on the Pro Runner in the gym, you can really see what the athlete's running gait is doing from a close perspective."
When working with MLB players, Wakefield has observed that mechanical efficiency trained on the curved treadmill directly transfers to more efficient base-running patterns. The controlled environment allows for precise adjustment of running mechanics that would be difficult to address in regular field training.
Authentic Ground Force Replication
Unlike conventional motorized treadmills, the Aussie Pro Runner's self-powered design creates a more authentic training experience:
"The self-driven belt design is huge for mimicking ground force reactions the best without being actually on the ground. Some treadmills allow for an 'assisted' feel to the run, not allowing the muscles to deliver similar forces as natural ground running. The curve on the runner assists with proper top-end mechanics, a kind of 'self-fixing' form makes it easy."
This self-correcting design element has proven particularly valuable for teaching proper sprint mechanics to athletes at all levels.
Pro-Level Training Protocols
Versatile Workout Programming
After four years of implementation, Wakefield has developed specialized protocols for different training phases and objectives:
"You can do all types of workouts on the Pro Runner from interval sprints, max velocity runs, and with the resistance dialed up, you can work on acceleration power and mechanics."
This versatility allows for periodized training throughout the competitive season and offseason, targeting specific performance elements as needed.
Acceleration and Power Development
For explosive sports that require both acceleration and top-end speed, the resistance features offer unique benefits:
"The 'sled push' functionality is big because it allows you to create acceleration mechanics and shapes as well as add resistance that helps with strength similar to what a loaded sled run would do without having to lug a sled and weight around."
This convenience factor means more efficient training sessions and consistent resistance patterns compared to traditional sled work. Research supports that sled training improves sprint acceleration, particularly in short bursts critical for football and other explosive sports.
Additionally, a study on high school athletes found that resisted sled pulls significantly improved 5-, 10-, and 20-meter sprint performance, with heavier sled loads producing the most substantial gains in short acceleration. This supports the idea that properly programmed sled training enhances explosiveness—a crucial factor for linebackers like Frankie Luvu, known for his quick first step.
Measurable Performance Results
Four years of implementation with professional athletes has demonstrated clear benefits:
"We have seen a ton of improvements from our athletes' speed, endurance, and running mechanics through workouts on the Pro Runner."
Baserunning speed and efficiency correlate with better offensive performance. Statcast Sprint Speed data confirms that players with elite speed score more often, take extra bases at a higher rate, and accumulate more stolen bases. Faster baserunners also tend to have higher BABIP due to their ability to beat out infield hits, which can contribute to marginal improvements in batting average.
Additionally, research has shown that improving running mechanics and efficiency can enhance overall sprint performance, which plays a crucial role in baseball. While batting average is primarily influenced by contact quality and plate discipline, baserunning speed and smart decision-making improve a player’s total offensive value—impacting metrics like runs scored, extra-base hit percentage, and even WAR (Wins Above Replacement), which influences contract negotiations and All-Star selections.
Apex Performance's elite NFL clientele, including standouts like Frankie Luvu (Washington Commanders), Tarik Skubal (Detroit Tigers), Dennis Gardeck (Arizona Cardinals), and Patrick Onwuasor Jr, have benefited from this specialized training approach. These athletes have seen measurable improvements in their explosive power and on-field performance following offseason work on the Aussie Pro Runner.
Implementation Advice for Performance Coaches
For strength and conditioning professionals looking to incorporate curved treadmill training, Wakefield offers practical guidance:
"Some advice I would give coaches would be to make a smart, measurable plan on what you intend to use the Aussie Pro Runner for, and you will see the results show up!"
This systematic approach ensures that the equipment becomes a valued part of a comprehensive training system rather than just another tool.
Athlete Responses to Curved Treadmill Training
The true test of any training method is how athletes respond—both in terms of results and engagement:
"All our athletes have a love-hate relationship with the Aussie. It is as hard as you make it, and some of the workouts will lay you out, but when the results show up, all our guys can appreciate the Aussie Pro Runner and the workouts we do on them!"
This honest assessment highlights both the challenge and effectiveness of curved treadmill training for elite performance. It's designed for the athlete in you. For those who want to put the work in.
Training for Professional Performance
For facilities focused on developing elite athletes, training equipment selection directly impacts results. After four years of implementation, Justin Wakefield's experience demonstrates that the Aussie Pro Runner provides unique benefits for speed development, mechanical improvement, and performance enhancement that translate to competitive advantages for professional athletes.
Expert Q&A with Justin Wakefield, Apex Performance
https://www.instagram.com/apexperformancefacility/
https://www.instagram.com/justin_wakefield_/
What makes the Aussie Pro Runner a valuable tool for elite athlete training?
"What makes the Aussie Pro Runner a valuable tool for elite athlete training is the convenience factor. Getting a professional athlete on the Pro Runner in the gym, you can really see what the athlete's running gait is doing from a close perspective."
How does the self-powered design benefit speed, endurance, and sprint mechanics?
"The self-driven belt design is huge for mimicking ground force reactions the best without being actually on the ground. Some treadmills allow for an 'assisted' feel to the run, not allowing the muscles to deliver similar forces as natural ground running. The curve on the runner assists with proper top-end mechanics, a kind of 'self-fixing' form makes it easy."
What specific workouts do you program on the Aussie Pro Runner for elite performance?
"You can do all types of workouts on the Pro Runner from interval sprints, max velocity runs, and with the resistance dialed up, you can work on acceleration power and mechanics."
How does the sled push functionality help build strength and explosive power?
"The 'sled push' functionality is big because it allows you to create acceleration mechanics and shapes as well as add resistance that helps with strength similar to what a loaded sled run would do without having to lug a sled and weight around."
Have you seen measurable improvements in your athletes' performance since incorporating the Aussie Pro Runner?
"We have seen a ton of improvements from our athletes' speed, endurance, and running mechanics through workouts on the Pro Runner."
What advice would you give to other coaches looking to integrate curved treadmill training for high-level athletes?
"Some advice I would give coaches would be to make a smart, measurable plan on what you intend to use the Aussie Pro Runner for, and you will see the results show up!"
Which athletes are loving the Aussie Pro Runner and which ones dread it?
"All our athletes have a love-hate relationship with the Aussie. It is as hard as you make it, and some of the workouts will lay you out, but when the results show up, all our guys can appreciate the Aussie Pro Runner and the workouts we do on them!"
Sources:
1. Speed & Draft Position Impact
-
Statcast Sprint Speed Leaderboard (MLB sprint speed data):
https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/leaderboard/sprint_speed -
The Dynasty Dugout – Sprint Speed and Impact on Hitting:
https://www.thedynastydugout.com/p/sprint-speed-and-the-impact-on-hitting
2. Sled Training & Acceleration Gains
-
Study on sled training improving 10-meter sprint times in rugby players:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22692118 -
Study on resisted sled pulls improving 5-, 10-, and 20-meter sprint performance in high school athletes:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32773545
3. Baserunning Efficiency & Offensive Impact
-
Statcast Sprint Speed Leaderboard (MLB baserunning data):
https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/leaderboard/sprint_speed
This guide was developed in collaboration with Justin Wakefield of Apex Performance, drawing on his extensive experience training professional athletes for NFL, MLB, and elite sports performance. Cheers to all you success mate!
