How a Pro OCR Athlete Uses Curved Treadmill Training to Dominate Obstacle Racing and HYROX

Savage Race Champion Kaeley Wynsma shares her proven Aussie Pro Runner workouts for elite performance

When Kaeley Wynsma captures a title at a race like Savage Race, she doesn't just rely on traditional obstacle course training. As owner of Transform Fitness Studio in Grandville, Michigan, and a Team USA OCR alternate, Kaeley has discovered that curved treadmill training has become the secret weapon in her coaching arsenal for both elite OCR athletes and everyday fitness enthusiasts.

Meet Kaeley Wynsma: Elite OCR Athlete and Performance Coach

Kaeley Wynsma is a NASM-certified CPT/FNS/PES, mom of three, and Savage Race champion who channels her background as a collegiate runner and gymnast into coaching excellence. At Transform Fitness Studio in Grandville, MI, she leads OCR-inspired small-group sessions and performance blocks that "ignite the inner athlete" in beginners and elites alike.

Her athletic résumé includes elite OCR pedigree as a former competitive gymnast and collegiate middle-distance runner who transitioned to obstacle course racing after college. Beyond her notable 2024 Savage Race victory, she maintains regular podium finishes on the SavagePRO series and represents the pinnacle of hybrid athletic performance.

Why Curved Treadmill Training Revolutionizes OCR Performance

The Self-Powered Advantage for Obstacle Athletes

"The self-powered aspect allows the athlete to power their speed, making it more relatable to competition, and the curved design feels a lot better on the joints while promoting a more natural stride," explains Kaeley.

This self-powered curved treadmill design translates directly to OCR performance, where athletes must generate their own momentum through varied terrain, over obstacles, and during high-intensity race segments. Unlike motorized treadmills, curved treadmill training forces athletes to develop the same power generation they'll need on race day.

Variable Resistance for Complete OCR Training

Kaeley utilizes the full spectrum of curved treadmill resistance levels for comprehensive training:

Low to Zero Resistance (Levels 1-2):

• 10-20 minute steady-state runs for aerobic base building
• Speed interval training from 200-meter repeats to mile repeats
• Endurance development for longer OCR events

High Resistance (Levels 6-7):

• Sled push simulation for obstacle-specific strength
• Uphill leg strength development
• Hamstring strengthening through backwards resistance walks

Curved Treadmill Workouts for OCR and Hybrid Athletes

Power and Speed Development Sessions

When focusing on explosive power for obstacle navigation, Kaeley designs curved treadmill workouts around shorter sprints combined with weighted power movements:

Sample Power Workout:

• Curved treadmill sprint intervals: 6x30 seconds at resistance level 3-4
• Power movements between intervals: cleans, snatches, kettlebell swings, plyometrics
• Focus on maintaining speed and power output under fatigue

Strength and Endurance Integration

For building the strength endurance crucial to OCR success:

Sample Strength-Endurance Workout:

• High-resistance curved treadmill intervals: 4x2 minutes at resistance level 6-7
• Weighted movements between intervals: lunges, carries, heavy squats and presses
• Simulates the strength demands of obstacle negotiation combined with running

HYROX and Functional Fitness Application

"Since getting the Aussie Pro Runner, my ability to go from weighted movement back to running has improved,"  notes Kaeley. This transition ability is crucial for HYROX athletes who must seamlessly move between strength stations and running segments.

The curved treadmill's higher resistance levels (6-7) specifically translate to improved HYROX race performance by simulating the sled push stations while building the specific strength patterns needed for functional movement under fatigue.

Programming Curved Treadmill Training for Different Athletes

Coaching Athletes with Varied Goals

As a coach working with both elite competitors and fitness beginners, Kaeley appreciates how curved treadmill training adapts to individual needs:

"I incorporate the Aussie Pro Runner based on their goals, strengths, and weaknesses, but I love how easy it is to tailor towards each athlete in a group setting."

For OCR Athletes:

• Higher emphasis on resistance training for obstacle-specific strength
• Interval patterns that mimic race demands
• Integration with grip strength and functional movement training

For HYROX Athletes:

• Focus on smooth transitions between resistance levels
• Emphasis on maintaining pace under metabolic stress
• Specific attention to sled push simulation at high resistance

For General Fitness:

• Progressive introduction to different resistance levels
• Emphasis on movement quality and joint-friendly training
• Building confidence with self-powered movement

The Curved Treadmill Advantage for Group Training

Space Efficiency and Versatility

"With the variety of training I can use the Aussie Pro Runner, my only wish was that I bought it sooner! Not only is it great space-wise, not having to wait for the belt to get up to speed allows me to use it for a wide variety of athletes as well as those just getting started with fitness."

For gym owners and coaches, curved treadmill training offers several advantages:

Immediate Response: No motor lag means instant speed adjustments for interval training Safety Features: Self-powered design eliminates the fear of "flying off" the treadmill Versatile Programming: Single piece of equipment serves multiple training modalities Space Optimization: Compact footprint compared to multiple cardio machines

Beginner-Friendly Design

"Even my non-runner members love this treadmill," Kaeley reports. The self-propelled belt automatically slows when users decrease their effort, making curved treadmill training accessible to athletes of all levels.

This safety feature is particularly valuable in group training environments where athletes of different abilities train simultaneously.

Curved Treadmill Training Results: Performance Improvements

Measurable Athletic Gains

Kaeley has observed significant performance improvements in both her own training and her athletes:

"I've noticed the difference in the athletes I train in their speed and endurance since incorporating curved treadmill training."

Specific improvements include:

• Enhanced transition ability between strength exercises and running
• Improved power generation for obstacle negotiation
• Better pacing control during long-duration events
• Increased confidence in varied movement patterns

Joint Health and Injury Prevention

The curved design promotes natural running mechanics while reducing impact stress—crucial for OCR athletes who face additional impact from obstacle interactions during training and competition.

Manual Treadmill vs. Traditional Treadmill for OCR Training

Why Curved Treadmill Training Surpasses Motorized Options

Self-Powered Mechanics: Develops the power generation patterns used in actual OCR competition

Variable Resistance: Single machine provides both cardio and strength training stimuli

Natural Movement Patterns: Curved surface encourages proper running biomechanics

Instant Adaptability: No motor lag allows for true interval training and group programming

Essential Curved Treadmill Workouts for OCR Athletes

Endurance Base Building:

• 20-30 minutes at resistance levels 2-3
• Focus on sustainable pace and efficient movement
• Builds aerobic foundation for longer OCR events

Power Development:

• 8x45-second intervals at resistance levels 5-6
• 90-second recovery between efforts
• Develops anaerobic power for obstacle negotiation

Strength Integration:

• Alternating 2-minute blocks: resistance level 6 followed by functional strength exercise
• Simulates OCR demands of strength under fatigue
• Builds sport-specific conditioning patterns

The Future of OCR Training: Curved Treadmill Integration

As OCR continues to evolve and attract athletes from diverse backgrounds, training methods must adapt to address the unique demands of obstacle racing. Curved treadmill training offers a solution that bridges the gap between traditional cardio and functional strength training.

For coaches like Kaeley Wynsma, who work with athletes ranging from fitness beginners to elite competitors, curved treadmill training provides the versatility needed to address individual goals within group settings while developing the specific attributes that translate to OCR success.

Whether you're preparing for your first Spartan Race, training for HYROX competition, or seeking to improve your obstacle racing performance, integrating curved treadmill training into your program offers measurable benefits that translate directly to race-day success.

The combination of self-powered movement, variable resistance, and joint-friendly design makes curved treadmill training an essential tool for modern OCR athletes who demand equipment that matches the intensity and specificity of their sport.

Ready to revolutionize your OCR training with curved treadmill workouts? Discover how elite athletes like Kaeley Wynsma use curved treadmill training to dominate obstacle racing competition. Learn more about proven training methods at Aussie Fitness Pros.