The new Polk location is adding Woodway and CLMBR cardio equipment to give members low-impact, performance-level options for running, climbing, and hill work. These upgrades are designed to feel smoother on your joints while still delivering serious conditioning for beginners and experienced athletes.
If you’ve ever felt beat up after a treadmill or stair session, this upgrade is for you. Woodway’s patented slat-belt design is built to reduce impact compared with traditional treadmills, while CLMBR’s upright posture keeps stress off your lower back and knees. Together, they create more ways to train smart, not just hard.
In independent testing, slat-belt treadmills like Woodway have been shown to lower impact forces versus standard belt designs, making them a favorite in pro and collegiate training rooms. That same technology is coming to Polk, so you can run, walk, or climb with confidence that the equipment is working with your body, not against it.
The Woodway 4Front treadmill is designed to mimic outdoor running while cushioning every step. Its slat-belt surface spreads impact over a larger area, which can help reduce joint stress during higher-speed work or longer runs. That makes it ideal for both easy recovery walks and tempo sessions.
For members who like more control, the Woodway Curve is a self-powered treadmill that responds instantly to your stride. You speed up by moving toward the front of the deck and slow down by drifting back, which naturally encourages better running mechanics and posture without pressing a single button.
A practical example: imagine a 20-minute interval workout where you alternate 60 seconds of faster running with 60 seconds of walking. On a traditional treadmill, you’re constantly changing speed settings. On the Curve, you simply lean in to accelerate and ease up to recover—perfect for HIIT and busy schedules.
If you love a challenge, the Woodway RidgeRunner and CLMBR Connected will be standouts at Polk. The RidgeRunner takes the 4Front platform and extends incline up to about 35%, turning a treadmill session into a serious hill workout while keeping the same joint-friendly slat-belt feel.
CLMBR Connected brings vertical climbing into the mix, combining cardio and strength in one low-impact workout. Its guided touchscreen workouts and performance metrics help you track your pace, vertical feet climbed, and calorie burn, which can make each session more focused and motivating.
Consider a 15-minute climbing session on CLMBR where you maintain a steady pace and moderate resistance. Many users report burning calories on par with running but with less joint impact, making it an efficient alternative for days when you want intensity without pounding.
The Polk lineup is built to support every fitness level, from first-time gym-goers to seasoned athletes. Woodway 4Front offers stable handrails, smooth starting speeds, and walking-friendly settings for beginners. Meanwhile, Curve and RidgeRunner give advanced users the tools for sprint, hill, and performance training.
CLMBR Connected fits right in the middle. You can start with simple guided beginner climbs focused on technique and posture, then progress to higher-intensity intervals as your confidence builds. The machine’s upright position encourages a neutral spine, which can be especially helpful if you sit at a desk all day.
For example, a new member might start with 10 minutes of easy walking on 4Front followed by 5 minutes of gentle climbing on CLMBR. Over a few weeks, they can steadily increase time or intensity—without having to change machines or learn complicated programs.
With Polk opening in September 2026, there’s still time to become a Founding Member and lock in your rate before doors open. Founding Members receive an exclusive rate that’s designed to reward early supporters of the new location.
In addition to the rate lock, Founding Members also receive a complimentary personal training session to help you get started, plus a Polk Founding Member tote bag and T-shirt. These extras are our way of saying thank you for joining before the official opening.
You can secure your spot and rate in just a few minutes online by visiting join.fitnesssf.com/polk. Join now, and your first sessions on Woodway and CLMBR will feel even better knowing you locked in long-term savings.