Compared to flat treadmills, incline treadmills offer high intense workouts due to their ability to simulate uphill terrain. You can lose weight quickly and reach your fitness goals with incline treadmills.
Obviously, running outside is the most effective way to burn calories. Rain, snow and time management often restrict jogging. Running on the treadmill can be a better alternative to not exercising at all if cold and rainy weather is in your forecast for the next week.
Our Quick List
- Best Incline Treadmill Overall: Horizon Fitness 7.4
- Best Incline Treadmill for Walking: WELLFIT Walking Pad
- Best High-end Incline Treadmill: Sole F85
- Best Incline Treadmill for Running: XTERRA TRX4500
- Best Mid-Range Incline Treadmill: NordicTrack T Series 7.5S
- Best Folding Incline Treadmill: HUAGEED
- Best Incline Treadmill for Weight Loss: NordicTrack LE
- Best Budget Incline Treadmill: TRAILVIBER 450lb Treadmill
In our best incline treadmills, you can find top options to meet your budget, space requirements, and fitness level. Whether you need a foldable treadmill for compact spaces or a high-end one with advanced features, we have detailed reviews and comparisons to help you decide.
Best Incline Treadmills
The Horizon Fitness 7.4 treadmill is for runners who want top-of-its-class features and premium quality, but don’t have the space or money for a commercial treadmill.
If you’re looking for an incline treadmill that offers smart features without any subscription lock-in, Horizon Fitness 7.4 is the best incline treadmill that has 0-15% incline levels.
During our highly intensive workouts, Horizon Fitness 7.4 provided excellent performance and comfort. You will also be inspired by its exceptional value, innovative design, and strong performance features.
We like its built-in variety of high-end technologies included, such as QuickDialTM system that lets you adjust your pace and incline smoothly while maintaining your stride. With a powerful 3.5 CHP motor and Rapid SyncTM drive system, the treadmill can change its speed and incline 33% faster than standard treadmills.
Its advanced 3-Zone Variable Response Cushioning delivers targeted support with every stride. Bluetooth connectivity streams content from multiple fitness apps like Peloton, Zwift, and Nike Run Club. The Bluetooth chest strap will give accurate heart rate monitoring as you work out.
Despite its stability, the 318-pound frame occupies considerable space when folded. The treadmill’s running deck and powerful motor match gym-quality performance. The QuickDial controls and compatibility with multiple apps give users flexible workout options.
One of the best incline treadmills for a total body workout is the NordicTrack T Series 7.5S. Your home gym will be revolutionized with this professional grade treadmill. With its 12% incline, Bluetooth connectivity and 7-inch display, it is the perfect treadmill for home workouts.
You can choose between road-running simulation during indoor workouts or maximum joint protection for road-running simulation at home with the 3.0 CHP motor that powers your workouts. FlexSelect cushioning system fits your priorities and lets you choose between road-running simulation during indoor workouts.
The 300-pound weight capacity works well for most users, but the 7″ display might seem small if you compare it to premium models. You’ll need with first time setup, though the detailed manual and BILT app make the instructions easy to follow.
The 7″ Smart HD touchscreen improves your workout experience that connects seamlessly to iFit’s global workouts and automatic trainer control. The SpaceSaver design with EasyLift Assist lets you store the unit easily. Its 20″ x 60″ sized commercial tread belt gives you maximum room for walking and running freely just like a natural walk.
The 50 built-in workouts combined with iFit compatibility give you plenty of options to mix up your home training routine. The AutoBreeze workout fan keeps you cool when things get intense, and you can enjoy your favorite music through Bluetooth audio as you exercise.
The SOLE F85 is our top choice for the best incline treadmill due to its 15-level incline, 6-level decline and 4 HP motor
It offers the ultimate workout experience thanks to its durable build quality and advanced technology. It is the best incline treadmill overall in terms of engineering excellence.
Its 4.0 HP motor ensures steady performance, no matter what you’re doing, from casual walks to vigorous runs. The belt moves smoothly with minimal noise, so you won’t disturb anyone during your workout.
SOLE F85 is made for serious runners and heavy users that want commercial quality at home. The 375 lb user weight limit is another proof of durability and another good reason to buy it. Due to its almost 200 kg weight limit, it is also one of the best treadmills for weight loss.
It is also a great option for those who want high intensive running workouts. It can also be used by multiple family members with varying levels of fitness who want premium features.
The F85 stands out with its premium features including WiFi connectivity, integrated streaming apps, and Bluetooth speakers. The 15.6″ touchscreen display is especially engaging when you have access to Netflix, YouTube, and other entertainment options during your workout.
The F85 stands out with its strong motor, spacious running deck, and complete warranty coverage. The Cushion Flex Whisper Deck technology reduces stress on your joints when you workout.
As a heavy treadmill, it might take some help putting it together, and it occupies a lot of space. However, these small issues pale in comparison to the treadmill’s excellent performance and long-lasting build quality.
The SOLE F85 brings together premium features, solid construction, and an intuitive design. This makes it an excellent choice if you want a high-end incline treadmill that will last a long time if you want to buy one.
XTERRA TRX4500 incline treadmill is a great option if you’re interested in multi-tasking treadmills. It is a powerful treadmill built for serious runners. It combines excellent performance with smart features to improve your training experience.
You can count on the 3.25 HP motor to power your running sessions with steady performance and smooth belt operation, regardless of how intense your sprint intervals are.
Regular users who use the XTRASOFT deck cushioning technology will be able to absorb shock in the places they need it and make long distance runs easier on their joints.
Are you looking for a high intensity running workout? With handlebar-mounted controls, you can easily adjust running speed and incline without pause.
You can use it with popular apps, such as Zwift and Kinomap, and wireless Bluetooth FTMS connectivity to create a virtual training environment.
While exercising, you can observe your heart rate accurately thanks to the included chest strap. Sound quality from the built-in speakers meets basic needs. Your longer runs might benefit more from wireless earbuds instead.
It’s clear that XTERRA is confident in its build quality through their warranty package, which covers frame and motor for lifetimes, plus deck for five years.
The WELLFIT Incline Treadmill is the best budget option if money is your main concern. It offers a 15% incline and a lot of premium features at a price just under $500.
As a durable treadmill that has a 3.5 HP motor and is able to handle weights of up to 350 pounds, the WELLFIT is perfect for walking and running.
The AI voice control system stands out and lets you adjust settings without using your hands while exercising. The 3D training experience draws you in completely.
You can explore more than 100 routes worldwide through the WELLFIT app. The device connects through Bluetooth and works with ZWIFT, Kinomap, and Apple Health.
You are protected by a comprehensive 3-year warranty, and you can try the product for 30 days. You gain a better workout experience courtesy of the shock-absorbing deck and multifunctional display.
The running surface measures 18″ x 45″ and is ideal for most users. However, tall runners and those with longer strides may find it compact. WELLFIT is one of the best treadmills under $500 we’ve tested.
The maximum weight limit is the most important factor to look for in a treadmill for a heavy person. One of the best incline treadmills for 400lb heavy people is the NordicTrack LE treadmill. This treadmill sets new standards in home fitness equipment and can also help you lose weight.
The 4.0 CHP DurX™ Commercial Plus Motor powers this machine with engineering that delivers consistent performance during heavy use.
The advanced motor cooling system and commercial-grade components ensure whisper-quiet operation even when you push your workouts to the limit.
The Commercial-Grade Cushioning system matches your walking pattern and gives optimal support to heavy people while minimizing joint stress. A 14″ Smart HD Touchscreen improves your workout experience with immersive iFIT training that automatically adjusts incline settings and lets you explore workouts from around the world.
The durable frame will give a stable platform for HIIT workouts. The extra-wide 22″ running surface works well for users of all sizes. The AutoBreeze™ workout fans are great especially when you have longer workout sessions.
Quick adjustments become easy with one-touch controls. Despite of its higher price as compared to alternate options, it’s still the best NordicTrack treadmill.
Have you ever wanted to hike on an incline treadmill? Our top pick for an incline treadmill overall is HUAGEED treadmill which we found very powerful and has an 18% auto incline feature that makes it ideal for HIIT training. This treadmill makes HIIT exercises more effective because of its 18% auto incline feature.
The 3.5HP motor powers your cardio sessions with consistent performance at every incline level. A thick 5.90-inch running deck with improved shock absorption technology makes workouts comfortable and supports long training sessions effectively.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced athlete, this treadmill is a great option. The machine’s robust build supports users up to 400 pounds and delivers professional-grade features right in your home, so it’s perfect for fitness lovers who need a variety of workout programs.
Its 18% auto incline capability stands out apart from its competitors. A generous 47.24″ x 18.90″ running surface gives you plenty of room to move naturally with any stride length. You can choose from 36 preset programs that help you achieve different fitness goals effectively.
We found the assembly process very simple, but you’ll need someone’s help because the machine weighs quite a bit. The features might take time to learn at first, but the detailed user manual walks you through each function clearly.
The heavy-duty construction supports up to 400 pounds, and the improved shock absorption system keeps your joints safe. Our expert liked the wider running belt that gives a stable footing during tough workouts.
If your main concern is walking, then our top favorite incline treadmill for walking is the TRAILVIBER Walking Pad. The TRAILVIBER 450 lb treadmill is our top favorite treadmill for heavy people above 200 kg.
There is no doubt that the TRAILVIBER Walking Pad offers both functionality and a compact design. This is for anyone who needs a dedicated walking treadmill at home to exercise on. Its compact design combines great functionality with outstanding features to make it the perfect choice for home use.
TRAILVIBER offers a 12%auto inclinefunction and 9 adjustable levels. This innovative design lets you experience different terrain conditions naturally.
The 2.5 HP silent motor delivers smooth performance at speeds up to 4.0 mph. You can maintain a comfortable walking pace without noise disturbances.
Your joints are significantly less affected thanks to a triple-cushioned structure with four silicone shock absorption points and an anti-slip running belt. You can track your time, distance, calories burn and speed in the bright RGB LED display, which comes in six colors.
The 4.0 mph top speed works great for walking but might not meet your needs if you want to run. The 40.5-inch deck length may be a bit restrictive for users with longer strides, but it does save space quite well.
We loved the 450-pound weight capacity that makes your walks stable and secure. The treadmill’s motor will last up to 15,000 hours thanks to its external cooling fan. Its compact design lets you store it just about anywhere.
One editor tested the BORGUSI incline treadmill and determined it’s one of the best incline treadmills for beginners.
You will enjoy consistent performance and less noise during your workout with this 2.5 HP silent motor. The well-designed control panel puts everything at your fingertips. Speed and incline adjustments become second nature after your first workout.
The triple-cushioned structure helps build your confidence with four silicone shock absorption points that protect your joints while you perfect your form. A secure footing comes from the 5-layer anti-slip running belt. The RGB LED display shows clear metrics that you can read easily in six different color options.
This equipment combines user-friendly features and strong construction to make an excellent investment in your fitness trip. The external cooling fan extends motor life to 15,000 hours. You can start using it quickly since 95% of the components come pre-assembled.
The 12% maximum incline works well for beginners, but you might need more as your fitness level improves. The simple LCD display shows basic metrics but doesn’t have the advanced connectivity features that higher-end models offer.
Whether you’re new to incline or just getting started, the BORGUSI will help you reach your fitness goals quickly. Preset programs help structure your workouts, and the cushioned deck keeps you comfortable during running and jogging.
The BORGUSI Treadmill is our top pick for beginners, which makes them feel comfortable at the beginning of their incline workouts. It combines everything you need in a user-friendly design, giving you the confidence to push yourself further in your fitness journey.
If you are looking for a mid-range incline treadmill, then the THERUN Incline Treadmill is the right choice for you. It offers high-quality performance, comfortable to use and delivers professional-grade performance for an affordable price.
You can set its speed between 0.6 and 10 mph. The incline adjusts between 0% and 15% to better assist you in achieving your fitness goals. The device has a powerful 3.5 HP motor that provides quiet and smooth performance.
Despite being a mid-range treadmill, it has a 2+10 Intelligent Shock Absorption system and 10 internal shock absorbers with 2 extra non-slip layers.
If you do long workout sessions, the cushioning is great for your knees and joints.
It also features an extra wide running belt that measures 47.2″ by 17″ so that you will have a lot of space to maintain your natural stride as you run. The 300-pound weight capacity serves most users well but doesn’t match some competing models.
We liked the cup holders, though you might miss having a dedicated phone holder during workouts when you want entertainment.
As part of smart features and connectivity, ZWIFT app compatibility paired with 18 preset programs gives you plenty of workout options. It is designed in a space saver body that folds easily when not in use, and its detailed LCD display shows all your workout metrics.
Key Features To Look For in an Incline Treadmill
At the time of buying an incline treadmill, you need to understand its features that will match your fitness goals. The important elements of selection will help you make a smart choice.
Incline Range
The ideal incline range varies based on your training goals. Quality treadmills typically provide inclines from 0% to 15%, and premium models can go up to 40%. A 12-15% maximum incline works well for general fitness. Athletes training for hill runs or mountain climbing should think about models with higher incline capabilities.
Motor Power
Your treadmill’s motor works as its heart. A robust motor becomes essential when you train on inclines because elevation changes create additional stress. These motor power recommendations match different usage patterns:
- Walking: 2.5-3.0 CHP
- Jogging: 3.0-3.5 CHP
- HIIT Training 3.5+ CHP
Belt Size
The running surface must fit your stride length with ease. A minimum width of 20 inches works best, and the length should reach at least 55 inches if you walk and 60 inches if you run. Taller users or people with longer strides might want to think about extra belt length.
Weight Capacity
Treadmills with higher weight capacity typically reflect superior build quality. Quality machines support at least 300 pounds, which will give a stable workout experience during inclines. This remains true even when you weigh significantly less than the maximum limit.
Deck Surface Size
Your treadmill’s deck needs adequate space to allow natural movement. A cushioned deck protects your joints, especially when you have incline workouts. The best models feature adjustable cushioning systems that help you customize your running surface’s feel.
Portability
Space-conscious users should think about these mobility features:
- Transport wheels for easy movement
- Hydraulic folding mechanisms
- Compact folded dimensions
Maximum Speed
A good treadmill needs speeds that push your limits. Quality machines reach up to 12 MPH, matching a 5-minute mile pace. Casual walkers and joggers will find 8-10 MPH meets their needs perfectly.
Connectivity and Smart Features
Modern treadmills pack impressive tech features that enhance your workout experience:
- Bluetooth connectivity lets you monitor heart rate accurately
- WiFi capabilities stream your favorite workout sessions directly
- App integration helps track your fitness journey
- HD touchscreens deliver an immersive training experience
Foldable Design
Foldable treadmills help you save space at home. The best models come with EasyLift Assist or other technologies that make folding and unfolding safe and easy. Your treadmill’s locking mechanism should be sturdy, and its folded size must match your available storage area.
Safety Features
A safe workout on an incline treadmill depends on several built-in protections. The treadmill’s safety features include:
- Emergency stop buttons within easy reach
- Safety key with magnetic attachment
- Side rails for stability
- Auto-stop functionality if you step off
- Speed and incline adjustment controls on handrails
The perfect incline treadmill matches these safety elements with your unique requirements and available space. Take time to see which features match your fitness goals and daily schedule before you make the final choice.
What is an Incline Treadmill?
An incline treadmill has a feature that lifts the front of the running deck to simulate uphill walking or running. The distinctive incline arms sit at the front of the treadmill. These mechanical parts use an incline motor to raise and lower the deck at various angles. Modern incline treadmills shine with their automatic adjustment system – you can change your workout intensity by pressing a button on the console.
Your incline treadmill comes packed with several useful features:
- Automatic Controls: Buttons on the console or handlebars let you adjust incline levels as you move
- Digital Display: Shows your current incline percentage
- Safety Mechanisms: Strong frame design keeps your elevated workouts secure
- Multiple Incline Settings: Options from gentle slopes to steep climbs
The incline treadmill stands out because it makes your workout harder without forcing you to run faster. Picture having a personal hill-training system right at home. You can walk at your own pace and still get an intense heart-pumping session by tweaking the incline.
Technology has improved greatly over time. Some simple models still require manual incline adjustment, where you lift and set the deck yourself. Most modern machines now use advanced motorized systems. These automated systems switch between incline levels smoothly, allowing you to create varied workout profiles that feel like ground terrain.
The deck lifts from the front while keeping the back stable. This design copies natural uphill conditions and helps maintain proper form during exercise. A dedicated motor powers the incline mechanism separately from the belt motor. This setup gives you reliable grade changes even during intense workouts.
Knowing how your incline treadmill works helps you use it better. The incline percentage on your display shows how steep your simulated hill is – like in an outdoor trail. To cite an instance, a 10% incline means the front rises to create a slope where you climb 10 feet for every 100 feet of horizontal distance.
How To Use the Incline Treadmill
Using an incline treadmill takes more than just pushing buttons and walking uphill. The right technique will maximize your results and keep you safe. Let me show you how to use your incline treadmill to work.
Getting Started
These setup steps will help you begin your workout safely:
- Stand with feet on side rails
- Select your starting speed (2.5-3.0 mph recommended)
- Begin at 0% incline
- Step onto the moving belt
- Gradually increase incline by 0.5-1% increments
Perfect Your Form
Your body’s position makes all the difference on inclines. Keep these form cues in mind:
- Stand tall with shoulders rolled back
- Keep your chin parallel to the ground
- Drive your knees up naturally
- Allow arms to swing freely at 90-degree angles
- Land mid-foot, not on your toes or heels
Progressive Training
Start with a 5-minute warm-up at 0% incline. The next step is to increase to a 3-5% incline for 5-10 minutes. Your body needs time to adapt to this new challenge. You’ll know you’re ready for more when you can chat at your current incline without getting winded.
Breathing Technique
Your breathing pattern affects your workout more than you might expect. Deep belly breaths work better than shallow chest breathing when walking uphill. This helps your muscles get the oxygen they need. Try breathing in for two steps and out for two steps to find your rhythm.
Hand Position
The handrails might look tempting at higher inclines, but try not to grab them. Holding the rails cuts down on calories burned and throws off your form. A need to hold on signals that you should lower your incline or speed until you build more strength.
Safety Checks
The safety key clipped to your clothing is a vital safety measure – not just a suggestion. Stay in the belt’s center and leave enough space between you and the console (about arm’s length). This extra room helps with your natural forward lean at higher inclines.
Intensity Management
You’ll feel your workout getting harder as the incline goes up. When you hit a 5% grade, your heart rate will climb even if you keep the same speed. This makes incline training work so well. Here’s a simple guide to plan your workout:
- 1-3% Incline Percentage: 20-30 minutes
- 4-7% Incline Percentage:15-20 minutes
- 8-12% Incline Percentage: 10-15 minutes
- 12%+ Incline Percentage: 5-10 minutes
Recovery Periods
Your workout should mix incline segments with flat-road intervals. These recovery breaks help you avoid getting tired too quickly and keep your form strong throughout. A simple approach is to match your uphill time with equal or slightly longer recovery periods at 0-1% grade.
Progression Tips
Your fitness will improve over time. When it does, bump up either the incline percentage or how long you go uphill – but not both at once. This careful approach helps you avoid overtraining and stays safe. You can track your progress by noting how long you maintain different incline levels with good form.
Note that incline training makes you sweat more, so staying hydrated is key. Keep water nearby and take small sips during your recovery breaks.
Incline Treadmill Benefits
Do you want to optimize your workout results? An incline treadmill turns your standard cardio routine into an intensive training session. This versatile equipment will revolutionize your fitness experience effectively.
Quick Weight Loss
People who want to lose weight find incline training as their secret weapon. The body works substantially harder against gravity and just needs more energy. Science proves that walking on an incline boosts metabolic cost by an impressive 52% at a 5% incline and a remarkable 113% at a 10% incline compared to walking on flat surfaces.
Cardio
Walking uphill gives your heart an exceptional workout. Your heart rate naturally increases with steeper slopes, even at a moderate pace. This increased heart activity strengthens your heart muscle and builds your endurance instead of high-impact running.
Calories Burn
Scientific data proves that incline treadmill workouts pack a serious punch for burning calories. Let me break down the numbers:
- A 155-pound person’s body burns around 267 calories during a flat one-hour walk
- This same person torches up to 422 calories by walking uphill
- Steep incline intervals can supercharge your calorie burn rate by up to 60%
Better Cardiovascular Fitness
Incline training gives your cardiovascular system a major boost. Research shows that your heart rate climbs steadily as you run uphill. The numbers tell an interesting story – your heart beats increase from 148 beats per minute at 0% incline to 180 beats per minute at 15% incline, even at the same running speed.
Gentler on joints
Walking uphill on a treadmill puts less stress on your joints than running on flat ground. The cushioned treadmill surface and uphill walking motion protect your knees and ankles. This low-impact exercise delivers an intense workout that matches running’s effectiveness.
High Intensity Interval Workouts
Your incline treadmill serves as a powerful tool for HIIT workouts. Alternating between steep inclines and flat recovery periods creates challenging interval sessions that boost your metabolism and improve your endurance. This versatility lets you achieve high-intensity training without increasing your speed, making it available for all fitness levels.
Your posterior chain muscles’ activation – including hamstrings, glutes, and calves – increases substantially as you walk on an incline. This targeted muscle participation helps prevent injuries and improves your posture and athletic performance. Lower leg muscles show increased activity even with modest inclines of 3° to 6°, especially the peroneals and gastrocnemius.
All of the above benefits prove why investing in a treadmill with strong incline features can reshape your fitness routine. You’ll experience increased calorie burn, better cardiovascular health, and joint-friendly workouts that create a complete solution for your fitness goals.
Best Incline Treadmill Workouts
Make your incline treadmill a complete home workout gym with these science-backed workout routines. These programs will help you get maximum results from your equipment, regardless of your fitness level.
Fat-Burning Alternating Workout
The fat-burning routine combines walking and running intervals:
- 5-minute walking warm-up at 4-6 mph
- 1-minute jogging at 11 mph
- 3-minute walking at 5.5 mph (5% incline)
- 1-minute jogging at 11 mph (5% incline)
- 3-minute walking at 5 mph (8% incline)
- 1-minute jogging at 9 mph (8% incline)
- 5-minute cooldown walking at 4 mph
30-Minute High-Performance Workout
This well-laid-out routine delivers outstanding results in a time-efficient way:
- 0-5 min: Warm-up
- 5-10 min: Base pace
- 10-15 min: Challenge
- 15-20 min: Peak climb
- 20-25 min: Recovery
- 25-30 min: Cool-down
HIIT Incline Workout
This routine maximizes calorie burn by combining intense bursts with strategic recovery periods:
- Warm-up: 5 minutes at 3 mph, 0% incline
- High-intensity block (repeat 8 times):
- 30 seconds at 3.5 mph, 15% incline
- 60 seconds at 2.5 mph, 2% incline
- Recovery: 2 minutes at 2.5 mph, 0% incline
- Final push (repeat 4 times):
- 45 seconds at 3.5 mph, 12% incline
- 45 seconds at 2.5 mph, 4% incline
- Cool-down: 5 minutes at 2.5 mph, gradually decreasing incline
Progressive Endurance Builder
This workout builds your stamina while maintaining proper form:
First Block:
- Minutes 0-5: Walk at 3.0 mph with 4% incline
- Minutes 5-10: Increase to 3.2 mph with 6% incline
- Minutes 10-15: Maintain 3.2 mph with 8% incline
Second Block:
- Minutes 15-20: Push to 3.4 mph with 8% incline
- Minutes 20-25: Hold 3.4 mph with 10% incline
- Minutes 25-30: Challenge at 3.5 mph with 12% incline
Final Phase:
- Minutes 30-35: Decrease to 3.2 mph with 8% incline
- Minutes 35-40: Gradual reduction to 3.0 mph with 4% incline
- Minutes 40-45: Cool-down at 2.5 mph with 0% incline
Advanced Mountain Climb Simulation
This intense routine simulates real mountain training:
Phase 1 – Base Camp:
- 5 minutes at 3.5 mph, 5% incline
- 3 minutes at 3.8 mph, 8% incline
- 2 minutes at 3.2 mph, 6% incline
Phase 2 – Ascent:
- 4 minutes at 3.5 mph, 10% incline
- 3 minutes at 3.8 mph, 12% incline
- 2 minutes at 3.2 mph, 8% incline
Phase 3 – Summit Push:
- 3 minutes at 3.5 mph, 15% incline
- 2 minutes at 3.8 mph, 12% incline
- 5 minutes gradual descent to 0% incline
These workouts should match your fitness level and goals. The intensity should feel challenging yet manageable throughout each session. Make changes to either the incline or duration as you get stronger. Changing both at once might be too intense.
Keep track of your heart rate to stay in your target zone. You’ll see the best results by doing these workouts 3-4 times weekly with rest days in between. Drink plenty of water and watch your form, especially when tackling those steep inclines.
