Are you looking for the best treadmill with incline for your home gym? Look no further! We’ve found 5 of the best incline treadmills to save you time.
From burning calories to improving cardiovascular health, a treadmill with incline can offer a range of benefits. But with so many treadmill options available, it can take time to find the right one.
In this article, you’ll learn about the top treadmills with incline available plus the key features to consider when making your purchase.
Best treadmill with incline overall
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Best treadmill with incline for heavier users
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Best treadmill with incline for interactive workouts
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Best treadmill with incline for runners
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Best treadmill with incline for walking or beginner runners
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Contents
How to choose a treadmill with incline
There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing the best treadmill with incline.
Incline type: There are not many manually adjusted treadmills available nowadays but if you do encounter one, opt for a treadmill that has a motorised incline at the press of a button. It’s much faster and more convenient (you don’t need to stop the treadmill, jump off and adjust the incline).
Incline range: There are some treadmills out there that mimic running downhill with a negative incline range. Although we feel that running down proper hills is far more effective training, if you are looking for a treadmill that literally goes up and down, then consider the incline range. Are you wanting a decline option or do you want to start a 0 incline?
Motor power: Look for a motor strength of at least 3HP to ensure the treadmill is durable and can literally power you uphill.
Will you be running or walking? Consider if you will be running or walking, as this will impact the maximum incline and speed you need.
Finally, make sure the running space is suitable for your stride length and that you have enough room to move comfortably.
What's the difference between incline levels and percentages?
Incline levels and percentages both refer to the angle of incline on a treadmill. They are just two different ways of measuring and describing the incline.
Incline levels are usually expressed as a number, with higher numbers indicating a steeper incline. It’s usually the number of changes or stops between the minimum and maximum incline. For example, a treadmill might have 21 levels with each level going up by 0.5%.
Incline percentages refer to how high you climb every 100m. For example, if the percentage is 0.5%, for every 100m you climb 0.5m.
As inclines can vary between treadmills, we recommend contacting the manufacturer to find out more details for your treadmill.
What's the best treadmill for incline?
The best treadmill with incline is the one that meets your requirements. For example, if you are only planning to walk on the treadmill, then you might not need one that’s suited for elite athletes. However, if you’re a serious runner then it’s worth getting a treadmill that will complement your outdoor training.
All the treadmills on this list have good inclines. However, we’d recommend the NoblePro Elite E8i. It’s suitable for all levels of training and has a decent size running area. Plus, it’s one of the only treadmills in the UK that has entertainment features and internet connectivity built-in, so there’s no need for any extra subscription.
Are incline treadmills worth it?
Incline treadmills can be a great option for those who are wanting a more challenging workout. Here are just some of the benefits that make it worth it:
- It burns extra calories to help with weight loss – incline walking for fat loss is effective! Walking on an incline takes more energy and effort so you’ll burn more calories in an intense uphill walk or run than at the same speed on a level surface.
- It activates your lower leg muscles – when you walk or run on an incline, your shins and calves are activated plus it also helps strengthen your ankles.
- Increases your heart rate and cardiovascular fitness – your heart will need to beat much faster because of the extra effort of the incline. This in turn will improve your cardiovascular fitness.
- Strengthens your lower body – when you shift to walking or running on an incline, you’ll feel your hamstrings and glutes working a lot more than on a flat surface.
If you are looking to burn more calories, strengthen your leg muscles plus improve your fitness, then a treadmill with incline is worth it.
Do I need a decline treadmill?
Downhill running is crucial for runners as it helps improve leg speed and builds supporting muscles. However, to do this, you need to lean into the run and avoid breaking with your thighs which can only be achieved in outdoor environments. We feel that it’s not necessary to get a decline treadmill. The best way to train for downhill conditions is to get out there and run down some hills.
Is incline treadmill more effective?
Walking or running on an incline treadmill can be an effective weight loss and fitness tool. Not only does it burn more calories but it also builds strength and endurance plus increases your cardiovascular fitness. If you have limited time, then training on an incline can help you burn more calories which will make a shorter workout more effective.
Is incline better than speed?
Both a higher speed and an incline on a treadmill can provide an intense workout. They both burn calories and can be effective if you’re wanting to lose weight. However, which one is best, depends on your goals.
If you want to improve cardiovascular endurance, a higher speed may be better. If you want to increase muscle strength and target specific areas, such as your legs or glutes, an incline may be more effective.
It’s best to vary your workout and include a combination of the best speed and incline on treadmill to lose weight.
What incline is best?
The best incline level on a treadmill depends on your goals and current level of fitness. Start at a lower level and gradually build it up – remember that walking or running on an incline treadmill can be intense so make sure you start at a level that’s appropriate for your level.
For a low-impact workout: A slight incline of 1-2% can help simulate outdoor walking conditions and reduce the impact on the joints.
For cardiovascular endurance: A moderate incline of 4-6% can help increase your heart rate and improve endurance.
For muscle strength and tone: A high incline of 8-12% can provide a challenging workout for your legs, glutes, and core. Not to mention, it will burn more calories.
Best treadmill with incline
Best treadmill with incline overall
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Our top choice for the best treadmill with incline in the UK, the NoblePro Elite E8i has 21 motorised incline levels that range from 0 – 20. It has a top speed of 22 km/h (4 min 23-second mile or 13.6 mph). It also has a powerful yet quiet 4.2HP motor which gives you plenty of power to tackle inclines.
Each incline level is a 0.5% incline increase. This means that for every 100 meters, you’ll climb 0.5 meters vertically.
The default incline on the NoblePro Elite 8i is 2%, equivalent to flat outdoor running due to the lack of wind resistance on a treadmill.
If you prefer a 0% incline, NoblePro has designed Zero Shoes to adjust the treadmill to a level surface by lifting the end of the running deck.
The NoblePro Elite E8i treadmill boasts a 10-inch touchscreen with built-in entertainment apps like Netflix, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, and YouTube. It’s one of the only treadmills that offer entertainment apps as part of the package – no extra subscription is required other than the standard subscription for the apps (for example, your Netflix subscription).
The treadmill also has 40 custom training programs and a lifetime membership to the running app, Kinni. It also has excellent Bluetooth connectivity which allows seamless integration with Zwift, Peloton, Rouvy, Bitgym and Strava.
Lastly, it has a 5-year warranty on the frame and motor, 2 years on the parts, and 1 year on labour. For more, please read our detailed NoblePro Elite E8i treadmill review.
Specs:
- Incline: 0 – 20 levels
- Speed: Max speed 22km/hr (13.6 mph / 4 min 23 sec mile)
- Motor: Motor – 4.2 continual horsepower
- Dimensions: 185.5 L x 85 W x 142.5 H cm (73 x 33.5 x 56.1 inches)
- Running area: 150 L x 52 W cm (59 inches x 20.5 inches)
Best treadmill with incline for heavier users
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The Bowflex Treadmill 56 is a powerhouse treadmill that has a motorized incline that can be adjusted from -5 to 20% for a more challenging workout. The 3HP motor also allows for a maximum speed of 20 km/h.
It boasts a large 22-inch HD touchscreen that can be adjusted so that you can view it comfortably while training.
In terms of entertainment, the Bowflex Treadmill 56 comes with a Bluetooth wireless armband and powerful Bluetooth speakers. However, to fully utilize the features, a JRNY membership is required. The JRNY membership provides access to hundreds of adaptive workouts, virtual courses, and entertainment apps (not just running-specific).
The Bowflex Treadmill 56 comes with a one-year free JRNY membership, and after that, the membership costs approximately £13.99 per month or £139.99 per year.
It’s worth noting that without the JRNY subscription, you won’t be able to access the entertainment apps or workouts. So, if you’re in the market for a big treadmill with a big screen and incline capabilities, the Bowflex Treadmill 56 is a solid choice, just keep in mind that you’ll need to pay for the JRNY membership after the first year.
Specs:
- Incline: 5% – 15%
- Speed: Max speed 20 km/h (12.49mph or 4 min 50 seconds per mile)
- Motor: 3HP
- Max user weight: 181.4kg (400 pounds or 28.6 stone)
- Dimensions: 215.9cm L X 100.6cm W X 177.8cm H (85 X 39.6 X 70 inches)
- Running area: 152cm L X 56cm W (59.8 X 22.04 inches)
Best treadmill with incline for interactive workouts
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The NordicTrack New Commercial 2950 Treadmill has a powerful 4.25 continuous horsepower motor and a top speed of 22 km/h (13.6 mph). It also features a motorized incline that can quickly adjust between -3% to 15%.
The running area is 152cm L X 56cm W (60 L X 22 W inches) with the treadmill taking up floor space of 206 cm (811 inches) by 99 cm (38.97 inches).
The Nordictrack 2950 has a 21.5″ HD touchscreen that can be adjusted or pivoted for non-treadmill workouts.
To get the most out of this treadmill, you’ll need a subscription to iFIT, an online fitness program that provides personal interactive training with top personal trainers in live, studio, and global workouts. In some of the workouts, the iFIT trainer is able to automatically control your treadmill’s speed and incline to help you get the most out of your training. (You can also manually lower the incline and speed if it’s too intense.)
A free 30-day trial is available upon purchase, with subscription options ranging from £22.50 to £49.99 per month.
The Nordictrack commercial 2950 is a good treadmill with incline, however, keep in mind that if you want to get the most out of this treadmill and it’s HD touchscreen, you’ll need a subscription to iFIT. It also doesn’t have access to entertainment apps like Netflix and more. Although there are some hacks to workaround this setting, be warned, it voids your warranty.
Specs:
- Incline: – 3 to 15% incline
- Speed: 22 km/h (13.6 mph)
- Motor: 4.25 HP
- Max user weight: 135kg
- Dimensions: 206cm L X 99cm W X 170cm H (81 L X 39 W X 67 H inches)
- Running area: 152cm L X 56cm W (60 L X 22 W inches)
Best treadmill with incline for runners
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The NoblePro Elite E8.0 is a treadmill with incline designed for both elite runners and beginners. It seamlessly connects to popular fitness apps including Zwift, BitGym, Rouvy and Strava.
It has 21 different incline options, varying from a close-to-flat 0 to a challenging 20. Each increment of incline is a 0.5% increase, resulting in a climb of 0.5 meters for every 100 meters travelled.
By default, the NoblePro Elite 8.0 and all NoblePro Treadmills are set to a 2% incline, which mimics outdoor running without wind resistance. However, if you prefer a flat surface, NoblePro has created Zero Shoes that can adjust the treadmill to a true 0% incline by lifting the end of the running deck up.
With its 8” LED screen, dual speaker audio system, and free lifetime access to the runner’s app Kinni, this treadmill offers a complete workout experience. The easy-move system makes it convenient to fold and move, even though it weighs 115kg. With a comfortable running deck of 150 x 52 cm and a maximum user weight of 135 kilograms, this treadmill is ideal for demanding workouts.
If you’re looking for a decent treadmill with incline that’s ideal for serious runners and beginners alike, then the NoblePro Elite E8.0 is a great option for you.
Specs:
- Incline: 0 – 20 levels
- Speed: Max speed 22km/hr (13.6 mph / 4 min 23 sec mile)
- Motor: Motor – 4.2 continual horsepower
- Max user weight: 135 kilograms (300 pounds or 21 stone)
- Dimensions: 185.5 L x 85 W x 142.5 H cm (73 x 33.5 x 56.1 inches)
- Running area: 150 L x 52 W cm (59 inches x 20.5 inches)
Best treadmill with incline for walking or beginner runners
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The NordicTrack T Series treadmill is ideal for those short on space and who would like the extra motivation of group training or live training with an iFIT trainer. It’s more suited for beginners, casual runners or walkers and has an incline range of 0 – 10%.
The maximum speed of the NordicTrack T Series is 18 km/h (11.18mph or 5 mins 20 seconds per mile). It has a motorised incline range of 0 – 10%, so it’s not as steep as other treadmills on this list.
The treadmill features a 10-inch touchscreen for access to on-demand workouts with an iFIT membership. With iFIT, you can enjoy live, studio, or global workouts with the treadmill automatically adjusting for hands-free training.
The treadmill requires an iFIT membership but comes with a 30-day free trial and monthly subscription options ranging from £22.50 to £49.99.
The running area is 140 L x 51 W cm (55 L X 20 W inches) and the max user weight 120 kg (264.6 pounds, 18.9 stone). The treadmill can also fold up for storage.
The Nordictrack T series treadmill is a decent treadmill with incline but keep in mind, to get the most out of it, you’ll need an iFIT subscription. It also doesn’t have access to entertainment apps. Although there’s a hack to get around the manufacturer’s settings, this voids your warranty. If you’re a serious athlete, then we recommend choosing our best treadmill with incline overall, the NoblePro Elite E8i.
Specs:
- Incline: 0 – 10 %
- Speed: 18 km/h (11.18mph or 5 mins 20 seconds per mile)
- Motor: 2.6 continuous HP
- Max user weight: – 120 kg (264.6 pounds, 18.9 stone)
- Dimensions: Dimensions: 188cm L x 91cm W x 138cm H (74 L X 36 W X 54.3 H inches)
- Running area: 140 L x 51 W cm (55 L X 20 W inches)
FAQs
Is incline treadmill good for fat loss?
Incline training on a treadmill can be an effective tool for fat loss. An incline treadmill workout increases the intensity of your exercise and causes you to burn more calories. This will potentially help in fat loss. Incline walking or running can also target specific muscles and improve overall muscle tone.
However, remember that fat loss is a result of creating a caloric deficit. This means you need to burn more calories than you eat. The best fat loss plan is one that has a well-rounded exercise routine, a balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate rest and recovery.
What incline should I set the treadmill to lose weight?
Here’s a 50 min workout for a treadmill with incline: warm up for 5 minutes. Start at a 2% incline, a moderate pace for 5 minutes. Increase the incline to 4%, 6%, 8%, 10% for 5 mins each. Decrease incline to 6%, 4%, 2% for 5 min each. Increase speed to a light jog (5-6 mph) for 5 min on 2% incline. Cool down with 5 min slow walk.
How long should I walk at an incline?
The length of time you should walk at an incline depends on your personal fitness level and goals. As a general guideline, start with 5-10 minutes at a time and gradually increase as you become stronger. It’s also important to listen to your body and avoid overexertion. Don’t hesitate to reduce the incline or speed if you feel it’s too much. Additionally, make sure to warm up before starting and cool down after your workout, and always hydrate and stretch properly.
Does incline walking make legs bigger?
No walking on an incline will not make your legs bigger. It will help strengthen and build your leg muscles, which in turn will help you burn more calories and should slim down your legs and thighs.
Is it good to walk on incline every day?
Walking on an incline every day is a great way to burn more calories, strengthen your leg muscles and improve your fitness. However, it’s best to mix it up with level surface training and speed to avoid repetitive strain injuries.