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On the hunt for the best incline treadmill? Incline treadmills are great for increasing the intensity of your walk or run. Some of our favorite running apps and training programs include hill workouts. And with one of these machines, you can do those right in your living room or garage.
With everything from incline under desk treadmills to budget-friendly options, it can be hard to know which is right for you. That’s why we did the research to find the 7 best so that you don’t have to.
The Best Incline Treadmills - Our Top Picks
- Best Overall Incline Treadmill: Sole F63
- Best Incline Treadmill for Running: Horizon Fitness T101
- Best Incline Treadmill for Walking: Echelon Stride
- Best High-End Incline Treadmill: NordicTrack Commercial 1750
- Best Folding Incline Treadmill: Proform Pro 9000
- Best Budget Incline Treadmill: Sunny Health and Fitness SF-T4400
- Best Small Incline Treadmill: Xterra Fitness TR Folding Treadmill
Why Trust Us?
ACTIVE.com's editorial team relies on the knowledge and experience of fitness and wellness experts including competitive athletes, coaches, physical therapists, nutritionists, and certified trainers. This helps us ensure the products we feature are of the highest standard. Collectively, the team has spent countless hours researching equipment, gear, and recovery tools in order to create the most accurate, authentic content for our readers. Customer satisfaction is also a key part of our review process, which is why we only feature products that are highly rated.
Best Overall Incline Treadmill – Sole F63
SPECS
- Dimensions: 82"L x 35"W x 66"H
- Running deck dimensions: 60"L x 20"W
- Weight: 254 lbs.
- Weight capacity: 325 lbs.
- Max speed: 12 mph
- Max incline: 15 levels
- Fold for storage: Yes
- Screen: 6.5" LCD
- Bluetooth: Yes
- Warranty: Lifetime Frame and Motor, 3 years Deck, Electronics, and Parts, 1 year Labor
The Sole F63 is a serious running machine and our top pick for the best incline treadmill. With speeds up to 12 miles per hour and 15 incline levels, you can train for almost anything with it. The included heart rate strap allows you to do heart rate training hands-free and with more accuracy than most grip sensors. The machine is sturdy and well-built and handles heavier runners.
This also means that the treadmill is quite heavy, so difficult to move around once it is assembled, though it does fold to take up less room between use. An integrated tablet holder, USB port for charging, and Bluetooth speakers let you choose your entertainment or training program.
What We Like
- 15 levels of incline
- Cooling fans for high intensity workouts
- Chest-strap included for HR training
What We Don't Like
- Heavy and challenging to assemble
- Electric cord is quite short, must be placed close to the outlet
Best Incline Treadmill for Running - Horizon Fitness T101
SPECS
- Dimensions: 71"L x 34"W x 57"H
- Running deck dimensions: 55"L x 20"W
- Weight: 180 lbs.
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs.
- Max speed: 10 mph
- Max incline: 10%
- Fold for storage: FeatherLight folding system to standing
- Screen: 3 Blue LED Windows + tablet rack
- Bluetooth: Yes
- Warranty: Lifetime warranty on frame and motor, 1-year warranty on parts and labor
The Horizon T101 has dial-up speed and incline control making it easy to adjust incline up or down when you're running. The 55-inch deck is designed with three impact zones to specifically cushion feet during the strike and take off. With an incline range up to 10% and speed up to 10 miles per hour, you have a full range of workout options. The Johnson Drive System recalibrates with each foot fall to avoid that annoying lagging and surging you may have experienced with other treadmills. It also runs at lower RPMs for an ultra-quiet experience.
This incline treadmill includes a built-in device holder, Bluetooth connectivity and integrated speakers, as well as a rapid-charge USB port so you can stay plugged in for as long as you can run. Plus, it’s lightweight and includes hydraulic folding to make moving and storing it between workouts a snap.
What We Like
- 3-zone variable response cushioning
- Ultra-quiet Johnson Drive System runs at low RPM to prevent overheating
- 30-minute quick-and-easy set-up
- Very affordable compared to others in the same category
What We Don't Like
- Horizon has had issues with delivery process and is working to correct those
Best Incline Treadmill for Walking – Echelon Stride
SPECS
- Dimensions: 69"L x 31"W x 49"H
- Running deck dimensions: 55"L x 20"W
- Weight: 156 lbs.
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs.
- Max incline: 10%
- Max speed: 12 mph
- Fold for storage: Patented Auto-fold feature, folds flat to 10 inches
- Screen: console screen and smart device holder
- Bluetooth: No, USB only
- Warranty: 30-day money back guarantee, 1 or 2-year Extended Warranty available for purchase
The Echelon Stride is our choice for best incline treadmill for walking because it has everything you need and nothing you don't. Maxing out at 10% incline and 12 miles per hour, this treadmill is versatile and capable. The impact-absorbing rubber running deck protects your joints as you walk any distance but is minimal enough that the whole machine can fold down flat to a height of 10 inches. Two sets of wheels make it simple to transport vertically or horizontally.
This incline treadmill comes equipped with 8 standard programmed workouts.
However, you'll really want to try the Live and On-demand classes featuring motivating instructors and workouts filmed around the world—every walk you'll go somewhere completely new in your own home.
What We Like
- Folds flat to 10" for easy storage
- Metal safety bar to prevent objects from being pulled under
- Live and on-demand classes included
What We Don't Like
- Not Bluetooth compatible
- Limited warranty compared to other models
Best High-End Incline Treadmill – NordicTrack Commercial 1750
SPECS
- Dimensions: 80"L x 38"W x 65"H
- Running deck dimensions: 60"L x 22"W
- Weight: 340 lbs.
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs.
- Max speed: 12 mph
- Max incline: 15%
- Fold for storage: SpaceSaver Design with EasyLift Assist
- Screen: 14" Tilt and Pivot HD Touchscreen
- Bluetooth: Yes
- Warranty: 10-year frame, 2-year parts, 1-year labor
The NordicTrack Commercial Series is like bringing the gym home. This treadmill is on the bigger, heavier side because of the endless features and extreme durability. The 14-inch HD touchscreen runs on Android OS and offers far more flexibility of workout options than most treadmills have built in. Google Maps Workout Tech takes you running all over the world. A special feature of this machine is the max 15% incline, higher than most, but also the -3% decline option.
We like that there’s a lower step-up height, aiding those with decreased mobility. And the 3.5 CHP Motor with Smart Response Drive System is powerful and reliable. And, OneTouch Controls let you manage your workout in real time.
What We Like
- Highest incline max at 15% and negative incline option
- Google Maps Workout Technology
- Android OS
- Auto Adjust technology matches incline and speed with your workout
What We Don't Like
- Large and heavy, 340 lbs. in box
- Touchscreen/display tech can be slow and laggy
BUY: NordicTrack Commercial 1750
Best Folding Incline Treadmill – Proform Pro 9000
SPECS
- Dimensions: 77.3"L x 35.3"W x 59.6"H
- Running deck dimensions: 60"L x 20"W
- Weight: 263 lbs
- Weight capacity: 300 lbs
- Max speed: 12 mph
- Max incline: 12%
- Fold for storage: SpaceSaver Design with EasyLift Assist
- Screen: 22" Smart HD Touchscreen
- Bluetooth: Yes
- Warranty: 10-year frame, 2-year parts, 1-year labor
The Proform Pro 9000 is a higher end treadmill with myriad features. The 22-inch Smart HD Touchscreen for your workout program might be the most obvious, but it doesn't end there. The SpaceSaver design with EasyLift assist, is the reason we chose it for best folding treadmill—it's folding ability doesn't mean they skimped on the durability or function. The spacious deck with ReBound Pro cushioning gives you lots of room and a soft landing for every stride and a built-in CoolAire fan keeps you cool so you can work harder.
When you follow along with iFit workouts, the treadmill will automatically adjust the speed and incline according to the program and terrain you're tackling. Bluetooth audio capabilities and dual speakers allow you to follow along easily with workout programs or jam out while you run.
What We Like
- ReBound Pro Cushioning
- iFit Enabled – comes with a 30-day free trial
- Large touchscreen display
What We Don't Like
- Expensive
- Screen cannot be used to watch media other than the iFit training materials
Best Budget Incline Treadmill – Sunny Health and Fitness Manual Incline Treadmill SF-T4400
SPECS
- Dimensions: 62"L x 25.5"W x 50"H
- Running deck dimensions: 49"L x 15.5"W
- Weight: 103 lbs.
- Weight capacity: 220 lbs.
- Max speed: 9 mph
- Max incline: 4.3%
- Fold for storage: Yes, with Soft Drop System for unfolding
- Screen: LCD screen
- Bluetooth: No
- Warranty: 3-year structural frame, 180-days parts and components
The Sunny Health and Fitness Manual Incline SF-T4400 is our budget-friendly pick. It's also one of the smaller options and folds up easily, so makes a great pick for tight spaces. The incline function is manual, so it's not possible to adjust the incline mid-workout. However, the speed buttons, built into the handrail are meant for convenience. Handy cupholders and a tablet rack make room for everything you might need during your workout. The running deck is quite narrow and built with shock absorption to reduce impact on your legs and joints compared to running on asphalt.
A basic digital monitor and button array keeps your stats and controls at your fingertips. The Soft Drop system makes unfolding a breeze, to minimize obstacles between you and your next run.
What We Like
- Affordable
- Small profile and foldable for easy storage
- Also available in an auto-incline version
What We Don't Like
- Narrow running deck
- Smaller range of incline options
BUY: Sunny Health and Fitness Manual Incline SF-T4400
Best Small Incline Treadmill - Xterra Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill
SPECS
- Dimensions: 63.4"L x 28.75"W x 51.4"H
- Running deck dimensions: 50"L x 16"W
- Weight: 97 lbs.
- Weight capacity: 250 lbs.
- Max speed: 10 mph
- Max incline: 3 levels
- Fold for storage: Yes
- Screen: 5" LCD Silver / Not Backlit Display
- Bluetooth: No
- Warranty: Lifetime warranty on frame, 1-year warranty on motor, 90-days warranty on deck, parts, and in-home labor
The Xterra Fitness TR150 is our pick for best small treadmill, which of course also means it's one of the lightest, coming in at just under 100 pounds. It's designed to be easy to fold and store in small spaces but doesn't sacrifice on the XTRASoft Cushioned Deck technology. It does have one of the narrowest running decks, so your stride width is something to take into consideration. With speeds up to 10 miles per hour and three incline levels, it can handle challenging workouts as well as you.
The console is basic and user-friendly—it has a 5-inch LCD display and an intuitive button layout. An integrated book/tablet rack and accessory holders keep your entertainment at hand. Hand grip sensors are available to make heart rate training easy and the powerful 2.25 HP motor is strong yet quiet.
What We Like
- A budget-friendly option
- Under 100 lbs.—can be moved and set up easily
- XTRASoft deck cushioning
What We Don't Like
- Very basic tech, no Bluetooth capabilities
- Not as sturdy as many other, heavier and more expensive models
- Narrow running deck
BUY: Xterra Fitness TR150 Folding Treadmill
Benefits of Incline Treadmills
Daily movement is crucial to a healthy active lifestyle. Treadmills can keep us moving through the hottest summers and coldest winters. However, a flat walking surface doesn't replace the challenges and effort of running and walking over varied terrain outdoors.
Also, with an incline treadmill, you can replicate the benefits of walking uphill, which activates the glutes and hamstrings significantly more than walking on flat ground. Incline movement also engages the core stabilization system and increases the workload for your cardiovascular system without having to move any faster.
What to Look for in Incline Treadmills
You'll want to start by checking out the incline amounts available on different machines. Many inclines go up to 10-12% and a few even higher than that. Some are manual adjustments, meaning you won't be able to change the incline while moving on the machine. But many adjust mid-run at the touch of a button.
FAQs About Incline Treadmills
What incline is best on a treadmill?
There is no best incline on a treadmill. The higher the incline, the more engaged your core and legs will be in the workout, but a variety of workouts is best for all-around health and mobility. Start with a level of incline that offers a challenge to you at your current fitness and work your way up over time.
What is the best incline on a treadmill to lose weight?
There are too many factors involved in fitness and weight loss to identify an incline that is best for weight loss. The length of your legs and weight of your body and speed of the workout would all be factors as well. When attempting to lose weight, heart rate training can be an effective method—and incline (as well as speed) is only one tool to target a heart rate goal.
What muscles are used to walk/run on an incline?
Walking or running on an incline treadmill engages the same leg and core muscles as walking on a flat surface, but to a larger degree. The significant increase in muscle activation can be seen on inclines as low as 3%.
About the Author
Christine Reed is a long-distance backpacker, trail runner, rock climber, and author of the thruhiking memoir, Alone in Wonderland. She believes that the right gear can be the difference between an amazing adventure and an absolute disaster and she loves helping new hikers find their way to the trail.
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