Fitting in daily exercise is essential to maximize our quality of life as we age. The CDC recommends that we fit in 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, but as our lives become increasingly busy, that’s easier said than done.
With school drop-offs, long days at work, and friends demanding time, there is a barrage of excuses tempting us to skip the workout. Most of us just need the most comfortable and most convenient option.
A home gym (will all the bells and whistles) would be lovely, but they’re often impractical, underused, and take up too much precious space. If you could choose one item to buy that you’ll actually use, we recommend an incline treadmill.
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Introducing the Best Incline Treadmills
An incline treadmill works both your cardiovascular system and builds muscle throughout your legs and glutes. It’ll burn more calories than walking or jogging (on a flat surface), and you’ll be doing wonders for your cardio in no time. It’s also one of the best ways to build endurance for beginners.
As a personal trainer, I’m incredibly particular about the products that I recommend. I wanted to ensure I handpicked the best incline treadmills for you. They were tested for:
- Price/value for money
- Motor strength
- Added features
- Reliability
- Customer reviews
We’ll be exploring the good, the bad, and discuss the best treadmill for different styles of training. Here are the five best incline treadmills we could find.
Each incline treadmill featured here thrives for different reasons. Make sure you review your goals so that you can choose the right product for your individual needs.
For those that live in an apartment, you might also want to check out our article about compact treadmills here. Nowadays you can safely rely on treadmills with an incline to provide a tough workout in a smaller space. Finally, no more traffic jams or running in the rain!
Review of the 5 Best Incline Treadmills
Let’s take a closer look at each model. Before we do, take a moment to review your goals. Is it essential to have the steepest inclines or the highest speeds? Do you need an inbuilt coaching program, or do you like to train the old fashioned way? Knowing your priorities (while reviewing each model) will help ensure you make an informed decision on such a high ticket item.
1. BowFlex BXT116
The Bowflex BXT116 is an affordable incline treadmill that will suit most trainer’s needs (the tech isn’t too shabby, either). It has an inbuilt 7.5″ screen with Bluetooth connectivity for popular fitness apps. Reaching speeds of up to 12mph and an incline of 15% the Bowflex is a great option for everyday training.
Features
- 0 – 15% decline and incline settings
- 0 – 12mph speed settings
- 3.75HP motor
- Generous 20″ x 60″ running surface
- 7.5″ LED Screen with Bluetooth Connectivity
- 375lbs weight capacity
- $1,599 retail
Pros
- Affordable Price
- High-Speed Capability
- Powerful motor continuous motor
Cons
- Incline range only goes up to 15%
The Bowflex BXT116 is the best value for money incline treadmill.
2. FreeMotion i11.9 Incline Trainer
FreeMotion Incline Treadmills are top of the line, commercial-grade machines. Expect everything you ever wanted with this incline trainers. With a whopping 5.0HP motor, you can reach speeds up to 12mph and an incline range of -3-30%.
Enjoy an inbuilt 10″ full-color capacitive touch display with loads of pre-set programs for you to hit the ground running. You have the option to connect the incline treadmill to a 15.6″ personal HDTV with on console controls. You can even charge your phone on this machine. What’s the catch? The price. Be ready to pull out your credit card if these are essential features for you.
Features
- -3 – 30% decline and incline settings
- 0 – 12mph speed settings
- 5.0HP motor
- Large 21.5″ x 60″ running surface
- 400lbs weight capacity
Pros
- The most powerful motor on the market
- 12 inbuilt running programs
- Ultra-wide running surface
- Entertainment options are second-to-none
Cons
- The price
The Free Motion i11.9 incline treadmill is the best choice for entertainment options and added extras.
3. ProForm PRO-9000
The ProForm Pro-9000 is a high-powered incline treadmill with a 4.25HP motor, and speeds reaching up to 12mph. That said, it’s not as steep as some of the others on our list. It’s decline and incline range is -3 – 15%.
The treadmill has an ultrawide track of 22″ and allows for users up to 300lbs. It’s lower in price, and if you need the extra help, it’s compatible with iFit. You’ll enjoy the 10″ touch screen where you can track your fitness stats and progress.
Features
- -3 – 15% decline and incline settings
- 0 – 12mph speed settings
- 4.25HP motor
- Ultra-wide 22″ x 60″ running surface
- 300lbs weight capacity
- 10″ Touch Screen Console
- $1,999 retail
Pros
- Strong self-cooling 4.5HP motor
- Wide running surface
- Lower in price
- Beautiful 10″ touch screen with iFit integration
Cons
- Lower incline range
The ProForm PRO-9000 is the best value for a strong motor.
4. Sole TT8
The Sole TT8 incline treadmill is a speedy model with plenty of options. It’s Bluetooth compatible, equipped with a USB port, and also has a tablet holder. Despite all the features, it’s delightfully simple to use. You can navigate incline ranges of -6 – 15% at a touch of a button on the handle to your left.
This incline treadmill will keep you entertained with a large 10.1″ LCD touch screen. It’ll keep going when the workout gets tough. The dual motors equate to powerful 4.0HP propelling you to speeds of up to 12mph. It’s perfect for our larger-set runners with a user capacity of up to 400lbs.
Features
- -6 – 15% decline and incline settings
- 0 – 12mph speed settings
- 4.0HP motor
- Ultra-wide 22″ x 60″ running surface
- 400lbs weight capacity
- 10.1″ Touch Screen Console
- $2,499 retail
Pros
- High user capacity
- High decline range
- Strong dual motor
- Among the largest screens
Cons
- Lower incline range
The Sole TT8 is the best incline treadmill for heavier-set users.
5. Stair Master HIITMill
The Stair Master HIITMill incline treadmill is not like the other treadmills out there on the market, but it deserves a notable mention in this list. This piece of machinery is for the functional training fanatic. It’s completely self-powered, and you’ll find yourself modeling human functional movement patterns to get this beast going.
If slugging it uphill isn’t enough for you, add some weight. This beast of a machine allows you to add 90lbs either side for those who want it tougher. Use it as a sled, a farmers walk, or a self-powered run. You’ll be building muscle, stability, and endurance on the Stair Master HIITMill Incline Treadmill.
Features
- No motor – entirely self-powered
- Maintenance-free magnetic resistance
- Ability to add weight and other accessories
- Durable cushioned turf belt
- $4,795 retail
Pros
- With no motor – it’s difficult to break
- Easily adjustable with a magnetic lever or weights
- You control the speed
- Ability to create a more diverse workout than the conventional treadmill
Cons
- High Price Point
- Not a conventional treadmill
The Stair Master HIITMill is the best incline treadmill for functional training.
And the Winner Is…
If you’re on a budget and the depth of incline isn’t an issue for you, the ProForm PRO-9000 is the best choice. It more competitively priced than most and has one of the most durable motors on the list. These five choices are the best incline treadmills on the market. Depending on your goals, one of these five will be perfect for you.
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