The Ultimate Guide to the Best Incline Treadmills for 2025: Boost Your Cardio Fitness and Strength

Introduction

Are you looking to elevate your training sessions and reap the benefits of a more intense workout without putting too much stress on your joints? Incline treadmills are the perfect solution. These machines allow you to increase the incline of the treadmill, which not only boosts your cardio fitness and calorie burn but also strengthens your legs and core muscles. Research shows that walking on a moderate incline offers effective cardiovascular benefits while minimizing joint stress, making these machines valuable for everyone from older adults to serious athletes. The gains can be significant, with one study in BMC Geriatrics finding that for older adults, walking on a 10% incline may increase calorie burn by up to 23% while activating more muscles in the legs and core.

Quick Overview

In this article, we'll take a look at some of the best incline treadmills available on the market, including those that are best overall, those under $1,000, those for small spaces, and those that fold for easy storage.

Best Overall: NordicTrack X24

The NordicTrack X24 is our top pick for the best overall incline treadmill. It offers a wide range of incline settings (up to 40%), a powerful 3.5 CHP motor, and a 22" x 60" running surface for a comfortable and effective workout. With built-in workout programs, iFit compatibility, and a 10" HD touchscreen display, this machine is perfect for anyone looking for a high-end incline treadmill with all the bells and whistles. The price is $2,999 at NordicTrack.

Best Under $1,000: Horizon 7.0 AT

If you're looking for an incline treadmill without breaking the bank, the Horizon 7.0 AT is a great option. It offers a 15% incline, a 2.5 CHP motor, and a 20" x 55" running surface. This machine is perfect for those who want a basic but effective incline treadmill at an affordable price. The price is $999 at Horizon Fitness.

Best for Small Spaces: Feier Star 100

If you're working with limited space, the Feier Star 100 is a great option. It's compact and lightweight, making it easy to move around and store. It offers a 15% incline and a 2.25 CHP motor, along with a 18" x 48" running surface. This machine is perfect for those who want an incline treadmill that won't take up too much space in their home gym. The price is $1,500 at FEIER.

Best Folding: Sole F63

For those who want the convenience of a folding incline treadmill, the Sole F63 is a great choice. It offers a 15% incline, a 3.0 CHP motor, and a 20" x 60" running surface. This machine folds up easily for storage and comes with built-in speakers and an audio port for your favorite workout tunes. The price is $1,200 at Amazon.

Conclusion

Incline treadmills are an excellent way to elevate your training sessions and reap the benefits of a more intense workout without putting too much stress on your joints. Whether you're looking for a high-end machine with all the bells and whistles or a basic model at an affordable price, there's an incline treadmill that's perfect for you.