UBCNews - Business - Advanced Cardio At Home: Here's Why Modern Incline Treadmills Are Game-Changers

Episode Date: December 3, 2025

Welcome back, everyone. Today we're tackling something that's been on everyone's radar lately - incline treadmills. You've probably seen those viral 12-3-30 workouts all over social media, but there's actually a lot more science behind why incline training is making such a splash in home fitness. SOLE Fitness City: Salt Lake City Address: 56 Exchange Pl. Website: https://www.soletreadmills.com/

Welcome back, everyone. Today we're tackling something that's been on everyone's radar lately. Inclined treadmills, you've probably seen those viral the 3rd of December 30 workouts all over social media, but there's actually a lot more science behind why incline training is making such a splash in home fitness. Yeah, absolutely. And I think people are finally realizing that when you're walking or running on flat ground, you're kind of leaving benefits on the table. The moment you introduce incline, you're working against grab, and that changes everything, from calorie burn to muscle activation. So let's start there. How much of a difference does incline actually make for burning calories? The numbers are pretty compelling. Research shows that walking at a 5% incline increases calorie burn by about 52%

compared to flat walking, and increasing to 10% incline can more than double your calorie expenditure, so you're getting way more metabolic bang for your buck without having to run faster or work out longer. That's significant, and I'm guessing there's more to it than calories. You're hitting different muscle groups too, right? Exactly. When you walk or run on an incline, you're activating your glutes, hamstrings, calves, and even your core in ways that flat surface training just doesn't touch. It's like getting strength training and cardio in one session. Your body recruits more muscle fibers with every step because you're constantly pushing upward.

Um-hum, interesting point. Now I know a lot of people worry about joint impact, especially if they're transitioning from outdoor running or they've had knee issues in the past. Does incline training help or hurt in that department? This is actually one of the most misunderstood benefits. A slight incline, say one to three percent, can actually shift your foot strike in a way that reduces repetitive impact on your knees and ankles. So you're getting a more joint-friendly workout compared to pounding pavement. or even running flat on a treadmill. And when you pair that with advanced cushioning systems, like what you find on higher quality treadmills, you're really protecting your body long term. That's reassuring. So if someone's new to incline training, where should they start?

I mean, jumping straight to a 12% incline sounds pretty intimidating. Oh, definitely start low. For beginners, I'd recommend starting with a 2% to 5% incline just to get used to the added intensity. You can walk at a comfortable pace and still feel the difference. Then, as your strength and endurance build, you can gradually work your way up to 8, 10, or even 12%. The key is progression. You don't want to overdo it and risk soreness or injury right out of the gate.

Right. And I think that's where having a treadmill with customizable settings really comes in handy. You can tailor the incline to your fitness level and goals. Yeah, for sure. I actually started doing incline walks a couple years ago when I couldn't run due to a hip issue and being able to adjust the incline incrementally made all the difference.

I could challenge myself without aggravating the injury. That's a perfect example of how versatile incline training can be. That point about customizable settings sets up our next piece comparing incline treadmills to other at-home cardio options. But first, a quick word from our sponsor. Looking to elevate your home workouts? Soul Fitness offers incline treadmills with incline settings up to 15% designed for walkers, joggers, and serious runners alike.

With advanced cushioning and customizable programs, their treadmills help you burn more calories, strengthen key muscle groups, and protect your joints, all from the comfort of home. Plus the Soul Plus app offers fitness classes and workout routines to keep you motivated. Learn more at SoulTreadmills.com. Picking up on customizable settings, how do incline treadmills stack up against other popular at-home cardio equipment, like ellipticals or stationary bikes? Great question. Each has its place, but inclined treadmills offer something unique. Elipticals are low impact, which is great, but they don't provide the same functional, weight-bearing movement that walking or running does. treadmills train your body in a way that translates directly to real-world activities. Climbing stairs, hiking, even just walking around your neighborhood. I see makes sense.

And bikes are fantastic for building leg endurance, but again, you're seated, so you're not engaging your core or upper body stabilizers the same way. With an inclined treadmill, you're upright, your weight bearing, and you're simulating real terrain, it's a more complete workout. And honestly, if you told me 10 years ago I'd be choosing a treadmill over outdoor running, I'd have laughed. But here we are. Ha, I think a lot of people can relate to that. What about space and cost? Those are big factors for people setting up a home gym. Definitely.

Ellipticals can take up a lot of floor space and tend to be pretty pricey if you want a quality model. Bikes are more compact, but high-end spin bikes with screens and programming can also run you a fair amount. Treadmills vary, but many modern incline treadmills are foldable, so they're easier to store than you'd think. And when you consider the versatility, the ability to walk, jog, run, do intervals, simulate hills, you're really getting more value for your investment. So to everyone listening, if you're trying to decide between equipment, think about your goals. Are you training for endurance events? Do you want something that mimics outdoor activity? incline treadmills might be your best bet.

Yeah, and another thing, incline treadmills are incredibly beginner-friendly while still being challenging enough for advanced athletes. You can start with a gentle walk at a low incline and eventually work up to interval sprints at higher grades. In other words, they scale with your fitness level no matter where you're starting from. That kind of adaptability is hard to beat.

Have you ever wondered how much of a difference just a few percentage points of incline can make over time, because I think a lot of people underestimate it. Oh, absolutely. Regular training matters most. If you're walking 30 minutes a day at a 5% incline instead of flat, those extra calories and that extra muscle activation add up fast. Over weeks and months, you're going to see improvements in cardiovascular health, leg strength, and even body composition. And I imagine endurance athletes are using incline treadmills to prep for, races, especially if they're training for hilly courses. Exactly. Hill workouts build both strength and endurance. If you're training for a trail

race or a marathon with elevation changes, practicing on an incline treadmill lets you simulate that terrain without leaving your house. You can program specific incline intervals to match the course profile. That's smart, and it keeps things interesting too. I mean, variety is one of the biggest factors in sticking with a workout routine, right? For sure, doing the same flat jog every day gets boring fast. But when you can mix in progressive climbs, speed intervals, walking lunges on the belt, or follow along with guided workouts, you're way more likely to stay motivated.

Variety keeps your body guessing and your mind engaged. Before we wrap up, any final tips for someone who's ready to add incline training to their routine? Start slow, listen to your body, and don't be afraid to experiment, try different incline levels, mix in some speed intervals, and pay attention to how your muscles feel, and make sure you've got good shoes and a treadmill with solid cushioning. That'll keep you comfortable and injury-free as you build up your routine. Perfect advice. Thanks so much for breaking this down today. I think a lot of listeners are going to be rethinking their cardio strategy after this.

My pleasure. Inclined training really does open up a whole new world of fitness possibilities. And to everyone tuning in, if you want to learn more about how incline training can transform your workouts, there are tons of resources out there. Thanks for listening and we'll catch you next time.