UBCNews - Business - Does Treadmill Incline Make a Difference? Why Experts Say You Should Step Up

Episode Date: February 6, 2026

Welcome back, everyone! Today we're digging into something that could completely change your home workout routine. Have you ever wondered if adjusting that incline setting on your treadmill actually makes a difference? Well, a new guide just dropped that answers exactly that question, and the results are pretty eye-opening. SOLE Fitness City: Salt Lake City Address: 56 Exchange Pl. Website: https://www.soletreadmills.com/

Welcome back, everyone. Today we're digging into something that could completely change your home workout routine. Have you ever wondered if adjusting that incline setting on your treadmill actually makes a difference? Well, a new guide just dropped that answers exactly that question, and the results are pretty eye-opening. Yeah, and I think a lot of people overlook incline settings completely. They hop on, hit start, and just walk or run flat. But here's the thing. Adding even a modest incline can boost your calorie burn by a, over 50%. At a 5% incline, you're burning 52% more calories, and at 10% you're looking at 113% more compared to flat walking. That's wild. So you're telling me I could be getting

double the results without having to run faster or longer? Exactly. And there's actually research backing this up. A study in the International Journal of Exercise Science found that Incline walking burns 7% more fat than running, even when you're burning the same number of calories. So it's more than just working harder. Working smarter is what matters. Right, that makes sense. And I imagine this is especially helpful for folks who are in their 40s, 50s, maybe beyond, who want effective workouts without, um, destroying their knees. Definitely. Inclined walking is super joint friendly. It's low impact, so you're getting cardiovascular benefits, muscle toning, calorie, burn, all without the pounding that comes with running. It targets your calves, hamstrings, quadriceps,

glutes, and even your core. Ahem, that's impressive. So for someone just starting out, what's the sweet spot? What incline should they be aiming for? Great question. Beginners should start small. Think one to three percent incline. You want to let your body adapt. As you build strength and confidence, you can gradually increase. For most people in midlife, an incline of 8 to 10% is really effective without over-exertion. Intermediate users can challenge themselves with 6 to 10% and advanced folks can push up to 11 to 15% for maximum calorie burn. I see, go on.

And what about those trendy workouts we've been hearing about, like the 12th of March 30? Oh yeah, that's a popular one. It involves walking at a 12% incline at 3 miles per hour for 30 minutes. It's a solid routine, especially if you're looking for something structured. But here's the key. You've got to listen to your body. If you're gripping the handrails for dear life, the incline's probably too steep. Light holding for balance is fine, but if you're leaning heavily, you're compromising your posture and reducing the workout's effectiveness.

That point about proper form and listening to your body sets up our next piece, understanding the risks and how to stay safe. But first, a quick word from our sponsor. Looking to elevate your home gym experience? Soul Fitness offers high quality, durable, and affordable treadmills designed with innovation and user-friendly features. With powerful quiet motors, wide running surfaces, and the cushion flex whisper deck that reduces joint impact by up to 40%.

Their treadmills support fitness enthusiasts from beginners to seasoned athletes. Plus, every model includes access to the Soul Plus app with expert-led video workouts. Find their full range of equipment at sole treadmills.com. Picking up on proper form, what are the main risks people should watch out for when they're using incline settings? Good question. So two big ones are shin splints and IT band syndrome. Shin splints happen when you overstress the shin muscles, especially if you ramp up intensity too quickly. Interestingly, running at zero incline can actually mimic a slight downhill slant which stresses your shins.

A slight incline of 2 to 4 degrees can actually help prevent that. Wait, so zero incline might actually be worse for your shins? That's counterintuitive. Yeah, in some cases. And then there's IT band syndrome, which causes pain on the outside of your knee. Inclined walking can increase tension on that band, especially if your glutes and leg muscles are tight. The key to preventing both of these issues is gradual progression, proper footwear, and regular stretching. I learned this the hard way last year when I jumped straight to a 10% incline after weeks off.

My shins were screaming at me for three days. Ouch yeah, that sounds like a lesson learned. So stretching before and after, good shoes and not jumping from zero to hero overnight. And for IT-Band syndrome specifically, strengthening your hip-abductor muscles is really important. Exercises like side-lying leg raises are effective. There's even a treadmill side-step exercise. You set the incline to 4 to 5% and walk sideways at one mile per hour. Sounds silly, but it's a great way to prevent that injury.

I might need to try that. Probably looks ridiculous though. Oh, definitely, but hey, if it keeps you pain free, who cares? Fair point. So to everyone listening, if you're dealing with any discomfort, don't push through it. rest, ice the area, and dial back your settings until you're back to normal. Right. And remember, the goal is sustainable fitness. In other words, you're building a routine that keeps you healthy for years to come, not training for the Olympics tomorrow. I love that. So we've established that incline walking boosts cardiovascular health,

burns more calories and fat, tones major muscle groups, and it's gentle on your joints. Plus it prepares your body for real-world terrain like hiking or walking uphill outdoors. That's a pretty complete package. It really is. And the beauty of it is that it's accessible. You don't need fancy equipment or a gym membership. If you've got a treadmill at home with incline functionality, you're set. Just start slow, be consistent, and progress at your own pace.

Right, exactly. How do you think this guide is going to change the way people approach their home workouts? I think it's going to open people's eyes to how versatile a treadmill can be. A lot of folks see it as boring, just walking or running in place. But when you start playing with incline speed and duration, you can create tons of different workouts. It keeps things interesting and effective.

Yeah, variety is key. All right, before we wrap up, any final tips for our listeners who want to get started with incline walking? Sure. One, use the safety clip. Two, avoid leaning on the handrails. Three, maintain proper form, shoulders back, core engaged. and four, be patient with yourself.

Progress takes time, but the results are absolutely worth it. Perfect. So whether you're in your 40s, 50s, or beyond, incline walking is a powerful, joint-friendly way to level up your fitness at home. Thanks for breaking all this down with us today. My pleasure. Happy to share. And to all of you listening,

give Incline Walking a try this week and see how it feels. Until next time, stay active and stay healthy.