Introduce strength training to your cardio workout with an incline treadmill. By changing the incline or decline of your treadmill, runners, joggers, and walkers can further activate their gluteus muscles, hamstrings, and quads for a killer lower body workout.
To be clear, I don’t love running. I do it strictly to stay in shape for my job as a firefighter. As a personal trainer, I also have clients who don’t love the idea of cardio so finding a treadmill with features that can take my mind off the struggle and help me and my clients get a few more minutes of running are huge to me. I’ve tried a huge variety of treadmills, tested their features, pushed their buttons, and pushed my limits.
Continue reading to learn about my top pick, the NordicTrack X22i, and discover alternatives to what I consider the best incline treadmill overall. Inside, you’ll find choices for the best budget incline treadmill, the most powerful incline treadmill motor, and the best treadmills for beginners, athletes, and any skill level in between.
The Best Incline Treadmills for Your Home Gym at a Glance:
Here are the top seven picks for the best incline treadmills for your home gym.
- NordicTrack Commercial X22i: Best Incline Treadmill Overall
- Horizon 7.0AT: Runner-Up Incline Treadmill
- Sole F85: Best Incline Treadmill Warranty
- XTERRA Fitness TR150: Cheapest Incline Treadmill
- Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T4400: Best Incline Treadmill for Beginners
- Bowflex Treadmill 22: Best Incline Treadmill for Athletes
- NordicTrack Commercial 1750: Best Incline Treadmill for Intermediate Runners
Below, we’ll explore each selection’s features, incline range, power, and price and discuss why each pick is ideal for your home gym.
The Top 7 Incline Treadmills for Your Home Gym
Inspire yourself on your wellness journey by updating your home gym equipment. Modern treadmills have exceptional features that immerse you in your workout, focus attention on muscle groups, and offer solutions for easy storage.
An incline treadmill is one of the best pieces of equipment to add to your home gym. Though every runner or athlete has different fitness goals, incline treadmills help target multiple muscle groups to add an intense lower body burn to your cardio workout.
That said, not all incline treadmills are built the same. Cheap incline treadmills with low-quality motors have less stamina than some athletes and break down or burn out the motor. That’s why, below, we’ve included the best-performing options that suit various budgets and athletic abilities. So, tie up your laces, and let’s get started!
NordicTrack Commercial X22i: Best Incline Treadmill Overall
Get a running head start on your fitness goals with the NordicTrack X22i. This high-quality treadmill offers an impressive incline range between -6% to 40% for a full-body workout you’ll feel the next day.
The NordicTrack Commercial X22i is the best incline treadmill on the market. This impressive machine features a self-cooling incline motor to reduce the chance of overheating or the motor burning out. Plus, runners can choose the speed that suits their pace best with 0-12 MPH speed controls.
The 22-inch by 60-inch tread belt on the NordicTrack X22i gives runners plenty of room to run. While the sled push grips allow runners to stabilize and engage the upper body muscles and core as they push their leg muscles to new limits.
Some of the exceptional features of the NordicTrack X22i incline treadmill include the following:
- One-month iFIT Family Membership free
- 22-inch HD touchscreen with intuitive controls
- ActivePulse auto-adjusts speed and incline to maintain your target heart rate zone
- Three warranties; 10 years for the frame, two years for parts, and one year for labor.
Though the NordicTrack X22i suits budgets between $3,500 to $4,500, this high-quality and durable machine features three warranties to ensure you get years of use.
Pros
- Best incline range for home treadmills
- Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity features
- Personalized workout stats
- Built-in workout videos for live or on-demand personal training sessions
- Hands-free controls
- Comfortable reflex deck cushioning
- 300-pound user capacity
Cons
- Expensive
- An additional monthly cost for the iFit membership
Horizon 7.0 AT: Runner-Up Incline Treadmill
The Horizon 7.0 AT earns the runner-up spot on this list because it has some really great features at a very affordable price point. The overall footprint of the machine is 76” x 35” x 66” and includes a 20” x 60” deck that folds upwards for easy storage when not in use.
The Horizon 7.0 AT is powered by a reliable, quiet, and continuous-duty Johnson Drive System motor. So, runners can reach speeds of up to 12 MPH without wearing down the internal mechanics on this durable treadmill.
Maximize your workout on the Horizon 7.0 AT treadmill with a 0% to 15% incline range that adjusts to target various muscles on your run.
A really nice feature that Horizon offers is Bluetooth compatibility that will connect to all the popular training apps like Peloton, Zwift, and Studio as well as heart rate and fitness monitoring equipment.
Some of the other impressive features of this highly-rated treadmill for home gyms include the following:
- Bluetooth compatibility and sturdy device holder to listen to music or watch shows while exercising
- Supportive and comfortable three-zone Variable Response Cushioning system
- Built-in water bottle holder, fan, and USB charging ports
- Contact grips that monitor your heart rate
The Horizon T101 is an affordable incline treadmill that suits budgets of around $1000. Check out our full Horizon 7.0 AT review.
Pros
- Compact with a hydraulic folding system for easy storage
- Affordable
- Easy to use with intuitive controls
- Powerful yet quiet Johnson Drive System Motor
- 325-pound user capacity
- LED screen displays workout stats, like burned calories, heart rate, speed, and more.
Cons
- No built-in screen for watching TV or connecting to workout apps.
- Horizon customer service response rates are slower than some competitors.
Sole F85: Best Incline Treadmill Warranty
The Sole F85 is one of the best incline treadmills for home gyms with a powerful 4.0 CHP DC-type motor.
While most treadmills are backed by a warranty, none compare to the Sole F85’s lifetime warranty for the frame, motor, and deck. This machine also offers a five-year warranty for electronics and a two-year warranty for labor.
Run like the wind on the Sole F85. This exceptional incline treadmill features a .5 to 12 MPH speed range and a 0% to 15% incline range so runners, joggers, and walkers can adjust the intensity to suit their preferences.
The Sole F85 measures 80 by 35 by 58 inches, with a 22 by 60-inch track. What’s more? This treadmill features a foldable design to make space for stretching before and after your run. Some of the other remarkable features of the Sole F85 include the following:
- Two-ply treadmill belt for support and comfort with each step
- Pulse grip and chest strap to monitor heart rate
- Built-in cooling fan, sound system, and nine-inch LCD display screen
This high-quality incline treadmill suits budgets between $1,900 to $2,500, making this an ideal mid-range treadmill to add to your home gym.
Pros
- Cushion Flex Whisper Deck reduces the impact on joints
- Affordable price with an exceptional included warranty
- Built-in LCD screen with workout programs and options to add custom workouts
- 400-pound user capacity
- Foldable and compact
Cons
- Heavy device (265 lbs)
- Compatible Sole apps need improvement
XTERRA Fitness TR150: Cheapest Incline Treadmill
The XTERRA Fitness TR150 is one of the cheapest incline treadmills for home gyms, fitting budgets between $400 to $600. This treadmill is the perfect choice for beginners who want to add cardio to their gym routine without spending a fortune on an incline treadmill.
Though the XTERRA Fitness TR150 is budget-friendly, this durable treadmill is high-functioning with a 2.25 horsepower motor allowing for speeds of up to 10 MPH.
One of the most notable features of the XTERRA Fitness TR150 is its compact design. This affordable incline treadmill has easy-to-use knobs to fold and unfold the 16 by-50-inch treadmill track as needed. When folded, this machine measures only 28.5 by 28.75 by 61 inches.
Some of the other remarkable features of the XTERRA Fitness TR150 include the following:
- 12 preset workout programs
- Soft cushion deck technology for superior comfort and reduced impact with each footfall
- Hand grip pulse sensors
- Book rack and accessory holder
The XTERRA Fitness TR150 has three manual incline levels with a maximum incline of 5%, that’s ideal for beginners on their fitness journey.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Five-inch LCD screen displays workout stats, like calories burned, time, speed, and distance.
- 250-pound user capacity
- Durable steel frame
- Lifetime warranty on the frame, a one-year warranty for the motor, and 90-day warranties for the deck and in-home labor
Cons
- Assembly required
- No Bluetooth functions
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T4400: Best Incline Treadmill for Beginners
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T4400 incline treadmill is the best incline treadmill for beginners because it’s affordable, durable, and has easy-to-use controls. This treadmill features three manual incline settings, with incline options of 0%, 2%, and 4.37%.
Runners will love the shock-absorbent tread deck with a 49 by 15.5-inch running surface. Plus, the tread deck features folding mechanisms so you can easily fit other workout equipment into your home gym.
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T4400 has an easy-to-read LCD display screen so runners can quickly glance up at their distance, speed, calories burned, pulse, and running time.
The built-in device holder is the perfect way to mix up your workout with your favorite music, a TV show, or videos of trails in far-off places. With nine built-in workout programs, runners can stay engaged even if they work out every day of the week.
The SF-T4400 is an extremely affordable incline treadmill, suiting budgets between $400 to $600.
Pros
- 2.2 Horsepower motor with speeds of up to nine MPH.
- Two handrails with pulse sensors
- Wheels for easy transportation and installation
- Heavy-duty construction with 220-pound use capacity
- Three-year warranty on the frame and a 180-day warranty on the parts
Cons
- Max incline is less than 5%
- LCD displays are not visible when the device holder is filled with a tablet, book, or phone
Bowflex Treadmill 22: Best Incline Treadmill for Athletes
Treadmill 22 by Bowlfex is one of the best incline treadmills for athletes. Bowflex is a popular name in the world of fitness, meaning this advanced incline treadmill comes with a higher price tag of around $2,700 and has lots more features than some of the beginner treadmills on this list.
Runners can incorporate strength training into their cardio workout by simulating hills with a wide range of motorized incline options from -5% to 20% on the Bowflex Treadmill 22.
This heavy-duty workout machine has a large 22” by 60” treadmill track, so runners have the space to swing their arms or grab hold of the handlebars. This incline treadmill has a powerful three-horsepower motor with speeds up to 12 MPH.
Play your favorite songs to get into the zone with powerful Bluetooth speakers and a wireless Bluetooth armband.
The technology inside the Bowflex Treadmill 22 is incredible. This incline treadmill is compatible with Bluetooth and WiFi and features a 22” touchscreen. Now, runners can stream all popular streaming services, the JRNY Experience, and 13 preset workout programs on the HD touchscreen.
Pros
- Comfort Tech Deck Cushioning for low impact and comfort with each step
- 400-pound user capacity
- One year JRNY membership included for free
- SoftDrop folding technology for easy storage when not in use
- Three warranties; 15 years for the frame and motor, two years for labor, and five years for parts.
Cons
- Expensive
- Assembly required
- JRNY membership required
NordicTrack Commercial 1750: Best Incline Treadmill for Intermediate Runners
It’s not that surprising that NordicTrack has two entries on this list. They have been in the game since the 80s are a top-selling brand worldwide. The Commercial 1750 incline treadmill is an exceptional option for those who love to run and want to improve their athletic performance so they can tackle the pavement like a champion.
This durable and high-powered machine features a motorized incline range of -3 to 15 degrees. Meanwhile, the powerful yet surprisingly quiet 3.5 CHP motor allows runners to reach speeds up to 12 MPH.
With the Easy Lift Assist hydraulic folding mechanisms, runners can add space to their home gym by lifting the 22” x 60” running belt surface upwards.
The NordicTrack Commercial 1750 fits into mid-range budgets around the $2300 range, so it might a little pricey for some people but it is a really high-quality piece of equipment. An iFIT membership is required to take advantage of the immersive locations and coaching that can make your run quite enjoyable (if that’s even possible!).
Pros
- Hydraulic folding system for easy storage
- 300-pound user capacity
- 14” tilt and pivot HD touchscreen
- 10-year frame warranty, 2-year parts warranty, and 1-year labor warranty
- Hand-grip pulse sensor
Cons
- Fairly big footprint and is heavy to move around
- Pricey
Things To Consider Before Buying the Best Incline Treadmill for Your Home Gym
Buying an incline treadmill for your home gym is a great way to motivate yourself to exercise without leaving the house or embarrassing yourself at a public gym. However, there are a few things to consider before clicking purchase, like the price, size, motor, and additional features, to ensure that the treadmill is the best option for you. Below, we’ll go into detail about each.
Price
Budget is one of the main factors in choosing the right incline treadmill for your home gym. The best treadmills can range from around $500 to upwards of $3,000, depending on the brand, motor, and features.
Remember to set realistic expectations for the number of additional features on your machine if your budget is on the low end of the scale. If budget is your main concern, explore some of the best treadmills under $1,000.
Size
Consider the space requirements needed for your new exercise equipment. Treadmills are large, yet there are options for different-sized machines and compact or foldable options that suit smaller-sized home gyms.
Some incline treadmills have a narrow track to conserve space, while others offer more width for more room to run. Remember, unless you purchase a foldable option, the bigger the machine, the less room for other gym equipment.
Power
All treadmills use a motor with varying levels of power and speed outputs. Choose the power level of your treadmill based on your skill level and speed requirements. For example, a sprinter will want an incline treadmill with a high MPH, while joggers will be fine with a less powerful motor.
Features
Treadmills offer a wide breadth of additional features depending on the brand and price. So, choose an incline treadmill with features that complement your exercise routine.
Some incline treadmills feature screens that simulate trails or play movies while you run. Others have heart-rate monitors, push bars, sled grips, or other additions that keep you more engaged and immersed in your workout.
The Final Verdict: Which Incline Treadmill Is the Best for Your Home Gym?
While this list includes the best incline treadmills for beginners, intermediate runners, athletes, budget-seekers, and space savers, the best incline treadmill for your home gym is the NordicTrack Commercial X22i.
The NordicTrack X22i boasts an impressive incline range between -6% to a whopping 40%, compared to budget-friendly choices, like the XTERRA Fitness TR150 or Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T4400, with an incline range hitting no more than 5%.
While the NordicTrack X22i has the best incline range for home gym treadmills, it also boasts some of the highest speeds and the biggest touchscreen for a truly immersive experience while you watch and run.
Purchase any of these top-rated options by clicking the links above and get ready to run like the wind on the best incline treadmills for your home gym. Your fitness transformation awaits!
