Incline vs. Non-Incline Treadmills: Which One is Right for You?

Choosing the right treadmill can make or break your home workout routine. This guide compares incline vs. non-incline treadmills, highlighting the benefits, differences, and ideal use cases for various customer groups. 

From NordicTrack, Sole, and ProForm treadmills to compact options like Lichico incline treadmills and walking pads, we break down which machine suits beginners, space-conscious users, and fitness enthusiasts.

Learn how incline settings can boost calorie burn and muscle engagement, while flat treadmills support habit-building and low-impact movement — helping you make the best choice for your goals and lifestyle.

What is an Incline Treadmill?

An incline treadmill allows you to adjust the slope of your walking or running surface. Many popular models like the Sole treadmill or ProForm treadmill include motorized incline settings, while other foldable or compact models let you manually change the slope.

Benefits of Incline Treadmills:

• Burn more calories: Uphill walking or running engages glutes, hamstrings, and calves.
  

• Boost cardiovascular fitness: Raise your heart rate without increasing speed.
  

• Joint-friendly: Low-impact intensity vs. high-speed flat runs.
  

• Build lower-body strength: Helps tone muscles while walking.
  
  

Who Should Consider Incline Treadmills?

• Fitness enthusiasts & runners: Incline treadmills provide a scalable challenge that flat treadmills can’t match. By adjusting the slope, you recruit more muscles — especially glutes, hamstrings, and calves — leading to stronger legs and better endurance. The intensity also prevents workout plateaus, keeping progress consistent.
  
  

• Weight-loss seekers: Walking or running on an incline burns more calories at the same speed, making each workout more efficient. This means you can achieve higher calorie burn without longer sessions or higher impact speeds, reducing strain on joints while still maximizing fat loss.
  
  

• People with mild joint concerns: Low-speed incline walking allows for muscle engagement and cardiovascular benefits without the repetitive pounding of flat-speed running. It strengthens supporting muscles around the knees and hips, which can reduce joint stress and improve overall mobility over time.
  
  

What is a Non-Incline Treadmill?

A non-incline treadmill stays flat, making it ideal for beginner treadmills or casual walking. Compact, foldable, or home-use models like the Lichico treadmill or WalkingPad are perfect for small apartments.

Benefits of Non-Incline Treadmills:

• Beginner-friendly and easy to use
  

• Quieter than motorized incline treadmills
  

• Usually more affordable
  

• Compact and easy to store
  
  

Who Should Consider Non-Incline Treadmills?

• Beginners building daily habits: Flat treadmills remove complexity, allowing newcomers to focus on consistency instead of technique or intensity. Habit-building is easier when the machine is forgiving, simple to use, and feels safe for daily use.
  
  

• Work-from-home professionals: Devices like WalkingPad or compact flat treadmills allow multitasking — walking while on calls or watching shows — without interrupting workflow. The low-noise operation ensures others aren’t disturbed, making it perfect for apartments or shared spaces.
  
  

• Anyone with joint sensitivity: Flat treadmills reduce impact forces on knees, hips, and ankles compared to fast or steep incline workouts. Even gentle, low-speed walking engages muscles, improves circulation, and promotes healthy daily movement, making it ideal for those with arthritis, past injuries, or general joint concerns.

Key Differences Between Incline and Non-Incline Treadmills

Choosing the Right Treadmill for You

• Weight Loss & High-Intensity Workouts: Incline treadmills shine. Burn calories efficiently without stressing joints.
  

• Daily Movement & Habit Building: Non-incline treadmills like WalkingPad make it easy to stay consistent.
  

• Limited Space: Opt for foldable home treadmills, such as Lichico, which are perfect for apartments.
  

• Beginner-Friendly Workouts: Flat treadmills are simple, quiet, and beginner-safe.

Even if you start with a non-incline treadmill, adding occasional incline sessions can prevent plateauing and strengthen lower-body muscles. Conversely, if you own an incline treadmill, flat walks are great for active recovery or habit-building days. Mixing styles keeps workouts interesting while improving endurance, strength, and calorie burn.