Incline walking pads are specialized surfaces designed to simulate uphill walking or hiking indoors. They feature an adjustable slant that challenges users to walk uphill, providing a more intense workout compared to walking on flat ground.
They are designed for individuals looking to enhance cardiovascular fitness, lower body strength and/or endurance. People also use them at home or in the office to stay active and burn calories.
People use them to replicate the benefits of hill walking or hiking without needing access to outdoor trails or slopes. However, using an slanted walking pad provides a controlled environment with an adjustable tilt. On the other hand, outdoor walking offers varying terrain challenges.
Walking treadmills vary in size, but many are designed for home use and require minimal space. They’re suitable for apartments or small homes, offering convenient indoor exercise options.
Typical measurements:
- Length: Between 50 to 60 inches (127 to 152 cm)
- Width: Approximately 20 to 30 inches (51 to 76 cm)
- Height: Usually less than 10 inches (25 cm)
These dimensions provide enough space for walking or jogging comfortably while maintaining a compact design. Plus, some can conveniently slide underneath a bed when not in operation.
Our Top 3 Picks for Incline Treadmills:
We chose these models for their (1) higher tilt options, (2) quiet operation, (3) powerful and longer-lasting 2.5 HP motors, (4) shock-absorbing pads (5) remote controls (6) wheels for easy storage & (7) 300+lb weight capacity.
Key Features to Look For:
1. First and foremost, opt for a model that offers adjustable settings for incline. This functionality allows you to customize the slope according to your specific fitness objectives and personal comfort preferences. Whether you’re aiming for a gentle incline or a more challenging ascent, having control over the incline level is crucial for optimizing your workout routine.
2. Equally important is the construction quality of the walking pad. It’s imperative to choose a model that boasts solid construction, ensuring stability and durability during intense workouts. A sturdy tread surface can support your movements without wobbling or shaking, providing a safe and reliable exercise platform.
3. Another vital feature to prioritize is a cushioned walking surface. Opting for a walking pad equipped with sufficient cushioning not only improves comfort but also aids in relieving strain on your joints, especially your knees and ankles. The cushioned surface absorbs impact, decreasing the likelihood of injury and discomfort, enabling you to prolong your workouts while maintaining comfort.
Additionally, consider the user-friendliness of the controls. Opt for a walking pad with intuitive controls that are easy to navigate, allowing you to make adjustments seamlessly without interrupting your stride. User-friendly controls enable you to tweak settings effortlessly, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted workout experience. If you like the auto-incline feature, check out the UREVO with remote control.
Note: The average maximum weight capacity for standard walking pads typically ranges from 220 to 300 pounds, ensuring stability and safety during use.
Angled treadmills can be suitable for beginners or those with limited fitness levels due to their variable tilt.
Incline VS Flat Walking Pads – What’s Better?
| Aspect | Incline Walking Pads | Flat Walking Pads |
|---|---|---|
| Calorie Burn | Higher due to increased intensity | Lower compared to uphill walking |
| Muscle Engagement | Engages more muscles at faster speeds and steeper inclines | Less muscle engagement, primarily legs |
| Cardiovascular Fitness | Improves cardiovascular health with challenging slope | Offers cardiovascular benefits but with less intensity |
| Space Requirement | Compact design, suitable for smaller spaces | Compact, and some treadmills are foldable. |
| Cost | May be more expensive due to added features | Generally more affordable |
| Suitability for Beginners | Offers versatility but may be challenging initially | Easier for beginners to start with |
| Overall Intensity | Provides a more intense workout experience | Offers a moderate workout intensity |
Walking Pads for Fitness:
Uphill treadmills can aid in weight loss by providing a challenging, effective cardiovascular workout. Plus, they also tone leg muscles, including calves and glutes. Recommended workout programs include interval training and endurance routines to maximize benefits. Here are some examples:
Interval Workout:
- Warm-Up (5 minutes): Begin with a 5-minute warm-up by walking at a comfortable pace.
- Interval Sets (20 minutes):
- Interval 1 (2 minutes): Increase the speed to a brisk walk or moderate intensity.
- Recovery (1 minute): Reduce the speed to a comfortable pace for recovery.
- Interval 2 (2 minutes): Increase the incline or speed for a more challenging walk.
- Recovery (1 minute): Return to a comfortable pace for recovery.
- Repeat intervals 1 and 2 for a total of 10 sets.
- Cool Down (5 minutes): Conclude the session with a 5-minute cooldown by gradually slowing the speed until you reach a leisurely walking pace.
Endurance Workout:
- Warm-Up (5 minutes): Start with a 5-minute warm-up at a comfortable walking pace.
- Steady-State Walk (30 minutes to 1 hour):
- Maintain a consistent pace throughout the duration of the walk.
- Aim for a moderate intensity where you can comfortably carry on a conversation.
- Focus on maintaining good posture and engaging your core muscles.
- Optional Variation: Hill Climbing (30 minutes):
- Increase the tilt gradually every 5-10 minutes to simulate walking uphill.
- Maintain a steady pace while focusing on using your leg muscles to push through the uphill slope.
- Reduce the slant periodically for recovery before increasing it again.
- Cool Down (5 minutes): Finish the workout with a 5-minute cooldown by gradually reducing the speed until you reach a comfortable walking pace.
Incline walking pads offer adjustable angles to target specific fitness goals like improving stamina, building leg strength and burning calories effectively. Incorporating these workouts into a fitness routine provides a convenient indoor option with customizable intensity levels, thus promoting consistency.
Best Shoes for Walking Pads: When selecting walking shoes for treadmill use, prioritize comfort, support and durability. Look for shoes with ample cushioning in the midsole to absorb impact and good arch support to prevent overpronation or supination.
Select shoes with enough room in the toe box and with traction on the treadmill surface to prevent slipping. Popular brands like Nike, Adidas, and New Balance offer a range of walking shoes designed for treadmill use.
Do Incline Treadmills Come with Any Risks?
Walking pads may pose risks such as joint strain, back pain or overexertion if used improperly for extended periods of time. Therefore, experts recommend starting slowly, wearing supportive footwear and keeping good posture.
1. Begin Slowly:
Beginning your walking pad routine gradually allows your body to adjust to the new activity. Sudden increases in activity level can lead to overexertion, muscle strain, and joint stress. By starting slowly, you give your muscles, joints, and cardiovascular system time to adapt and strengthen gradually, reducing the risk of injury.
2. Walk with Good Posture:
Exercising strong posture while stepping on a walking pad plays a big role in staving off back aches and strain on your joints. A healthy stance ensures that your spine is correctly aligned, thus reducing overstrain on your back and neck.
It also helps distribute your body weight evenly. Therefore, upright posture lessens the impact on specific joints (ie. knees and hips). Engaging core muscles and keeping your shoulders relaxed and down can further support ideal alignment and minimize the potential of injury.
3. Wear Supportive Footwear:
The type of footwear you use while walking on a pad significantly impacts your overall comfort and safety. Supportive footwear provides cushioning and stability, reducing the impact on your feet, ankles, knees, and hips.
Properly fitting shoes with adequate arch support and cushioning help absorb shock and distribute pressure evenly, which can prevent overexertion and reduce the risk of developing foot-related problems such as plantar fasciitis or shin splints.
Keep Treadmill Flat While Working at Standing Desk: Working at a desk already requires proper ergonomic setup to prevent strain or injury.
Adding an uphill slant to the treadmill can disrupt the ergonomic alignment of the body. This can potentially lead to discomfort or musculoskeletal issues, especially with everyday use.
Conclusion:
These top-rated walking pads with incline feature a convenient indoor option for enhancing cardiovascular fitness, lower body strength and endurance. With adjustable settings, sturdy construction, and user-friendly controls, they offer versatility and customization for home or office use.
Incorporating interval training or endurance routines maximizes their benefits, aiding in weight loss and toning leg muscles. However, users should prioritize safety considerations and proper footwear to mitigate potential risks associated with prolonged use.
Last updated February 27, 2024
