6 Treadmill Incline Workouts To Get a Lean Body

Let’s face it: Treadmill workouts can sometimes feel like a chore. But what if I told you that adding a bit of incline to your treadmill routine could transform it into an exciting, challenging, and incredibly effective way to get a lean body? Welcome to the world of incline treadmill workouts, where every step forward is a step toward a fitter, leaner you. And the best part? These workouts are not just effective but also fun and rewarding.

Don’t underestimate the versatility of treadmill workouts. They’re not just convenient; they’re incredibly adaptable and effective. By adjusting the incline, you can simulate uphill walking or running, which increases your heart rate, burns more calories, and engages different muscle groups compared to flat treadmill workouts. The added resistance helps in building strength and endurance, making your cardio sessions more dynamic and beneficial. Plus, treadmill workouts can easily fit into any fitness routine, whether you’re a beginner or an advanced athlete.

Ready to spice up your treadmill sessions? In this article, I will share six diverse and exciting incline treadmill workouts that will have you sweating, smiling, and leaning toward a leaner body. From power walks to interval sprints, there’s something here for everyone, no matter your fitness level. So, lace up your sneakers and get ready to conquer those hills—right in the comfort of your home or gym!

Modifying Treadmill Workouts

Before diving into the workouts, it’s crucial to understand how to adjust them to match your fitness level and how you feel on any given day. Here are some tips to help you modify these workouts:

• Adjust the incline. If you’re new to incline workouts, start with a lower incline (around 2% to 3%) and gradually increase it as you build strength and endurance. Advanced users can challenge themselves with inclines of 10% or higher.
• Control your speed. Beginners should start with a comfortable walking pace, around 3 to 4 mph. As you get more comfortable, increase the speed. Intermediate and advanced users can incorporate jogging or running intervals.
• Listen to your body. It’s okay to adjust the workout intensity based on how you feel. If you’re tired or new to incline training, lower the incline and speed. On days when you’re feeling strong, push yourself with steeper inclines and faster speeds.

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The Workouts:

1. Beginner Power Walk

Goal: Build endurance and burn calories
Fitness Level: Beginner

Instructions:

1. Warm up for 5 minutes at 0% incline and a speed of 3 mph.
2. Increase the incline to 4% and maintain a speed of 3 to 3.5 mph for 20 minutes.
3. Cool down for 5 minutes at 0% incline and 3 mph.

This workout gradually introduces incline walking, helping you build cardiovascular endurance and burn more calories than flat walking without being too intense. The steady pace and moderate incline engage your leg muscles and improve your stamina, making it a perfect starting point for beginners.

2. Rolling Hills

Goal: Improve cardiovascular fitness and leg strength
Fitness Level: Intermediate

Instructions:

1. Warm up for 5 minutes at 0% incline and a speed of 3.5 mph.
2. Alternate between 2 minutes at a 6% incline (speed: 3.5 mph) and 2 minutes at a 2% incline (speed: 4 mph) for 20 minutes.
3. Cool down for 5 minutes at 0% incline and 3.5 mph.

By alternating inclines, you simulate rolling hills, which boosts cardiovascular fitness and strengthens your legs through varied resistance levels. This workout mimics outdoor terrain changes, which can prevent boredom and keep your body guessing, leading to more significant overall fitness improvements.

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3. Hill Intervals

Goal: Increase calorie burn and build muscle
Fitness Level: Advanced

Instructions:

1. Warm up for 5 minutes at 0% incline and a speed of 4 mph.
2. Run for 1 minute at a 10% incline and 6 mph, then walk for 2 minutes at a 2% incline and 3.5 mph. Repeat this cycle for 20 minutes.
3. Cool down for 5 minutes at 0% incline and 3.5 mph.

High-intensity intervals with steep inclines maximize calorie burn and engage muscle groups like your glutes, hamstrings, and calves. The bursts of intense effort followed by recovery periods improve your aerobic capacity and metabolic rate, making it a highly effective workout for fat loss and muscle building.

4. Steady Climb

Goal: Build stamina and muscle endurance
Fitness Level: Intermediate to advanced

Instructions:

1. Warm up for 5 minutes at 0% incline and a speed of 3.5 mph.
2. Increase the incline by 1% every 2 minutes, starting from 2% and going up to 10% while maintaining a speed of 3.5-4 mph. This should take about 20 minutes.
3. Cool down for 5 minutes at 0% incline and 3.5 mph.

The gradual increase in incline challenges your cardiovascular system and muscle endurance without overwhelming your body, perfect for building stamina. This steady climb strengthens your lower body muscles and enhances your ability to sustain more prolonged physical activity.

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5. Speed Hike

Goal: Boost metabolism and increase cardiovascular fitness
Fitness Level: Intermediate6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e

Instructions:

1. Warm up for 5 minutes at 0% incline and a speed of 3 mph.
2. Hike at an 8% incline and a speed of 3.5 mph for 3 minutes, then reduce the incline to 4% and speed up to 4 mph for 2 minutes. Repeat this cycle for 20 minutes.
3. Cool down for 5 minutes at 0% incline and 3 mph.

Alternating between a high incline and a faster pace keeps your heart rate up, which boosts your metabolism and improves cardiovascular fitness. The varied intensity levels help prevent plateaus, ensuring you continue to make progress and burn calories efficiently.

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6. Advanced Interval Challenge

Goal: Maximize calorie burn and build lean muscle
Fitness Level: Advanced

Instructions:

1. Warm up for 5 minutes at 0% incline and a speed of 4 mph.
2. Run at a 12% incline and 7 mph for 1 minute, then walk at a 2% incline and 3.5 mph for 2 minutes. Repeat this cycle for 20 minutes.
3. Cool down for 5 minutes at 0% incline and 3.5 mph.

This high-intensity interval workout will push your limits, maximize calorie burn, and build lean muscle. The steep inclines and fast sprints provide a challenging and effective workout. Combining high-intensity bursts and recovery periods increases your metabolic rate, promoting greater fat loss and muscle definition.

Jarrod Nobbe, MA, CSCS