Exercising on a treadmill comes with several benefits over outdoor exercises. For instance, you’re guaranteed a soft surface, good weather, and access to data such as calories burned and heart rate. Perhaps best of all, the treadmill can have an incline feature that allows you to fine-tune your “hill” workouts.
However, treadmills come with different incline ranges. So, what is 12 incline on a treadmill? Here’s what you need to know.
Treadmill | Incline Range | Auto-incline | Price |
---|---|---|---|
ProForm Pro 2000 | -3 to 12% | Yes | View |
NordicTrack T Series 8.5S | 0 to 12% | Yes | View |
NordicTrack Commercial 1750 | -3% to 15% | Yes | View |
NordicTrack EXP 14i | -3 to 12% | Yes | View |
OMA 5925CAI 6134EAI Treadmill | 0 to 15% | Yes | View |
What is a treadmill incline?
Modern treadmills come with a built-in incline feature that allows you to increase the effort of your workouts by replicating a hill and increasing the angle of your run or walk. Incline numbers are either represented by percent incline or percent grade, but the terms can be used interchangeably.
What is 12 incline on a treadmill?
12 incline represents the slope you want to train at. The steeper the incline, the more challenging your workouts will be. A 12% incline helps you increase your efforts and burn more calories in the process.
FAQs
Is 12 the highest incline on a treadmill?
No. Although some treadmills have an incline of 12%, higher-end treadmills allow you to exercise at a 15% incline.
Is walking at a 12 incline good?
A 12% incline is really high for walking for an average person. Walking at 12 incline can also be harmful to anyone struggling with breathing.
What is a good treadmill incline?
A 10% maximum incline is ideal for beginners and usually comes with budget treadmills. However, if you’re an experienced runner, 15% is even better.
Is walking on an incline better than running?
Incline walking is a full-body workout that improves your exercise tolerance and improves trunk/core. Incline walking challenges your musculoskeletal system in several ways compared to running.
Best 12% Incline Treadmills Reviews
ProForm Pro 2000 Smart Treadmill

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The ProForm Pro 2000 is one of the best pieces of cardio tech you can buy today. This treadmill comes with an ever-expanding library of engaging workouts that keep you on your toes. This treadmill has a 30-day iFIT family membership, delivering high-definition, trainer-led workout videos, and live trainers. The machine’s incline works in sync with the built-in apps and workouts and is perfect for those training for an outdoor race.
This treadmill is powered by a self-cooling Mach Z motor, making it perfect for joggers, walkers, and runners. It has a 60″x20″ running deck to add pleasure to your workout. Additionally, it has an incline of up to 12% and 12MPH max speed.
Features
- 20×60” running deck
- 300-pound user capacity
- 10-inch HD touchscreen display
- Comes with a CoolAire workout fan for cooler workouts
Pros
- Ideal for tall runners
- Large display
- Durable construction
- Powerful motor
Cons
- Noisy fan
NordicTrack T Series Treadmill

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If you’re looking for a reliable treadmill that will bring interactive training from the comfort of your home, this is a great choice. The NordicTrack T Series comes with a 7-inch HD touchscreen that allows you to access your stats and stream on-demand iFIT workouts. With this treadmill, you’ll enjoy reduced motor noise and sell-cooling technology, thanks to the powerful DurX commercial plus motor. It has a 12% incline that guarantees you a real-life terrain-matching experience. Additionally, it has a 20”x60” tread belt with FlexSelect cushioning that reduces impact and stress on your joints.
Features
- 7-inch interactive HD touchscreen
- 12% automatic incline
- 12MPH top speed
- 20”x60” tread belt
Pros
- Smart speed adjustment
- Foldable design
- Perfect for jogging, running, and walking
Cons
- You need to add a credit card to activate the treadmill
NordicTrack Commercial Series

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If you want a treadmill with both incline and decline, the NordicTrack Commercial Series could be for you. It has a 10-inch interactive touchscreen with improved graphics processing capability, fast Wi-Fi connectivity, and the ability to pair with Bluetooth headphones. This treadmill has a -3% to 15% decline/incline with the elevations and dips of the landscape you choose to explore through iFIT’s Google Maps feature, giving you an outdoor feeling. Additionally, it has 50 different workout programs, including interval training workouts, speed training sessions, heart rate control, and calorie burn programs.
Features
- 10-inch interactive touchscreen
- -3% to 15% incline controls
- 12MPH max speed
- EasyLift Assist
Pros
- Powerful motor
- Large display
- Several workout options
- Large running deck
Cons
- Short warranty
NordicTrack EXP 14i

The NordicTrack EXP 14i is designed for home fitness dominance through interactive training and immersive technology. This treadmill comes with a 14-inch HD touchscreen, Bluetooth heart rate connectivity, Google Maps Workouts, and EKG grip pulse sensors in the handlebars. It is iFIT-enabled and comes with a free 30-day trial of the interactive workout app. This machine also features an incline and decline range of -3% to 12% with a max speed of 12MPH.
Features
- -3% to 12% incline
- 12MPH top speed
- Foldable design
- 300 lbs weight capacity
Pros
- Fast Wi-Fi connectivity
- Powerful motor
- Big display
Cons
- The treadmill doesn’t function without the app
OMA Treadmill for Home 5925CAI 6134EAI

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The OMA Treadmill for Home 5925CAI 6134EAI comes with a 55″x20″ and 2 thick cushions under that can comfortably hold up to 300lbs of the user’s weight. It has quick buttons to change incline and speed and Bluetooth speakers to make your workouts more enjoyable. The 11.2MPH combined with a 15% max incline makes your home workouts tough enough to meet your fitness needs. What’s more, the strong hydraulic cylinder with a quick knob allows you to lift or drop the treadmill easily.
Features
- 3.0HP motor
- 55”x20” running deck
- 6 shock-absorbing cushions
- 300lbs weight capacity
Pros

- Quiet and powerful motor
- Versatile console
- Easy to assemble
- Sturdy design
Cons
- Average Bluetooth speakers
Conclusion
Treadmills with an incline feature are a good choice for those who like challenging workouts. If you’re looking for a treadmill that will help you tone your muscles and hit your fitness goals in no time, choose a treadmill with a 12% incline. If you’re not sure which treadmill is perfect for you, pick one from the list above and take your fitness to the next level.