Anonymous wrote:Incline walking kills my knees! Running NEVER does!

Two different knee doctors have told me to never incline my treadmill. Maybe that advice is specific to my specific knee problem. I don't remember why.

Incline for the win! No back of thigh cellulite in sight

Anonymous wrote:Walking on an incline outside > walking on an incline on a treadmill

Agreed, but that's easier said than done. Weather, time of day, finding access to good hills near you, etc.

Walking on an incline outside > walking on an incline on a treadmill

I used to run but had a series of injuries over the years. I broke my ankle last fall and I have decided I am done with running. I started walking - my neighborhood has a big hill. That increases my cardio while not risking any more injuries. I started using a weighted vest a few weeks ago. I know that is so five years ago, but it did significantly increase my heart rate since I have become accustomed to the big hill now.

The only acceptable reasons to hold on to a treadmill are:

1. you’re recovering from surgery or an injury and are working on rebuilding your balance, at an 1mph and flat. If more than that, you’re going too fast/high for your condition. You are not strong/coordinated/balanced enough for your level. And that’s fine - build your strength/coordination/balance by increasing the speed and incline gradually.

2. you’re on a manual treadmill like this, and have the resistance all the way up. It's like a sled push, and is super hard.



Other than that, there is absolutely zero reason to hold on to a treadmill. If you're doing something like this, you are not doing yourself any favors, and are probably straining your back, shoulders, arms, and more. You are not strengthening yourself at all. Some treadmills have high handlebars. Just because they're there, doesn't mean you should be using them. There is no shame in showing down and going flat until you're physically able to do more.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There are a lot of absolute statements in this post and the replies that are right for some circumstances but not all.

Walking on an incline is terrific exercise, but it not better than running for everyone in all circumstances.

Holding on does eliminate some of the physical benefits of walking on an incline, but not all. There are lots of reasons from balance issues to anxiety why someone might be better off having a hand on the treadmill.

Fat does not melt off when you walk at an incline. Fat is eliminated when you are in a calorie deficit and burning calories walking can be part of that, but only if you can be in a calorie deficit.

Okay killjoy correction police, who thinks an answer must apply to all situations. Anybody on this sub who works out in 2026 is aware that you need to be on a calorie deficit to lose weight…you’re preaching to the choir and sound like a Google search. Which OP could’ve easily done but they wanted personal feedback. Let us share our experiences! The fat definitely melts off faster when i’m doing the incline thing.

It “melts” because you burn more calories walking on an incline vs not.

I don’t have a treadmill but am seeing good results with an elliptical. I do interval training for 30 mins/day. Have firmed my lower half and arms, but I also do some weights (which I need to be more regular about).

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There are a lot of absolute statements in this post and the replies that are right for some circumstances but not all.

Walking on an incline is terrific exercise, but it not better than running for everyone in all circumstances.

Holding on does eliminate some of the physical benefits of walking on an incline, but not all. There are lots of reasons from balance issues to anxiety why someone might be better off having a hand on the treadmill.

Fat does not melt off when you walk at an incline. Fat is eliminated when you are in a calorie deficit and burning calories walking can be part of that, but only if you can be in a calorie deficit.

Okay killjoy correction police, who thinks an answer must apply to all situations. Anybody on this sub who works out in 2026 is aware that you need to be on a calorie deficit to lose weight…you’re preaching to the choir and sound like a Google search. Which OP could’ve easily done but they wanted personal feedback. Let us share our experiences! The fat definitely melts off faster when i’m doing the incline thing.

This entire thread is an assembly of corrections. I guess receiving feels different than dishing them out.

Anonymous wrote:There are a lot of absolute statements in this post and the replies that are right for some circumstances but not all.

Walking on an incline is terrific exercise, but it not better than running for everyone in all circumstances.

Holding on does eliminate some of the physical benefits of walking on an incline, but not all. There are lots of reasons from balance issues to anxiety why someone might be better off having a hand on the treadmill.

Fat does not melt off when you walk at an incline. Fat is eliminated when you are in a calorie deficit and burning calories walking can be part of that, but only if you can be in a calorie deficit.

There is zero reason to hold on. If you cannot walk on the treadmill at 1mph with a zero incline, then you should definitely not be walking on it at 3mph with an incline of 10. Lower the speed and incline until you can walk with your arms swinging by your side, even if it's at a snail's pace. THEN you can gradually challenge yourself. It's terrible form with detrimental effects on your back and alignment.