There's a new breed of fitness machine on the market - the incline trainer. These machines are a cross between a regular treadmill and a stair climber.
You can usually walk on a flat plane as you would a treadmill, but you can also choose to walk at very high inclines - up to 40% in some cases. The benefit is that you burn calories and get results very fast.
For example, you can burn 3X more calories walking on a 25% incline that you would on a flat incline. And you can burn 5X the calories walking on a 40% incline as compared to flat plain treadmill walking.
Each has it's own strength and weakness. But this article will outline the general strengths and weaknesses of incline treadmill trainers as a whole so you can decide if it's the right choice for you.
Strengths:
#1) Burn Up To 5X the Calories in a Single Workout
The main benefit to incline walking is that you can burn up to 5X more calories vs walking on a flat plain. Incline walking forces the larger muscles in your legs through a greater range of motion.
Because of this, you also tone and tighten up faster than you would on a regular treadmill. This also makes the incline treadmill ideal for those who don't have a lot of time to workout but still want to see fast results.
#2) Get The Benefits of Running Without the Stress On Your Body
If you've ever tried running, you know how fast it can get you results - it's one of the best overall slim-down exercises. But it can be very hard on the body.
With an incline workout you can burn just as much, if not more calories than you do running. You also get similar lower body toning effects. All this without the strain and toll that running takes on your body.
#3) More Compact Than A Treadmill - Saves Space
On the whole, these machines are more compact than treadmills and take up less space. One reason is that the belts tend to be smaller (because they aren't necessarily built to be used for running). This is handy if you're short on space or need a compact machine for your home gym.
#4) Lower Impact Workouts
These machines are also lower impact than traditional treadmills. Because you don't have the pounding impact from running, they can be easier on the knees and less stressful on the joints as a whole.
#5) Advanced Console Technology
Incline treadmill trainers offer some new console technology you won't find on standard treadmills - and they're getting better every year. For example you can get 3D console graphics and even speaker systems built into some incline units (see the Nordic Track units).
Weaknesses:
With many incline trainers you can't really run on them - especially the Treadclimbers (short belts and only up to 4.5 MPH speed limits). However NordicTrack has come out with the X9 that has an extra long 62" belt which is ideal for runners.
Also, the NordicTrack models give you more than the Treadclimbers in terms of fitness programs, warranties and consoles technology.
Conclusion:
If you're looking for something more challenging than a standard treadmill, an incline trainer is ideal. It gets you faster results with more calorie burn than your standard treadmill workout.
You also get the benefits of running, without the toll it takes on your joints. They're also more compact than treadmills and can give you lower impact workouts.
Keep in mind however that these machines - especially the Bowflex units - are probably not the best choice for runners.
Where To Buy At A Discount:
And you can see and compare the latest Bowflex treadclimbers directly from the Manufacturer as well.
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