Is it better to walk/run at an incline?

[lamebabe]

On a treadmill, what difference does walking or running at an incline make?

I've been doing a 4.0 incline this week just because, but I don't know if it even makes a difference.

[swiftsaver602]

It definitely makes a difference; even if you don't notice it, your body has to work slightly harder than it would if you were walking/running flat.

Both are also obviously going to increase your cardio efficiency. Walking will do so at a lower-intensity, fat-burning pace, while running will do so at more of a higher-intensity, cardio pace. Whether or run or walk depends on your overall goal.

As a side note, I suffer from shin splints and find that running on an incline (even a small one) adjusts my gait enough that it prevents the shin splints from getting any worse.

[lamebabe]

Thanks!

[swiftsaver602]

Thanks for MH! Glad I could help :)

[myspacemybroke]

well, think about it. Would you be working harder if you had to run up a slight hill or a flat plane? It's the same principal as riding a stationary bike, and making the pedals stiffer. You're not going any faster, but you have to work harder.

[thatbuffedkid]

I do my HIIT on inclined. And yea its wayyy better since you are running up. Its like running up some hilly place and that's best HIIT workout according to many pros. So I do it on incline and its way better

[questioner1991]

It works your butt more.

[Anonymous]

I actually hired someone to exercise for me.

[swiftsaver602]

oh if only this could work..

[Opinion Owner]

Yeah. Not trying to be the best at exercising.

[yawst]

I feel like I get a better work out on incline