Decline treadmills are a great way to improve knee health, add some spice to your workouts, and simulate trail running. Here’s a look at the best decline treadmill machines for home.
Treadmills are one of the most versatile cardio machines for people looking to get in shape and lose weight.
Typically, it’s the incline setting on a treadmill machine that gets all of the attention, and understandably so, as cranking up the incline has serious calorie-burning effects.
But what about the decline on a treadmill?
Decline walking and running has a bonanza of benefits, too, including strengthening joints and ligaments around the knee, simulating outdoor terrain and trails, and providing some straight-up variety to your walking and running workouts.
In this guide to decline treadmills, we’ll look at the best decline treadmills on the market right now, highlighting the key features of each. And we’ll also take a deep dive into the benefits of decline walking and running.
By the end, you will have a crystal-clear idea of which decline treadmill is right for you.
Let’s jump in.
The Best Decline Treadmills for Home
NordicTrack X32i
The NordicTrack X32i is an absolute beast of a treadmill machine. It’s not only one of the best treadmills on the market, but it’s list of features put it into a class of its own.
For starters, the X32i has the widest range of incline and decline available, with a -6 decline and a best-in-class 40 degree—yes, you read that right—incline option for truly challenging walks/runs.
(The 40-degree incline, thus, also makes the NordicTrack X32i our top choice for the best incline treadmill for home gyms.)
Secondly, the NordicTrack X32i is an excellent treadmill for taller runners as it has the longest running deck on the market at a whopping 65” in length (the standard length is around 55”, to give you a sense of how long it is in comparison). No worrying about a long stride running off the back of the treadmill.
On top of all that, the X32i has an absolute massive HD touchscreen—at 32”—the largest available. NordicTrack uses iFit for online workouts and classes, including “Explore the World” programming, simulating trail runs from across the world.
The online classes can also be trainer-led—i.e. the trainer automagically adjusts the incline and decline on your machine while you workout (you can turn this feature off, too, if you want to manually adjust the difficulty on the treadmill).
Besides that, you’ve also got hands-free adjustments on the incline/decline, WiFi connectivity, a couple of fans to keep you cool, and a dynamo 4.25 CHP motor.
With all of those features, you’d think the NordicTrack X32i would be expensive as hell…
And you’d be right.
The X32i is the priciest on our list with a retail price of $3,999. Not cheap.
Additionally, the treadmill comes with just one month access to iFit, so if you plan on using the online classes and programming moving forward, there is the added monthly cost of the iFit subscription.
Another thing that keeps the X32i from being the model of perfection is the relatively low weight capacity. Like all of NordicTrack’s treadmill machines, it taps out at *just* 300lb.
NordicTrack covers the machine with a 10-year warranty on the frame, 2-years on parts, and 1-year on labor.
Widest range of incline and declineA bit pricey
Huge running deck; perfect for taller usersOnly get one month of iFit access with the treadmill
32” HD touchscreen for online classesMax weight capacity of 300lb
Tons of workout functionality and programs
Bowflex Treadmill 22
The Bowflex Treadmill 22 is another absolute unit of a treadmill, with a 22” HD touchscreen (perfect for doing JRNY classes or streaming your favorite shows) and a wide range of grade options—from -5% decline to 20% incline.
It’s got a wide running deck—22” x 60”—for running downhill with confidence. Speed and incline are adjusted easily with controls on the handles (as well as the touchscreen). And Bowflex even throws in a heart rate band for HR monitoring (beats holding onto the handles while running to get a HR measurement).
The Bowflex Treadmill 22 outperforms the NordicTrack X32i in terms of weight capacity—with a 400lb weight limit, the Treadmill 22 is easily one of the best treadmill machines for heavy people—and I really like that you get 12-months of access to JRNY (versus just one month free iFit with the X32i).
Annual membership fees for online training portals like iFit or Peloton instantly increase the cost of the treadmill by a factor of several hundred dollars, so I appreciate that Bowflex gives new treadmill owners 12-months of JRNY on the house.
The Treadmill 22 folds up when not in use between workouts.
A couple of minor complaints or “cons” of the Treadmill 22 include how bulky and “busy” the console and frame are. In terms of aesthetics, I prefer the clean lines on the NordicTrack Commercial 1250—which we will compare next.
Also, assembly was a grind. I had a similar (and frustrating) experience with the Bowflex C6 Bike, which we ended up returning. Opt in for the in-home assembly of the treadmill. It will save you hours of time and frustration.
Finally, Bowflex offers a superior warranty compared to NordicTrack, with 15 years on the frame and motor, 5 years on parts, and two years labor.
Massive 22” HD touchscreen for classes and streamingAssembly is a grind
-5% decline and up to 20% inclineBulky console design
Excellent warranty
Easily adjustable speed and incline
Heart rate band included
NordicTrack Commercial 1250 Treadmill
The best-selling NordicTrack line of treadmills includes the 2450 and its little brother, the Commercial 1250.
With a slick frame design, 10” pivoting screen, and a solid range of grade options (from -3% decline to 12% incline), the NordicTrack 1250 is our best budget-friendly option for decline treadmills at $1,599.
It’s got all of the key things I look for in a quality treadmill, including a large running surface (22” x 60”), a quiet 3.0 CHP motor, and all of the immersive workout programming that comes with iFit (you get one month free with the treadmill).
Additionally, the screen can be pivoted to the side, allowing you to take full advantage of the iFit library of workouts (strength training, yoga, etc) for days you want a break from running.
But how does it perform?
The decline and incline settings can be adjusted quickly (also can be done hands-free with certain “hill” workout programs and can also be trainer-led), and while the treadmill looks awesome, it did rattle a little bit when I sprint on it.
The weight capacity of the Commercial 1250 is just 300lbs, which is almost exactly what I tip the scales at, so for heavier folks like myself, the 1250 is not the best option. (The 2450 also somewhat surprisingly has a 300lb max weight capacity.)
I’d love to see a sturdier build from NordicTrack for the future, particularly at this price point.
NordicTrack backs the Commercial 1250 with a 10-year warranty on the frame, two years for parts, and one year labor.
Best budget-friendly decline treadmillLimited weight capacity – 300lbs
Pivoting screen for doing full range of iFit workouts (strength training, etc)
Slick frame design that looks badass
Folds up between workouts
Hands-free incline and decline adjustments
Sole TT8 Treadmill
Sole Fitness is one of the best names in the cardio machine game. Sole ellipticals are consistently among the most popular for home gyms, and their treadmills also crush it for studio-grade performance at home.
The Sole TT8 Treadmill is a heavy-duty machine with a 400lb weight capacity—one of the highest available—while packing a ton of performance and comfort features… including a motorized -6 decline and 15-degree incline.
The TT8 has a solid running deck size—22” x 60” will be perfect for most users save for some really, really tall users—a 10.1” screen and a 4.0 HP motor for a smooth running/walking experience.
I was really surprised by how sturdy this machine was, giving me a better experience than the vastly more expensive commercial treadmills at my local gym. The TT8 is built like a tank—it weighs 356lbs—and has warranties for both light commercial use and residential use.
For home use, Sole backs it up with a lifetime warranty on both the frame and deck, with 5-years coverage on parts and two years on labor.
The only bone I have to pick with the Sole TT8 is with their online training portal, STUDIO. While it’s cheaper than JRNY, iFit, or Peloton, there are fewer courses and classes available.
For the heavier user getting started with their weight loss journey, or people who want an industrial-grade treadmill at residential pricing, the Sole TT8 is an excellent choice that comes with the peace of mind of Sole’s lifetime warranty on the frame and deck.
Best decline treadmill for heavier usersImmersive programming is not as good as iFit or JRNY
Exceptionally sturdy; strides like a commercial treadmill
-6 decline and 15-degree incline
Weight capacity of 400lbs
One touch controls for changing grade
ProForm Pro 9000
ProForm is another fitness brand that falls under the iFit umbrella, with a line of budget-friendly treadmill machines for home gyms that include their best and most feature-rich machine, the ProForm Pro 9000.
It’s also my top choice for best decline treadmill with an extra soft running surface. The running deck, 22” x 60” in area, features a cushioning system with shock absorbers that help to reduce the rattling shock of running on a stiff running deck.
For runners and walkers with joint pain, or who are just getting started with running and are weary of excess strain on ligaments and bones, the ReBound Pro cushioning system on the Pro 9000 is a no-brainer.
The Pro 9000 has ProForm’s largest screen for treadmills, a 22” touchscreen, perfect for taking full advantage of iFit’s vast library of workouts and classes. (Like the NordicTrack treadmills, however, you only get one free month of iFit with the treadmill.)
But what about decline? Yes, yes—of course!
The Pro 9000 can be adjusted from a -3% decline to a 12% incline for simulating running your favorite trails and hills. Adjustments can be done automatically through trainer-led classes on iFit or from the controls on the console.
The warranty on the ProForm Pro 9000 is a carbon-copy of NordicTrack’s machines, with 10-years on the frame, two years for parts, and one year for labor.
Incline and decline adjustments are smoothNo decline/incline controls on arms of the machine
22” HD touchscreen for classesLimited weight capacity (300lb)
Budget-friendly for a premium treadmill machine
Extra cushioning on running deck
What Treadmill Machines Have Decline?
Here is a list of the treadmill machines that we have reviewed over the years that have a decline grade feature:
TREADMILLGRADEPRICE
NordicTrack X32i-6 to 40 degrees$3,999
NordicTrack X22i-6 to 40 degrees$3,499
Sole TT8-6 to 15 degrees$2,399
Bowflex Treadmill 22-5 to 20 degrees$2,699
Bowflex Treadmill 10-5 to 15 degrees$1,999
NordicTrack 2450-3 to 12 degrees$2,999
NordicTrack 1250-3 to 12 degrees$1,599
ProForm Pro 9000-3 to 12 degrees$2,099
ProForm Pro 2000-3 to 12 degreesOut of stock
Freemotion i22.9-3 to 30 degreesNot listed on site
Freemotion i10.9b-3 to 30 degreesNot listed on site
Lifespan TR5500iM-2 to 13 degrees$2,799
How to Choose the Right Decline Treadmill
When choosing the perfect decline treadmill for you and your workout goals, there are some key things to be on the lookout for.
They include:
Grade range
To what extent—or rather, what grade—do you plan on using the decline features? Decline treadmills range from -2% to -6% for some of our top choices.
The NordicTrack X32i has the widest variety in terms of grade options, while less expensive treadmills like the ProForm Pro 9000 and the Sole TT8 offer slightly less decline grades.
Ease of decline adjustment
Treadmill running is exceedingly safe, but that doesn’t mean accidents don’t happen. And running/walking downhill and uphill on a treadmill can be particularly challenging for those not used to this kind of training.
Being able to control the decline without having to significantly alter running form is crucial. Look for a treadmill with grade controls that are easy to reach. Incline/decline controls on the arms of the treadmill are my go-to option, but as long as you can grasp them easily, you are squared away.
Safety doesn’t take a holiday and all that!
Screens and immersive programming
Cardio machines have taken big leaps forward in terms of tech in recent years, and nowhere is this more apparent than with the immersive and online programming being blasted through big, HD touchscreens.
For trainees who get fully motivated with these kinds of workouts—my wife is the perfect example of this kind of exercise enthusiast—consider a machine with a larger screen for taking advantage of the massive library of workouts and classes available.
Cost
Treadmill machines in general are not inexpensive, and this is particularly apparent when looking at machines with premium features like incline and decline grades.
Decline treadmills start at $1,599 (the NordicTrack 1250) and go up quickly from there, with top-tier options like the NordicTrack X32i retailing for $3,999.
Warranty
The importance of a quality warranty is important, not only for your own peace of mind, but also because treadmills that have enhanced functionality like incline and decline have more moving parts… and more things that can break down with wear and tear.
The Bottom Line
There is a lot that goes into choosing the perfect treadmill for you. Especially a treadmill that is as specialized as one that offers decline grade functionality.
With so many options out there, it can get overwhelming faster than running downhill.
To recap our top choices for the best decline treadmill:
- The NordicTrack X32i is a boss treadmill, with the widest range of grades on the market (-6 to 40-degrees), and a huge HD touchscreen for classes and workouts.
- The Sole TT8 is a light commercial treadmill perfect for heavier users looking for the sturdiest running experience in a treadmill at home.
- And for those looking to not break the bank, the NordicTrack Commercial 1250 Treadmill saves you some bucks without sacrificing decline or functionality.
Choose the right decline treadmill for you, take your running and walking to the next level (literally), and happy running!
