While everyone who works out wishes to be that runner whom everyone aspires to be, cranking up the incline on a treadmill is much more dangerous than it seems and certainly not worth a few minutes of awe-inspired attention at the gym. The incline on a treadmill can be great for a workout but, when used too much or too often, can produce undesired results in the rest of your body.
Most treadmills have a maximum incline that falls between 10 and 15 percent. Though ten percent doesn't seem that high or that fast, keep in mind that most runners, beginners to advanced, generally don't ever go above a five percent incline. Though inclines can provide a good workout, unless you're training for an uphill marathon, you could get just as much exercise with a lower incline and faster pace and your knees and calves won't feel so much heat. When using the incline, it's important to remember that a treadmill only gives you the illusion of running up a hill and often does not provide the exact same effect as real terrain.
On the other hand, if you're training to run on a course that has just as many downhill routes as it has uphill, a treadmill is not likely to be very helpful. Though you can adjust the incline to make it seem as though you're running steeper, there is no setting to create the illusion of running down a hill. When in doubt, it's always best to run outside, where you'll get the most experience and training if you're going to be running an outdoor marathon. Though you may be tempted, it's important to maintain a strict level of safety when operating a treadmill and propping one up so that it seems as though you're running downhill should never be an option.
