You prioritize your health. You invest in fitness. Now you may be wondering: is a treadmill an FSA or HSA eligible purchase? The answer is: it depends. The IRS does not consider treadmills or other exercise equipment automatically eligible. But with the right documentation, you might be able to get your treadmill reimbursed through your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA).
Here’s everything you need to know about FSA treadmills, HSA treadmills, and how to qualify if you’re hoping to offset the cost of your fitness investment.
Can You Use FSA or HSA Funds for a Treadmill?
Under IRS guidelines, exercise equipment like treadmills may be eligible for FSA/HSA reimbursement if prescribed by a healthcare provider as part of a treatment plan for a diagnosed condition. In such cases, a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) is required. Without this documentation, treadmills are considered general wellness expenses4.
This often applies to conditions such as obesity, hypertension, arthritis or joint pain, post-surgery or injury rehabilitation, and cardiovascular disease, provided the treadmill is medically prescribed to treat these specific health needs. The IRS permits medical expense reimbursement (via FSA or HSA) for treatments that address diagnosed conditions– not general wellness– and clinical guidelines recognize structured exercise (often using treadmills) as an essential rehabilitation component for cardiovascular disease3.
If your doctor determines treadmill use is part of your treatment plan, they can issue a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN)—the document you’ll need for your FSA/HSA claim.
Did you know NordicTrack accepts FSA/HSA? Learn more here!
What’s a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN)?
An LMN is the key to making a treadmill an HSA or FSA eligible treadmill purchase. It’s a simple letter from your provider that explains:
- Your medical diagnosis
- Why treadmill use is required as treatment
- How frequently and in what way you’ll use it
You’ll submit this LMN with your treadmill receipt to your FSA or HSA administrator for reimbursement.
Without an LMN, your treadmill is considered a general wellness expense and will not qualify.
Why a 12% Incline on Treadmill Settings Matters
A 2022 study published in the Journal of Biomechanics found that walking at a 12% incline significantly increased oxygen consumption, overall energy expenditure, and lower-body muscle activation compared to flat walking5. These benefits may make incline walking a useful way to to increase workout intensity without requiring higher speeds or greater impact.
What Treadmill Features May Be Relevant for FSA/HSA Requests?
If you’re trying to get your treadmill covered as an FSA eligible treadmill or HSA treadmill, features may be relevant when working with your healthcare provider. Consider:
- Incline/Decline Training: A higher incline can increase training intensity.
- Cushioned Deck: Can provide a lower-impact experience.
- Heart Rate Training: ActivePulse* technology automatically adjusts speed/incline to help you stay within a target training zone.
- Progressive Adaptation: SmartAdjust* records effort history and adapts workouts over time.
- Structured Programs: iFIT programs provide guided walking and training options.
These features may support a variety of fitness and training needs.
*Free iFIT account required for equipment activation; paid iFIT subscription & WiFi required to access full content & features. ActivePulse available with treadmills only and requires compatible heart rate monitor (sold separately).
How to Get Reimbursed
- See Your Healthcare Provider
- Get a diagnosis.
- Request an LMN
- Choose your equipment
- Submit and wait for Review. Approval depends on your plan’s discretion.
Top NordicTrack Models That May Qualify
If you’re planning to seek HSA or FSA eligible treadmill reimbursement, the following models have features that some customers may consider when discussing options with their healthcare provider:
NordicTrack Commercial 2450
- 12% incline and -3% decline
- Advanced cushioning and immersive training
- Absorbs impact with a road-running feel
NordicTrack X24 Incline Trainer
- 40% incline and -6% decline
- Designed with advanced incline and cushioning features to support a wide range of training styles
- Absorbs impact while mimicking soft dirt trails
NordicTrack T Series 10
- Compact and beginner-friendly
- Up to 12% incline
- Great for walking-based with soft to firm cushioning
All of these treadmills are compatible with iFIT’s ActivePulse and SmartAdjust features. With iFIT, you can also access AI Coach, a virtual coach that helps schedule your workouts and track long-term progress.
ActivePulse™ requires a heart rate monitor (sold separately). iFIT membership auto-renews for a fee unless canceled in advance. SmartAdjust™ and AI Coach (Beta) features are subject to change or removal at any time.
Explore More
- iFIT Workouts: Bahamas Beginner Series, Turks and Caicos Walking Series
- Treadmills potentially eligible for FSA/HSA: Commercial 2450, X24 Incline Trainer, T Series 10
FAQs
Yes, if prescribed by a medical provider and submitted with an LMN.
Yes. An LMN must justify the treadmill for your condition.
Incline, low-impact cushioning, and guided training programs.
Yes. iFIT includes guided walking, heart health, and habit-building series.
Maybe. All approvals are at the discretion of your plan administrator.
Research shows incline treadmill walking increases energy expenditure and muscle activation compared to flat walking5.
It uses heart rate feedback to keep you in your ideal training zone.
Potentially. Check if your plan accepts receipts from financed purchases.
Ask your doctor to document how a treadmill supports your treatment.
References
- American Heart Association. Fitness Basics. https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness
- Fidelity. What Is an HSA? https://www.fidelity.com/learning-center/smart-money/what-is-an-hsa
- Heart, Lung and Circulation. Optimizing outcomes in cardiac rehabilitation: the importance of exercise training (2023). https://www.heartlungcirc.org/article/S1443-9506%2823%2904214-2/fulltext
- IRS. Publication 502: Medical and Dental Expenses. https://www.irs.gov/pub502
- Journal of Biomechanics. Metabolic and muscular differences between treadmill walking at incline versus flat conditions (2022). https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0531556522002649
- Mayo Clinic. Healthy Lifestyle. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle
Disclaimer: The primary purpose of this blog post is to inform and entertain. Nothing on the post constitutes or is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. Reliance on any information provided on the blog is solely at your own risk. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, and please consult your doctor or other health care provider before making any changes to your diet, sleep methods, daily activity, or fitness routine. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of information available on this blog. NordicTrack assumes no responsibility for any personal injury or damage sustained by any recommendations, opinions, or advice given in this article. Always follow the safety precautions included in the owner’s manual of your fitness equipment.
