If you ever feel stressed out and struggle to find an outlet, you’re not alone. According to the American Institute of Stress, most Americans (55%) feel stressed during their day. Harvard Health notes chronic stress can lead to high blood pressure and heart disease.

As people worldwide become increasingly conscious about their health and wellness, it’s essential to focus not only on physical fitness but also on mental well-being. Exercise is one of the most effective ways to improve mental well-being, and incline treadmills are popular for those looking for a challenging and rewarding workout. 

Curious to learn more? Let’s explore the mental benefits of incline treadmills and how they can help you feel good inside—and out.

Relieve Stress

Engaging in exercise can be an effective way to reduce the negative effects of stress. This may result in an increased release of the brain’s “feel-good” neurotransmitters, called endorphins. According to the Mayo Clinic, “Exercise can provide stress relief for your body while imitating effects of stress, such as the flight or fight response, and helping your body and its systems practice working together through those effects.” Featuring an industry-best 40% incline, the NordicTrack Commercial X22i and Commercial X32i offer an increased challenge to your workouts, which may help protect your body from the harmful effects of stress.

Boost Confidence

Studies have shown that people who are more active have higher self-esteem. Challenging yourself, as with incline treadmill workouts, offers a sense of accomplishment by setting difficult goals, working toward them, and achieving them.

Improve Cognitive Function

A Harvard Health report found that exercise boosts memory in older adults. But is one exercise better than another in terms of brain health? While research is limited on this subject, forms of aerobic exercise that get your heart pumping have the potential to improve your thinking skills, and incline treadmills offer a fantastic opportunity to boost your aerobic physical activity.

Elevate Mood

Did you know running for 15 minutes daily or walking for an hour can benefit your mood? According to JAMA Psychiatry, in an article published by Harvard Health, exercise can independently reduce the risk of depression. That reduction may lead to a lasting effect on your overall mood and sense of well-being.

Challenge Focus

For some people, incline treadmill workouts require a greater mental focus. How so? Often associated with a higher perceived exertion level, incline workouts require mental and physical concentration to keep climbing. Just be sure to exercise at a pace that’s right for you and in a distraction-free environment, and follow safety warnings in your equipment’s owner’s manual.

The Bottom Line

Incline treadmills offer a range of mental benefits that make them worth incorporating into your workout routine. From stress relief to increased confidence and cognitive function, there are a variety of potential ways that incline treadmill workouts can improve your mental well-being. So, the next time you lace up your sneakers, consider taking your workout to new heights with the NordicTrack Incline Treadmill Series.