
Running on a treadmill can help you build muscle, but it won't make your muscles bigger. Instead, it will tone the muscles you already have. By inclining your treadmill, you can work your glutes and calves harder, and if your treadmill has a decline option, you can work the muscles in a different way, achieving a complete lower-body workout. If you want to build muscle, high-intensity, short-duration treadmill running is ideal. The more regularly you train, the faster you'll see results.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Does treadmill reduce muscle? | No, it tones the muscles you have |
| Does treadmill build muscle? | Yes, it can build lean muscle mass |
| Which muscles does treadmill work? | Calves, thighs, glutes, abs |
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What You'll Learn

Treadmills can help build muscle
If you are overweight, you may not see a huge drop on the scale, but you will replace fat with muscle. You will also notice that you go down a wardrobe size or two. Running on a treadmill won't build bigger muscles, but it will tone the ones you have.
High-intensity, short-duration treadmill running can be ideal for building muscle. The more regularly you train, the faster you'll be rewarded with visible results. Your leg muscles will appear more defined, your glutes will be firmer, and your abs will be harder.
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Inclining the treadmill works the glutes and calves harder
Running on a treadmill can help you develop muscle, but it won't build bigger muscles. Instead, it will tone the ones you have. Running on a treadmill works a lot of different muscles, particularly your calves, thighs and glutes.
If you're training for a race or event that involves hills or mountains, then using an incline on a treadmill can help you prepare by simulating the conditions you'll be facing. Even a slight incline between 1% and 3% may cause your foot to strike the ground at a more gradual angle, reducing the impact.
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Treadmills are good for cardio training
Treadmills are also good for weight loss. Muscle burns more calories than fat, so building lean muscle mass helps you lose weight. If you're aiming to lose weight, opt for long sessions at moderate intensity, such as a brisk walk for 45 minutes to an hour, 2-3 times a week.
Treadmills won't make your muscles bigger, but they will tone the ones you have. Marathon runners, for example, have long, lean figures. Using a treadmill, you can work a lot of different muscles, including your calves, thighs and glutes.
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Treadmill running can help you lose weight
You can work a lot of different muscles on a treadmill, particularly your calves, thighs and glutes. By inclining your treadmill, you can work your glutes and calves harder, stretching out your calves more at the same time. If your treadmill has a decline option, alternate your settings to work the muscles in a different way, achieving a complete, quality lower body workout.
If your goal is to optimise fat loss, do long sessions at moderate intensity. Opt for a moderate pace, or even a brisk walk, for 45 minutes to an hour, 2-3 times a week. If you're aiming for a whole-body workout, complete your treadmill sessions with targeted exercises that work your arms, shoulders and back.
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Treadmill running tones the muscles you have
Running on a treadmill won't build bigger muscles, but it will tone the ones you have. You can work a lot of different muscles on a treadmill, particularly your calves, thighs and glutes. If you incline your treadmill, you can work your glutes and calves harder, stretching out your calves more at the same time. If your treadmill has a decline option, you can alternate your settings to work the muscles in a different way, achieving a complete, quality lower body workout.
If you're aiming for a whole-body workout, you can complete your treadmill sessions with targeted exercises that work your arms, shoulders and back. High-intensity running on a treadmill can also help to build muscle. The more regularly you train, the faster you'll be rewarded with visible results. Your leg muscles will appear more defined, your glutes will be firmer, and your abs will be harder.
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Frequently asked questions
No, using a treadmill does not reduce muscle. In fact, it can help you build muscle, particularly in your calves, thighs, glutes and abs.
Using a treadmill helps build muscle by activating more muscles in your body, which contributes to building more lean muscle mass.
High-intensity, short-duration treadmill running is ideal for building muscle. If your treadmill has an incline option, you can also work your glutes and calves harder.
The more regularly you train, the faster you’ll see results. It is recommended to do long sessions at moderate intensity 2-3 times a week to optimise fat loss.











































