Best Treadmill Workouts for Glute Definition

A group of women performing squats in a well-lit fitness studio with large windows.

Key Takeaways

  • Treadmill workouts can effectively target and define your glutes using incline walking, sprint intervals, and walking lunges.
  • Adjusting treadmill settings like incline, decline, and speed helps you tailor workouts for better glute engagement.
  • The SOLE TT8 and F65 treadmills provide the incline and stability needed to challenge and sculpt your glutes.
  • Decline features, like the 6 levels on the SOLE TT8, boost glute and hamstring activation, simulating outdoor terrain.
  • Consistency and progressive intensity are key to maximizing results from glute-focused treadmill workouts.

Best Treadmill Workouts for Glute Definition

Treadmill workouts are more than just cardio. With the right settings and exercises, you can sculpt and define your glutes effectively. Incline walking, sprint intervals, and even walking lunges help engage the glutes, while treadmill settings allow you to adjust intensity on the fly.

Whether you’re looking for a low-impact workout or high-intensity training, a treadmill can target your glutes in ways traditional exercises can’t.


At SOLE Fitness, we're proud to offer the best treadmills for your home or gym. These machines are crafted to meet the highest standards of quality and performance, ensuring they are ideal for anyone - from fitness novices to seasoned athletes.

Featured Product

SOLE Treadmills: Starting at $1,199.99, SOLE treadmills excel in ergonomic design, durability, and value. Equipped with advanced cushioning to minimize joint impact, powerful, quiet motors, and wide running surfaces, they suit any fitness level.

Woman using the incline feature on a SOLE treadmill.Increase the incline on your treadmill to engage your glutes and build muscle definition.
Incline Workouts

An easy way to activate your glutes on a treadmill is by increasing the incline. Walking or running uphill forces your glutes to work harder.

Here’s a simple routine to get started:

  • Warm-up: Walk for 5 minutes at a 0% incline.
  • Set incline to 5% and walk briskly for 10 minutes.
  • Gradually increase the incline to 10-15% for another 10 minutes.
  • Cool down: Lower incline to 0% and walk for 5 minutes.

Make sure to adjust the incline as your endurance improves. Walking or running downhill can also engage your glutes and hamstrings in a different way, helping to round out your training. The SOLE TT8 offers 6 decline levels—allowing you to target your glutes and hamstrings more effectively while simulating outdoor terrain variations.

A man running on the SOLE F80 treadmill in a modern living room setting.Sprint intervals on a treadmill help boost glute strength while maximizing calorie burn.
Sprint Intervals for Glutes

Sprint intervals are a great way to combine cardio with glute strengthening. Alternating between fast sprints and slower recovery periods maximizes calorie burn and muscle engagement.

Try this routine:

  • Warm-up: Walk for 5 minutes at a comfortable speed.
  • Sprint for 1 minute at a 5% incline.
  • Recover by walking for 2 minutes at a 0% incline.
  • Repeat the sprint-recovery cycle 6-8 times.
  • Cool down with a 5-minute walk at a 0% incline.

Sprint intervals are ideal for quick, high-impact workouts that define the glutes and boost overall fitness.

A woman walking on a SOLE F65 treadmill in a bright, minimalist home gym setup.Make treadmill walking lunges part of your routine for better glute engagement and balance.

Walking Lunges on a Treadmill

Walking lunges are well-known for glute activation, and doing them on a treadmill adds an extra layer of challenge and stability. Keep the speed low to stay balanced.

Here’s how to perform them safely:

  • Set the treadmill speed to 1-2 mph.
  • Take long strides and dip into a lunge, ensuring your front knee stays over your toes.
  • Alternate legs as you move forward, focusing on the squeeze in your glutes.
  • Perform for 2-3 minutes, then walk for 5 minutes to recover.

Walking lunges not only target your glutes but also engage your core and leg muscles, giving you a great lower body workout. SOLE treadmills—like the F65—offer the stability needed for such exercises​.

Man running on SOLE F89 treadmill, with workout stats displayed on screen in a bright, modern room.Track your progress on a SOLE treadmill to ensure you’re consistently reaching your fitness goals.
Maximizing Your Treadmill Workouts

To get the best results from your treadmill workouts, consistency is key. Here are some additional tips:

  • Track Progress: Use treadmills with built-in tracking, which displays speed, incline, and distance to help monitor your improvement​.
  • Mix It Up: Alternate between incline walking, sprints, and strength exercises like lunges to keep your workouts dynamic and effective.
  • Increase Intensity: As your endurance builds, gradually increase incline or add weight (like a vest) to boost glute engagement.
  • Use Tools: Features like incline, decline, and speed toggles on treadmills like the SOLE TT8 make it easy to adjust intensity mid-workout​.
Treadmills Are Great for Glute Workouts

Treadmills provide a controlled environment, which makes them perfect for glute-specific exercises. Unlike outdoor running, where terrain varies, a treadmill lets you adjust incline and speed to target the glutes effectively. Additionally, treadmill workouts are low-impact, reducing strain on the joints while still challenging the muscles.

Choose SOLE for Your Glute Training

At SOLE, we understand the importance of reliable, durable equipment when it comes to reaching your fitness goals.

Our F65 treadmill is perfect for glute-focused workouts, offering a spacious deck, 15 levels of incline, and a powerful motor for challenging runs and lunges. Want a commercial-grade treadmill instead? The TT8 is a top choice—it features a 22” wide running surface, 15 levels of incline, and 6 levels of decline to simulate outdoor running​.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What incline on the treadmill is best for glutes?
We suggest starting with a 5% incline and gradually increasing it to 10-15% to effectively engage your glutes. Higher inclines force your glutes to work harder, helping with muscle definition.

Can walking on an incline build glutes?
Yes, walking uphill on a treadmill engages your glutes more intensely than flat walking. As you increase the incline, the workout becomes more challenging for your glutes, leading to better muscle activation and definition.

Are sprint intervals effective for glutes?
Yes, sprint intervals are effective for glute strengthening. Alternating between sprints and recovery periods maximizes muscle engagement and calorie burn, helping to define the glutes.

Can I do lunges on a treadmill for glute growth?
Yes, walking lunges on a treadmill are excellent for glute activation. Keep the treadmill speed low to maintain balance and focus on proper form to maximize glute engagement​.

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