do you think that not using an incline would be sufficient? i have been using a slight incline the past couple weeks, but my leg sometimes starts hurting and gets all tight during my workout, making the rest of the workout uncomfortable. it seems to hurt less when i do not use an incline. but then i wonder am i getting enough exercise if i dont use an incline.

fyi: i strech before and after and i walk and/or jog for 30-40 minutes 6x a week

I don't use a treadmill but I walk to school and back which is flat and I think it works well for me.

Maybe you should try other stretches. After exercising, my hip is screaming unless I do a downward dog. Then, it's perfect.

How about using an incline for only a few minutes at a time? No need to keep it on an incline throughout. Or at least, this allows you to build up to a higher incline.

I have a lot of problems with shin splints - especially if I use the incline on the t-mill. I read somewhere (in one of my books - can't honestly remember which one) that if you do toe lifts and heel raises it will help strengthen your shins and go back to walking "flat" for a few weeks, then start raising the incline in small increments (the one I use lets me change it by .5% at a time). I tried it and it worked for me.

how about taking a rest. Jogging six times a week is hard on your body and no amount of stretching will fix a hip injury.

I think whether or not you need an incline depends on you. If your workout has become easy, you probably need to step it up a little- but that doesn't mean that you can't get a great workout without an incline. Just pay attention to when it becomes easy.

And if it becomes easy you can add more time or walk faster without raising the incline to increase it's effectiveness. Also maybe try mixing in some other exercise like swimming or something into your week.

Do you need new shoes?

Jay

I just got my treadmill yesterday, and I put it on the rolling program, and it goes from 0 incline to 6, and then back down for the last 10 min. I tried it again this morning, but it really screwed up my knees. So, for the next couple of days, I am just going to not use the incline, at least until my knees feel a bit better. I do feel like I get a better workout with the incline. I know I sweat a lot more.

I use an incline when on the treadmill and it hurts my ankles (I've had problems in the past) but when I feel it start to hurt I put it back to no incline then bring it back up until it hurts to keep it varied.

Seconding this. New shoes was my first thought. I have a horrible pronation problem (I walk on the outsides of my feet) and I cannot walk for exercise in cheap sneakers. I buy New Balance shoes with a special "rollbar" for people like me. They're $85 a pair, but it's worth it to not be in horrible pain.

Even if you don't need expensive shoes, you should replace any walking shoe every 250-300 miles.

YES! and i didn't even think the shoes had anything to do with it. duh!

I agree with Jay, when was the last time you got a different shoe

Maybe you can build it up by doing incline intervals?