An incline mechanism for a treadmill includes a threaded rod supported by an upright structure. The threaded rod and a lift motor are connected to the upright support above the front end of an exercise deck. The threaded rod is threaded onto a threaded coupler. The threaded coupler is connected to a lift trolley connected to the front end of the exercise deck. As the lift motor rotates the threaded rod, the threaded coupler may move along the length of the threaded rod, thereby changing the inclination of the exercise deck.