A selectively inclining treadmill which supports a user ambulating thereon, the selectively inclining treadmill comprising: a frame; a treadbase pivotally connected to the frame, the treadbase having a first end and a second end, the treadbase being selectively movable between a declined position, a neutral position, and an inclined position relative to a support surface; and an incline mechanism that selectively moves the treadbase between the declined, neutral, and inclined positions, the incline mechanism comprising: a rack connected to the frame; and a pinion fixedly connected on at least one end of a rod and rotatably connected to the first end of the treadbase, wherein the pinion selectively rotates up and down the rack to move the treadbase between the declined, neutral, and inclined positions; the treadmill further comprising: a bracket assembly including a first bracket mounted on the rod such that the rod rotates relative to the first bracket and a second bracket fixedly connected to the first bracket, wherein a first end of the second bracket is mounted on the rod such that the rod rotates relative to the second bracket, while a second end of the second bracket extends away from the rod; a guide that directs movement of the bracket assembly; and a gas spring, wherein the gas spring applies a continuous force to rotate the bracket assembly to maintain full engagement between the pinion and the rack. a frame; a treadbase pivotally connected to the frame, the treadbase having a first end and a second end, the treadbase being selectively movable between a declined position, a neutral position, and an inclined position relative to a support surface; and an incline mechanism that selectively moves the treadbase between the declined, neutral, and inclined positions, the incline mechanism comprising: a rack connected to the frame; and a pinion fixedly connected on at least one end of a rod and rotatably connected to the first end of the treadbase, wherein the pinion selectively rotates up and down the rack to move the treadbase between the declined, neutral, and inclined positions; a rack connected to the frame; and a pinion fixedly connected on at least one end of a rod and rotatably connected to the first end of the treadbase, wherein the pinion selectively rotates up and down the rack to move the treadbase between the declined, neutral, and inclined positions; the treadmill further comprising: a bracket assembly including a first bracket mounted on the rod such that the rod rotates relative to the first bracket and a second bracket fixedly connected to the first bracket, wherein a first end of the second bracket is mounted on the rod such that the rod rotates relative to the second bracket, while a second end of the second bracket extends away from the rod; a guide that directs movement of the bracket assembly; and a gas spring, wherein the gas spring applies a continuous force to rotate the bracket assembly to maintain full engagement between the pinion and the rack. a bracket assembly including a first bracket mounted on the rod such that the rod rotates relative to the first bracket and a second bracket fixedly connected to the first bracket, wherein a first end of the second bracket is mounted on the rod such that the rod rotates relative to the second bracket, while a second end of the second bracket extends away from the rod; a guide that directs movement of the bracket assembly; and a gas spring, wherein the gas spring applies a continuous force to rotate the bracket assembly to maintain full engagement between the pinion and the rack.