BowFlex TreadClimber Reviews

  Treadmill Articles

Hype vs Fact

The Bowflex TreadClimber offers a new concept in cardio exercising.  If you've seen the informercial, and you would have to live in a cave not to, the TreadClimber promises to "Get the Body Your Want in Half the Time."  For that to work for me, I would have to grow several inches and be about 20 years younger.  I don't think the TreadClimber can do that, but there is some validity to their claims:

• Brings up your heart rate quickly - and keeps it there!
• Burns more calories - and loses weight - fast!
• Works more core muscle groups at the same time!
• Minimizes joint impact!
  
• and do all of this without running or jogging!

Note: In comparing prices I found you could purchase the Bowflex Treadclimbers cheaper at Amazon.com than the company web site. Below is a comparison as of 11/16/09.

	Amazon.com	Bowflex.com
TreadClimber TC1000	$1,499 w/ship	$1,698 w/ship
TreadClimber TC3000	$1,999 w/ship	$2,298 w/ship
TreadClimber TC5000	$2,299 w/ship	$2,698 w/ship

Further Note: An alternative to the TreadClimber is the NordicTrack Incline Trainer X3. Inclines up to 40% and is the same machine used on Biggest Loser ($1,599).

How the Bowflex TreadClimber Works

The innovative design is based on a "dual motion treadle system". These treadles move up and down with the motion of your footsteps.  It is like having a cross between a treadmill and an elliptical trainer.  And because you are walking and not running the TreadClimber is shorter in length, thus taking up less floor space.

More Efficient Workout

Yes, the TreadClimber does give you a more efficient workout in comparison to walking or running on a treadmill.  The design does allow you to work your large core muscle groups more efficiently. An independent consumer magazine stated at 2 mph and 3.5 mph you burned twice as many calories as on a flat treadmill at the same speed.  Although, if you crank up the incline on a treadmill you will also burn more calories at a lesser speed, but probably not as efficiently as the TreadClimber.

However, the advertisements suggest you can get the body you want.  What they don't mention is that the Bowflex TreadClimber primarily works your lower body, and to tone up your upper body you still need to do some type of upper body strength training. 

Low-Impact Workout

When you run on a treadmill you can impact up to 2.5 times your body weight - imagine the shock to your joints when you run on concrete or asphalt.  Since the treadles on a TreadClimber move up and down in a motion that mimics climbing, you have less impact than on a treadmill.  In addition, the TreadClimber is designed for walking, which is less stressful than jogging or running.  In general, there is less stress to your joints in comparison to a treadmill, but it is not as low-impact as an elliptical trainer.

The one issue with the Bowflex TreadClimber is the engineering and design.  With a treadmill you have a single belt running on one set of rollers.  The position of the belt, deck and rollers is stationary.  There is no constant up and down motion.  With the TreadClimber you have some complicated mechanics.  Not only do you have dual belts and rollers, but they are constantly moving up and down to meet your impact. 

In the past, this resulted in a significant percentage of TreadClimbers having service issues.  In fact, I talked to two different fitness equipment stores that said they stopped selling the machines for that reason.  In addition, I use to receive numerous customer complaints.  However, the TreadClimber has been out for a number of years, and my impression is that they have worked out many of the bugs. 

Our Review - Bowflex TreadClimber

The issue here is whether you are better off buying a Bowflex TreadClimber or a treadmill.  Even the lowest priced TreadClimber (TC1000) can afford you a durable machine like the Sole F80, which comes with a lifetime motor, 5-year parts and 2- year labor warranty.  In fact, at $1,500 you can buy a treadmill with a built-in TV from NordicTrack. When you start talking about spending over $2,400, you can purchase a commercial grade treadmill for the home. 

However, test prove the TreadClimber does offer a more efficient workout, with less impact in comparison to a treadmill, and that may justify the cost. There are countless satisfied customer who have bought the TreadClimber. These machine get results, otherwise thousands would not have bought them. 

Just don't get carried away with the hype, and look at the alternatives that are available both with treadmills and elliptical trainers.  You may then find the Bowflex TreadClimber is your best bet.

You can learn more at BowflexTreadClimber.com.

Note: One alternative is the NordicTrack X-3 Incline Trainer. You can crank up the incline to 40%. It normally sells for $1,599.

Customer Reviews

Models: TreadClimber 5300

My husband and I purchased the TreadClimber 5300 because we believed the hype. It is a good work out. BUT the service is horrible. If you need repairs (and this machine is very prone to techical malfunction, you are expected to call an 800# and the operator walks you through a series of diagnostic steps. You actually need to remove a protective cover, crawl around on the floor and inspect the machine. The last time we had an issue (we ending up needing a new console) it took five phone calls (and much frustration) to get any real assistance. When I was about to give up and I asked if there was any way to have a trained technition come to my home. The service rep said that the warranty didn't cover that and it would be at my expense. "FINE" I said, only to learn that the company authorized to service this expensive clothes rack doesn't have any one working in my area. I DO NOT recommend this machine at all.

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I bought a TC500 TreadClimber 4 and 1/2 years ago and the motor went out. Went ahead and bought a new TreadClimber because I liked the first one so much and felt it a necessary part of nearly daily exercise. New one works great and a little easier to put together than the old one. A little heavy to move around. After getting the new TreadClimber, I called to see if the old one could be fixed and I was sent a new motor for free! The motor warrenty is for 5 years. I am a little intimidated by replacing the motor in the old machine. Be sure to lubricate the treads every 3 months or so, as motor failure can be caused by not lubricating them.

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I can't unfortunately recommend the TreadClimber. It is a lot of money for a machine that is not feature rich and a pain to change its resistance.

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I have been using the TreadClimber TC5000 since the end of September and am extremely pleased with this machine! I applaud those who were involved in designing it...it is everything that it is advertised to be. I actually look forward to working out now. I have noticed a difference in my energy level and just feel better all around! Thank you so much for such a superb product!

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Actually I bought the top of the line (the TC5300), what a piece of junk it is. Read the guarantee policy carefully, on the surface it sounds good. But it is not a good guarantee, nor is it good even close to a good quality product.

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I am definitely not a fitness trainer but I would have to say that the Bowflex TreadClimber TC5000 provides the BEST workout possible for home use. I will agree that it is a bit expensive, but I haven't experienced a complete cardio and full-body workout like I experience on the tread climber. In a matter of minutes, you are pouring sweat and your heart rate is elevated.