Beyond the Hype – The Real Benefits of a Bowflex TreadClimber

Bowflex Treadclimber TC100

The Bowflex Treadclimber TC100 is the most popular model in the treadclimber series from Bowflex.  For those not familiar with the TreadClimber, it is a treadmill and stair stepper hybrid.  You might have seen the TreadClimber infomercials that promise miraculous results through this unique cardio machine. A lot of the marketing is ‘hype,’ but there are real benefits that come with owning a TreadClimber.  You also may want to check out the Bowflex Treadclimber TC200 for improved features.

Many fitness reviewers need to rely on website specs, but we’ve had the opportunity to actually speak with several of the top engineers at Bowflex to hear about their recent innovations.  The BowFlex TreadClimber TC100 offers a low-impact and efficient cardio workout on a rather compact machine. This compact design is a huge advantage.  A regular treadmill with a 60″ deck can be a space hog, but the Bowflex TreadClimber TC100 is only 50.6″ in length.  Also, with a weight of 185 lbs., it is a very stable machine.

Check out our comparison chart of all Bowflex machines here.

The company claims you will burn considerably more calories on a treadclimber as you would on a treadmill.  This makes perfect sense if you are only on a treadmill set at 0% incline.  At 3 mph, they claim you will burn 612 calories on a TreadClimber and only 165 calories on a treadmill.  Remember, if you were to incline your regular treadmill, you are obviously going to burn more calories. They also suggest that you will work more muscles with a TreadClimber, but once again, if you change up the incline on a treadmill, you will also exercise more muscle groups.

Features on the Bowflex Treadclimber TC100

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  Bowflex Treadclimber TC100 console with LCD display.

  Recommended Usage – Walking only.

• Programs:  None
• Electronic Functions: 4 – Speed, distance, time, and calories
• Display: Interactive fully backlit LCD, Tablet holder with USB charging
• Speed:  0.5 – 4.0 mph
• Weight Limit: 300 lbs
• Warranty: 2 years
• Fitness tracking:  None (Check out the Bowflex TC200 model for fitness tracking capability.)

Our Review – Bowflex TreadClimber TC100

For the first couple of years that the TreadClimbers were released, there were some mechanical issues.  This was not surprising since the machines have many more moving parts in comparison to a regular treadmill.  Over the last several years, those issues seem to have been resolved and the service record of the TreadClimbers has improved considerably.

So will the Bowflex TreadClimber TC100 allow you to lose weight and improve your sex life?  We’re not sure about the second part, but there is no doubt that if you utilize the machine regularly you will burn calories. You will also need to cut back on calorie consumption to get miraculous results — there is always a catch. If you want to look like the models that demo the TreadClimbers on TV you will also need a regular regimen of ab exercises and weight lifting.

Bowflex has really upped their game in the last few years.  They recently released an entire line of treadmills and ellipticals.  Plus, their Max Trainer series provides excellent high intensity interval training workouts (HIIT).  We’d encourage you to check out all of their machines to see which model works best for your personal fitness goals.

NordicTrack x11i Incline Trainer – Read our full review here.

It should be noted that a TreadClimber will provide a similar workout to a regular treadmill that is placed at a higher incline.  As an example, you may wish to check out this comparison article between the Treadclimbers and the NordicTrack Incline Trainers.  For that reason,  you may be better off getting a regular treadmill from Bowflex or another company.  Or, if you like Bowflex, then definitely check out their Max Trainers for a unique stair stepper, elliptical hybrid.

Tens of thousands of people have bought TreadClimbers, and the majority seem to be satisfied with the quality of the machine and the results they receive. The Bowflex TC100 gets high marks from us for durability and excellent customer service.

Differences Between the TC100 and TC200 Treadclimbers

Bowflex Treadclimber TC200 – Read our full review here.

You may also wish to check out the Bowflex TC200 model for some upgraded features.  For $1,000 more, this machine comes with Bluetooth compatibility so you can sync your machine with a free Bowflex fitness app.  The TC200 comes with 5 programs and a higher speed setting of 4.5 mph.  It also comes with a 3 year warranty and an included chest strap.

Bowflex often provides discount codes on their websites to knock off several hundred dollars from their pricetag.  Click here to shop directly with Bowflex and find those codes!