Bowflex Treadclimber Review:
The Bowflex tread climber (formerly called the Nautilus Treadclimber) is one of the most popular incline trainers on the market today - thanks in part to the TV infomercial hype.
It looks like a neat machine - a hybrid stairclimber and treadmill. However you really can't compare it to a treadmill. It's actually a very different machine.
Instead of one deck like a treadmill, it has two separate, smaller treadmill belts (one for each foot) that you walk on.
These individual belts or platforms also move up and down, meeting every step you take.
Models:
Bowflex currently makes 5 different Treadclimber models ranging from the TC 1000 ($1599) up to the monster TC6000 ($3399).
Main differences between the models include warranty length, console options and design, maximum walking speeds, heart rate monitors and unit weights.
The most popular model is the TC 5000 ($2299) - probably because of the 'Best Buy' rating from Consumer Guide, longer warranty, advanced console and extra program options.
Strengths:
1) Burn Calories Faster - Because you have to lift your leg with every step, it is similar to climbing on an incline. Incline walking burns calories very quickly.
According to Bowflex, you can burn twice the calories as compared to working out on a treadmill. This means more fat burning and faster weight loss.
For example, after 22 different research trials, researchers found that:
- Tread Climber users burned 321 calories in 30 minutes at 3 mph.
- The same group burned only 150 calories in 30 minutes using a treadmill at the same speed
2) Lower Impact - Because the treadles rise to meet your feet, this causes less impact on your joints. We've had several people tell us that their knees did not feel as tired after a Tread climber workout.
This gives you a reduced chance of injury which makes it a great alternative for those who want to stay fit without the stress on their joints.
3) Bowflex Treadclimber Reviews - Bowflex Treadclimber Reviews have been mixed but have tended toward the positive.
The lower end models (TC 1000 and TC 3000) rate around 3 out of 5 stars with users at Amazon and the higher end models (TC 5000) rate around 4.5 out of 5 stars with users at epinions.
Weaknesses:
As stated above, Bowflex Treadclimber reviews have been mixed. Some buyers have commented (especially on the lower end models like the TC1000) that the hydraulics and construction seem cheap.
With more parts (2 belts instead of 1, for example) there's more things that can break down. And unlike a treadmill, you cannot run on a Treadclimber - the maximum speeds are too low and the belt is too short.
Finally, price may be an issue for many people. With the lowest end models starting at $1599 and up, this is similar to a mid-priced treadmill.
Overall Conclusion:
The real beauty of the Treadclimber is it's ability to get you excited about working out. Let's face it - it's a cool machine.
Plus it gives you faster results than most other machines which will continue to motivate you to keep you using it. It gives a lower impact workout and takes up less space than a treadmill.
However these units are expensive and don't have very long warranties. Also, you can't run on them since the top speed is around 4 MPH (the more expensive models now run up to 4.5 mph).
So it's really up to the individual. Some people prefer the versatility of a treadmill. If however you need the motivation to exercise and only a Treadclimber will do - you'll probably be very happy one.
