What you should know about the Bowflex Tread Climber
The Bottom Line
Bowflex makes a quality cardiovascular machine called a TreadClimber thta combines aspects of featrues of a treadmill and stepper. There are 3 models available. This web page will sort them out for you and tell you some features that may not be available on other machines.
The Bowflex guarantee:
Bowflex Tread Climbers are designed and engineered in the USA. They guarantee satisfaction. Use the machine for up to 6 weeks and if you are not satisfied with the results, it can be returned. You will get a full refund but shipping and handling will not be refunded. You must call the Customer Service Department at 888-3467068 to get a return authorization. Note that Bowflex must receive your machine no later than 2 weeks after the return authorization is given.
Warranty:
The models have different warranties as noted below.
The Technology:
Bowflex's TreadClimbers use a combination of movements. They allow you to walk forward, as you would on a traditional treadmill, and step up, as you would do on a stepper. The concept makes sense. We know that interval training is a more effective way to train. Interval training forces your heart rate up faster than staying at one level. In addition the changes from one level to another increases your heart rate. For example if I am on a traditional treadmill power walking at 4 miles per hour with some incline my heart is going to be pumping hard. If I do this for 3 minutes and then bring the incline down and slow my walking down, my heart rate decreases. However after 2 minutes at that level I bring it back up again, my heart is working hard to get back up there. So the TreadClimber essentially uses interval training by combining two different cardio machines in one. Another type of interval training is to go from one machine to another, let's say after 20 minutes. With the TreadClimber you have two in one.
How the TreadClimber works:
The TreadClimber has two platforms rather than a single flat walking surface you find on a treadmill. Each platform rises separately. As I put my foot on the left platform it goes down while the right one goes up. If you have used stair steppers you know that you are going up and down in a straight line. There is a gradual hill climbing movement that I find is really easy on the knees.
You may think there are some similarities between the TreadClimber and elliptical machines but they are really very different. When I am on an elliptical my feet are locked into the foot pad. The TreadClimber gives my feet a natural range of motion.
The Frame:
Bowflex uses a high grade carbon steel construction. Bowflex was the manufacturer of Nautilus Commercial Fitness equipment for 30 years and claims the steel is the same as that typically found in gyms.
The price:
The price varies by machine. Bowflex has a no-money-down financing plan available. You can try the TreadClimber for 30 days and return it if you are not satisfied.
Features:
All Bowflex machines have the same frame design though the frames are different sizes. Each model is a little different than the other. All three come with a training manual, an instructional video, the "Fast Fat Loss" TreadClimber Body Leanness Program by Ellington Darden, Ph.D. The most expensive TreadClimber also comes with a machine mat intended to put under the machine to protect floors and carpets. It usually retails for $99.
Which machine?
The machine you choose may be based on price, features, or size or comfort.
Bowflex TreadClimber TC 1000
From only $23 a month. It is 46 inches long by 28.5 inches wide by 55 inches high. The maximum weight is 300 pounds. The speed goes from .5 to 3.8 miles per hour (MPH). You can track 3 functions. They are speed, time and distance. The console is very simple. There is no magazine rack or water bottle holders. It is the only machine that has arrow buttons on both the right and left sides of the console for ease in adjusting the speed. It has a 1 year warranty.
Bowflex TreadClimber TC 3000
From only $32 a month. It measures the same as the 1000. The weight capacity is the same however the speed starts at .7 mph and goes up to 4.0mph. In addition it has 6 functions that you can track. They are speed, time, distance, calories burned, calories per minute and total steps. Unlike the 1000 the 3000 has an ergonomic console. The console is very nice with places for water, cell phones and a magazine rack. It has a 3 year warranty.
Bowflex TreadClimber TC 5000
From only $38 a month. It measures the same as those above and the weight capacity is the same at 300 pounds. The speed is the same as the 3000. It goes from .7 to 4.0. It has 8 functions Speed, Time, Distance, Calories Burned, Calories-Per-Minute and Total Steps as well as the only one with a heart rate display and climb indicator. It is also the only one with a quick start feature. The 5000 like the 3000 has an ergonomic console. The console is similar to but more sophisticated than the TC 3000 because of the added functions displayed. It has a 5 year warranty.
All three models have a safety key on the console. If you attach it to yourself and start to fall the machine will stop.
The thoughts a real Personal trainer:
I believe Bowflex makes good machines. My personal opinion is that if you are looking at the 1000, for $10 more a month you can get a little more speed, functions and a nicer console in the 3000. If you have the money for the 5000, that is the best of the lot. I ranke it at the top of my list for an aerobic workout, especially for people with joint issues the prevent them from running or using more traditional machines.
I hope this has helped you!
