Bowflex TreadClimber Reviews for 2024: The Best TreadClimbers Reviewed & Compared

When it comes to exercising, you want the best equipment that will provide you with the biggest results. One of the best types of cardiovascular workout equipment out there is the Bowflex TreadClimber. This is kind of like a mix between a treadmill, a stepper, and an elliptical machine, with all of the high quality that Bowflex has to offer. You want to be well informed about anything you buy, and you don’t want to waste money on something you don’t want. This is why we are here today, to do some Bowflex TreadClimber reviews and to tell you everything there is to know about them. Hold on to your horses people because here we go!

The Best Bowflex TreadClimbers

There are two different Bowflex TreadClimber reviews that we are going to do and they are really in-depth. One of them is a very high end model, while the other is a more affordable option to go with. Let’s take a quick look at each of them and get you guys acquainted.

#1 - Bowflex TreadClimber TC200 - Top Rated TreadClimber

The Bowflex TreadClimber TC200 is definitely a fantastic option to consider going with. Beware that this is a very high end model, so it is going to cost you upwards of three thousand dollars. However, in our opinion, this price is well worth the investment as it is truly a great piece of workout equipment. When it comes to the speed at which the Bowflex TreadClimber TC200 can go at, it can go anywhere from 0.5 to 4.5 miles per hour. The Bowflex TreadClimber TC200 also has 5 different preset workout programs for you to choose from.

Moreover, this TreadClimber has a USB charging port for your phone, tablet, or music device, plus a media tray for those devices as well. This particular TreadClimber is also Bluetooth 4.0 compatible, which allows you to sync it with your phone and engage in data export. You can export your fitness data to various compatible apps that you can download on your phone in order to keep track of your daily progress. The Bowflex TreadClimber TC200 is a very durable, stable, and sturdy machine. It is a little large and quite heavy too, but it does also have a 300-pound weight limit which should be more than enough for anybody out there.

The Bowflex TreadClimber TC200 also comes with a convenient water bottle holder, it has a great 3-year warranty, and assembling it is not all that difficult. All in all, there is a good reason why the Bowflex TreadClimber TC200 is the top rated option out there because as far as TreadClimbers go, the TC200 is the most advanced, durable, and functional one that will provide you with the best overall results.

#2 - Bowflex TreadClimber TC100 - Most Affordable TreadClimber

The Bowflex TreadClimber TC100 is also a good choice to go with. While this is a lower end option than the TreadClimber TC200, it will still cost you over two thousand dollars. This may seem like a lot, but when compared to the TC200, it is almost a full one thousand dollars cheaper. While the Bowflex TreadClimber TC100 is a little cheaper than the TC200, it is still a good option to go with, although it does have slightly fewer features.

That being said, the Bowflex TreadClimber TC100 is still more than ideal for a variety of workouts and for most people out there. The Bowflex TreadClimber TC100 does have a speed range of between 0.5 and 4 miles per hour, which should be enough for most people except those that want an extremely intense workout. The TC100 does have 4 electronic functions, which are speed, time, calories, and distance, but unlike the TC200, it does not come with any preset workout programs.

The size of the Bowflex TreadClimber TC100 is about the same as for the TC200, but the TC100 is almost 50 pounds lighter, yet they both have the same 300-pound weight capacity. The Bowflex TreadClimber TC100 does have a USB charging port, media tray, and water bottle holder, but it is not Bluetooth compatible. All in all, the Bowflex TreadClimber TC100 is a great choice to go with, one that is more affordable, and will still give you a great workout every time you step on it.

Bowflex TreadClimber vs Max Trainer vs Treadmill vs Elliptical: The Differences

Since we did spend some time talking about Bowflex Max Trainers, elliptical machines, and treadmills too, not just Bowflex TreadClimbers, it is probably important for you to know what some of the differences between each of them are.

TreadClimber vs Treadmill

Similarities & Differences

While both the treadmill and the TreadClimber do offer you a great workout in their own way, they are far more different from each other than they are similar. Of course, treadmills are great high intensity pieces of workout equipment, allowing you to run at top speeds for as long as you can muster.

There is no doubt about it that treadmills will definitely give you the cardiovascular workout of a lifetime. On the other hand, TreadClimbers are a little more leisurely than treadmills. After all, TreadClimbers can usually reach a max speed of around 4.5 miles per hour, whereas treadmills can go up to 11 or even 12 miles per hour in some cases. So, in terms of a pure cardio workout, the treadmill is a little better. Also, treadmills, at least the higher end models, will usually allow you to adjust the incline to increase the challenge even more, something which TreadClimbers never allow for.

The difference is that TreadClimbers also include elements of both the elliptical and the stepper, with platforms that move up and down, as opposed to treadmills which have stationary platforms. This is very beneficial for two main reasons. First of all, the moving platforms and the elliptical motion decrease impact a whole lot. Running on a treadmill at high speeds creates some serious impact that can hurt and damage your joints. The motion of the TreadClimber platforms helps to keep impact at bay (it does not eliminate all impact totally, but there is much less than on a treadmill).

Second, the stepper motion of the TreadClimber does mean that you are activating more muscles in your legs than on a flat treadmill. In other words, the TreadClimber is a little bit better for leg strengthening and muscle activation in your legs. All of this being said, an average TreadClimber is going to be a little lighter and a little bit more compact than a treadmill, especially the higher end ones. Treadmills generally take up a fair amount of space due to their large platforms, whereas TreadClimbers are a little more compact (but the difference is not huge). In terms of pricing, a high end treadmill can cost just as much as a TreadClimber.

Which One Should I Buy?

Ok, so treadmill running is technically more intense and better for calorie burn and for an overall more intense cardiovascular workout. However, the TreadClimber is oriented more towards a fast paced walking workout. A TreadClimber is better for muscle activation and for a low impact workout, but running on a treadmill will burn more calories at the end of the day.

Bowflex TreadClimber vs Bowflex Max Trainer

Similarities & Differences

One of the things that we can say right off the bat when it comes to the TreadClimber and the Max Trainer, is that they are both from the Bowflex brand. This may not seem all that important, but Bowflex is definitely one of the most reputable brand names that are known for having high-quality products. What we mean is that both the TreadClimber and the Max Trainer are really high-quality pieces of workout equipment.

Another similarity between these two pieces of equipment is that they tend to be priced fairly similarly. Now, the prices are of course no exactly the same and there may be a difference of a couple hundred bucks, but nothing too extreme. Entry level Bowflex TreadClimbers and entry level Bowflex Max Trainers are priced fairly close together, with the same thing also being true for the higher end models as well.

Yet another thing that is similar about the TreadClimber and the Max Trainer is that they are both intended for higher intensity workouts. Being intense and engaging in high intensity interval training is the flagship feature which Bowflex advertises for their Max Trainers. This is not quite as true for the TreadClimber, which is more about walking and speed walking, which means that the Max Trainer is a little more intense, but both will undoubtedly give you a great cardio workout. What is also true is that both the TreadClimber and the Max Trainer tend to come with some convenient extras like Bluetooth compatibility, media trays, and water bottle holders.

Now, for the differences, one of the main differences between these two items is that the TreadClimber is not as good for working out your upper body. The Bowflex TreadClimber only comes with guide rails for holding onto, whereas the Max Trainer comes with motion handlebars, plus it has a more intense elliptical motion too. The result here is that the Max Trainer does do a better job at activating the muscles in your upper body. TreadClimbers do slightly engage your upper body, but not nearly as much as a Max Trainer does.

Moreover, while a TreadClimber is intended to be low impact, thanks to the motion of the platforms, it does still create some impact. The same cannot be said for the Max Trainer, a piece of equipment where your feet never leave the pedals. The bottom line is that both of these items are relatively joint friendly, but the Max Trainer is more so. TreadClimbers also do not do quite as much in terms of leg development as Max Trainers do. Max Trainers have an intense elliptical motion with a big difference between low and high points. While TreadClimbers still do develop your leg muscles, because they do have a bit of an elliptical/stepper motion, the leg strengthening results are not nearly what they are with the Max Trainer.

Finally, a Max Trainer is also a little bit more efficient in terms of calorie burning. Now, both the TreadClimber and Max Trainer are geared towards intense exercise and calorie burn, but the Max Trainer does appear to be more effective in this regard. In a 15 minute time period, a Max Trainer will help you burn close to 100 calories more than a TreadClimber, which is true even when the intensity level is close to being the same.

Which One Should I Buy?

The bottom line is that TreadClimbers are suited more towards beginners and intermediate exercisers, whereas the Max Trainer is a piece of equipment that will put you to the test and bring you to your physical limits every single time. TreadClimbers are great for getting a good cardio workout and for watching some TV while you work out, but at the end of the day, the Max Trainer is a little more efficient.

TreadClimber vs Elliptical Machine

Similarities & Differences

Finally, let’s compare the elliptical machine to the TreadClimber. For one, both of these pieces of workout equipment are fairly joint friendly. Both feature moving platforms with an elliptical motion (this motion does differ slightly), which work to reduce impact on your joints. While TreadClimbers are way better for your joints than a treadmill, they do still produce minimal impact. This is not true for an elliptical machine, which never makes your feet leave the pedals, and thus has no impact at all.

When it comes to size, TreadClimbers and elliptical machines are for the most part fairly similar. They tend to be pretty heavy and quite big too, but not overly so. What is true is that high end elliptical machines, the really expensive ones, are a bit bigger and heavier than high end TreadClimbers, but this difference is a lot less noticeable when it comes to lower end models.

While most elliptical machines are less expensive than TreadClimbers, the price difference is lower when it comes to the higher end elliptical models. Also, higher end elliptical machines will usually come with some extras such as water bottle holders, media trays, Bluetooth, and more, which is also true for TreadClimbers.

Now for some of the differences, one difference is that TreadClimbers do tend to burn just a little bit more calories than the average elliptical machine. On the other hand, the elliptical machine is better for activating your upper body muscles and for leg development. The elliptical machine has a bigger difference between the low and high points of the pedals than a TreadClimber, therefore making you use your legs more. The same is true for upper body activation because TreadClimbers don’t really make you use your upper body very much. Elliptical machines come with motion handlebars which are great for your upper body.

Which One Should I Buy?

The bottom line is that elliptical machines are better if you want a workout with zero impact and if you want more leg activation as well as better upper body workout. On the other hand, TreadClimbers are a little better for total calorie burn.

What To Look For When Choosing The Right TreadClimber For You

There is no doubt that Bowflex is a great brand and that the TreadClimber is an awesome piece of equipment, but this does also mean that there is a certain price tag involved. Since you don’t want to go out of your way and spend a ton of money on something that won’t suit your needs, there are some considerations you should make before purchasing any Bowflex TreadClimber. The easiest way to do this is almost by comparing the differences between the TC100 and TC200, so let’s do that right now.

Bowflex TreadClimber TC100 vs TC200

Speed

TreadClimbers are all about walking and speed walking but not really about running. The higher end models will go closer to 5 miles per hour while the lower end models will usually top out at around 4 miles per hour. For example, the TC 100 goes a max speed of 4 miles per hour, while the TC200 goes 4.5 miles per hour. The difference is not huge, but for anyone who will use it on a regular basis, it is definitely notable. Just keep in mind, the more serious your workout plans are and the bigger your goals, the faster you will want the TreadClimber to go.

Workout Programs

Another important thing to keep in mind before making a purchase is what kind of workout programs you want the TreadClimber in question to have. Generally speaking, the more expensive the TreadClimber is, the more workout programs it will have. The TC100 and TC200 are not all that different but there are differences when it comes to the workout programs. The TC200 has 5 workout programs whereas the TC100 has 0 workout program. If you are looking for some good variety, you might want to go with the TC200 as opposed to the TC100.

Size

Another thing to keep in mind before buying a TreadClimber is how much room you have in your home. Interestingly enough, the higher end model, the TC200 is only slightly larger than the TC100, so there is not much to think about there. However, the TC200 is about 50 pounds heavier than the TC100, so it is harder to move around. That being said, both models come with transportation wheels, so moving them around is not all that difficult. You need to know how much room you have to work with before buying one of these models.

Console Features

Now, both the TreadClimber TC100 and TC200 have nice backlit LCD displays which keep track of various fitness aspects such as time, speed, calories, pace, distance, and more. Both have nice displays which are easy to navigate and are very accurate too. The main difference is that the TC200, the more expensive model, also has Bluetooth capabilities so you can wirelessly export fitness data from the TC200 to your phone. This data can be used on various fitness apps, where you can create easy to read sheets and even engage in competition too. In terms of fitness tracking and keeping a tab on your daily progress, the TC200 is the better option to go with.

Price

Usually the price of workout equipment is not one of our main priorities. We look at the function and benefits of each item more than anything, but price does still matter for many people. To keep it simple, the TC200 will cost you close to $1,000 more than the TC100. This is something that may or may not affect your purchasing decision.

Bowflex TreadClimber Features: Overview & Comparison

Bowflex TreadClimber Results: What You Can Expect

There is no doubt that Bowflex TreadClimbers are really great pieces of workout equipment for anyone to use. Now that you have probably already decided which model you want, what are some of the results that you can expect from using one on a regular basis?

One of the big results that many people have experienced when using the Bowflex TreadClimber on a regular basis is that of big calorie burn and weight loss. It is said that exercising at a high intensity level for just 30 minutes going approximately 3.2 miles per hour will burn close to 330 calories. If you do this on a regular basis, you will definitely end up losing a fair amount of weight.

Keep in mind that heavier people will burn more calories than lighter people in the same amount of time. Strictly speaking, if you are on a good diet, you could potentially burn up to one pound of body fat every 10 days, if you work out for 30 minutes per day at the parameters we described before. People have noted losing a whole lot of weight once they started using a Bowflex TreadClimber.

You can also expect to strengthen and tone your leg muscles from using a TreadClimber on a regular basis. While the muscle building results may not be as noticeable as with a Max Trainer or an elliptical machine, you can rest assured that you will definitely strengthen your legs over time from using this piece of equipment. The TreadClimber does combine a forward walking motion with that of an elliptical machine and a stepper, so using your legs is something that it does quite well. Keep in mind, the TreadClimber does not have you sprinting or going at an extremely high pace, nor does it have the same qualities as a Max Trainer, so your legs will become toned from a TreadClimber, but they won’t become huge.

There is of course also the fact that going at a high intensity level on any TreadClimber will do a good job at giving you a cardiovascular workout. We aren’t going to get into exact details right now, but you can rest assured that your lungs and heart will benefit drastically from 30 to 60 minutes of high intensity exercise on a TreadClimber.

Here we have a few inspirational videos from various people who have achieved amazing results with the Bowflex TreadClimber:

The Main Benefits Of TreadClimbers

TreadClimbers may not be the most intense or hardcore out of all pieces of exercise equipment out there, but they do still come with a fair amount of benefits that you will definitely appreciate. Let’s talk about some of the main benefits that you get from using a TreadClimber on a regular basis.

Benefit #1: Low Impact

One of the benefits of the Bowflex TreadClimber is that it is pretty good for the health of your joints. When compared to something like running on a treadmill which creates an extreme amount of impact, the Bowflex TreadClimber is much better for your joints. Unlike on a treadmill, where the platform does not move, a Bowflex TreadClimber has moving platforms which feature somewhat of an elliptical motion. This is combined with the fact that Bowflex TreadClimbers usually have you going at a slower pace.

The result is that the Bowflex TreadClimber is a lower impact cardiovascular workout tool that will not damage your joints or make them hurt. This feature is especially beneficial for anybody that has joint problems and often has painful ankles, knees, and hips. People rehabilitating from sports injuries as well as the elderly are far better off with a Bowflex TreadClimber than with a treadmill.

Benefit #2: Calorie Burn & Weight Loss

Another big benefit that you get from using a Bowflex TreadClimber is that it will definitely help you lose a decent amount of weight, at least when you are on a good diet. We already talked about this before, but just to reiterate, the Bowflex TreadClimber can help you burn close to 330 calories in 30 minutes of using it, especially if you are going at a high intensity level. Keep in mind that heavier people will burn a larger number of calories than a lighter person.

The bottom line is that you can expect to lose a decent amount of weight when using one of these items. Of course, your body gets energy from the calories you eat, so if you don’t have readily available calories, your body will turn to your fat stores for energy, which is where the weight loss factor comes into play. Moreover, this kind of exercise is also well known for increasing your metabolism, which means that your body will continue to burn an increased amount of calories long after you are done exercising, thus assisting with your weight loss goals.

Benefit #3: Leg Strengthening

Another benefit that you get from using a Bowflex TreadClimber is that it is a fairly good way to strengthen the muscles in your legs. The combined forward motion of the treadmill, when in tandem with the elliptical/stepper motion, does do a fairly good job at utilizing your leg muscles.

Now, as we have already mentioned, the Bowflex TreadClimber is not the best for leg development, especially when compared to machines like Max Trainers, but something is always better than nothing. You can definitely expect your legs to become stronger, more toned, and more enduring too.

Benefit #4: Bone Building

Something else that a Bowflex TreadClimber does for you is build the strength and size of your bones. This is because using a Bowflex TreadClimber is considered to be a weight bearing exercise, which by nature results in bone building. Your osteoblasts are the little cells in your bones which are responsible for laying down new bone matter.

When you engage in any kind of weight bearing exercise, your osteoblasts respond to this increased weight and pressure by laying down more bone matter to compensate. This is not really all that different from how weight lifting exercises increase the size and strength of your muscles. The point is that the Bowflex TreadClimber can definitely help make your skeletal system much stronger. This becomes increasingly useful in your old age as you become more prone to degenerative bone diseases and broken bones due to slips and falls.

Benefit #5: Your Cardio

The final really important benefit of the Bowflex TreadClimber that we want to mention has to do with cardio. There is no doubt that a high intensity routine on any Bowflex TreadClimber will make your heart pumping and your lungs heaving for air. Cardiovascular exercise is very important for your health and the overall longevity of your life. Just like weight lifting strengthens your muscles, cardiovascular exercise strengthens both your heart and lungs.

Over time, using the Bowflex TreadClimber will make your heart and lungs better able to do their respective jobs. Besides the fact that this will make you much more enduring and increase your stamina, there are also a few other benefits to this. Generally speaking, cardiovascular exercise is great for you because it helps keep your resting heart rate down, it lowers high blood pressure, helps control bad cholesterol, and prevents a wide array of heart related diseases and conditions too.

How To Use A TreadClimber & A Few TreadClimber Tips

Using a TreadClimber is not really that difficult, or really difficult at all. They are pretty straight forward pieces of equipment that you can pretty much hop on, turn on, and get going without issue. That being said, there are a few tips that you might want to follow in order to get the best results possible.

Never start out too strong. This is a general rule of thumb for any type of exercise that you engage in, but it is always important to mention. There is no point in setting your Bowflex TreadClimber to the highest difficulty level because you won’t accomplish anything that way. You will get tired really fast, your body will hurt like no tomorrow, and you will totally sap your motivation if you do this. It is always best to start out slow and then increase the difficulty over time. You will accomplish much more if you start out at a pace that you feel comfortable at, or at least a pace that is not too extreme.

Always try to keep your back straight when using a Bowflex TreadClimber. Bad posture, which means having a hunched over back, can cause serious back pain and long term issues. You should never lean forward too much on a Bowflex TreadClimber because it will cause these back issues. Try to use the railings to keep yourself straight and upright while using any TreadClimber. Holding onto these rails will also help you balance better and prevent you from falling. However, once you get used to the general motion of the TreadClimber, you can start to let go of the rails and use your upper body, especially your arms, like you would while running. This will help to activate the muscles in your upper body a little bit more.

Another good tip to follow is to never wait too long to take your next step. Staying on the track for too long without taking the next step can result in your foot coming off of the back of it and you falling down. Of course, you don’t want this to happen, so just get used to a decent stride where your heel does not get more than 3 inches from within the backside of the track.

When it comes to turning the TreadClimber on and using it, there is no real how to involved here. All of the Bowflex TreadClimbers are very easy to use and navigate. Just select your program, speed, and get going. We do recommend that you use some of the included workout programs because they will help you accomplish your goals much faster. For example, if you are looking to drop 400 calories in one day, you should use the calorie burning program. Or, if you want to set a new distance record, use the distance program which Bowflex TreadClimbers come with.

Finally, TreadClimbers usually come with media trays and water bottle holders, so to keep you comfortable while exercising, we would definitely recommend taking advantage of them.

For a few more tips and suggestions on how to use a Bowflex TreadClimber, you can check out the video below.

5 Great TreadClimber Workouts

To get you started, here we have a few different Bowflex TreadClimber workouts that you can try doing.

Workout #1: The Bowflex TreadClimber 15 Minute Interval Workout

Now, this particular workout is aimed more at beginners, but you can always make it more challenging if you like. Keep in mind, when we talk about intensity levels, this is somewhat subjective as a 1 on the scale would be near relaxing for you, whereas 10 would be as hard as you can go.

Workout #2: The Bowflex TreadClimber 30 Minute Interval Workout

This interval workout is similar to the first one but is just longer and more intense.

Workout #3: The Walk In The Park

This is a great option for beginners to go with, especially for people who have never used a Bowflex TreadClimber before. This one is really simple and more or less just involves picking a speed, picking a time, and going at it. This is great for beginners because both the time and speed can be modified to suit your specific needs and fitness level.

Workout #4: The Hour Long Muscle Buster

This workout is very intense and is definitely oriented towards people with a high level of fitness.

Workout #5: HIIT Workout With The Bowflex TreadClimber

How To Clean & Maintain Your Bowflex TreadClimber

Cleaning and maintenance is an extremely important part of any piece of workout equipment. So, to keep your Bowflex TreadClimber in prime condition for as long as humanly possible, follow the tips below.

Conclusion

The bottom line is that Bowflex TreadClimbers are absolutely fantastic pieces of workout equipment that are more than ideal for all fitness levels. They have many benefits, they are easy to use, and at the end of the day, the results you will see will speak for themselves. We hope that our Bowflex TreadClimber reviews were able to get you a little closer to a decision. Just remember everything we have talked about here in terms of picking the right one, using it, and maintaining it, and you will be just fine.