Bowflex TreadClimber TC200 Review

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This is a fantastic option to go with. In fact, it is the top rated Bowflex TreadClimber on the market today. The reason it is so highly rated is because it is very functional, it provides you with tons of workout options, it goes pretty darn fast, and it is reliable too. If you are looking to really put yourself to the test and you are serious about working up a major sweat, the Bowflex TreadClimber TC200 is a great choice to keep in mind.

Overview

In case you would like to watch a little video overview of the Bowflex TreadClimber TC200, where some of the most important features are discussed, watch the video below.

Bowflex TreadClimber TC200 Walking Cardio Machine

Main Features

The Bowflex TreadClimber TC200 is the top rated option for a good reason. This particular TreadClimber comes with a whole bunch of features that you are going to appreciate. Here is a quick summary overview of the features that this model comes with.

  • Can go anywhere from 0.5 to 4.5 miles per hour
  • Comes with 5 preset workout programs
  • Has a backlit LCD display
  • Easy to make adjustments
  • Keeps track of various fitness metrics
  • Bluetooth capabilities
  • Can connect to various fitness apps
  • Up to 4 user profiles
  • Heart rate monitors on the grips
  • Comes with a media shelf
  • Has a water bottle holder
  • USB charging port
  • 300-pound user weight limit
  • Comes with transportation wheels
  • 3-year warranty

Dimensions & Weight

So, to get one thing out of the way, Bowflex TreadClimbers are not necessarily small or light. Now, they can do OK in smaller and medium size homes, but they will require a dedicated space. Seeing as this model is fairly big and heavy, you won’t want to move it around all too much. As far as TreadClimbers go, this is definitely one of the bigger ones. That being said, the Bowflex TreadClimber TC200 does come with transportation wheels to counteract its heavy weight.

  • Length: 55 inches
  • Width: 31.5 inches
  • Height: 62.5 inches
  • Weight: 202 pounds

Warranty

What we do really like about the Bowflex TreadClimber TC200 is that it comes with a fairly good warranty. It actually comes with the Bowflex no worry warranty, which means that it is covered for 3 years, and that includes the whole machine. However, labor is only covered for 90 days. There is the option of purchasing an extended 3-year warranty which gives you a 3-year warranty on labor as well, plus there is a more expensive 5-year option as well.

Assembly

Assembling the Bowflex TreadClimber TC200 is not all that difficult. What does need to be said is that the heavy weight of it does make things a little difficult for someone working alone. It is definitely easier if you have a second pair of hands helping you. That being said, it is also more than possible to assemble it yourself, but it will take some extra time. By yourself, you should be able to assemble this model in under 2 hours. Everything you need for assembly is included in the packaging, plus the instructions are fairly clear and straightforward as well. If you need some help with assembling the Bowflex TreadClimber TC200, you can watch the instructional video below.

What We Like About The Bowflex TreadClimber TC200

This is the top rated Bowflex TreadClimber out there to date, so there are undoubtedly a few features that we really like about it. Let’s talk about them a little more in depth now.

We really like how the Bowflex TreadClimber TC200 lets you choose the speed yourself (when you are just walking). This particular model can go anywhere from 0.5 to 4.5 miles per hour, which is a pretty big range. 0.5 miles per hour is more than ideal for a beginner, and 4.5 miles per hour will challenge even the hardest of fitness veterans. We also like the fact that the Bowflex TreadClimber TC200 comes with easy to control speed buttons, where you can add or subtract 0.1 miles per hour or 0.5 miles per hour with the click of a button. Whatever the case may be, this machine makes it easy to choose exactly how fast you want to go on it.

Something else that we really like about the Bowflex TreadClimber TC200 is that it comes with 5 different preset workout programs. One of those programs is “just walk”, where you can choose your own pace, your own speed, and you can go for however long you feel like exercising for. Some of the other programs include time goal, calorie goal, distance goal, and interval training. Each of these programs is beneficial in their own way. We do like how you get a good amount of variety when you use the Bowflex TreadClimber TC200. Having so many options is something that we always look for when buying any piece of fitness equipment.

Yet another thing that we like about the Bowflex TreadClimber TC200 is that it features Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity. When you have various apps installed on your phone, this TreadClimber can automatically connect to those apps, share data, create easy to read spreadsheets, and keep accurate track of your daily progress. The Bowflex TreadClimber TC200 works with apps such as My Fitness Pal, Apple Health Kit, Google Fit, and Bowflex Connect. This makes keeping track of your daily progress accurate and easy, plus some of the apps let you engage in friendly competition too.

Something else that we like about the Bowflex TreadClimber TC200 is that it is a fairly stable and durable piece of equipment. It is made out of the highest quality materials around, plus the Bowflex name does promise high-quality items. The fact that it has a 300-pound user weight limit is fairly promising indeed. Also, the wide base makes it very stable and keeps it from wobbling too much, plus it also has adjustable leveling feet in case you don’t have a perfectly level floor.

The final thing which really stands out about the Bowflex TreadClimber TC200 is that it does have a really nice backlit LCD display. The LCD display is easy to read thanks to being backlit, it keeps track of various fitness metrics such as speed, pace, calories burned, time, distance, and more. The console is also very easy to navigate with easy press buttons for user friendliness. Keeping track of your progress is important, and the Bowflex TreadClimber TC200 lets you do just that. The console does actually have a USB charging port and media shelf for your tablets and phones.

What We Don’t Like About The Bowflex TreadClimber TC200

We do have a couple of bones to pick with the Bowflex TreadClimber TC200, but it is nothing major. This is a top rated machine and that means that we couldn’t find too many bad things to say about it, not at all.

One of the minor things that we don’t like about the Bowflex TreadClimber TC200 is that it is very heavy. The whole machine weighs over 200 pounds, which is no light matter. This heavy weight does make it a little harder to assemble than we would like, plus lugging it around is not easy either. It does have transportation wheels to compensate for this high weight, but 200 pounds is still a lot.

Another small thing that we do not like about the Bowflex TreadClimber TC200 is that does get a little squeaky with prolonged use. Now, this is only a minor issue seeing as regular cleaning, maintenance, and some good oil lubrication will solve this problem. However, it does require regular lubrication to prevent squeaking and noisiness.

Alternatives To The Bowflex TreadClimber TC200

Not everyone has the same tastes, the same needs, or the same budget. So, to give you a little bit of perspective on what you are buying, here we have a few good alternatives to the Bowflex TreadClimber TC200, not all of which are TreadClimbers.

Bowflex TreadClimber TC100

This is definitely the more affordable Bowflex TreadClimber option to go with, but that lower price does also mean a few fewer features. The Bowflex TreadClimber TC100 does not come with any preset workout programs, but it does come with 4 electronic functions including speed, time, distance, and calories. On that same note, while the TC200 can go up to 4.5 miles per hour, the TC100 can only reach a maximum speed of 4.0 miles per hour. While these differences are not major, for anyone who is really serious and wants a big challenge, the workout programs and 0.5 mph speed variation can make all of the difference. Also, the TC200 is Bluetooth compatible and has a 3-year warranty, while the TC100 is not Bluetooth compatible and only has a 2-year warranty.

Bowflex Max Trainer M7

This is a good alternative to go with if you need a bit of an extra challenge. The Bowflex Max Trainer M7 is a few hundred bucks less expensive than the TC200 TreadClimber and is also meant for more intense workout routines. While both of these machines can engage in high intensity workouts and interval training, the Bowflex Max Trainer M7 is specifically built for that one purpose (but it can also do much more than that). Interestingly enough, this Max Trainer weighs close to 50 pounds less than the TC200. Max Trainers do give you a bit more leg strengthening properties, they have way more upper body muscle activation, and they are a little better for calorie burn purposes too. A Max Trainer requires more dedication and focus but it also has bigger results.

Sole Fitness E95 Elliptical Trainer

Yet another good alternative, the Sole E95 Elliptical Trainer is a great elliptical machine to go with, perhaps one of the best ones available on the market at this time. The Sole E95 is a few hundred bucks cheaper than the TC200, which is a bonus for some no doubt. What does need to be said is that elliptical machines in general are just a little bit more joint friendly than TreadClimbers (not much, but a little bit). Also, there is kind of a two-way road situation going on here. On one hand, you will activate more muscles in your upper body than with the TC200 TreadClimber. On the other hand, comparatively speaking, over the long run, TreadClimbers will help you burn a slightly higher number of calories. You should also be aware that the E95 Elliptical Machine is a little bigger and heavier than the TC200 and it also has a higher user weight limit. Which machine you get does depend on your own needs and preferences.

Final Thoughts On The Bowflex TreadClimber TC200

If you have the few extra bucks to spend, the Bowflex TreadClimber TC200 definitely makes for a good option. It provides you with an excellent cardiovascular workout, it is fairly joint friendly, and it will definitely put your fitness level to the challenge no matter what. The TreadClimber TC200 is built for fairly intense workout routines. Moreover, it is a very durable and stable option, it has a wide range of speeds to choose from, is easy to navigate, and has quite a few preset workout program options as well. As far as Bowflex TreadClimbers go, there is a good reason why the TC200 is so highly rated.