BowFlex TreadClimber Reviews

Unique Concept, But!

When I first encountered the BowFlex TreadClimber I was excited. Finally, a new and innovative design for burning calories and getting in shape. A further look at the construction of the machine gave me second thoughts. Although the concept is intriguing, the actual engineering concerns me. This is a very complex piece of machinery, that has the potential for service problems.

The BowFlex TreadClimber is built by Nautilus and was originally sold under the corporate name, but they recently renamed under their BlowFlex brand. Nautilus sells the popular Bowflex strength machines, and unless you never watch TV, you have seen their commercials over and over and over again.

Since the patent ran out on the home gym and competitors are knocking off similar machines, Nautilus is making a major push into cardio equipment with the TreadClimber.

The TreadClimber a hybrid fitness machine. It combines the features of a treadmill, elliptical trainer and stair climber. Unlike a treadmill and stair climber, it provides a relatively low-impact workout.

Like the BlowFlex home gym, Nautilus hypes the TreadClimber with exaggerated claims. Their marketing claims you get burn the same calories from a treadmill workout in half the time. Here is a quote from a study that I am sure they paid to have conducted:

Studies were conducted at the prestigious Human Performance Laboratory at New York's Adelphi University. The results showed that the TreadClimber burned up to 2 times more calories in 30 minutes, in comparison to a treadmill at the same speed!

I must admit the most intense workout I get from any exercise equipment is when I walk on a treadmill at an extreme incline. The sweat pours out of me, and that is the concept behind the Treadmill Climber.

It is designed with "Dual-Treadles." They're engineered to work more of your large muscle groups, and at the same time burn more calories. Nautilus claims the TreadmillClimber will:

• Bring up your heart rate quickly - and keep it there!
  
• Burn more calories - and lose weight - fast!
• Work more core muscle groups at the same time!
• Minimize joint impact!
• And do all of this without running or jogging!

Why You Get a Low Impact Workout

According to Dr. Gloria Beim, a Board-Certified Orthopedic Surgeon, the TreadClimber® machine provides little to no impact on knee and ankle joints because of the fluid motion of the "Dual-Treadles." She states:

"The best machine I've found so far to do low-impact exercise without stressing your joints is the TreadClimber."

"With the TreadClimber machine, the axial compression to your joints is very low. It's more of a gliding, smooth motion to your joints, and you don't feel the impact that you would on a treadmill."

When you run on a treadmill you can impact up to 2.5 times your body weight. Consider the beating when you run on concrete or asphalt. Moreover, a stair climber is brutal on your knees.

Unlike elliptical trainers, that forces you to walk in a pre-set pattern, the TreadClimber "Dual-Treadles" adapt to your natural walking style. Your knees and feet have a greater range of motion to make walking easier. Which brings up a point. This is a walking machine and is not designed for running, it gives you a workout that is more like walking up hills or mountains.

The warranties vary from 1 year to 5 years. Below is a breakdown according to the models.

Models: Treadclimber 5300

My husband and I purchased the Treadclimber 5300 because we believed the hype. It is a good work out. BUT the service is horrible. If you need repairs (and this machine is very prone to techical malfunction, you are expected to call an 800# and the operator walks you through a series of diagnostic steps. You actually need to remove a protective cover, crawl around on the floor and inspect the machine. The last time we had an issue (we ending up needing a new console) it took five phone calls (and much frustration) to get any real assistance. When I was about to give up and I asked if there was any way to have a trained technition come to my home. The service rep said that the warranty didn't cover that and it would be at my expense. "FINE" I said, only to learn that the company authorized to service this expensive clothes rack doesn't have any one working in my area. I DO NOT recommend this machine at all.

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I purchased a treadclimber and could not get it to work correctly. The pedals kept sticking and stalling. I called Bowflex and they walked me through several repair steps but nothing worked. Fortunately, I had a 30 day guarantee so I finally told them I wanted to return the machine. They reluctantly agreed but tried to make ME pay for the return shipping and handling. I reminded them I had a 100% return guarantee, which included S&H. They told me I was incorrect. I had to fax to them their own materials which guaranteed they would handle the return. Three days later they FINALLY agreed after numerous calls and discussions with various levels of supervisors. I was finally able to return the treadclimber, free of any charge. Bottom line - their customer support is poor. Their goal seems to be to make sure you keep the item, no matter what. If you purchase, check the fine print and keep you paperwork. If I didn't have my paperwork I think I would have been stuck with this machine.

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I can't unfortunately recommend the TreadClimber. It is a lot of money for a machine that is not feature rich and a pain to change its resistance.

Actually I bought the top of the line (the TC5300), what a piece of junk it is. Read the guarantee policy carefully, on the surface it sounds good. But it is not a good guarantee,, nor is it good even close to a good quality product.

I am definitely not a fitness trainer but I would have to say that the Bowflex TreadClimber TC5000 provides the BEST workout possible for home use. I will agree that it is a bit expensive, but I haven't experienced a complete cardio and full-body workout like I experience on the tread climber. In a matter of minutes, you are pouring sweat and your heart rate is elevated.