BowFlex TreadClimber TC10 Review

  About Fred Waters

The Bowflex TreadClimber TC10 was released in the Fall 2011.  It replaces the Bowflex TreadClimber TC3000.  For those not familiar with the TreadClimber, it is a treadmill and a stair stepper hybrid.  If you own a TV you've probably seen the infomercial that promise miraculous results through this unique concept of cardio exercise.  In a nutshell the TreadClimber TC10 offers a low-impact and efficient cardio workout on a rather compact machine.

Note: The BowFlex TreadClimber TC10 typically sells for $2,199. Below is the current incentive:

$300 off, Free Exercise Equipment Mat and Free Shipping
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The Bowflex TreadClimber TC10 is designed for walking and the speed tops out at around 4.0 mph.  The way it works is rather than having a single deck that is inclined you have dual treadles that move up and down with your walking motion.  They meet your feet. Consequently there is less impact in comparison to a treadmill or stairclimber, which means there is less stress and strain to your lower joints and lower back. 

Now the company claims you will burn considerably more  calories on a treadclimber as you would on a treadmill.  In fact, at 3 mph they claim you will burn 612 calories on a TreadClimber, and only 165 on a treadmill. However, they compare the workout to a treadmill that is at a zero incline.  If you were to incline a treadmill, you are obviously going to burn more calories. They also suggest that you will work more muscles with a TreadClimber, but once again if you change up the incline on a treadmill, you will also exercise more muscle groups.

The one advantage of the TreadClimber over a treadmill is the compact design.  A treadmill with a 60" deck can be a space hog, while the Bowflex TreadClimber TC10 is only 50.6" in length.  Also, with a weight of 185 lbs., it is a very stable machine.  It should also be noted the TC10 comes with the ability to track your progress, which is always an excellent motivator.

Our Review - Bowflex TreadClimber TC10

For the first couple of years that the TreadClimbers were released there we some mechanical issues.  Which was not a surprised since you have many more moving parts than on a regular treadmill.  Over that last several years those issues seem to have been resolved and the service record of the TreadClimbers has improved considerably. 

So will the Bowflex TreadClimber TC10 allow you to lose weight and improve your sex life?  I'm not sure about the second part, but there is no doubt that if you utilize the machine regularly you will burn calories, although you will also need to cut back on eating to get miraculous results.  There is always a catch, and to look like the buffed models who demonstrate the machines will require more than working out on your TreadClimber.  You'll also need strength trainer. Maybe you can get the BowFlex home gym — just kidding.

That said, I do feel the Bowflex TreadClimber will provide a more efficient workout in comparison to a treadmill, and it definitely will be less stressful on your joints. 

It is unfortunate that you cannot try out the Bowflex TreadClimber TC10 in person, because you may find the feel to your liking in comparison to the other equipment.  Because to buy the TC10 site unseen you are going to have to take a leap of faith that half of what the company claims are true.  I would say that probably half are. 

Also See:

BowFlex TreadClimber TC20 Review
BowFlex TreadClimber TC5 Review
Bowflex Series 7 Treadmill Review