The Bowflex Tread climber is a hybrid treadmill / stair climber. It has two dual treadles (as opposed to one used in treadmills) that lift to meet each step as you walk. If you've seen the infomercials, you know how cool this looks.
The advantage is that you are walking on an incline and burning more calories than you would on a treadmill.
In fact you can burn twice the calories in a single workout as compared to walking on a treadmill. This means you get faster results in less time - without running.
Treadclimbers are also low impact which can be much easier on the knees and joints than a regular treadmill. So those with knee problems find it an easier way to exercise and lose weight.
Here's a brief Bowflex Treadclimber review of what you should know before you buy:
Models:
Bowflex currently makes 4 different Treadclimber models ranging from the TC 1000 ($1299) up to the monster TC 5500 ($3299).
Main differences between the models include top speeds, warranty length, console options and design, heart rate monitors and unit weights (heavier unit weights give you a more stable feeling machine).
The most popular model is the TC 5000 - probably because it earned a 'Best Buy' rating from Consumer Guide. It also has a longer warranty, advanced console, sturdier build higher speed limit and extra program options.
Strengths:
1) Burn More Calories in Less Time
You can burn up to twice as many calories in 30 minutes as a treadmill at the same speed.
After 22 different research trials, researchers found that:
- TreadClimber users burned 321 calories in 30 minutes at 3 mph.
- Treadmill users burned only 150 calories in 30 minutes at the same speed
This means you get faster results in less time. It also means you're pushing your body a little harder - which can help you avoid those weight loss plateaus.
2) Lower Impact Workout
Because the treadles rise to meet each step, walking on a Treadclimber causes less impact on the joints and ligaments than several other exercise machines - including running on a treadmill.
This gives you less chance of injury and makes the Treadclimber a great alternative for people who are concerned about staying in shape without the stress on their joints.
3) Faster Weight Loss Results
Some treadclimber users lose up to 5 pounds a week - which makes a huge difference in the way your body looks and feels. There's nothing like feeling looser pants to motivate you to keep going.
4) 12 Intensity Settings
Treadclimbers offer 12 different intensity settings. This means you can challenge yourself or choose to take it easy that day. It's also useful if there are multiple users since everyone can pick an intensity setting that they want depending on their fitness level.
Weaknesses:
The main weakness of the Treadclimber is that you cannot run on it - the belt is too short and the speed limit only goes up to 4.5 MPH. Also keep in mind that the lower end models are limited in terms of warranty, speed limit and console options.
Summary:
The real beauty of the Treadclimber is it's ability to get you excited about working out. Let's face it - it's a cool machine. Plus it gives you faster results than most other machines which will continue to motivate you to keep you using it.
Because incline walking also helps built muscle as well as burn calories, you're actually increasing lean muscle mass. This gives you a faster metabolism and you continue to burn calories post workout - even while you sleep. So for most people - a Treadclimber is well worth the money.
Where To Buy At A Discount:
Plus Bowflex has given our visitors an exclusive discount link: Get A Free Treadclimber Mat + Free Shipping on any Treadclimber machine - Save over $300!
