Models:
Nautilus offers 5 different treadclimber models, ranging from the TC1000 ($1599) up to the monster TC6000 ($3399).
Main differences between the models include warranty length, console options and design, maximum walking speeds, heart rate monitors and unit weights (heavier unit weights mean more stable machines).
The most popular model is the TC 5000 ($2299) - probably because of the 'Best Buy' rating from Consumer Guide, longer warranty, advanced console and extra program options.
Treadclimber Reviews:
Nautilus Treadclimbers rate fairly well with experts and users. The lower end models (TC 1000 and TC 3000) rate around 3 out of 5 stars with users at Amazon and the higher end models (TC 5000) rate around 4.5 out of 5 stars with users at epinions.
The Treadclimber TC 5000 was also given a 'Best Buy' rating by a leading consumer ratings organization.
Strengths:
- 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 can lose weight faster and get a more effective workout in less time.
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 runners or joggers who are concerned about staying in shape without the stress on their joints.
- Better Results in Less Time
Who has time to spend slogging it out in a gym for hours, dieting like mad and straining to lose 1-2 pounds a week?
Some treadclimber users lose up to 5 pounds a week - which makes a huge difference in the way your body looks and feels.
Weaknesses:
Probably the number one complaint about these machines is that they take some time to assemble. So if you're not handy, grab a handy friend and bribe them with pizza and beer to help you set up the Treadclimber when it comes.
Bottom Line:
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.
A Treadclimber 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 (hence the term 'incline trainer') and burning more calories than you would, say, on a treadmill.
