The Bowflex TreadClimber provides you with the benefits of a treadmill, stair-stepper and elliptical machine in a single piece of equipment. Bowflex claims that studies conducted by the Human Performance Laboratory at New York's Adelphi University found that the TreadClimber burns twice as many calories as a treadmill at the same speed. To maximize your workout on the TreadClimber, it is necessary to understand the machine and have a clear workout plan.
Choose the Best TreadClimber
As of 2010, Bowflex offers four models of TreadClimber: TC1000, TC3000, TC5000 and TC5500. While each model provides the same style of exercise, the TC1000 has fewer luxury features and a shorter warranty than the TC5500. The TC1000 costs $1,298 as of September 2010 and provides you with 12 levels of resistance, a one-year warranty and an LCD panel that displays speed, time and distance. At the other end of the spectrum, the TC5500 costs $3,299 and has a slightly faster top speed, a five-year warranty, a wireless heart rate monitor, nine programmed workouts, a distance climbed indicator and 15 workout indicators displayed on the LCD panel.
Fitness equipment review websites such as Exercise Equipment Expert, Fitness Events and The Health Care Center recommend all models of the TreadClimber as good fitness investments, despite their high price tags.
Machine Inspection
Ensure that there is no damage to the treadle belts, hydraulics or electronic console before you begin a workout. Damage to any of these parts could cause the machine to malfunction while you are working out and result in serious injury. The power cord should run along the side of the machine and be clear of the dismount area of the TreadClimber. Be sure the safety key is inserted into the TreadClimber before you mount it for a workout, as this will prevent the machine from turning on accidentally before you are prepared.
Find Your Fitness Level
To maximize your calorie burning on a Bowflex TreadClimber, you must set the machine's resistance and speed settings to a level appropriate for your current fitness state. The TreadClimber user's manual outlines a series of three tests you can undertake to quickly determine your fitness level. These tests have you work out for 45 seconds on each of the treadmill, stair-stepper and TreadClimber modes. After the time is up, you are asked to evaluate how exerted you feel. It is important to honestly evaluate your exertion level, as this evaluation will give you a specially designed workout program and help you lose the most fat possible.
Healthy Diet
Bowflex recommends that you consume a healthy and balanced diet in combination with TreadClimber workouts. Consulting for Bowflex, Dr. Ellington Darden recommends a "carbohydrate-rich" diet in which 60 percent of your daily calories come from carbohydrates and the remaining 40 percent are split between proteins and fats. He also recommends drinking large amounts of water, as this will help your body metabolize fat quicker and keep you feeling full. It is recommended that you consult with your physician before undertaking any change in diet.
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