The Bowflex TreadClimber stands out from run-of-the-mill cardio equipment by combining the best features of treadmills and stair climbers in the same machine. The result is a hybrid that's advertised as similar to using an elliptical trainer, although users report that walking on a TreadClimber feels more like walking through wet sand than pedaling an elliptical trainer.
Description
All Bowflex TreadClimbers have an individual, narrow treadbelt for each of your feet. These belts, called treadles, are mounted on hydraulics that can shift the front end of each treadle up and down independently, as if they were stair-stepper pedals.
TreadClimbers also have an electronic control console, with short side handlebars that resemble what you'd find on a sturdy treadmill.
Stair Stepper Mode
One of the TreadClimber's drawbacks is that if you want to use it in stair stepper mode -- with the treadles free to move up and down, but without the belts moving on the treadles -- you must dismount and adjust the hydraulic resistance manually. All TreadClimber models have 12 levels of hydraulic resistance while in stair-stepper mode.
Treadmill Mode
You adjust a TreadClimber's speed with push-button console controls, much as you would with a regular treadmill. But, in order to use the Treadclimber as a treadmill, you must lock both treadles in place, so you cannot adjust the treadmill incline.
TreadClimber Mode
When you use the TreadClimber in its full TreadClimber mode, the treadbelts move, just as on a normal treadmill, but each treadle is also free to move up and down as in stairstepper mode. The end result is an effective, if unusual, lower-body workout that will take some getting used to. Because of this, always try the TreadClimber in a store before you buy, or at least buy with a return guarantee; you may need some time to decide whether this unusual machine is in fact the one for you.
Cost and Warranty
As of May 2011, TreadClimbers range from about $1,300 to $3,300, not including shipping and delivery fees. The TC1000 comes with a one-year warranty on parts, electronics, hydraulics and the motor. The TC5000 and TC5500 both have five-year motor warranties, two years of coverage for the hydraulics, and a three-year warranty on parts and electronics.
Dimensions and Capacity
Each of the TreadClimber models will fit within a 47-inch-by-30-inch footprint. The tallest model has a maximum height of 55.25 inches, and all three models have a maximum user weight limit of 300 lbs. (See specs for each individual machine, links from Ref 1)
Member Comments