The Bowflex TreadClimber TC100 is an innovative new piece of exercise equipment. It combines elements from steppers, ellipticals, and treadmills to create a high-calorie-burn exercise at a walking pace. For individuals who are not interested in running, but who are looking for the muscle tone and the aerobic fitness that comes from using a treadmill, the Bowflex TreadClimber TC100 is an ideal option.
One of the most efficient pieces of home exercise equipment available on the market today is the standard stepper. A stepper is a machine that recreates the action of climbing stairs which is both a toning and aerobic exercise. However, standard steppers can be too high-intensity for some users.
The Bowflex TreadClimber TC100 features two parallel treadmill tracks that lift as the user exercises at a walking pace. The machine is easy on the joints and allows for an efficient workout. For this article, we subjected the Bowflex TreadClimber TC100 to a barrage of tests to see how it performs compared to other high-quality steppers.
What Is a Bowflex TreadClimber TC100?
Bowflex has long been a leading manufacturer of home exercise equipment, and the Bowflex TreadClimber TC100 is consistent with that tradition. The Treadclimber is a compact machine ideal for small living spaces. It features two parallel treadmill tracks that alternately rise as the user walks. The machine also features a large, easy-to-use interface and display that allows the user to track his or her progress.
Product Specs
The Bowflex TreadClimber TC100 is a big machine in a small package. It measures 57″ long by 31.5″ wide, and stands at 59 inches high. The minimum ceiling height requirement is the height of the user plus 14.5 inches, with an inch or two extra added on for comfort. The unit comes with integrated transport wheels which make it easy to move after assembly. Assembled, the product weighs 158 pounds. The maximum weight capacity is 300 pounds. The back-lit display features four functions: speed, distance, time and calories. The unit features integrated contact strips to monitor heart rate.
Pricing
The Bowflex TreadClimber TC100 is available for around $$. It is available on Amazon, direct through the Bowflex web page, or at select local retailers that carry sports and fitness equipment.
How It Compares
For this review, we compared the Bowflex TreadClimber TC100 to some other similar machines available on the market using parameters including price, ease of use, assembly time, design quality, and warranty.
- Bowflex TC200 TreadClimber
- Bowflex TC5000 Treadclimber
- Bowflex TreadClimber TC10
Bowflex TreadClimber TC100
• Combines the motions of a treadmill, a stepper, and an elliptical for an easy, low-impact workout with high-impact results – and all you do is walk
• Just walk and Burn up to two and half times the calories of a treadmill at the same speed*
• 4 Electronic Functions: Speed, Distance, Time and Calories
Price
$$
Ease of Use
The ease of the Bowflex TreadClimber TC100 is what makes it stand apart from other steppers or ellipticals. This machine offers a great alternative for users who want to get a workout but who do not wish to run. The dual treadmills only go as fast as a brisk walking pace, and the overall action of the machine makes it very low-impact on joints. This machine provides a maximum workout at what feels like a minimum effort.
Assembly Time
We assembled the product in under an hour. The tread deck came pre-assembled, and we only had to join the upright handrails and connect the monitor. The unit comes with the tools you need to assemble it, and the manual is easy to follow. We recommend assembling the unit in a large space because you need access to all sides of the unit while attaching its components.
Design Quality
The concept of a walking stepper that allows for a high-calorie-burn workout at a walking pace is a great idea. This machine allows for fantastic results even though it doesn’t feel like it overtaxes the user. The walking pace eliminates the heel strikes you get from running on a treadmill, and the result is a low-impact, relaxing workout.
Warranty
Bowflex always covers their equipment with a good warranty, and the TreadClimber TC100 is no exception. The unit comes with a 3-year guarantee that covers the entire machine.
Pros
- Small footprint
- Durable construction
- An easy workout that produces great results
Cons
- Significant investment
- Low speeds
Where To Buy
The Bowflex TreadClimber TC100 is available here.
Bowflex TC200 TreadClimber
[amazon box=”B01884ENKM”]
The Bowflex TC200 TreadClimber is the next step up in the Bowflex line of TreadClimbers. The TC200 has a similar footprint to the TC100 at 55″ long by 31.5 inches wide. However, at 62.5 inches tall, it stands higher than the TC100. The result of the higher height is that users will need a higher ceiling for comfortable use. The minimum ceiling height should be no less than 17″ plus the height of the user. Again, the manufacturer recommends a few additional inches of ceiling space for comfort.
The TC200 also comes with integrated transport wheels so it is easy to move after assembly. The assembled machine weighs 202 pounds, and the maximum capacity is 300 pounds. The display is more advanced than the TC100 offering five different workout programs. The unit features integrated contact strips to monitor heart rate and a chest strap.
Price
$$$
Ease of Use
The basic action of this unit is the same as the TC100. Although this is the next tier model, we did not notice an improvement in the actual walking mechanism. The display is highly technical, but the programs took a little time to get used to.
Assembly Time
The unit comes with all the required tools for assembly. The tread deck came pre-assembled, and the user must install the handrails and the display. The display on this unit is more complicated than the TC100, and total assembly time was over an hour. The manual is easy to follow.
Design Quality
The action on this machine is high-quality, and the whole machine is durable and fun to use.
Warranty
The unit comes with a three-year warranty that covers the entire machine.
Pros
- Easy-to-read interface
- Additional workout programs
- Good stepper/treadmill combination action
Cons
- Expensive
- Requires more ceiling height
Where To Buy
The Bowflex TC200 TreadClimber is available from Amazon here.
Bowflex TC5000 TreadClimber
[amazon box=”B000BH7C9Y”]
The Bowflex TC5000 TreadClimber is a slightly smaller machine than the other units offered by Bowflex. It measures 46″ long by 30″ wide and has a height of 55.25″. The minimum ceiling height is the user height plus 14.5″. It comes with many electronic functions including speed, distance, total steps, time, calories per minute, total calories, climb indicator and heart rate. The unit also includes a wireless chest strap monitor. The assembled weight is 185 pounds, and the maximum user weight is 300 pounds.
Price
$$
Ease of Use
This is an earlier model Bowflex TreadClimber, and the action is not as smooth as what is available on the newer models. You still walk on tracks that alternate incline, but the tread on the new machines feel softer and easier to work out on.
Assembly Time
The tread deck comes preassembled, and the user must put on the rails and plug in the display interface. This machine took us almost two hours to assemble. It did not go together as easily as the other machines we tested.
Design Quality
The basic concept is the same as the other machines we tested, but compared to the TC100 and the TC200, the TC5000 felt wobbly. This could be due to the narrower footprint.
Warranty
The warranty for this unit divides the machine into components. The motor has a 5-year guarantee. The parts and electrics have a 3-year guarantee. The hydraulics have a 2-year guarantee.
Pros
- Smaller footprint, ideal for a cramped living area
- Good action
Cons
- The machine did not feel as stable as the other units we tested
- This machine is subject to a limited availability
Where To Buy
The Bowflex TC5000 TreadClimber is available on Amazon here.
Bowflex TreadClimber TC10
[amazon box=”B006FL9GNU”]
The Bowflex TreadClimber TC10 is another of the earlier TreadClimbers available from Bowflex. This machine has a smaller footprint than the TC100 and TC200 with a width of 30.3″ and a length of 50.6″. It stands at 52.3″ high and requires a minimum ceiling height of the user height plus 14″, with a couple of extra inches for comfort. The machine weighs 185 pounds and has a maximum weight capacity of 185 pounds. The display is simple, large and easy-to-read. The display tracks speed, time, distance, and calories
Price
$$
[amazon fields=”B006FL9GNU” value=”button” link_overwrite=” button_text=”Check Latest Price”]
Ease of Use
Like the TC5000, this machine did not have the smooth action of the TC100 or TC200. The belts occasionally slipped, and we felt that this unit was less stable than the other units we tested.
Assembly Time
The unit goes together in about an hour. The tread deck comes pre-assembled, and the user must install the handrails. The unit includes all tools necessary for assembly. The manual is easy to follow.
Design Quality
The TreadClimber TC10 does not have the polished design of the TC100 or TC200. This is a good machine, but it feels less stable and a little wobbly.
Warranty
The unit has a 2-year guarantee.
Pros
- Economically priced
- Compact unit
Cons
- Not as stable as other units tested
- Limited availability
Where To Buy
The Bowflex TreadClimber TC10 is available on Amazon here.
Conclusion
The Bowflex line of TreadClimbers represents a unique option for a low impact, high-calorie-burn machine. The design takes the best elements from steppers, ellipticals, and treadmills and combines them into an efficient, low impact workout. The TreadClimber workout is very effective, but it does not feel nearly as difficult as an equivalent workout on a stepper, elliptical, or treadmill. We also appreciated how easy the TreadClimber was on the joints as it eliminates the jarring impact of heel strikes.
Of the machines we tested, the Bowflex TreadClimber TC100 represented the best intersection of value, features, and quality. At $$, this was less expensive than everything we tested except the TC10. However, the superior stability and overall action made the TC100 our clear preference. The interface is easy to read and operate, and we found the Bowflex TreadClimber TC100 provided a fun and efficient workout.
The Bowflex TreadClimber TC200 was also a very nice machine, but the $$$ price tag gave us pause. The additional programming capacities on the TC200 give the user more exercise options, but they also add complexity to the unit. The TC200 also stands higher than the TC100 and requires a higher minimum ceiling height. Users subject to vertigo might not appreciate the additional 3 inches the TC200 lifts them off the ground. We didn’t feel that the additional features of the TC200 warranted the steep increase in cost.
The Bowflex TC5000 TreadClimber and the Bowflex TreadClimber TC10 represent earlier efforts from Bowflex. Both machines are subject to limited availability at a price similar to the TC100. We felt that the TC5000 and TC10 felt less stable than the TC100 and that the action of these machines was not as smooth. Bowflex has refined its TreadClimber over time, and the TC100 is a better machine.
Final Verdict: 5/5 Stars
The concept of achieving an efficient, high-intensity workout at a walking pace is very attractive. With the demands of work and family, most individuals do not have a huge amount of free time to dedicate to their fitness.
The Bowflex TreadClimber TC100 allows users to get a great workout in the comfort of their own home in just a few minutes a day, all at a walking pace. This machine is great for toning your muscles and increasing your aerobic capacity, all while being easy on your joints. With a small footprint and an economical price, the Bowflex Treadclimber TC100 earns our highest recommendation as a quality piece of home exercise equipment. We give the Bowflex TreadClimber TC100 a 5-star rating.