So I walked into my gym yesterday focused on the leg day I was about to do. Changed into my clothes, drank my pre workout was about to head downstairs to do some warm up sets when I noticed a new piece of equipment by cardio area, the Bowflex Treadclimber.
I typically do a cardio warm-up or cool down but I had never seen this machine in person so I had to go check it out.
What is this weird thing?
At first glance, the Bowflex treadclimber does look strange. The reason being is because it is an attempt to combine a treadmill, an elliptical, and a stepping machine into 1 unit. I say attempt, but all in all, I think they were successful but more on that later.
I have heard claims that by combining these three pieces of equipment into one, it allows you to activate more muscles to burn fat and lose more weight at a faster rate.
How Does It Give You A Great Workout?
So this machine has a double tread system so that it will move both upward and downward as you are moving on it. This is not like a typical treadmill where it will move automatically but instead will move according to your own pace. It is similar to moving forward on a treadmill but feels more like an elliptical while also stepping up. This allows you to move at a much slower pace than running on a treadmill but gives you a much better workout (at a slower speed!).
Since that description may or may not have made any sense to you, here is a promo video so you can see it in action.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kqnVszE8QEE
The video says all you have to do is walk to get a great workout. This sounds great and I will get into what I thought at the end.
Who Should Use One?
Like most machines like this, they are made for a single purpose, to be low impact. Low impact exercises are excellent for people that are trying to get back in shape, have had previous injuries or are overweight. Each of the models that are available have been rated up to 300 pounds so keep that in mind. If you are above 300 pounds, I would suggest not using equipment at all but simply going out and walking while watching your diet more closely.
Then again, if you are over 300 pounds, remember that is just a starting point in your journey and consult a doctor to move forward.
Advantages
- Amazing Cardio. Simply put, this will help amp up your cardio endurance as well as help drop some weight. Your energy level will be increased if you continue using this machine and adding cardio into your workout is never a bad decision.
- Stress is low. This machine is extremely low impact so if you have had an injury in the past or you have joint problems, this is the perfect replacement of a treadmill or going outside for a run. Getting back into shape with the treadclimber is actually pretty fun.
- Ease of Use. Simple get on, and start walking forward. The simple to use controls are not challenging which allows you to just get on and GO!
- This unit is small enough to fit almost anywhere in the house but also pack a punch.
Disadvantages
- Running, a disadvantage? Well, not really. If you are used to running outside or even on a treadmill, it may be a strange feeling to switch over to this machine that is meant to walk on.
- The price of this unit is a bit on the high side, but I think if you are the target market (getting back into shape, not a runner, overweight, joint issues, ect) then this is perfect for you. Make sure to look up some videos besides the one I put into this article to see if the tread climber is the right fit for you.
User Reviews And My Thoughts
Before I get to what I personally thought after taking it for a test drive at my local gym, here is what some people have said after they purchased and used the product.
Great for getting back into shape and a perfect low impact machine…
Let us not forget about losing weight!
So what did I actually think? I tried to get on the Bowflex Treadclimber with an open mind. It looked strange and when I got on it and started going, it felt really weird. I am normally running outside or on a treadmill so to switch to the climber felt really strange on my knees.
I stuck with it at about a 4 mph pace and at the end when I got off, I was definitely feeling it more than I would if I had used any of the separate machines. If I had stayed on it for my entire workout instead of going to lift, I am sure it would have been an excellent cardio session.
After reading user reviews on the internet and my own experience of the Bowflex Treadclimber, I can definitely say that it does work to get your heart rate pumping. I really like that it is low impact so almost everyone can use it. My only complaint would be that it feels unnatural at first and I personally though the planes where your feet go were a bit short. Overall, a good product though.
I Want To Buy It, Where Should I Look?
Since the machine is pretty expensive to begin with, if you are ready to purchase it, I would suggest that you get it from Amazon. There are two reasons for this. First is that Amazon is a giant retailer online and will more often than not give you the best price (as well as free shipping!). The second reason is that if you do not like this product, Amazon has excellent customer service and are very easy to contact and talk to.=, not to mention you can read more reviews there if you are still on the edge of purchasing.
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