Bowflex BXT6 Treadmill Review

Last Updated Nov 1, 2022

This Treadmill Could Be For You If:

You’re looking for a used model with good specs.
You want a well-built, low-cost treadmill and don’t mind a few less features.
You do want lots of extra workout assistance by way of JRNY, Bowflex’s online workout app with 120+ voice-coached custom workouts.
You want a solid treadmill that can accommodate running, interval training and walking up to speeds of 12 mph.
You want a treadmill with an integrated speaker sound system and built-in media rack.
You want a treadmill with heart rate monitoring and performance tracking ability.

Although discontinued now, the Bowflex BXT6 Treadmill is built right and can afford users a solid year-round cardio experience complete with great technology. Bluetooth® 4.0 compatible, with a 7.5-inch blue backlit LCD screen, the unit has the basics you need to succeed regardless your goal. Still available at some online venues and as a used model, it’s worth a look if found.

What matters to most users is the soft-sounding 3.0 CHP motor with a speed range of 0-12 mph, an incline range of 1-15%, and 60- x 20-inch deck. Contact and telemetry-enabled, the unit offers heart rate monitoring and performance tracking up to two users. JRNY, the Bowflex-designed workout app which is available on both tablet and smartphone, helps users assess their fitness levels, personalize workouts, and provide guided coaching, as well as 120 voice-coached custom workouts.

Users get a 20- x 60-inch running path facilitated by a Comfort Tech Deck Cushioning system and built-in fan, as well as built-in transportation wheels and a folding SoftDrop stowable design for easy storage.

What We Like:

Motor: Customer reviews agree that the 3.0 CHP motor runs quietly and makes for a household-friendly machine, all the while allowing you speeds up to 12 mph, for good running, jogging, or walking.
Touch Screen Control Panel: Like almost every piece of cardio equipment out on the market today, the Bowflex BXT6 Treadmill comes equipped with a 7.5-inch blue backlit LCD screen for interactive training, as well as trackable workouts. Users get a HD look at roads and streets around the world while preparing for outdoor races, or perhaps just toning themselves for general health and wellness.
The JRNY Workout App: With more than 120 voice-coached custom workouts, the JRNY program allows users to track their performance and personalize their workout while tracking their performance. Accessed by way of smartphone or tablet, JRNY is not operated through the unit’s LCD screen, which means it can go wherever the user does and take their data along for the stroll. With workouts designed to fit any kind of fitness regimen, goals, or body style, users have an opportunity to diversify their program as much as they’d like. The machine offers performance tracking for up to two users and this can all be logged into the app connected to the touch screen panel. The JRNY program is an update of the former Max Intelligence placed on the Max Trainer M6, M8, and Max Total models. The JRNY program offers fitness assessments as well as real-time workout statistics, providing tailored workouts to the user. Real-world maps and music are also included in the package which is designed to assist in alleviating boredom and heightening the experience.
Audio Systems: The Bowflex BXT6 Treadmill offers an integrated speaker sound system so users can run or walk to either music, or their personalized workout instructions and coaching. Whether hooking into their phone or tablet, the runner can have their personalized playlist on blast while moving along. The system also works in conjunct with the JRNY app to allow for voiced workout instruction.
Space Efficient Design: The machine’s dimensions make it home-friendly at 78.2- x 35.6- x 55.1-inches, yielding a 20- x 60-inch running path, all with a folding Soft-Drop stowable design for storage. Great for homes and offices, the treadmill doesn’t require its own room in the building, but rather can fit in a corner.
Weight Capacity: Well-built and sturdy, the unit allows up to 300 pounds of user weight, which comes in handy for users looking to increase resistance by way of weight vests or ankle weights.
Trend Belt: Set at the industry standard of 60- x 20-inches, the Bowflex BXT6 Treadmill offers sufficient space to move, whether striding out for a run, or walking at a brisk pace. The belt width helps minimize sound for household comfort.
Good Incline Ability: To increase workout intensity, the unit offers a 15% incline for users to adjust both speed and resistance. Increased incline not only heightens the metabolic rate, but the caloric burn as well, making for a more complete set of exercise options.
Comfortable Walking: With the Comfort Tech Deck Cushioning system, users get the benefits of high-quality shock absorption to reduce the impact and shake of feet pounding out the run. This affords users some measure of resistance options if they’re interested in using a weighted vest or perhaps ankle weights.
Heart Rate Monitoring: Bluetooth® 4.0 compatible, the Bowflex BXT6 Treadmill is contact and telemetry-enabled for heart rate monitoring, straps are sold separately. Users can monitor their cardio performance while adjusting the incline and speed settings to maximize the exercise experience. This is ideal for users with health concerns or weight-loss goals as they can actively monitor their cardio zone, track results, and measure improvement even daily.
Cool Running: Manufactured with a built-in fan, users can turn up the cool when operating.
Good Warranty: The Bowflex BXT6 Treadmill comes with a 10-year frame warranty, as well as a three-year plan for parts and electronics, and one-year for labor.

Bowflex BXT6 Treadmill Treadmill - Key Specs:

Star Rating:	-stars
Motor:	3.0 HP
Incline:	1-15%
Running Area:	2.0mm, 2-ply
Folding:	Yes
Top Speed:	n/a
Weight Capacity:	300 LBS
Dimensions:	n/a
Built-In Programs:	120

What We Didn’t Like:

Discontinued Model: If bought as a used model, be sure to check the warranty status and the machine itself for signs of wear.
Assembly: Customer reviews note that the unit is very tough to assemble by oneself. Store personnel do apparently offer installation for a separate fee, or some other assistance might be required. If purchasing online, one might want to arrange for support with the numerous large parts.
No Frills: Customer reviews note that many of the digital options are a bit strange, such as the running speeds increasing in increments of 3 instead of 1. Other reviewers note that the fan is not adjustable, nor does the lighted tablet dim. Start up is reported to be a bit labored, with a four-step process.
No Decline Option: Other models do have, in addition to this unit’s 15% incline, a decline option which affords a downhill slope.
Smaller Tablet: Most competing units offer a 10-inch screen, whereas the Bowflex BXT6 features a 7.5-inch. The smaller screen affords a little less visibility and user-friendliness when working the interface.

Our Verdict:

The Bowflex BXT6 Treadmill brings a solid unit to the table. Although discontinued now, the machine has been well received. Like other members of the Bowflex family, the BXT6 brings JRNY to the scene as a high-tech workout partner. Customer reviews are relatively positive in terms of the treadmill’s general performance, with a common notation that it’s a simple issue here and there that remind them it’s a lower-cost model. That said, Bowflex’s reputation for customer service is well-deserved and customers report having no problem at all with tech support if questions arise. This cardio trainer is priced for budget-conscious home fitness fans not particularly hung up on all the bells and whistles. Its definitely machine enough to handle the exercise needs of athletes big and small. We consider it a great buy for the right user who wants a solid workout and doesn’t care about the extras.

Recent Updates

July 13, 2021: Added some FAQs to the page.
November 1, 2022: Updated the status as a discontinued model.

The Bowflex BXT6 Treadmill

Does the Bowflex BXT6 Treadmill come with a warranty plan?

Yes, both the frame and motor are covered by 10-year warranties, and the parts and electronics are covered for three years, with labor covered for one. Both Bowflex and Dick's Sporting Goods offer customer service and tech support for these products.

Does JRNY require any additional devices?

The JRNY membership affords up to two user profiles and can be accessed by way of smartphone or tablet. Through mid-2021 the membership is only available on iOS, Android. As the program does not operate through the treadmill's LED screen, you will need an ancillary device. The good new is you can take that anywhere, whether for work or on vacation.

Can I jog with a weighted vest on this treadmill?

The Bowflex BXT6 Treadmill has a maximum user weight of 300 pounds. So long as the user's own body weight plus the additional vest do not exceed that, you should be fine.

Is assembly required?

Yes, the unit does require assembly. Customer reviews have noted that either having someone from the store come on-site, or having some other people come to help is a good idea.