Best for Home Use
Best for Serious Runners
Best for Walkers
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Bowflex TreadClimber “WalkTC” Reviews
Brian is a regular competitor and national qualifier in the National Physique Committee events of bodybuilding and classic physique. A veteran writer and editor of more than 24 years, he's published numerous articles on fitness, health, and exercise.
Read full bio >For over a decade Bowflex TreadClimbers by Nautilus have been the top treadmill alternatives for walkers (they even earned a spot this years best treadmill list). The Bowflex tagline “Just walk” is sincere: Just by walking on a BowFlex TreadClimber or WalkTC at your usual treadmill speed you will burn more than double the calories! Tech updates for this year make the TreadClimber collection more appealing than ever. The new TC100 and TC200 machines provide enhanced training with an interactive console, a Bluetooth connection to sync workout data with fitness apps, and an enhanced media shelf with a USB charger.
How does a TreadClimber work? Instead of having one wide track like a treadmill, it has two narrow tracks that move over treadles (long pedals). These treadles have a maximum incline of 40%. The adjustable incline allows you use the machine as a treadmill, an elliptical trainer, or a stair stepper.
The Choices: Nautilus currently sells the Bowflex TC100 and TC200. These TreadClimbers share essential functions but differ in terms of programming, top speed, and other features.
What We Like:
- Rapid Calorie Burn: The key to TreadClimber efficiency is the 40% incline. As showcased on the The Biggest Loser, incline exercise helps walkers get fast fitness results like runners while putting less stress on joints. You can walk at your usual speed while burning calories at up to 2.5 times your usual rate.
- Muscle Targeting: A wide incline range allows this trainer to function as three different types of fitness machines in one. You can adjust the incline to change your workout motion and focus on different muscle groups. TreadClimbers support everything from striding to stair-climbing.
- New Console: The newest Bowflex WalkTC console offers significant upgrades in coaching, motivational features, and fitness tracking. Five training programs are included on the TC200 (Just Walk, Calorie Goal, Time Goal, Distance Goal and Interval). A Bluetooth connection lets you sync each session’s results with fitness apps such as Google Fit and MyFitnessPal. A convenient media shelf with USB charging port is also included.
- Multiple Profiles: TreadClimbers are designed for shared use. The TC100 has two user profile, while the TC200 has four.
- Heart Rate Monitoring: The TC200 has a wireless heart rate monitor with chest strap and a grip pulse monitor. The TC100 has a grip pulse monitor only. On the TC200, pulse data is easy to process in a glance thanks to the Heart Rate Monitor Light Bar. The Light Bar helps you track your heart rate in four zones called Warm-Up, Fat Burn, Cardio and Performance.
- Powerful Motors: You can reach a top speed of 4.5 mph on the TC200. The TC100 reaches 4.0 mph.
- Comfort: Bowflex TreadClimbers support lower-impact exercise. Compared with treadmills they’re easier on the knees and other joints.
- Size: TreadClimbers demand less space than treadmills do, so they’re an attractive option for people with limited workout room.
- Warranty: Nautilus provides a three-year whole machine warranty for the TC200 and a two-year whole machine warranty for the TC100. The company also has a 100% satisfaction guarantee, allowing buyers to return a TreadClimber within six weeks for a full refund.
What We Don’t Like:
- Walk, Don’t Run: TreadClimbers are not designed for running. If running is important to you, then consider buying another brand of incline trainer or a traditional treadmill with an automated incline.
- Quick Start Only: While the TC200 has five preset workouts, the TC100 is only equipped with a Quick Start mode.
- Price: These three-in-one fitness machines cost more than traditional treadmills.
Our Verdict:
Bowflex is a reliable fitness brand that offers effective treadmill alternatives. The TreadClimbers are not only saviours for those with sore joints, but are also efficient tools for anyone’s weight loss and body sculpting. The new Bowflex TC100 and TC200 are updated with the Bluetooth connectivity and other tech features that many shoppers expect on a contemporary trainer. These machines are ideal for walkers seeking variety in their workout. Runners need not apply and should look elsewhere for the treadmill that best suits their needs.
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