When I first encountered the BowFlex TreadClimber I was excited. Finally, a new and innovative design for burning calories and getting in shape. A further look at the construction of the machine gave me second thoughts. Although the concept is intriguing, the actual engineering concerned me. This is a very complex piece of machinery, that has the potential for service problems.
In the past I received several negative reviews from customers reagarding the quality. I also was told by two different sources that sold the TreadClimber that there were constant service issues. However, in the last couple of years it appears that Nautilus has solved these problems. And that the quality of the construction has improved. Although I still have issues with the value of the higher end models.
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The BowFlex TreadClimber is built by Nautilus and was originally sold under the corporate name, but they recently renamed under their BowFlex brand. Nautilus sells the popular Bowflex strength machines, and unless you never watch TV, you have seen their commercials over and over and over again.
Since the patent ran out on the home gym, and competitors are knocking off similar machines, Nautilus is making a major push into cardio equipment with the TreadClimber.
The TreadClimber a hybrid fitness machine.
It combines the features of a treadmill, elliptical trainer and stair climber. Unlike a treadmill and stair climber, it provides a relatively low-impact workout.
Like the BlowFlex home gym, Nautilus hypes the TreadClimber with exaggerated claims. Their marketing claims you can burn the same calories from a treadmill workout in half the time. Here is a quote from a study that I am sure they paid to have conducted:
Studies were conducted at the prestigious Human Performance Laboratory at New York's Adelphi University. The results showed that the TreadClimber burned up to 2 times more calories in 30 minutes, in comparison to a treadmill at the same speed!
I must admit the most intense workout I get from any exercise equipment is when I walk on a treadmill at an extreme incline. The sweat pours out of me, and that is the concept behind the Treadmill Climber.
It is designed with "Dual-Treadles." They're engineered to work more of your large muscle groups, and at the same time burn more calories. Nautilus claims the TreadClimber will:
Bring up your heart rate quickly - and keep it there!
Burn more calories - and lose weight - fast!
Work more core muscle groups at the same time!
Minimize joint impact!
And do all of this without running or jogging!
Why You Get a Low Impact Workout
According to Dr. Gloria Beim, a Board-Certified Orthopedic Surgeon, the TreadClimber® machine provides little to no impact on knee and ankle joints because of the fluid motion of the "Dual-Treadles." She states:
"The best machine I've found so far to do low-impact exercise without stressing your joints is the TreadClimber."
"With the TreadClimber machine, the axial compression to your joints is very low. It's more of a gliding, smooth motion to your joints, and you don't feel the impact that you would on a treadmill."
When you run on a treadmill you can impact up to 2.5 times your body weight. Consider the beating when you run on concrete or asphalt. Moreover, a stair climber is brutal on your knees.
Unlike elliptical trainers, that forces you to walk in a pre-set pattern, the TreadClimber "Dual-Treadles" adapt to your natural walking style. Your knees and feet have a greater range of motion to make walking easier. Which brings up a point. This is a walking machine and is not designed for running, it gives you a workout that is more like walking up hills or mountains.
The warranties vary from 1 year to 5 years.
Our Review
As stated above, my main concern is the complexity of the moving parts and the potential for mechanical problems. This was compounded by comments from a couple of salespeople that sold these machines. However, over the last couple of years I have not gotten any complaints about the quality, which suggests they may have worked out the engineering problems.
Further reviewing comments from customers, I am of the opinion that except for the TreadClimber TC1000, the other models are overpriced. (Hey, you have to pay for all those infomercials somehow.) You are better off buying a treadmill with a good service reputation, and just crank up the incline. You'll get a similar workout.
From : treadmill-ratings-reviews.com
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