The Bowflex TreadClimber TC200 is a high-tech, feature-filled work out machine that is great at helping with fitness and conditioning. It has advanced connectivity options such as an integrated Bluetooth connection, which allows users to synchronize their workout routine with MyFitness Pal, Apple Health, UA Record, and Google Fit.
- Combines the motions of a treadmill, a stepper, and an elliptical for an easy, low-impact workout with…
- Free Bowflex TreadClimber App sets, monitors and tracks personal fitness goals
- Integrated Bluetooth connectivity automatically shares your data with MyFitnessPal, Apple Health and…
- Burn up to two and half times the calories of a treadmill at the same speed*
We liked the overall construction quality of this device, and we were pleased with the mechanical motion of the climbing footpads. The device has been made from aluminum, plastic, and steel. The general feel of the device is that of high quality, well-constructed piece of equipment.
For those that are not familiar with a climber style device, be sure to read below for our full review.
Main Features of The Bowflex TreadClimber TC200
Design & Construction
We enjoyed the easy operation of the independent treadmill foot pads, that act as individual running surfaces. These treadmill platforms are attached to pneumatic lifts, that is activated by the user’s weight with each step they take.
This product has some pleasing aesthetics when looking at the different color tones that the aluminum and steel frame offset against one another. The independent treadmill sections also look good and unique when compared to a standard treadmill.
The overall build quality is evidenced by the overall weight of the product, which comes in at around 137 pounds when shipped. This makes the unit reassuringly stable.
There are adjustable grips on the underside of the unit that allows users to balance it better if the floor is not 100% level. The rubberized material also allows for a more stable grip.
High-Intensity Exercise
Treadmills are traditionally more commonplace than this model of a climber, but there are specific pros and cons to incline training. The control panel is intuitive and easy to use, with different workout goal settings, such as calories burned, distance walked, as well as set intervals for conditioning training.
There are 5 workout modes, as well as a heart rate monitor so that you can monitor your overall levels of fitness. This is accomplished via heart rate grips and a chest strap. Incline running is generally more intensive when training, however, the design of the Bowflex TreadClimber TC200 adds even more levels of intensity, much like running on an unstable surface like beach sand. This gives users a far greater workout than a traditional incline unit.
There are two handles that house the heart rate sensors, and there is also space for a water bottle so that users can stay close to their preferred exercise beverage, and space for a phone or music player, as well as USB charging
There is also a 4 user memory feature, which means that the whole family can use the machine and save their profiles to suit their specific exercise profiles.
Workout Feedback
Most people that use the Bowflex TC200 TreadClimber feel that they get a far more intense workout than with traditional exercise equipment, and as such, highly recommend this product. This is mainly due to the independent tread areas that operate at different speeds and angles.
The connectivity options, combined with the supported app integration make this one of the best pieces of high tech gadgetry that is available in this form factor. Being able to directly import your calories burned and distance traveled onto your phone via Bluetooth is an option that we wish we would see more often on exercise equipment, as it takes a lot of manual administrative work out of exercise tracking.
This is a far different exercising experience compared to a treadmill, so it may take a few sessions for users to fully adjust to the nature of the motion that needs to be adapted to when exercising on this unit. But once you have the hang of it, it can give amazing results in a reduced time when compared to conventional exercise equipment.
Safety
The stop and start buttons are clearly defined with bright red and green colors, and the base is extremely stable, meaning that the unit should not slip or slide as it is being used. The frame is exceptionally solid, and that means that users can safely lean on it when exercising without fear of it collapsing under their weight, provided they do not exceed the 300-pound weight limit.
The pneumatic arms that hold the individual tracks up in the air work very well, and dampen any impact when the user walks or runs on them.
How to Assemble The Bowflex TreadClimber TC200
Who is the Bowflex TC200 TreadClimber For?
The Bowflex TC200 TreadClimber is designed for people that either already has a treadmill, elliptical exercise machine, or stationary bike, but feel the need to train in a more intensive and challenging way. This unit is a great way to elevate your stamina and uphill conditioning, due to the orientation of the tread areas.
This makes it very easy to maintain fitness levels when users are confined indoors, either through bad weather or poor light conditions outside.
This device is also in tune with tech-savvy fitness enthusiasts that measure their current fitness levels through apps on their phones, which gives a full history of calories burned while operating the machine.
Downsides
As with all stationary units that have motorized operation and solid frames, weight is a consideration that you will need to take into account when deciding on whether this device is the right fit for you or not. While there are certainly heavier devices on the market, users should bear in mind that the Bowflex TC200 TreadClimber is quite large, and will need to be moved out of the way if not used in a dedicated workout space.
For the pricing of this unit, we might have liked to see other features such as speakers and a cooling fan, but when one considers the advanced individual treadmill tracks that run individually for each foot, it is a minor complaint that won’t necessarily ring true to everyone.
Conclusion
The Bowflex TC200 TreadClimber is a good alternative to treadmills and exercise bikes, especially if you are after a high-intensity workout that will get you into the fitness zone far more quickly than conventional exercise equipment.
The quality of materials and design of this treadmill makes it one of the better exercise devices to come onto the fitness scene in quite some time, and it looks aesthetically pleasing to the eye.
This is quite a unique item, and while it might only be aimed at a slightly more specialized market, it certainly has some benefits and technologies that could be quite useful to some people. If this doesn’t look like the kind of unit that you are after, then consider taking a look at our top list of vertical climbers which can be found here.
We hope that you have found this article enlightening and that any of the questions that you might have had about the Bowflex TC200 TreadClimber have been answered!
Our Rating:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Rating: 8 out of 10.
Changelog:
10/07/2020 – Information improved, layout improved, errors removed and table of contents added.