Bowflex TC5000 TreadClimber
At the beginning of this week, I want to cover a hybrid fitness machine – the treadclimber. Though I have covered the treadclimber machine in one of my posts earlier, I would like to review the Bowflex TC5000 this turn.
Before I begin, I want to run a recap of how a treadclimber works. A Treadclimber is 3 machines rolled into one – the treadmill, a stairclimber /stepper and an elliptical. The Bowflex TC5000 TreadClimber has 2 treads (one tread is similar to the tread of a treadmill), each one capable of rising one at a time. On the outer side of the treads are sideboards that allow you to switch from one mode to the other without having to get off the machine. So effectively, you have a stairclimber. You can even fix an elevation and use it as a treadmill. Here are the specifications on the Bowflex TC5000 Treadclimber.
Motor : Powerful commercial grade
Speed Range : 0.7 mph – 4 mph
Resistance Levels : 0 – 12
Treadmill Dimensions : 46” (L) x 30” (W) x 55.25” (H)
Max. User Load : 300 lbs
Heart Rate Monitor : Wireless chest strap monitor
Display : 3 large LCD windows -Speed, distance, total steps ,time, climb indicator, calories per minute (depending on weight and resistance inputs) and total calories and heart rate
Bowflex TC5000 TreadClimber console
The Bowflex TC5000 TreadClimber comes with a 5-year cover on motor, 3 years on electronic and other parts, and 2 years on hydraulic systems.
Personally, I am not a fan of treadclimbers for 2 simple reasons:
1. Treadclimbers come with many small parts and devices that allow complex movements of a 3-in-1 equipment and thus they run a higher risk at break-downs. This combined with the fact that their warranty is hardly sufficient, makes them unattractive to me.
2. The other thing is posture. If I want to run, I will like to use a treadmill or run outdoors. The body has a higher chance to be in it’s natural jogging/running posture. Treadclimbers need some getting used to – at least initially and if you are not careful, you could be doing posture-related damage to yourself.
Bowflex TC5000 TreadClimber
Having said that, the Bowflex TC5000 TreadClimber gives a very hard workout. This machine is not meant for beginners. It takes you to the next level of workouts. It is quite the ultimate calorie-burner and I found it hard to work it beyond resistance level 2 for more than 30 minutes at a time. I also realised that you cannot use the Bowflex TC5000 TreadClimber at speeds of treadmill and makes a good low-impact equipment.
MY RATING FOR THE BOWFLEX TC5000 TREADCLIMBER = 3.75 ON 5
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