Treadclimber

Pros: Great console, lots of features and functions, great workout.
Cons: Expensive, can't change the resistance while on the machine.

The Bowflex TreadClimbers have so much potential. The TC 5000 provides a great workout and looks nice as well. However, looks can be deceiving. I have reviewed both the TC1000 and TC3000 models. Bowflex makes three models of TreadClimbers. I am now ...

Pros: Compact size. Great workout each time.
Cons: Questionable durability. Customer service needs to improve.

My husband and I bought the Bowflex Treadclimber TC 5000 in February 2006. We love this machine for some reasons, and don't like it for other reasons. I'll explain below. ASSEMBLY: We assembled this machine ourselves. The assembly instructions ...

Pros: Compact footprint, effective workout, low impact
Cons: Noisy, expensive, no workout programs, can't adjust resistance during workouts

I've had the TC5000 for over a year and half. It does give an intense workout. I burn an average of 550-600 calories in a 30 minute workout. The treadal/elliptical motion is very low impact. I had to keep the machine set on the highest resistance ...

Pros: Good workout slow or fast, simple and accurate stats.
Cons: Not very sturdy, no pausing, looses stats after 1 hr.

The TreadClimber gives me a good workout when going either slow or fast. Going fast is an obvious way to get the heart rate up, but going slow will cause the treads to go higher with every step. The display is decent and the included heart rate monitor synchs with the machine, thereby providing a more accurate readout.

However, the machine does not feel very sturdy. Too much movement during each step. The biggest complaint with this machine is that you can't pause it. Pausing it will reset all the workout tracking.

Also, the machine will loose all stats after 1 hour. Working out longer than this will cause all stats to reset and the machine begins tracking from the beginning. This is very annoying and makes it hard to accurately track your workout.

Pros: easy to use
Cons: none--so far

I just received this item from UPS yesterday (1 ½ weeks early!). The company is financing the purchase at 0% and no payments for 1 whole year. Although the phone representative said it would take two people to put it together, I did it by myself in about 2 ½ hours. I had to call the customer service representative twice and got right through both times and the person on the other end was able to give be the right answer very quickly.

After it was all set up, I tried it. I set it to 2 miles per hour and the incline of level 12. I am 270 pounds, and I was able to get my heart rate up and work out for over 10 minutes the first time out and I feel really good. This is something I can do every day. I can feel that it is effective and it is easier to do than an elliptical—which is what I used to swear by at the gym.

Pros: Losing weight, feeling great
Cons: A little bit difficult to retain balance.

I have had my TC 5000 for about a year now. It was very tough on me at first, on level one at 2.5 MPH my heart rate (HR) would go all the way past my training range within minutes. Now I have to put it on the highest level at the highest speed and even take my hands off of the handles to get my HR into my training range. So this means that I am in tremendous shape!! I am also losing 5 pounds a week and eating almost anything I want. Of course I am using the TC for an hour every day but I actually enjoy it!! I bought mine from a store in Santa Clarita Ca. so I didn't have to wait for delivery. And I can understand people who are not mechanically inclined having trouble putting it together. But it took my son and me about an hour and then I was off and running!

Pros: Full Cardio Workout in Minutes - Easy to use !
Cons: I've had my TreadClimber for 3 months now - I love it - no cons.

I am definitely not a fitness trainer but I would have to say that the Bowflex TreadClimber TC5000 provides the BEST workout possible for home use. I will agree that it is a bit expensive, but I haven't experienced a complete cardio and full-body workout like I experience on the tread climber. In a matter of minutes, you are pouring sweat and your heart rate is elevated. I don't think it's a big deal about adjusting the levels. I began at a lower level and have increased the resistance levels when I have been able. The TreadClimber also allows you to lock the treads in an upright position, allowing you to walk at an incline. This provides a good cardio workout as well as a lower body workout - I am able to increase my speed when I have the treads locked. If you are pressed for time and can't get to the gym, this is a great investment. If you are like me, I never used half of the equipment at the gym when I went. For convenience and driving time, as well as improved health, it will pay for itself in the long run.