Bowflex BXT116 Treadmill Review – 2024

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Last Updated: January 2, 2023

Bowflex BXT116 is a sturdy folding treadmill with a 3.75 horsepower motor and a stylish black and gray color scheme. The BXT116 inclines to 15% and has a top speed of 12mph. Bowflex has equipped the BXT116 with 9 “push and go” workout programs that are preprogrammed for convenience. Designed for home use, this treadmill allows you to train in safety on your own schedule. The BXT116 syncs with various fitness apps so you can streamline and track your progress over time. In addition, Bowflex’s Run Social app will sync with the BXT116 so you can stream running content on your personal tablet. Bowflex’s JRNY app adds even more features, training and programs. The BXT116 hits the market at a reasonable price point. It doesn’t offer some of the updated tech found on comparable machines, but it provides a cushioned running surface with plenty of power for those who want to just “push and go”.

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Who It’s For: Users looking for a quality treadmill without extra tech that is easy to use and folds up when you are done

The BXT116 is ideal for those looking for a treadmill that:

• Can be used in the safety and privacy of your own home
• Folds up for convenience
• Comes with 9 preloaded programs, each with its own button for simplicity
• Syncs with various fitness apps
• Inclines from 1% to 15% for hill training
• Has a 3.75HP motor and a 12mph max speed
• Doesn’t require a subscription to operate preloaded programs

In-depth Review of Bowflex BXT116

Construction

Frame

The frame is secure with steel beams underlying the frame. The treadmill itself weighs close to 300lbs, so it is on the heavier side and not very easy to move. You get extra stability as a result, since it will support up to 375 pounds of user weight. The frame also folds in half so you can lift and lock the deck vertically when you are done using the machine. Since it is a larger treadmill, we recommend setting it up in the room you plan to use it, and if that is on an upper floor, have a few friends on hand to help haul it where it needs to go. There are two wheels under the stabilizer so it can be rolled if needed, but this is difficult to manage due to the weight, even when folded. Bowflex recommends you have at least the user’s height + 16” of head clearance to account for the incline. Total footprint measures just over 7 feet at 84.6″ long by 36.3″ wide and 55.2″ high.

Deck

• Cushioning/Feel
  • The Comfort Tech cushioning system decreases impact force inherent to running. Each footstep can produce up to 2x a runner’s weight when running a quick pace. Outdoor surfaces can be brutal to hips, knees and spine as your body absorbs this impact. Most indoor treadmills offer a bit of cushion, but this can vary significantly between manufacturers. The Comfort Tech system certainly offers a step up from running outdoors and has ample cushion for walking or jogging.
• Length/Width
  • The total running surface is 20” wide and 60” long, which is comparable to other folding treadmills. This running area provides enough forward/aft space for a full stride and just a bit extra lateral room for a wide gait.
• Belt and Rollers
  • We rarely see a 3-ply belt, even on high-end treadmills. The 2.5” rollers are large and smooth as well. Typically, a thicker treadbelt not only lasts longer, it also provides more support underfoot. When in use, the belt slides smoothly over the deck surface with hardly any friction areas or whooshing noise. The combination of a good sized deck, thick belt and large rollers allows for a comfortable running surface that enables a solid mid-strike and strong toe off from the platform.
  • As mentioned, the BXT116 uses 2.5″ diameter rollers, which move the belt along. The larger surface area reduces friction on the belt to both prolong belt and motor life.

Motor

• Motor Power
  • The 3.75 horsepower motor is on the top end for power in a treadmill at this price point. The motor controls both the motion of the belt, the speed of the rollers, and the incline/decline of the deck. The motor will support running, jogging, power walking or just a light stroll after dinner if that’s your preference. The BXT116 is a well rounded machine with plenty of power for different users and conditioning levels.
• Motor Hood
  • One item of concern we have with the Bowflex treadmills is the oversized motor hood that sits at the front of the deck. Sometimes a motor hood of this size can impede a runner’s stride and cause your foot to hit the top of the hood under the console. Like its sister machine, the BXT216, the BXT116 has a large cover and we were concerned it may get in the way when running. However, the design on the Bowflex treadmills is a little different than other machines. First, there is a gap between the track and the motor hood. When inclined, the motor hood drops down and the deck raises, which causes the hood to stay low and out of your way. Most often, we see designs where the motor hood is attached to the deck itself, so when the deck raises, the motor hood raises as well. Thankfully, Bowflex avoided this design that can cause your foot to graze the top of the motor hood. On the BXT116 we didn’t have an issue with the motor hood being in the way.

Console/Controls

Console layout on the BXT116 is similar to the BXT216. While both treadmills have good functionality, the console design is a bit dated and clunky. Rather than a streamlined console with an integrated touchscreen and limited clutter like we see on the NordicTrack or ProForm machines, the Bowflex treadmills have lots of buttons and hard angles.
Additionally, there are only 9 preloaded programs and even with a subscription to Bowflex’s JRNY app, you don’t have any video options on the BXT116 screen. Instead, you use your personal tablet to stream any apps or videos that may sync with the BXT116. The screen is simple and easy to see, but it doesn’t offer the same features as comparable models.
Another issue of concern is the buttons on the BXT116 are raised, tactile buttons. These are more likely to get stuck or dirty over time. When selecting a speed, not only do you have to push the speed you want, you also have to press “enter” to get it to move.

Screen

The screen itself is a 7.5” full color, backlit display with large digital numbers. You cannot adjust the metrics on the screen, however. Calorie burn is always the large central number with time on the left and distance on the right displayed with much smaller numbers.
In addition to calories displayed in the center, other user feedback includes:

• Total calories burned (large center number)
• Burn rate (per minute burn rate calculator)
• Incline
• Distance
• Heart rate
• Time
• Speed

Layout

Console layout includes the screen in the center with a large tablet holder above and speakers to the right and left of this. The tablet holder is a valuable addition since you don’t have a color touchscreen. Large green and red Start/Stop buttons and the Safety Key complete the console.

• Speed controls
  • Speed buttons for 1, 3, 6, 9, 10, and 12mph along with an “Enter” key are on the right
• Incline controls
  • Incline buttons for 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15% grade along with an “Enter” key are on the left of the screen.
• 9 Workout Programs
  • The BXT116 comes preloaded with 9 workout programs that do not require a subscription. Each program has its own button and sits just below the screen.
• Start/Stop/Safety Key
  • A large Red STOP and Green Start button as well as the attachment for the safety key are below the console and surround the fan. There are also buttons for speaker volume on the left and one for fan power on the right.
• Speed/Incline Buttons on Horizontal grip bar
  • One thing the BXT116 does have that is different from other treadmills is button controls for speed and incline on the horizontal handlebar at the base of the console.

Fans/Other Accessories

The BXT116 includes a fan that has a 3-speed adjustment. The fan sits in the center of the console just between the large Start/Stop buttons. While it isn’t the most powerful fan, it is certainly a nice option when running long or hard.

Media Shelf

There is a media shelf just above the screen for your phone, tablet, or personal device. The position of the media shelf keeps your tablet secure and out of the way — it won’t block the screen which can be an issue on other treadmills. There is also a USB port behind the media shelf so you can charge your device. The media shelf greatly enhances the functionality of the console since the preloaded tech is somewhat limited. Using your personal device you can download and use any number of apps to augment your training — or just watch Netflix or read a book.

Storage

One area where the Bowflex console excels is storage areas. There are four large storage pockets on either side of the console. These are a good place to set a water bottle, keys, small towel, phone, etc. There is also a wide storage tray that spans the front of the deck just below the console. This wide tray has more storage for anything you may need during your workout. The tray floats up above the deck so it is not in the way when running, even when the deck is inclined.

Functionality

Performance

What the BXT116 lacks in console design, it makes up for in overall performance. With a comfortable running surface and powerful motor, the BXT116 is a hearty treadmill. The motor supports smooth speed and incline transitions. One thing we did notice is it takes a few seconds (and up to a minute for large changes) for the speed to adjust between settings. The display shows the speed as it increases and decreases, which is a handy feature. However, for quick interval training or other routines that require snappy speed adjustments, the time elapsed between adjustments is an issue.
Deck cushioning enables users to run or walk for longer without discomfort or fatigue and the sleek black and red styling makes it look aggressive and sporty.

Incline / Decline range

The 15% max incline allows for hill training at every incline between 1 -15% so you can do small hills, rolling hills, steep hills, etc. Uphill training activates more muscles and engages the posterior chain more than training on a flat road, so you get more muscle growth and stimulation when working on an incline. This makes the BXT116 a good option for those who want a power walking machine as well as anyone training for their next marathon. One issue we did notice is the deck does not drop to a flat 0% grade. Instead it ranges from a 1% to 15% incline. This shouldn’t be an issue for most users since it’s hard to tell the difference between a 0% and 1% incline — but it is something to be aware of.

Pre-programmed workouts

There are 9 workouts already programmed into the console. Each program has its own button. Bowflex describes these as “push and go” workouts. Since the program is the same each time you hit the buttons, you don’t have to work through a main menu screen and then filter through a list of classes to find the workout you want. Simply hit the button and go. The BXT116 is great for users who don’t want added tech which can sometimes be confusing. The console is simple, easy to use and understand. The preprogrammed workouts include: Manual, Fat Burn, Calorie Burn, Calorie Goal, Heart Rate training, Custom, etc. The console includes profile options for up to four users, so different family members can customize and save their personal metrics.

Subscription Options: Bowflex JRNY app (includes free 2-month trial)

The Bowflex JRNY app must be downloaded on your phone or tablet. The app does not download straight to the machine. We recommend using a tablet (rather than a phone) on the BXT116 since it is larger and easier to see. The JRNY app displays subscription content while the console will keep track of your workout metrics and stats. Bowflex currently offers the JRNY app free for the first two months so you can see and explore the content. After that the app costs $20/month for classes and videos.

• To download the JRNY app on your phone
  • The Bowflex JRNY™ App is compatible with Apple devices on iOS 12.0 or greater and most Android devices with version 6.0 or greater.
  • The app will sync the workout metrics from your treadmill in real time to the app.
• JRNY Virtual Trainer
  • The Bowflex JRNY app provides personalized feedback and training. A personal fitness assessment determines your fitness level and then the virtual trainer (a computerized AI assistant like Siri or Alexa), guides you through your customized workout. If you are a beginning user, the workouts will be tailored to your conditioning level. Advanced users will have more challenging goals and routines. As you progress, your workouts will get harder so you can continue to advance rather than plateau.
• Customized Coaching
  • The virtual trainer speaks directly to you, coaching and motivating you through personalized workouts.
  • The app creates customized workouts based off of your prior workout history. The goal of these workouts is to help you burn the most calories and improve your fitness, all while staying within your personal capabilities. By adjusting the difficulty (target burn rate) and length (time) of each workout, the JRNY app can provide a tailored program that is perfect for you.
  • For users who may not be achieving their calorie-burn targets, the virtual trainer provides instructions to slow down or speed up to ensure that you’re staying on target. There are also awards and accomplishments you can earn along the way.
• Dynamic Workouts
  • Based on the results of your personal Fitness Assessment, the virtual trainer will provide customized workouts that are appropriate for your conditioning level.
• Bowflex Radio
  • With your JRNY subscription, Bowflex includes access to an regularly updated lineup of new playlists, including Pop, Country, Hip-Hop, Rock, 80’s, etc.
• Explore the World feature
  • Explore the World is another feature you can download on your tablet that displays video landscapes from Death Valley to the Swiss Alps as you exercise.

Noise Level

The Bowflex BXT116 has a moderate noise output. It is very similar to the BXT216 in design and noise output. As with every treadmill, there is a bit of motor and belt noise as the belt moves across the deck, but it isn’t terrible. This may not be the best machine to place in a well-trafficked area with people trying to work around you, but it is fine for a small workout room, garage, or unused guestroom.

Storage / Folding

The BXT116 folds up vertically to reduce floor space when not in use. The deck will then lock in place for security when folded. To unlatch, simply press the large red button on the right hand side and the deck will gently descend to the floor.

The BXT116 has a hydraulic assist arm under the deck which helps it descend slowly so it doesn’t damage your floor. There is no need to hold onto the deck as it descends; it will do it all on its own. This is a nice option for users who may have back or strength sissues and may find it uncomfortable to hold the deck as it drops down.