Bowflex TreadClimber TC100 Review – 2024

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Last Updated: January 5, 2023

The Bowflex TreadClimbers are a set of walking machines that allow users to get the benefits of a treadmill, elliptical and stair stepper all in one. There are two models in Bowflex’s TreadClimber lineup, the TC100 and TC200. The TC100 is the entry-level model with a lower price tag and simpler features. But both machines are great options for those who want a challenging workout that stays low impact for joint and back support. The TreadClimber TC100 conditions the powerhouse muscles in your legs such as your quads, calves, hamstrings and glutes and allows for gentle to intense conditioning — depending on your needs. The TC100 has a multifunction console, smooth motion, and is quiet during pedaling. This machine is rather large and doesn’t fold up, so we recommend it for users who have a dedicated workout space.

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Who It’s For: Those looking for a low impact workout machine with gentle walking motion

The Bowflex TreadClimber TC100 offers:

• Smooth treadle motion for comfortable walking motion
• 5 Different Workout Programs, such as: Just Walk, Calorie Goal, Time Goal, Distance Goal, and Interval
• Speed Range of .5 – 4.5 mph
• Free TreadClimber App with integrated Bluetooth® 4.0 connectivity syncs with My Fitness Pal, Apple Health Kit and Google Fit.
• TreadClimber App provides four different user profiles
• Fully Backlit LCD Display with intuitive console layout
• Heart-Rate Monitor with integrated contact grips + chest strap
• Built-In USB Charging Port

In-depth Review of TreadClimber TC100

Construction

Frame

The TreadClimber TC100 looks like a treadmill, but it features a dual treadle track which is split in the middle. Each treadle has its own walking belt and they operate separately, so one foot can lift up while the other steps down. This bipedal design is better than a standard treadmill frame that has one solid deck because the treadles lift to support your feet as you walk. Both treadles have their own rollers and belt guide to hold the belt on securely. A drive motor and drive belt keep the motion fluid and smooth.

The TC100 frame has a sturdy base with two adjustable leveling feet on the front end and two wheels on the rear. There is a steel handle on the front of the frame so you can lift the machine and roll it slowly when needed.

Deck

• Cushioning/Feel
  • The treadles are designed to flex gently underfoot which impacts your step and mitigates some of the impact from walking. The cushioning is much better than you typically find on a treadmill since the deck inclines slightly as you proceed through each footstep.
• Belt
  • Both treadles have their own belt and rollers — which may occasionally need to be adjusted. Due to the fact that the treadles are narrower than a treadmill belt, they can wander a bit to one side during use. Tightening the treadle belt is not difficult. The rollers underneath each treadle move the belt along smoothly.

Motor

The Bowflex TreadClimber TC100 includes a drive motor under the deck, but there is limited information from Bowflex about the power, size or capacity of the motor. In use, we found motor power to be relatively quiet and sufficient for the design of the machine.

Console

Screen

The TC100 features a back lit LCD display that provides a readout of your stats while you workout. The TC100 has four different metrics: Speed, Distance, Calories and Time. This is not a touchscreen, so there are buttons on the right and left of the console to toggle through settings and metrics.

One of our biggest concerns about the TC100 is the limited tech in the console. While this is a good machine with impressive functionality, the console doesn’t compete with other machines in the same price range. Many other companies include touch screens with subscription content on their treadmills and ellipticals, so the Bowflex TreadClimber falls short when comparing tech in the console. While some users may appreciate the simple console and limited program options, others may be looking for additional content or video options on a machine in this price range.

Console Layout

The console is very simple and easy to use. There aren’t extra buttons, logos or icons on the console that can make it look cluttered.

There are two main panels in the console. The larger panel sits higher and contains the screen and main menu control buttons, along with four arrow keys.

The lower panel holds the Start/Stop buttons along with Speed +/- 1 and Speed +/- .5 buttons. These speed buttons are very helpful. You can quickly increase or decrease your resistance by .5 mph or 1mph by just touching the up/down arrows. While we would like to see maybe a few preset buttons for specific miles per hour (maybe the four most popular speeds), these manual controls are at least easy to see and use.

Just below the lower console panel is an angled horizontal bar that is comfortable and well placed. It has heart rate contact sensors on either side for an easy grip while walking.

Tablet Holder

There is a media shelf on the upper panel of the console on the TC100. A tablet holder allows users to watch or read from their personal device while using the machine. This is a handy addition on a piece of fitness equipment, especially one that doesn’t include a color touchscreen or video options. You can turn on Netflix or read the news on your tablet while you do your daily workout. The tablet holder is plenty wide and should hold most devices.

Storage

The TC100 has oversized water bottle holders on either side of the console. These are large and wide enough to hold any number of items. There is not an extra storage tray that hovers above the treadles.

Functionality

Walking for Weight Loss

When many people buy exercise equipment, their ultimate goal is often to lose weight. A mistake we see people frequently make is choosing equipment they have either never used or are unfamiliar with. Too often, people find they don’t end up using this kind of equipment as much as they expect, so eventually it gets moved to the garage before finally sold at a garage sale. When investing in exercise equipment, it is best to buy something you are either already familiar with and enjoy using — or select a machine that mimics an exercise you already do. This way, people are more likely to use what they buy. The benefit of the TreadClimber is it is a very simple machine to use and it capitalizes on an exercise most of us already do every day: walk. Walking is not only easy to do, it is low impact and doesn’t cause as many injuries as running. It is also more comfortable than sitting on a bike and doesn’t take up as much space as an elliptical. Additionally, walking can help with mobility issues and is often recommended by health specialists as beneficial for both cardiovascular conditioning and bone strength.

The TreadClimber has 12 different resistance levels and the treadles make the walking motion feel fluid. This provides a range of workout options. Users with limited mobility or those who are working through an injury can use the TreadClimber on a low resistance level and still gain the benefits of movement and exercise. Those who are focused on weight loss but otherwise have no movement limitations can crank up the resistance for a more challenging calorie burn. The TreadClimber is more likely to be used than other equipment because it isn’t weird and it doesn’t feel weird — in fact, it feels very natural.

The TreadClimber is different from walking outside however, since Bowflex engineers have designed this machine to challenge you just enough that you benefit from each step. The Bowflex TreadClimber TC100 has a 3-in-1 walking motion that requires you to pick up your foot with each step, propel yourself forward, and then push back again as the treadle belt moves behind you. This engages more muscles than walking alone so you maximize your benefit but still stay low impact.

12 Resistance Levels

Another benefit of the TreadClimber TC100 is the number of resistance levels. New users may stay at levels 1-3 for several months as they gain strength and mobility. Stronger, more experienced users can crank it up higher for more of a challenge. Since you have the option of selecting your resistance level, new users won’t burn out quickly and decide they hate the machine because it’s too hard initially. Similarly, stronger users will find enough challenge in each workout to keep them engaged and motivated. As you use the TreadClimber you’ll always find greater challenges to work through which makes it so you don’t plateau and/or get bored with your workout.

TreadClimber Workouts

The treadclimber tracks four different metrics during your workout: Speed, Distance, Time and Calories. Users can set a specific goal for any of these four metrics and work to accomplish it during the exercise season. Perhaps last time you worked out for 20 minutes and peaked at level 8 resistance. This time, you can challenge yourself to work out for 25 minutes and peak at level 9 resistance for one minute. Maintain this goal until you find it easy and then add more challenges.

Similarly, a user could set a goal to stay on the machine until they burn 200 calories — or set a goal to walk four miles in a single session. Using these four different metrics, you not only get accurate information, you can use your own workout metrics to set personalized goals for yourself each workout.

Noise Level

The TreadClimber TC100 uses magnetic resistance and is therefore very quiet in use. There is a bit of foot noise as your shoe connects with the treadle, but the resistance and motion of the treadle itself does not create extra noise. This would be a fine machine to use at home without disturbing those around you. You can also use the TC100 while watching TV or reading a book and the noise won’t limit your ability to hear your program.

Storage / Folding

The TreadClimber TC100 does not fold. It has two wheels on the base and a handle on the front so you can tilt and roll it as needed. However, it does take a bit of space, so make sure you have adequate clearance and floor space for the TC100. Also, since the treadles move be careful to hold them securely when moving the TC100. Unlike an elliptical however, the treadles do not jut out in front of or behind the machine so all movement is contained within the footprint.