We test and review fitness products based on an independent, multi-point methodology. If you use our links to purchase something, we may earn a commission. Read our disclosures.
Editor’s Note: The Bowflex TreadClimber TC200 is no longer in production. We suggest the Bowflex Treadmill 10 as the best alternative, or view our Best Treadmills list for more options.
The Bowflex TreadClimber TC200 was one of the top-of-the-line options for Bowflex’s unique TreadClimber series. The TreadClimber is a combination of three machines: a treadmill, stair climber, and elliptical.
This is a dedicated walking machine, with top speed being 4.5 MPH. Bowflex famously stated “All you have to do is walk” when advertising the TreadClimber, as they claimed that walking on a TreadClimber would burn 2.5 times more calories than an equivalent time on a traditional treadmill.
The TreadClimber series has been discontinued, but Bowflex still manufactures traditional treadmills. They also introduced a new combination machine, the Bowflex Max Trainer, a combination of a stepper and elliptical.
We Know Treadmills
Our expert team of CrossFit L1 Trainers, certified personal trainers, and other product experts have tested all kinds of cardio machines, including all the fitness equipment the TreadClimber combines: ellipticals, steppers, and treadmills.
We haven’t personally tested the TreadClimber because it was discontinued in 2021. We’ve looked at product specs and online customer reviews to let you know our thoughts on the TreadClimber.
Looking for an Alternative to the Bowflex TreadClimber TC200?
The Bowflex Treadmill 10 is a great machine. It features a 10-inch interactive screen, incline and decline training options, and an incredibly sturdy build.
Best Alternative to Bowflex TreadClimber TC200
Bowflex Treadmill 10
Product Highlights
- -5% decline to 15% incline
- Speeds up to 12 MPH
- Compatible with JRNY, Bowflex’s online fitness platform
- 10″ interactive console
- Cushioned running deck
- Soft-drop folding system
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 1-year JRNY subscription included with curated playlists and training content
- 22” x 60” running deck
- Convenient speed and incline knobs
- Max user weight of 400 pounds
- Decline capabilities
- Interactive screen
- Heart rate armband included
- Ability to stream Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video and HBO Max with subscription
Cons
- At their own admission, Bowflex states it does not disclose information on motor power
- Heavy
- Some users found the screen to be too small
- Some connectivity issues reported
Bottom Line
The Bowflex Treadmill 10 has a lot to offer users when it comes to technology and performance. It comes with a roomy, cushioned running surface, an interactive touchscreen display and it is heavy-duty. Keep in mind that Bowflex does not disclose their horsepower for the motor but users rave over the powerful feel.
A Quick Look at the Bowflex TreadClimber TC200
TreadClimbers were a series of machines dedicated to giving you a great walking workout. These machines were designed to help you “just walk your way to improved fitness.”
At the time of its release, the TC200 was Bowflex’s premier walking workout machine. The TC200 featured an improved console and improved digital connectivity. Walking workout programs on the TC200 are low-impact. Customers with a history of joint paint repeatedly pointed out in reviews that they loved the TC200 and its ability to give them a great workout without increased joint pain. You may still be able to find some TreadClimbers on Amazon, but they are priced in the thousands of dollars, and in our opinion, this machine is not worth that much.
Pros:
- Combination treadmill, stepper and elliptical
- Provides good walking workout
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Assembly requires 2 people
- Purely a walking machine
- Limited programmed workouts
- Short warranty for such a high-priced machine
- Rocks side-to-side when at higher speeds
- No touchscreen
Bowflex TreadClimber TC200 Specs
| Footprint | 55” L x 31.5” W x 62.5” H |
| Minimum Ceiling Height | Tallest user height + 17” |
| Weight | 202 lbs |
| Weight Capacity | 300 lbs |
| Motor | Information not available |
| Walking Belt | Two individual treadles |
| Display | Backlit LCD display |
| Speed | .5-4.5 MPH |
| Heart Rate Monitor | Grip and chest strap |
| Programs | Just Walk, Calorie Goal, Time Goal, Distance Goal, Interval |
| Warranty | 3-year frame and parts, 90-day labor |
Key Features of the Treadclimber TC200
The TreadClimber is a very unique machine. To use the machine, you walk on two individual treadmills, one for each foot, that Bowflex has dubbed “treadles.” It is important that you walk towards the front of the machine so that you get all the benefits of the TreadClimber because the treadles have an incline, which you won’t be taking advantage of if you walk towards the back of the machine.
Footprint, Portability, and Durability
The TreadClimber TC200 is a fairly compact machine, taking up less space than most ellipticals and treadmills, with dimensions 55 inches long by 31.5 inches wide by 62.5 inches tall.
The TC200 has rear-mounted transport wheels if you’d like to put the machine away between workouts. We would recommend this having its own space as it does weigh 202 pounds. The TC200 has a user weight capacity of 300 pounds, which is similar to many cardio machines. There is a short three-year warranty for this machine, which is worrying in regards to durability, as machines at this price point usually have a longer warranty.
Technology Benefits and Conveniences
The TC200 improved on previous models with improved tech. The TC200 comes with Bluetooth connectivity to export your workout data to the free TreadClimber app. This app can also automatically share data with whatever fitness app you use: Google Fit, Apple Health, and My Fitness Pal. There is also heart rate monitoring via contact grip and a chest strap. You can create up to four different user profiles.
The console is a backlit LCD so you can easily track speed, time, distance and calorie burn. The TC200 also has an integrated media shelf with a USB charging port so you can watch your favorite shows and keep your devices charged while walking. There are also two water bottle holders so you can stay hydrated.
Customer Reviews
Customers generally enjoy owning and using the TreadClimber TC200 in their home gyms, with many people asking when Bowflex will start to make them again. Many users loved that it provided a low-impact workout that did not increase pain associated with previous knee and back injuries. They found that they were able to quickly get a good workout. They also thought that it was easy to put together as long as you had two people to help.
Negative reviews found the TC200 to be shaky or wobbly when walking above 3 MPH. They also found it unsteady, and they needed to hold the handlebars in order to safely walk on the TC200. Users also wished that there were more preprogrammed workouts included in the device. Additionally, they thought the companion app was not great.
Alternatives to TreadClimber TC200
If you are disappointed that the TreadClimbers have been discontinued you should look to the new Bowflex combination machine, the Max Trainer. This combines an elliptical and a stepper, and is geared toward high-intensity interval training.
You could also think about using a traditional treadmill with an incline to achieve a similar workout, and you’ll have the ability to progress to jogging or running if you’d like.
If you want something with a serious incline, the NordicTrack X32i has up to a 40% grade, providing a fantastic workout.
Final Verdict of Our Treadclimber TC200 Review
The bottom line is that the TC200 was a really unique and expensive piece of cardio equipment that people generally enjoyed using. It got a lot of people comfortably exercising following injuries since you could just walk, and helped them achieve their weight loss and other fitness goals. It was compact and combined the benefits of multiple pieces of cardio equipment.
Treadclimber TC200 Rating
Treadclimber TC200
In our Bowflex TreadClimber TC200 review, we detail what you can expect from this treadmill.
Product Currency: USD
Product In-Stock: InStock
3
TreadClimber TC200 FAQs
Why was Bowflex TreadClimber discontinued?
Bowflex has not shared why they discontinued the TreadClimbers. Around the same time, Bowflex reintroduced traditional treadmills and a new combination machine, the Bowflex Max Trainer.
Does the Bowflex TreadClimber really work?
The Bowflex TreadClimber does not work as Bowflex initially advertised, that you could just walk your way to weight loss using TreadClimbers. The National Advertising Division (NAD) found these claims to be misleading and not backed by evidence. Bowflex stopped their “all you have to do it walk” advertising.
However, walking is an excellent form of cardio and has a number of benefits.
Does the Bowflex TC200 fold up?
No, the Bowflex TC200 does not fold up. Its footprint is 55 inches long by 31.5 inches wide by 62.5 inches tall.
What year did the Bowflex TreadClimber TC100 come out?
The Treadclimber TC100 and TC200 were announced by Bowflex in November of 2015.
Further reading
After researching more than 100 weight benches, using more than 50 of them, and legitimately testing 23 of them for bench press, dumbbell work, and other movements, I’ve determined that the REP Fitness FB-5000 Competition Flat Bench is the best flat utility bench for most people, and the REP Fitness AB-5200 Adjustable Bench is the best adjustable bench for most people.It is rare for the same company to take two of the top spots, but these are the best weight benches in 2021 on a value basis for those training in a home gym.There are four necessary pieces of home gym equipment: a barbell, squat rack, weight plates, and a weight bench. These are the essentials and because of this, each one of these categories has thousands of different options to choose from.For weight benches, in particular, there are adjustable benches, FID Benches, flat utility benches, and then a myriad of unique benches for certain movements. In this guide, I will be distilling all of the options that I’ve tested and reviewed over the years and giving you my recommendations for the best weight benches for every price point and strength level. Read more
Comparing the Peloton Tread vs NordicTrack treadmills can seem crazy, but we’re doing just that. Read more to see who wins this Old West showdown. Read more
Learn more about this pre-workout from Beyond Raw with our LIT pre-workout review. Read more
Upper body kettlebell workouts offer unmatched benefits for your training and fitness goals. Learn more from the experts at GGR. Read more