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Going to the gym is the last thing many of us want to do. Who likes when others are staring at them when trying to get a workout? I know I’m not a fan of it. Then there’s the busy crowds and heavy dumbbells slamming the ground. A Bowflex treadmill was one of many I was comparing when investing in new home-gym equipment. If you’re like me and don’t have time or patience for the gym, you can still workout. A home gym might be what you need to get in shape or back on track.
Treadmills are great for runners and joggers, as well as those who are recovering from injuries. Whether you’re highly active or starting a new fitness regimen, a treadmill is an excellent piece of equipment. Owners can select numerous speed and incline settings to challenge themselves during a workout. Then there are also various built-in workout options to choose as well as automatic settings. From weight loss to cardio training there are multiple programs to help you start your fitness journey. Don’t let the disdain for the gym or lack of time get in the way of your health. Get moving with your new treadmill and home-gym equipment today!
About Bowflex Treadmills
Bowflex treadmills are available in two models. These are the Bowflex® BXT116 Treadmill and Bowflex® BXT216 Treadmill. The fitness level and desirable settings will help consumers find the best treadmill for at-home use.
Bluetooth, console, and usability
Both the BXT116 and BXT216 models are Bluetooth compatible. They also feature per-minute calorie burn estimations. The consoles have cup holders, USB ports, and laptop or table holders. Each one has a three-speed fan and integrated sound system. The treadmills have a soft drop design allowing owners to fold them away for storage. The consoles are navigable with an intuitive touchpad. The walking/running area on the BXT216 is 22 inches by 60 inches. On the BXT116 it is 20 inches by 60 inches.
Workout programs, speed, and incline settings
Of course, every owner wants the best workout features when choosing a treadmill. The BXT216 has 11 preset workouts. The speed settings adjust from 0 to 12 mph. The incline is adjustable in 0.5 increments and reaches a max level of 15 percent. It has a 4.0 CHP (continuous horsepower engine).
The warranties for this treadmill are 15 years on the frame and drive motor. The coverage for parts and electronics is up to five years. And the treadmill includes a two-year warranty for labor. It’s compatible with the Bowflex Results App as well. It tracks workout progress and metrics so owners can easily sync workout results to Android or their iPhone.
The BXT116 has nine preset workouts. Similar to the BXT216 speeds adjust from 0 to 12 mph. The incline is also adjustable in increments of 0.5 reaching a max level of 15 percent. It’s compatible with the Bowflex Results App as well. This apps allows owners to track metrics and workout history. The warranties are similar to the BXT216’s coverage. One primary difference is the weight capacity. It’s 280 pounds on this treadmill vs. 400 pounds on the BXT216.
The Good and Bad Aspects of a Bowflex Treadmill
Before investing in a Bowflex treadmill consumers should familiarize themselves with positive and negative attributes. Some of the pros of these machines include:
- A relatively large walking/running surface workout area
- A large console with easy to operate features
- Side button controls for adjusting speed and incline levels
- Use of the Bowflex Results App to track workout metrics
- 11 preset workouts on the BXT216 and 9 on the BXT116
- Adjustable incline from 0 to 15 percent and adjustable speeds from 0 to 12 mph
Both also include extended warranties on parts, labor, and the frame of the treadmills.
There are some drawbacks consumers should consider before choosing a Bowflex treadmill. These include:
- They’re relatively new machines in a competitive marketplace
- There are only two treadmills in the Bowflex lineup
- Fewer preset programs than competitors treadmills
- A higher budget in comparison to treadmills with similar features
Our Review Process
We reviewed the Bowflex treadmill against top manufacturers in the industry. First, we considered the workout programs and settings on each treadmill. Next, we speed and incline settings. We also review the size of the deck and frame.
Our review considers the durability of each treadmill as well. Reviewers compare the console, usability, and different workout apps for each treadmill. Last we consider budgets for each model as well as reviews that owners of each treadmill have written. This information helps consumers choose the best treadmill for their home-gym. And they can quickly find the best machine that fits their budget.
The Bowflex Treadmill Line
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Bowflex treadmills come in one of two options in their series of products. The Bowflex lineup includes the BXT116 and BXT216 treadmills.
Bowflex® BXT116 Treadmill
The treadmill features Bluetooth connectivity and syncs with the RunSocial app. This apps has between 19 to 27 locations to select for a new scenic view during each run. And it operates in real-time so users can compete with friends. The incline adjusts from 0 to 15 percent and speeds from 0 to 12 mph. There are nine built-in workouts to choose from on this treadmill. The running deck is 60 inches by 20 inches.
The “Push and go” Intuitive programs make it simple to adjust settings when working out. And the treadmill has push buttons on the grip handle to adjust speed and incline settings easily. It has a 7.5-inch color display with a backlit screen. This screen allows owners to workout in light or dark conditions settings. There’s a “Burn” meter that allows owners to gauge their workouts and progress.
Bowflex® BXT216 Treadmill
This machine has a total of 11 preset workouts. Like the BXT116 its incline adjusts in increments of 0.5 between 0 to 15 percent. The speed change from 0 to 12 mph. It is compatible with the Run Social app as well and the Bowflex app. These options allow users to maximize the efficiency of their workout. The running deck is a little larger than the BXT116 on this model. It is 22 inches by 60 inches.
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The touchscreen is nine inches with a full-color display. It has a backlit LED that allows owners to operate the treadmill in darker conditions. It also has a simple mechanism to fold and store the treadmill after use. The comfort tech deck helps minimize pressure on the knees and joints. The treadmill can hold users weighing up to 400 pounds.
The Competitors Treadmills
There are several great options to consider when buying a treadmill other than Bowflex. These are a few of the best brands to consider when shopping for a new treadmill.
NordicTrack C 700
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This treadmill includes a one-year iFit membership with its purchase. Owners have the option of exercising on different terrains and with a new trainer each workout. This membership service helps users maximize their workout to achieve results quickly. The incline adjusts from 0 to 10 percent and speeds from 0 to 10 mph. There are 20 programs built-in on this treadmill as well.
It has a 2.75 CHP motor and a 20-inch by 55-inch running deck. The treadmill features the FlexSelect Cushion. It minimizes the level of impact users feel while running or jogging on the base.
One customer indicates the treadmill is excellent. It features several workout modes, speed, and incline levels. It also has the iFit membership allowing owners to choose a new workout partner daily.
Sole F85 Treadmill
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The treadmill features the Cushion Flex Whisper Deck. It is 35 inches by 80 inches. This deck helps minimize the impact on the joints by up to 40 percent less than other treadmills. The speed settings adjust from 0.5 to 12 mph. The incline is adjustable from 0 to 15 percent. It has a two-ply running belt, chest strap, and hand grips to adjust workout settings.
There are six auto programs as well as a quick start function. The treadmill is compatible with MP3 players and has an intuitive nine-inch display. It displays workout metrics continuously during workouts. It tracks speed, incline, distance, and calorie estimation during workouts.
LifeSpan TR4000i
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The treadmill features a foldable design making it easy to store when it’s not in use. It has a heavy-duty 3.25 CHP motor and large 20-inch by 60-inch deck. It adjusts from 0 to 15 percent incline. And it has 21 workout modes owners can choose from for a new workout mode everytime they’re working out. Distance, time, and calories are some metrics the console tracks during a workout.
There’s a three-speed fan to help keep users cool during their workout. The treadmill also has a patented-technology that shuts the treadmill for safety reasons. If after 20 seconds it senses nobody’s on the deck it will shut off automatically. This intuitive feature helps to minimize the chance of injuries. Speeds adjust from 0.5 to 11 mph.
The Best Affordable and Overall Treadmills Available: Bowflex Treadmill or the Field?
When the time comes to select a new treadmill every homeowner is looking for something different. Some want the most affordable while others prefer the best equipment regardless of the budget.
If you’re looking for the most affordable treadmill the NordicTrack C 700 is a great find. It’s compatible with iFit workouts allowing owners to challenge themselves every time they step on the treadmill. Using the app owners can connect with personal trainers globally to improve workouts. The FlexSelect cushioning also helps minimize joint impact. This product has 20 preset workouts and a 2.75 CHP motor. Both incline levels and speeds adjust from 0 to 10 percent and mph respectively.
The Bowflex treadmill series is a mid-level option for your home gym. It has several workout settings. Both treadmills connect with Run Social as well as the Bowflex app. Both models have speeds which adjust from 0 to 12 mph. And incline levels change from 0 to 15 percent in increments of 0.5 percent. Some consumers indicate issues with Bluetooth syncing and the treadmill adjusting on its own. However, overall ratings are high for both models.
And, for customers looking for the best overall treadmill the Sole F85 treadmill is the best option. It is the most expensive but features the most powerful 4.0 CHP motor as well. Owners can adjust speed levels using the touch panels between 0 and 12 mph. Incline levels change from 0 to 15 percent. This treadmill has a two-ply belt. It’s more durable than competitors products also. It has a nine-inch color display and a large, intuitive console. It’s compatible with most MP3 players. It also has a massive deck measuring 35 inches X 80 inches that can accommodate for users of all sizes.
