[tnm75]

I decided that Bayley (my puppy) is going to buy me exercise equipment for Christmas... I have to have something under my tree. Right? Right! And, this would be one heck-of-a big box! My question... does anyone own a Bowflex Treadclimber? If so, likes and dislikes. I... err, I mean Bayley, would hate to spend that kind of money and it be sucky. Know-what-I-mean? Perhaps it would be smartest to stick with a treadmill? Consumer reports rates the treadmills, but not the treadclimbers.

Kristy

[Kimmy in MD]

Personally I use a treadmill and have for about 16 years. I have wanted to switch to the bowflex treadclimber but have not done it, but may when my treadmills goes out.

Do they have a trial period, like for 30 days so you can see if you like it or not?? I would ask about it, can't hurt.


If you get the bowflex, let me know how you like it!!!

PS I wish my dog Rinkles (chinese Shar-pei) had a wallet and budget like Bayley!!!

[lovinlifedfw]

I Personally LOVE the treadclimber, its EASIER on my feet... And feel like I get a better work out done when i am Finished

[tnm75]

Ugh... I'm so torn. The Bowflex 7-series Treadmill has amazing reviews. And, while the treadclimber is good... the reviews all state that it's overpriced. I know that I won't be running for awhile, but I'd like to eventually. And, you cannot run with the treadclimber. Decisions, decisions!

Kristy

[louisem]

I had a treadmill for years but found that I much prefer elliptical machines than treadmills, they are much easier on the joints and a much better workout. One thing about investing in something that big is that you should really be sure that you are going to enjoy using for the long run, otherwise it will turn into a clothes hanging device.

Here is another suggestion for Bailey, look into the Wii and Wii Fit. I bought it and it is really great. The Wii Fit includes Yoga, strength training, aerobic workouts and balance games and it does get your heart rate up and makes you sweat. I love mine and it is way cheaper and takes up way less room so it will fit much easier under the tree.

[lovinlifedfw]

Found this on a website for you

PROS:

1. These machines do provide a great cardio workout - we worked up a good sweat and our hearts were pumping.

2. Tread climbers offer a low impact workout, especially good for people with knee or back problems.

3. They are easy to use once you learn how, and offer good control and displays.

CONS:

1. The Nautilus Treadclimber and Bowflex Treadclimber are somewhat expensive. At $1,500 to $2,200 for the high end models, these machines are 10-20% more expensive than most treadmills, and 30-50% more expensive than most elliptical trainers and steppers.

2. Maximum speed is only 4mph, so you can't really run or even jog...the tread climber also doesn't allow for long strides.

3. The motion does take some getting used to..your feet can slip between the belts if you're not careful.

[JazzyJude]

louisem, on Dec 10 2008, 12:41 PM, said:

I had a treadmill for years but found that I much prefer elliptical machines than treadmills, they are much easier on the joints and a much better workout. One thing about investing in something that big is that you should really be sure that you are going to enjoy using for the long run, otherwise it will turn into a clothes hanging device.

Here is another suggestion for Bailey, look into the Wii and Wii Fit. I bought it and it is really great. The Wii Fit includes Yoga, strength training, aerobic workouts and balance games and it does get your heart rate up and makes you sweat. I love mine and it is way cheaper and takes up way less room so it will fit much easier under the tree.

I agree with louisem...the Wii and Wii Fit are real good and it would be something to start with and then later on, if you really want a bigger machine, then go for it. There is NO rush on it right now with that price tag. If it was me, I'd wait a bit...

[CindyLou]

We bought a treadclimber 2 years ago and here goes my opinion.

Its BIG. We could only fit that and a computer desk in our second bedroom. Its also very high so if you have a ceiling fan or if your ceilings are normal height, your head is iffy when you stip up.

Its a lot of money, ($3300+) and if you are using their finance company, they suck. We had the no interest for 12 month thing, and I made the payment online at 3pm pacific time instead of by 3pm central time and they charged me all the accrued interest and raised my rate to 30%. So I transferred it to my credit union......Ughhhhh

Then when we decided to move, we had a hard time selling it. People had used ones for sale for $600-800! Well, we ended up selling it for $1000 but were very lucky that the person that bought it was an engineer and able to completely disassemble it because we couldn't get it out of the room!!! (they assembled it upon arrival) We had movers that had said they would not move it due to the weight and they refused dissasembly.

My husband used it more than me and he said that if he could do it over he would definitely get a durable treadmill instead. The treadmill setting on it is really useless. And it really isn't anything like an ellyptical....which I thought it would be.

Now we live in an apt complex with a gym and we have our spare room with a bed in it for company instead of that big monster!!

Sorry for the not so great opinion, but I'm still paying on something I don't even have anymore and its a thorn in my side!!!

Oh, and they say that you can return it in 60 days for a full refund. Well, that's a full refund minus the 250 shipping to you and then $350 shipping back to them because you are required to use their packer and shipper. Then another 120 if you need to to disassemble it.

[shrty835]

I got An ecliptical machine at walmart and a treadmill I use them both one in the morning and the other at night. I like the ecliptical one best. I fell i get a better workout. The ecliptical was on clearance for 99.00 and the treadmill was 350.00 hope this helps.

[tnm75]

Thanks for all of the advice! I do have a Wii and Wii-Fit. However, my nieces and nephews confiscated my Wii-Fit. I should go track it down. I completely forgot I had it! After much thought... I went ahead and purchased the Bowflex 7-series Treadmill from Amazon. It was on sale and I was able to get free shipping. The thing that I like is that it is the best rated treadmill in Consumer Reports. And, it folds up. Hopefully I made a good buy!

Thanks, Kristy

[louisem]

tnm75, on Dec 10 2008, 05:37 PM, said:

Thanks for all of the advice! I do have a Wii and Wii-Fit. However, my nieces and nephews confiscated my Wii-Fit. I should go track it down. I completely forgot I had it! After much thought... I went ahead and purchased the Bowflex 7-series Treadmill from Amazon. It was on sale and I was able to get free shipping. The thing that I like is that it is the best rated treadmill in Consumer Reports. And, it folds up. Hopefully I made a good buy!

Thanks, Kristy

The fact that it folds up is great. Mine did to and it took up very little room when not in use. A word of caution, don't use a treadmill with pets in the room. My cat kept on trying to check it out and I almost broke my neck trying to avoid her!

[tnm75]

Louise,

LOL... good advice. Thanks!

Kristy

[tnm75]

CaraMBA09, on Dec 13 2008, 11:54 PM, said:

Hey Kristy
I have a new treadmill (my last one burned out), which I use for walking and running and I spent the $$ and bought a commercial quality Stairmaster Stairstep machine as I loved the one at the gym so much.
I love my stairmaster more than any equipment I have...you will literally do 5-10 minutes on it at a 3-4 speed (which is low) you can honestly feel all the fat in your a$$ shrinking away...I went from a 14 to a 12 in a month using it (except for my waistline).
I thought of buying the treadclimber...but I can do inclines on my treadmill...I wanted more of a workout for my thighs and ass...that is why I bought my stairmaster.

Good luck !! caio doll, Cara

It's weird... but, I cannot wait for my treadmill to get here!

Kristy