Bowflex Treadclimber TC5000

The display offers the following feedback during exercise:

– Time (minutes: seconds)

– Distance Display (miles, km, or total steps)

– Approximate number of Calories (total and calories/minute)

– Heart Rate (beats per minute)

– Speed (km, miles or steps per minute)

– Climb indicator (total height in feet, maximum 1000 feet). 200 steps equal 100 feet or 30 km

When you decide to stop the workout, this info will be displayed on the console: heart rate, time total calories burned, total steps and total distance. This info will not be saved.

This is a very cool feature, especially if you enjoy working out without using the handles, but still be able to use the target heart rate control for weight loss exercises.

As we mentioned in another review, all Bowflex Treadclimbers use Hydraulic Resistance Cylinders, with 12 levels of intensity.

Before starting your workout, these cylinders must be correctly set. To know what level you must start with and when you should change the levels on the cylinders, read the User Manual.

You must pay attention and avoid the ‘bottom out’ effect. This happens when you don’t set the right level to match your weight.

The Cylinders are always changed when you are off the treadmill. Move the knobs only clockwise to level 12 and counterclockwise to level 1.

Before setting up the Cylinders and other workouts info requested, you must test your fitness level. Follow the instructions in the manual. They are very useful.

At the beginning of any workout, you will insert your weight and choose the Workout Level setting, from the 12 options available (12 is the hardest).

Treadmill workout: lock the treadles and start using the treadmill workout. You have no incline value. Always set the Workout Level to 0 in this mode.

Stair Stepper Workout: for this workout you use the Workout Level feature presented above. After you made your selection, start using the treadles and don’t use the speed buttons at all.

Treadclimber Workout: (combination between stair stepping and moving belts)
For this workout you confirm your weight value and Workout Level in the console. Don’t forget to set-up the Cylinders too (see previous feature). You can use the speed control.

From this mode you can change the display to show info like distance, speed or weigh in metric (MET) or English (EngL) mode.

– Safety Key Port
– Side Foot Support Platform
– Belt Adjustment Bolts
– Transport Wheels
– Rear Step
– Transport Handle
– Treadle Locking Lever

We got the chance to test the Bowflex Treadclimber TC5000 after it was installed and used for 6 months. The machine was very difficult to move and we know from confirmed sources that it was a real hassle to assemble when bought originally.

Even so, our experience was invigorating. This equipment made us sweat in 10 minutes only and we felt great when we ended the exercise.

On this machine you lose weight and build muscles. This is what most buyers want to receive. If you need assistance and guidance to stick to your goals, we recommend to complete the acquisition with a subscription to the Bowflex Health Club. This is a service they offer to you online, in return for a small monthly payment and includes, among other details, a personal trainer to guide you and motivate you during your workout program.

But it’s not all good news. The Bowflex TC5000 can break easily, especially if you don’t take good care of it. Plus you could experience funny noises coming from the motor, as we did. So read the maintenance manual closely, lubricate it often and check the belt adjustments weekly or else, you’ll start calling Bowflex Support for replacement parts. And we recommend you to buy a rug to put under it, especially if you have sensitive neighbors.

The treadmill mode is not to be used for running, but only for warming up and cooling down.

This treadclimber has a good parts warranty but NO labor or in home service warranty. All replacements and assembly process must be done by you. This is an aspect they need to improve, for all products they offer, but for now this is what you get.

There are also good and strong features worth mentioning. The workouts are complete on this treadmill as you can use the WireLess Chest Transmitter to monitor your heart beat during workout. Plus you have the possibility to insert your weight and fitness level before starting to work out, which in the end offers you accurate training feedback.

The console display looks nice and overall the machine has an elegant design. This is not a detail we search in a machine, but when you pay $2,500, everything matters.

To conclude this review, this is a machine that comes with more advantages than disadvantages and for the efficient weight loss workouts, plus the best warranty we can recommend it as a home gym equipment.