Like many people I was in the market for a treadmill. After all, going to the gym may sound easy, but you know how difficult it really is – there are always other things to do. Often it seems that simply putting on gym clothes and going there is too much of an effort. And what happens when the weather is hostile – raining or snowing and it is actually difficult to get out of the house?
So, I thought I should get a treadmill – this way I would not have any excuses not to exercise. Plus other family members can surely benefit by using it – it would be a worthwhile investment. I started by doing research into treadmills. After all, if I was putting my money down, I needed my money’s worth.
I found Bowflex
I was looking for a conventional treadmill – you know the one in which you simply walk or run and it gives an efficient cardio workout and also burns up calories. In the course of my online research into treadmills and also seeing all the television commercials, one name stood out and kept on hitting me: Bowflex TreadClimber. It looked like it needed some looking into. While I am not one to be swayed by TV infomercials, I decided to do a little more research.
I was really astounded by the reviews and what people had to say about it. Firstly it works as a conventional treadmill, but it also works as a TreadClimber and a stair stepper. So it offers three different workout systems in one machine. Secondly the company actually offers a money back guarantee if you are not satisfied within a particular period of time.
Using Bowflex
Bowflex Treadclimber Display
I looked at the images and the videos. One thing is sure – it is different from a conventional treadmill, so it actually manages to give you a better workout. It has two platforms. When you put your foot on one side, the other side goes up, thus giving you a step movement. Using the Bowflex is also akin to a bit of hill climbing and you know climbing really ups the heart rate which is what good exercise is supposed to do.
If you see the pictures or watch the infomercials you will know exactly how it works and is used. Of course, they make it seem easier than it is, but once you get the hang of it, it is simple enough to use.
The good points about Bowflex
It actually works in the sense that you can workout more efficiently and burn more calories than when using a conventional treadmill. It works more muscle groups and causes much less impact on the joints and increases the heart rate pretty fast. It also uses the concept of interval training with good effect.
After using it, while I got tired initially, I found that soon I could use it longer and at a higher resistance level too. So I was able to lose weight and feel more energetic. And as it was within easy reach, I had no excuses for not going to the gym.
Different models
There are different models and you need to figure out which one you want. The more expensive the model, the more bells and whistles it has, along with a longer warranty period and a higher end motor. It is purely up to you which one will suit your needs and budget.
And you really don’t need to fork out all the money at one go. It is available on installments or monthly payments as well.
My Bowflex experience
Bowflex Treadclimber
I did not want to be too cheap and buy the lowest priced model, nor did I want to fork out for the biggest and best. So I got myself the middle one with better features but not basic either. The first thing that struck me when it came – I had asked for home delivery – that it was really heavy.
It took me a few hours to put it together, though it was not difficult to do so. And then I thought I would use it. The first time was not so great – like I said earlier, it needs a bit getting used to. Once you get the rhythm, find the right resistance/speed you are all set.
A month of regular use has meant that I am fitter than before, my exercise routine is not so time consuming and best of all, I don’t need to go to the gym. I can exercise in the comfort of my home and the TreadClimber does not take up much space either, being compact.
Now for the bad
You cannot expect the results that you see on television in that amount of time. Everybody knows that workouts take time to show the effects and so it is with Bowflex. Also Bowflex could do with some improvement in customer service – putting a person on a long hold is no good. Some people have had problems with the way the machine works or the motor or other parts giving out, but I have faced no such glitch.
The machine is heavy, but then it has to be to bear your weight and the weight of the exercising. Once you put it somewhere, you will not find it easy to move it around, so you need to figure out where you want to put it when you get it.
My take
I am happy with my buy. After a month of regular use, I can feel my legs are stronger and my butt tighter. My knees are more flexible and I have lost weight. My muscles feel toned as well. And I have found it easy to use and am more regular in my workouts.
If you are looking for good cardiovascular workouts with no stress and don’t want to buy different machines, then this three in one Bowflex is the right piece of exercise to equipment to invest in – that is my personal experience.
And from my positive experience, I have no hesitation in recommending Bowflex if it is the only one piece of exervcise equipment that you want to buy.
Where’s The Lowest Price?
After a couple weeks of research, I discovered the best place to buy was from Amazon.com. The customer support is great, and many people preferred ordering through Amazon, rather than a local Bowflex provider. Click here to visit the Treadclimber on Amazon.
