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Bowflex Review

Tuesday, March 19th

2024 Treadmill Reviews

Bowflex Review 2.5 Star Rating

Bowflex

2.5 Star Rating
  • Prices from $1,299 to $2,799
  • 3 models in stock
  • 10- to 15-year warranty on frame
  • Free shipping on all treadmills
  • Includes 2 months of JRNY membership

Bowflex is a popular fitness brand known for a variety of exercise machines, ranging from treadmills and stationary bikes to complete home gyms. Bowflex is a subsidiary of Nautilus and has been helping put together home gyms for over 35 years.

Worldwide company

The company is known globally and offers international shipping, making Bowflex a stand-out company for those living and shopping outside the US. At the time of this review, the Bowflex website was showcasing three different treadmill models available for purchase. An extra perk is that each treadmill purchase comes with a complimentary JRNY membership, providing access to a valuable exercise program to complement your new fitness equipment.

Equipment overview:

  • Type of treadmills: Touchscreen and Traditional LCD
  • Price range: $1,299 to $2,799
  • Different models: 3
  • Can stream live/pre-recorded workouts: Yes
  • Financing: Yes
  • Level of incline: -5%-20% (depends on model)
  • Return policy: 6 weeks
  • Warranty: Frame: 10-15 years, Mechanical parts: 3- 5 years, Electronics: 1-3 years, and Labor: 1-2 years (depends on model)
  • Shipping: Free

Basic model: BXT8J Treadmill

The basic model available from Bowflex is the BXT8J Treadmill which offers a backlit LCD screen and the lowest cost of $1,299. The BXT8J offers an immersive fitness experience through the JRNY app, accessible on both iOS and Android devices, though the included membership only works on mobile rather than multiple devices like you find on the more expensive treadmill models. The BXT8J has an incline range of up to 15%, and the treadmill supports speeds ranging from 0 to 12 mph. You can expect Bluetooth technology and seamless connectivity with your phone or tablet, and the model provides a USB charging port, allowing you to keep your devices powered during workouts. In terms of fitness technology, the BXT8J offers multiple heart rate monitoring options, including integrated contact grips and compatibility with a wireless HR chest strap. The console is equipped with 26 built-in workout programs, and you can access unlimited workouts with a JRNY Membership which was being offered on a 2-month free trial at the time of our review.

Best Treadmills

Top-tier model: Treadmill 22

The most expensive, top-tier model at Bowflex is the Treadmill 22. This treadmill model has a spacious 22-inch console featuring a high-definition touchscreen, with WiFi connectivity and Bluetooth. This model costs $2,799 and includes a variety of upgrades:

  • You can immerse yourself in the JRNY experience directly through the built-in touchscreen, which offers unlimited workout types (not just the 26 styles offered by the base model)
  • An improved incline range from -5% decline to a 20% incline
  • Integrated contact grips and a Bluetooth-enabled heart rate armband, allowing for accurate heart rate monitoring during workouts
  • Handrail controls enable easy adjustments to incline and speed, while the lower grips also serve as a heart rate monitor
  • Extended handle grips are also included in this model

As with the base model, the JRNY membership is offered on a 2-month free-trial basis making it easy to try out before you commit to a membership.

Customers can't get help for machines

When we dove into Bowflex's reputation, we encountered a slight hiccup: neither Bowflex nor its parent company, Nautilus, has a page on the Better Business Bureau. This means that the company and many of its affiliated brands currently lack an official rating. So, we turned to third-party review sites to fill in the gaps. On average, Bowflex received 2.7 out of 5 stars. Despite some positive feedback, the brand faces criticism for its product quality. Numerous customers expressed concerns about equipment malfunctions that happened shortly after purchase on a variety of Bowflex machines (including treadmills), and when attempting to reach out to Bowflex for assistance with their in-warranty machines, many customers struggled to get in touch with customer service. So, despite the 10+ year warranty, you may have trouble getting your treadmill repaired if necessary.

Bowflex doesn't impress

While there are some good things at Bowflex, we can't ignore the low ratings and lack of a BBB score. These red flags in conjunction with the higher-than-average pricing and the offering of only 3 different machines set Bowflex behind some of the more competitive treadmill brands. However, if you're interested in a JRNY membership, Bowflex does offer a great deal on a free trial. And, all of the Bowflex machines were in stock, which is helpful if you want a treadmill right away. At the end of the day, the brand ends up slightly below average in our rankings.

Where Can You Find the Best Brand of Treadmills Out There Today?

With a rising interest in health and fitness, treadmills have become very popular in recent years. A treadmill is a traditional but reliable piece of equipment, offering a way to bring the jogging track (or your favorite uphill hikes) into your personal home gym. Putting in even a half-hour on a treadmill can promote heart health and aid in weight management.

Treadmills allow you to control the intensity of your workout, adjusting speed and incline according to your fitness level. The convenience of having a treadmill at home eliminates weather constraints or time limitations, making it easier to maintain a consistent exercise routine right in the comfort of your home. And buying a treadmill online has become easier than ever before.

The Best Treadmills Compare Treadmills Compare Treadmill Reviews What are the best Treadmills Best Treadmill Reviews

Treadmill FAQ

As one of the most commonly-used pieces of gym equipment, treadmills are usually the first machine people think of when setting up a workout space at home. Whatever your level of fitness, a treadmill can help you make progress: from low-intensity walking to running intervals on an incline, the possibilities are endless (and they don't depend on the weather).
It depends on the model you choose. Some machines allow you to fold the tread surface up towards the console, similar to a Murphy bed. But, with the higher-end machines that come with plenty of features like live-coached workouts or sky-high incline capabilities, you're likely to need a reasonable amount of floor space. Check the dimensions of any treadmills you're considering and compare them against the places you're thinking of keeping your machine.
You might be surprised to learn that you can get a basic treadmill for under $600. On the other end of the spectrum, you'll see prices in the $9,000 and up range for models exactly like what you'd use at a fitness center or gym. Fortunately, there are plenty of mid-range options that give you good features, top-notch tech and durability without breaking your budget.
Yes. Coverage varies, and most manufacturers have different timeframes of warranty protection for the frame, electronics, and any labor costs. You may also be able to add an extended warranty and/or maintenance plan, to keep your treadmill in good shape for longer.
How does "free" sound? Many retailers of treadmills give you no-cost delivery. Just be aware that if you return your treadmill, you're likely to be on the hook for the shipment costs to get it back to the store (and your refund may have their original shipping costs deducted from it).
Check the retailer's policies. Many offer return periods of 30-60 days, but some provide none at all. You may have to pay restocking fees of up to 25% too, in addition to the return shipping costs (which could get expensive on such a heavy piece of equipment).
Yes, though not all retailers offer it as an add-on service with your treadmill purchase. Look for that option during the checkout process. Otherwise, the company might be able to recommend an installer in your area. If all else fails, it might be worth it to call a fitness center or sporting goods store near you to get the name of a professional they trust.
There's no better way to get the world's widest selection of treadmills - at the best prices. Shopping online makes it easy and even fun to check out all of the latest features and see what customers say about the machines once they're in home use. And, there's no need to rent a truck or try to fit your treadmill in the back of your car with so many retailers offering free delivery right to your doorstep.
Compare the Best Reviews

Continued from above...

Instead of driving to different exercise equipment stores, and listening to various sales pitches, you can shop right from the comfort of you own home. You can explore a wide variety of brands, models, and pricepoints. And many companies even offer free shipping, right to your door.

Treadmills are a popular choice for many due to their advantages. Treadmills offer a predictable and cushioned surface, reducing the impact on joints. So, for joggers looking for an option that's lower-impact than running outside or on a track, treadmills can create a perfect solution. The machines offer a range of fitness levels, from walking for beginners to high-intensity sprints for advanced workouts. Whether you're getting started on your home gym journey or you're a seasoned athlete, a treadmill is a great addition to your workout routine.

As you explore various treadmill brands, you'll discover a wide array of options on the market. Modern treadmills come equipped with features like built-in screens for virtual classes, fitness app connectivity, and even virtual jogging tracks like mountainscapes that make it feel more realistic for runners who prefer the challenges of outdoor exercise. Even if you've been to the gym in the last few years, you may be impressed with some of the major technological improvements in today's treadmills.

Today, treadmills are more than just a simple cardio tool. They can serve as your personal fitness cheerleader, providing stats to track your progress and celebrate fitness milestones. Whether you pick one with a touchscreen or just the usual LCD stat trackers, you can rest assured that you'll get a full rundown of your fitness and performance whenever you need it.

Choosing the right treadmill can be daunting with the number of treadmill brands available. Some of the models and brands look so similar you might be asking: "What's the difference?" Don't worry. To help you navigate the choices and find the perfect fit, we've sifted through the best options and put together a checklist to help you narrow your search.

Here are some things to keep in mind:

  • Number of treadmill styles. The more treadmill models a brand has in its inventory, the better your chances are of finding your perfect match. Also, keep an eye on what's in stock or not. If a brand doesn't keep its machines in stock, it might be a good idea to check somewhere else.
  • Features. What features are on your must-have list? Do you want your treadmill to connect with your smartwatch or fitness apps? Do you need a machine with steep incline capabilities? Do you want a touchscreen or interactive display? Checking out the brands that offer the most features can help you find your ideal treadmill.
  • Price vs. value. While some lower-end treadmill models provide significant features, you can also find some pricier options may not deliver as expected. So, make sure you get the perfect balance for your budget. The most expensive model might not actually be the best, whereas the cheapest out there might be missing some features you need for your fitness. So, make sure that you're getting the value you deserve for what you're paying.
  • Customer-friendly policies. Not all brands offer the same benefits. You'll want to check on things like return policies and whether or not the delivery includes professional setup. You'll want to make sure the brand you choose will have your back during and after purchase.
  • Reputation. Along with customer policies, you'll want to see how well different brands actually perform by checking shopper reviews and Better Business Bureau scores. Even if the warranty is promising, it's best to make sure you'll get real help if something goes wrong. Checking on reviews from customers just like you can help you see the full picture.

Are you ready to get a running start on your fitness? Top Consumer Reviews has reviewed and ranked the best treadmill brands available online today to help you feel confident in your newest addition to your home gym. We hope this helps you get a head start on your fitness journey and start enjoying your cardio. Ready? Set? Sprint!

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