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Wednesday, February 19th
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:
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.
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:
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.
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.
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:
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!
Select any 2 Treadmills to compare them head to head