Bowflex TreadClimbers Review: Comparing the TC100 and TC200

Bowflex TreadClimbers Review: 
Comparing the TC100 and TC200

Bowflex Treadclimber TC100

Bowflex Treadclimber TC200

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The popular Bowflex TreadClimber series by Nautilus is better than ever. Sporting big makeovers for 2016, it features the most tech-friendly TreadClimbers ever produced. Both new models — the TC100 and TC200 — make it easy to integrate your mobile device with TreadClimber workouts. But these new models have important differences too. Which TreadClimber is best for you? This review explores similarities and differences between the Bowflex TC100 verses the TC200.

 Similarities Between the TC100 and TC200

Comparing the TC100 and TC200, you’ll see that both offer big advantages over a treadmill: faster calorie burn, enhanced muscle toning and less stress on joints. Each is enhanced with digital connectivity too. Here are some details.

• Rapid Calorie Burn: Bowflex TreadClimbers let walkers achieve the fast calorie burn that’s normally associated with running. How is that possible? The 40% incline is the key. When you walk on an incline, your metabolic rate increases automatically. The effect is so dramatic that Nautilus confidently offers a money-back guarantee during the first six weeks of ownership.
• Muscle Targeting: With incline choices ranging from 0% to 40%, both the TC100 and TC200 can help you target your thighs, calves and other specific muscle groups when walking. In just one workout you can get the effects of exercising on a treadmill, an elliptical trainer and a stairclimber. Nautilus has found that three 30-minute workouts per week deliver great results.
• Tablet Computer Holder: The TC100 and TC200 both help you enhance workout time with your mobile device. The new TreadClimbers have USB charging ports and can hold your tablet computer or smartphone at eye level.
• Interactive LCD: The new TreadClimbers display motivating animations of your workout progress on a backlit LCD.
• Data Tracking: This category is both a similarity and a difference. Both TreadClimbers have new apps for managing exercise data. The TC100 can be used with Bowflex Connect, which lets you upload, track and share workout stats. The TC200 offers more advanced options as explained below.

Differences Between the TC100 vs TC200

The Bowflex TC100 has a lot to offer. Why is the TC200 priced higher? Main differences between the Bowflex TC100 vs the TC200 are the TC200’s upgrades of Bluetooth connectivity, wireless heart rate monitoring and built-in workouts. These and several other differences are detailed below.

• Bluetooth Connection: A Bluetooth connection and free TreadClimber app on the TC200 make it easy to define your fitness goals and transfer workout data to MyFitnessPal and other select fitness apps. The more you know about your fitness activity, the more likely you’ll reach your goals.
• Advanced Heart Rate Monitoring: The TC100 has a contact grip system for measuring heart rate. The TC200 takes cardio monitoring further with contact grips, a wireless monitor and chest strap, and a Heart Rate Zone Light Bar for visually tracking your pulse.
• Higher Speed: A small difference between the TC100 and TC200 is speed. Top speed for the TC100 is 4.0 mph. Top speed on the TC200 is 4.5 mph.
• User Profiles: The TC100 can save and track data for two users. The TC200 has four user profiles.
• Built-In Workouts: Both units are sold with free access to four online workout programs by Motion Traxx, but an important difference between the TC100 and TC200 is the built-in programming. The TC100 is equipped with Quick Start mode only. On the TC200 five training programs are provided: Just Walk, Calorie Goal, Time Goal, Distance Goal and Interval.
• Machine Size: The TC200 is slightly more compact than the TC100. It’s heavier too. The TC200 weighs 202 pounds and the TC100 weighs 158 pounds. However, both TreadClimbers have a 300-pound user weight capacity.
• Warranties: Nautilus sells the TC100 and TC200 with “whole machine” warranties. The TC100 is covered for two years. The TC200 is covered for three.

The Bottom Line

Upgrades on the TC200 make it worth the price difference. The more budget-friendly TC100 doesn’t provide the same workout guidance, heart monitoring or data management as the TC200. Even so, any TreadClimber is a powerful tool for fitness. Topped with a tablet computer, the TC100 can hold your interest while delivering fantastic workouts.