Bowflex Max vs Treadclimber – Which is Best For You?

 

Trying to decide between the Bowflex Max vs the Treadclimber?

These are two popular fitness machines that help you burn more calories than their traditional fitness equipment.

The Max Trainer helps you burn more calories than a regular elliptical. And the Treadclimber is an upgrade from a regular treadmill.

They’re also both lower impact than a treadmill or elliptical.

But what about when you compare them against each other?

How do they measure up?

And which is best for you?

This post will give you a rundown of the main differences between them so hopefully you can find the best machine for your needs. Here’s what you need to know:

 

 

Bowflex Max vs Treadclimber: Price

 

As far as price goes, Bowflex Max has the advantage here. The most affordable model – the M3 – starts around $999 with Free Shipping here. The M6 and M8 models run around $1600 and $2200. They give you upgraded consoles and higher end construction than the M3 model.

 

 

There are currently two different Treadclimber models – the TC100 and the TC200. The TC100 is the most popular and affordable model and starts around $2300 with Free Shipping here. The TC200 has longer treadbelts with a larger console and built-in workouts.

So if you’re on a budget the Bowflex Max is the most attractive option here.

 

 

Bowflex Max vs Treadclimber: Type of Exercise

 

This is probably the biggest difference between the two. The Bowflex Max is a hybrid elliptical-stair climber. Another way to put it is that it’s like a vertical elliptical.

 

 

So it gives you more of a climbing motion (engaging more lower body muscles than an elliptical trainer). And there are upper body arm bars that work like regular elliptical trainer arms to work your upper body.

The Treadclimber is similar to a treadmill. But instead of one main treadbelt, there are two dual treadles that rise to meet your feet as you walk.

 

 

 

This has the effect of high incline walking which, like the Max Trainer, engages more lower body muscles than a traditional treadmill and helping you burn more calories.

One thing to note here: Most people don’t realize that you can’t run on a Treadclimber. The top speeds only go up to about 4.0 MPH and it can be dangerous to run on these machines with the moving treadles. Basically these are for walking only.

 

 

 

Bowflex Max vs Treadclimber: Upper Body Workout

 

The Max Trainer has the advantage here as you can work your arms with the moving arm bars. This also helps to tone your core muscles and abs as well.

In fact, the lab testing results showed that the Max engaged more core and lower body muscles than elliptical trainers and up to 80% more upper body muscles than an elliptical. (Bowflex Max Trainer Independent University Study, 2013)

 

 

The Treadclimber does not give you the option to work your arms. However if you really want to work your upper body on the Treadclimber, you can add in some 2 or even 5 pound handweights to your workout as you walk.

 

 

Bowflex Max vs Treadclimber: Calories Burned

 

If there’s one thing Bowflex is good at, it’s building fitness equipment that burns calories. Both the Treadclimber and Max Trainer are excellent at burning calories.

In fact they BOTH have studies showing that they burn 2.5 times more calories than an elliptical or treadmill.

For example in a study done on the Bowflex Max, trial users burned up to 600 calories in 30 minutes – which is incredible.

 

 

 

And in 2 different studies (University of Wisconsin (TreadClimber, 2011) and Adelphi University Study (Stair Climber, 2004) users burned 2.5 times more calories on a Treadclimber than on a regular treadmill.

So both machines have amazing track records when it comes to helping you burn calories and lose weight.

 

 

 

 

However one thing to note here: The Bowflex Max Trainer uses high intensity interval training (or HIIT) which has been proven to keep your metabolism elevated (and burning calories) for 24 hours AFTER your workout (or even longer).

So you might get a slight after-burn effect with the Max Trainer because of this.

 

 

Bowflex Max vs Treadclimber: Space Considerations

 

If space is an issue in your home, you obviously want a machine with a smaller footprint. The Treadclimber measures about 57″ L x 31.5″ W which is smaller than many treadmills.

 

 

 

However the Max Trainer has an even smaller footprint at 46″ L x 25″ W. So it fits more easily into a small area like a condo or apartment.

 

 

 

Bottom Line?

Both the Bowflex Max and the Treadclimber give you an advantage over other equipment when it comes to burning calories. However it really comes down to your goals, space, budget and exercise preferences.

The Max Trainer is more affordable and gives you more of a whole body workout with the chance to work your arms. Plus it gives you built-in HIIT workouts that you can do in just 14 minutes a day – saving you a lot of time.

However the Treadclimber is ideal for people who want to burn more calories – just by walking. If you enjoy walking it might be the better option for you.

Want to Learn More?

 

Click Here for a Free Coupon Code on the Bowflex Max

 

 

 

Click Here to Save on the Bowflex Treadclimber