Nordictrack Incline Trainer vs Bowflex Treadclimber
Which is Best For You?
Trying to decide between the Nordictrack incline trainer vs Bowflex Treadclimber?
You’re not alone.
These are two machines that can help you burn more calories in less time than on a regular treadmill. That makes them both very popular with buyers.

They both give you the option for high-incline walking (which uses more lower body muscles resulting in a higher calorie burn).
Another benefit?
The rising treadbelt on either machine also helps reduce impact on your knees, hips and back.

So which is better? And which one should you choose?
This post will give you a rundown on the main differences between the Nordictrack incline trainer vs Bowflex Treadclimber.
Incline Trainer vs Treadclimber: Options
You currently have 2 different Bowflex Treadclimber models: the TC100 and the TC200. Prices start around $1899 with a Free Promo Code to save here.
You have 3 different Nordictrack Incline Trainer models: the X11i, X22i and the X32i. Prices start around $1999 with Free Shipping here.
So the Bowflex Treadclimber is just slightly cheaper, making it more attractive price-wise. But you get more options with the Incline Trainer.

Incline Trainer vs Bowflex Treadclimber: Design
The major difference between the two machines is the design.
The Bowflex Treadclimber has two smaller treadbelts that rise to meet your feet. This looks pretty cool. And the rising treadles do help to reduce impact on your joints.
The Nordictrack Incline Trainer has one large treadbelt – similar to a treadmill.
So you can lower the incline and just use it as a regular treadmill (something you can’t do on the Treadclimber). Or crank up the incline to use it as an incline trainer.

Treadclimber vs Incline Trainer: Speed
This is another very important difference that most people don’t realize. The Bowflex Treadclimber only gives you speeds of up to 4 or 4.5 MPH.
Why?
Basically, this is because the Treadclimber was built to give you maximum calorie burning results while walking – not running.
In fact, because of the low speed limits and the rising dual treadles you should absolutely NOT run on this machine. It’s only meant for walking.
The Nordictrack incline trainer, on the other hand, can be used for both walking and running (since it’s basically a super-high-incline treadmill). It has speed limits of up to 12 MPH.
So if you want the option to walk and run, the incline trainer is the better choice.
Console Options
The console is important since it’s what you’ll be looking at for most of your workout. The Bowflex Treadclimber consoles are both backlit and easy to read.
Here’s the Bowflex TC100 console:

And here’s the Bowflex TC200 console:

Both consoles give you a built-in USB charging port as well as a media shelf to store your phone or tablet.
However the Nordictrack incline trainer consoles are a bit more impressive.
They all come with full-color, HD, touch-screen consoles. So you can see your workout stats in full color.
You can also connect with iFit Coach online and from there you can run trails all over the world, take guided workouts or even take streaming fitness classes right from home.
The main difference between incline trainer consoles is the size. Here’s the Nordictrack X11i console:

Here’s the 22-inch Nordictrack X22i Console:

And here’s the massive 32-inch Nordictrack X32i Console:

All Nordictrack incline trainer consoles also come with cooling fans and iPod docks with speakers.
Another plus?
While iFit Coach is a monthly subscription service, if you get any of the Nordictrack incline trainers through the Manufacturer here, you can get a Free 1-year Membership to iFit Coach.

So you can try it out for the first year to see if you like it. (The incline trainers work fine without iFit – it’s just an optional service).
So from that perspective, the Nordictrack incline trainer does give you a lot more in terms of console quality and training options.
Nordictrack Incline Trainer vs Bowflex Treadclimber: Space
Space is always a consideration when buying a piece of fitness equipment. The Bowflex Treadclimber does come in a bit more compact here – which makes it great for smaller workout areas or condos.
For example, the largest Treadclimber – the TC200 – has a footprint of around 55″L x 31.5″W.
The largest incline trainer – the X32i – has a footprint of around 76.5″L x 40″W. So overall the incline trainer takes up a bit more space.
Incline Trainer vs Treadclimber: Decline
The Incline Trainer has another benefit over the Treadclimber: decline.
Not only can you walk uphill – but you can also walk downhill as well. You get up to 6% decline on any Nordictrack incline trainer. This gives you another way to crosstrain and challenge yourself.
Bottom Line?
So what’s the bottom line when comparing the Nordictrack incline trainer vs Bowflex Treadclimber?
Both have benefits.
The Treadclimber definitely has the “cool” factor with the two rising treadbelts. And it can help you burn more calories than a regular treadmill.
It’s also more compact and does start at a slightly lower price than the incline trainer.
However, the Incline trainer can be used for both walking AND running – unlike the Treadclimber which can only be used for walking.
It also has the better console with more entertainment and workout streaming options. Plus you get decline for added crosstraining.
So at the end of the day it comes down to your workout preferences and goals.
Want to learn more? Check out the links below for more on either machine:
Click Here for Up to $500 Off the Incline Trainer

Click Here for a Coupon Code for any Treadclimber
