TreadClimber Review
The Treadclimber is basically a treadmill combined with a stair stepper, a machine designed to give you a good cardio workout at home. Our family has used the Bowflex for several years, a machine that has stood up well to even teenage sons, so we decided to get the Treadclimber when we heard it was by the same people who do the Bowflex. The Bowflex is a great home gym, but as you may know, it's not the best for cardio workouts. The rowing stuff just never gave me that good panting/sweating feeling that really makes you feel like you're working hard. Plus, living in the Pacific Northwest, the weather isn't always conducive to jogging or other outdoor activities. This is why we started looking for a good solid home cardio fitness machine.
Since we have a large family and just about everyone uses the Bowflex, we decided to get the TreadClimber TC5000. It is the most expensive model, but the TC5000 also comes with the longest most comprehensive warranty.
Treadclimber Shipping and Assembly
Word of warning: the Treadclimber is heeeeavy, and the shipping alone will make your checkbook cringe. If you can ever find one that includes free shipping, you know you're getting a deal.
As far as shipping time, we ordered directly from the Treadclimber Website and were told to our Tread climber would arrive in about 4 weeks, but it actually came in about 10 days.
The Treadclimber took about 2 hours for my husband to assemble, probably made longer from copious help from our cats (they find boxes fascinating). He's sort of like Tin Allen from Home Improvement (read the directions, what?), but still managed to get it together without trouble.
Treadclimber: Working Out AKA Does it Make You Sweat?
In short, oh, yeah. You can basically work as hard as you want to work. Even though I'm fairly active, it took me a couple weeks to be able to do a full 20 minute workout--my usual cardio workout duration. I feel it in my butt and hips especially. The motion is very smooth, so you can hold open a book and read (hardbacks work best) or watch TV while you exercise. The only bad thing is the machine is somewhat loud so if you are watching TV or listening to the radio while on the Treadclimber, the rest of the house probably is too. Listening that is.
Unlike running, the Tradclimber is no-impact. Since my husband has had a couple of knee surgeries, this was a big consideration for us. Using the Treadclimber provides resistance but without the hard pounding you get running on treadmills. Unlike with jogging or walking up/down hills, the Treadclimber does not bother my husband's knees at all.
For myself, I must say I prefer the Treadclimber to the treadmills and stairclimbers I've used at the gym. It really gives you a great workout. Though expensive, it looks like the Treadclimber will hold up well under a lot of use. After 6+ months, we haven't had mechanical issues or problems with the machine.
Closing Thoughts:
Overall, we recommend the Treadclimber. It is an expensive enough piece of equipment that you should only consider it if you are going to use it. As with the Bowflex, it makes a costly coat hanger! The Treadclimber people do offer a money back guarantee if you aren't satisfied within 30 days, BUT that doesn't include shipping and handling, which as mentioned before is a hefty part of the cost of the machine. Although we have had no problems and think you will find the Treadclimber a sound machine, you may want to find some place to try it out before you buy. Just to make sure!
Review by Jen Mikita
