If you’ve read our Bowflex TreadClimber review, you may be aware of the differences between it and a traditional treadmill. In fact, the two cardio machines aren’t very similar at all. For those who may be considering one or another, let’s compare the two so you can gain a better understanding and decide which one would be the best choice for you.

TreadClimber vs Treadmill – What’s the Difference?

The most apparent difference between the two machines is their appearance. Whereas a traditional treadmill has a single belt the TreadClimber has two independent belts, called treadles. This makes it more of a combination treadmill, elliptical and stepper machine. If you haven’t seen a TreadClimber, it sort of looks like someone sliced a regular treadmill right down the middle.

Another major difference is the fact that the Bowflex TreadClimber is strictly for walking.

The maximum speed is just 4.5 mph on the TC200, and 4.0 mph on the TC100, so any workouts you do will be at a slower pace.

Compare this to a traditional residential treadmill that can reach speeds up to 12 mph. So if you are a jogger or runner, a traditional treadmill is a better choice for you. But if the idea of getting into shape by simply walking appeals to you, then the TreadClimber is a great choice.

Another differentiating factor of the TreadClimber vs. a treadmill is the compact design. Whereas a traditional treadmill can easily be over 80″ long, a TreadClimber is only 57″ long, a huge difference. So it is much more compact than a treadmill, which is ideal if space is limited in your workout area.

UPDATE: Check out the latest TreadClimbers on sale now for a limited time!

Because of the fact that it is like three machines in one, you can purportedly burn more calories on a TreadClimber than you can on a stepper or a treadmill, according to a study posted on the Bowflex site.

The results showed that in a 1/2 hour, you can burn 423 calories at 3.0mph as opposed to 191 calories on a stepper and 165 calories on a treadmill. You’re getting the forward motion of the treadmill, combined with the step up motion of a stepper and the low impact of an elliptical…the best of all worlds, maximizing your results.

So there are lot of differences between the TreadClimber and a regular treadmill, making them quite unique from each other. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons to help you better understand these differences.

Bowflex TreadClimber vs. Treadmill – The Pros

There are several advantages of a TreadClimber over a treadmill. Here are the main ones:

1. You can burn more calories in the same amount of time.
2. There is less impact on the knees and joints.
3. You can target more muscle groups.
4. It offers a more compact design.
5. You get the benefits of three machines in one.

So as far as the workout you get, it is more efficient and less painful.

Bowflex TreadClimber vs. Treadmill – The Cons

The TreadClimber does have drawbacks however. The major ones are:

1. You can’t run or jog.
2. You don’t have incline or decline capability.
3. You don’t have internet or touch screens.
4. There are a limited number of workouts.
5. Warranties are not as strong as similarly priced treadmills.

So although you are getting a more efficient workout, there are limitations as well. A similarly priced treadmill offers a lot more capability and functionality, as well as a better warranty.

So what’s the bottom line?

When it comes to TreadClimbers vs. treadmills, it’s a matter of deciding what kind of workout you are interested in. If you want a low impact, highly effective walking workout then the TreadClimber is a great choice. They are very popular machines and are built well, and customer service is pretty good.

However, if you are more of a jogger or runner, and want the ability to incline or decline the machine and have more interactivity like touch screens and internet, then a similarly priced treadmill is the right choice for you.

TreadClimbers are very expensive as well. The TC100 will cost you around $2,199 on sale…the up-level TC200 will cost you over $3000. For that price you can get a very good treadmill with all of the features you could ever want. Still, a TreadClimber is a great choice for an effective, calorie burning low impact walking workout.

Interestingly, shortly after we wrote this article Bowflex brought back their treadmill line, with two brand new traditional models. So now you have both options from the company.

Compare both new TreadClimbers here to see which one is right for your home gym