313 of 319 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
You have to stick with it. . ., February 9, 2006
This review is from: Bowflex TC3000 Treadclimber (Sports)
I got my machine earlier this year. As the other reviewer indicates, at first I really didn't like it. It was awkward and hard to use. I was really worried.
The second time I used it I slowed down the speed and worked on getting the feel for the machine. On a treadmill I always walk at about 4.5 MPH. So I set this machine initially to 4.0 MPH. That is much, much too fast for a beginner. (Don't worry it is still a good workout at 3.0 MPH.) That did it.
Now it is the easiest and best exercise machine I have ever used. I get a better workout than a treadmill with lots less stress and pain in my knees. It is more natural for me than an elliptical.
If you get one of these, you will love it. You just have to stick to it for a few times (it took me two workout sessions) to master it.
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283 of 297 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
Not What It Seems, December 31, 2007
This review is from: Bowflex TC3000 Treadclimber (Sports)
Because of the business of my life, I do not have the time to make it to a gym on a routine basis. Therefore, I take great consideration when it comes to investing in a piece of work-out equipment. I have been diligently using an elliptical for over a year now and it's done a fairly good job of working my lower body. But, it gets boring and it started to make my hips ache.
After researching the TreadClimber for over a year (the cost was a big factor for me), I decided I'd purchase it because it not only worked my lower body, but was versatile enough for cardio. So the "three-pieces-of-equipment-in-one" was a big selling point to me.
If I could go back, I would not have bought the TreadClimber and here's a few reason's why:
1. The hydraulics with the stepping are awkward and they do not go up and down on their own (cheaply engineered for the price I was paying). So, if you are like me and do not walk "perfectly", the machine will pull to one side - not moving up and down evenly. Therefore, you are spending more time in your workout "getting leveled out" then working effectively.
2. It is small width-size, so I cannot walk without smashing my hands into the side bars.
3. The treadles are slim and if you have larger feet (especially once you have sneakers on - I wear a woman's size 10), you are bound to hit the motionless sides and get catapulted several feet behind you.
4. Because of the increased chances of hitting the motionless sides, you must FOCUS on the treadles constantly, if you are to get the best work-out - which means NOT holding onto the side bars. It is discouraging and distracting to be staring at the belt for the entire workout.
5. Do not believe that the stair stepper is of any use. You are just going up and down on the treadles, this is not an effective work out.
6. The treadmill is misleading also. It is only of use if you wish to walk. It is very short and narrow to do anything else.
7. This model only goes to 4.0 mph. This speed will be met very quickly if you are doing a weekly work out regime.
With that said, the TreadClimber is effectively working my thigh and ab areas. Because I was so excited about my thousands of dollar investment, I quickly made room for my versatile TreadClimber and sold my elliptical -I wish now I wasn't so rash. This product is $1000 too expensive!
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158 of 164 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars
Beware - Support Sucks, November 20, 2008
This review is from: Bowflex TC3000 Treadclimber (Sports)
Unless you think you can troubleshoot and support this machine yourself think twice before buying this product. Not sure if is a good machine, I never got to find out. I purchased and TC3000 and my nightmare began. It was delivered in 3- 70lb boxes...after several hours of assembly it wouldn't work. I called the tech support number in their ridiculous assembly manual (the salesperson said they would help you with any questions you might have anytime). Long story short, I had that 200 lb, $2000.00 paperweight in my living room for a week. Total tally came to 18 phone calls, 4.5 hours on hold, 2 emails and 5 messages left before I ever got to talk to someone. Customer service and tech support are non-existent. Bowflex/Nautilus is happy to take your money but obviously can't be bothered to take your calls or stand behind their product. I'll never do business with them again.
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