Bowflex Treadmills Review: A Guide to Our Favorite Bowflex Treadmills

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Many of us know the feeling of counting down the seconds until our treadmill workout is finally over. Recently, treadmill workouts have become more of an interactive experience thanks to immersive programming on treadmill apps, HD screens and engaging features. While Bowflex is widely known for its innovative approach for strength training at home, the brand is using its expertise to create its own line of high-tech cardio machines like bikes, ellipticals and treadmills.

In this Bowflex treadmill review, we’ll take a close look at the company’s three models: the Bowflex Treadmill 22, the Bowflex Treadmill 10 and the Bowflex BXT8J. We’ll detail each treadmill’s stand-out features, compare them to NordicTrack and Horizon Fitness treadmills and offer insight on how to choose the best Bowflex treadmill for you.

Our Picks for the Best Bowflex Treadmill:

• Best Splurge Bowflex Treadmill: Bowflex Treadmill 22
• Best Bowflex Treadmill for Streaming: Bowflex Treadmill 10
• Best Folding Bowflex Treadmill: Bowflex BXT8J Treadmill

Best Splurge Bowflex Treadmill: Bowflex Treadmill 22

Key Features:

• Price: $2,699
• Incline: -5 percent decline to 20 percent incline
• Speed: Zero to 12 miles per hour
• Running deck: 60 inches L x 22 inches W
• Size: 85 inches L x 39.6 inches W x 70 inches H
• Key features: Foldable, on-demand workout and streaming service capabilities, heart rate monitoring via hand grips and Bluetooth armband, extended handlebars, adjustable 22-inch HD touchscreen

The Bowflex Treadmill 22, currently priced at $2,699, is an excellent option if you’re looking to splurge on some advanced features to kick your workout up a notch with a more immersive, customized experience.

The Treadmill 22 is the largest of the three treadmills Bowflex offers. The running deck is 60 inches long and 22 inches wide which leaves plenty of space for runners with a bigger stride. So if you’re taller this is definitely a factor to consider. Another impressive feature, the T22 has an incline up to 20 percent and declines to -5 percent to add intensity to your training. For comparison, most standard treadmills offer an incline up to 15 percent and don’t have a decline setting. We love the option to include decline training, which mimics running downhill outdoors. The extended handlebars can be gripped comfortably while the treadmill is inclined, and the lower handlebars have a heart rate monitor. Heart rate can also be tracked from the included Bluetooth HR armband.

The large 22-inch HD touchscreen also sets the T22 treadmill apart from others on our list, with users raving about the bright, clear, crisp and responsive display. With this console you can stream on-demand JRNY workouts led by personal trainers or you can take a run through virtual scenic destinations around the globe. Over time, workouts automatically adapt to your needs based on your previous workout data to give you an individualized experience. A JRNY subscription is required to access these features; if you’re new to JRNY, a one-year free trial is included. After the trial, JRNY is $149 per year or $19.99 per month.

Pros:

• One-year subscription to JRNY is included
• High max weight capacity of 400 pounds
• Foldable
• Spacious, cushioned deck

Cons:

• Automatic adjustments during trainer-led workouts are limited
• Footprint may be too big for some spaces
• Heavy

Best Bowflex Treadmill for Streaming: Bowflex Treadmill 10

Key Features:

• Price: $1,999
• Incline: -5 percent decline to 15 percent incline
• Speed: Zero to 12 miles per hour
• Running deck: 60 inches L x 22 inches W
• Size: 85 inches L x 39.6 inches W x 65.3 inches H
• Key features: Workout and entertainment streaming capabilities, heart rate hand grips and Bluetooth armband, built-in media shelf, foldable, adjustable 10-inch HD touchscreen

Love to tick away the miles while watching your favorite movie or TV show on your treadmill? Then checkout the Bowflex Treadmill 10, which is our pick for the best treadmill for streaming. The T10 has a 10-inch interactive console with an adjustable HD touchscreen. With a JRNY subscription you can stream entertainment from services like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video or Disney+ right on your console. You get many of the same benefits of the T22, but at a fraction of the price.

With a JRNY membership you can also use the Treadmill 10 to stream virtual classes, choose from hundreds of trainer-led or adaptive workouts and pick from any of the 200 virtual courses to run, walk or sprint along. The JRNY dashboard recommends workouts based on your performance, what you’ve accomplished during previous classes and your class choices. While watching, you’ll still hear cues from the instructor and see metrics like your speed, distance, calories burned and more, which are tracked at the bottom of the screen.

There are speed and incline knobs so you can make adjustments quickly and easily. This treadmill can decline to -5 percent and incline up to 15 percent. It also has a max speed of 12 miles per hour—a five-minute mile—and the cushioned deck has plenty of space for an all-out sprint.

Pros:

• Bluetooth connectivity
• Transport wheels
• Foldable
• One-year subscription to JRNY is included

Cons:

• JRNY membership and WiFi is required for streaming
• Assembled weight is 323 pounds which may be difficult to maneuver

Best Folding Bowflex Treadmill: Bowflex BXT8J Treadmill

Key Features:

• Price: $1,299
• Incline: 15 percent incline
• Speed: Zero to 12 miles per hour
• Running deck: 60 inches L x 20 inches W
• Size: 78 inches L x 37.6 inches W x 62.8 inches H
• Key features: Dualtrack LCD, 26 built-in programs, cushioned deck, heart rate tracking, adjustable cooling fan, built-in USB port and media shelf

The BXT8J is the smallest of the three Bowflex treadmills on our list, but still comes with several features. It’s our pick for the best folding treadmill from Bowflex. The BXT8J Treadmill has a soft drop folding system that uses a hydraulic lift to raise and lower the deck to save floor space when not in use. The soft drop folding system works on its own, with no guidance needed as the deck slowly lowers to the ground. The length of this machine goes from 78 inches to 54.9 inches when folded, making it a good option if you want a treadmill with a slightly smaller storage footprint.

There are 26 built-in workout programs, and you can view your metrics as they are tracked on the LCD screen. The BXT8J comes with quick touch buttons on both sides of the screen and closer to the bottom of the dashboard for easy changes to speed and incline. As you walk, run or jog, the Comfort Tech deck cushioning suspension technology works to absorb the impact of each stride. Unlike other models, you are not able to stream JRNY workouts and entertainment directly on the console. However, there is a built-in device holder if you want to use your own tablet to follow along on a treadmill app or take advantage of the JRNY one-year free trial.

Pros:

• Inclines up to 15 percent and the top speed is 12 miles per hour
• 26 built-in programs make a JRNY app subscription optional
• Built-in fan has three speeds
• Foldable

Cons:

• Maximum user weight of 300 pounds may be limiting
• Running deck is more narrow than other models

How to Choose the Best Bowflex Treadmill for You

Fitness goals

It’s important to think about your fitness level and goals before getting a new treadmill for home. Are you looking to train for a marathon or incorporate sprints? If so, you’ll want to opt for a model with a more spacious and cushioned running deck. Are you looking for a treadmill for walking? Then consider if you need the option for both incline and decline on your new machine. Do you want to follow your own programming or do you prefer interactive classes? Each model can be used with a JRNY membership, but this is also an additional cost to take into consideration.

Overall, you’ll want to make sure your treadmill’s features align with your training intentions and goals so you make the most of your investment.

Budget

Budget probably plays a role in which Bowflex treadmill is right for you. The Bowflex BXT8J Treadmill model is the most budget-friendly on this list, currently priced at $1,299. It also has 26 built-in programs if you want to avoid paying for a JRNY app subscription once the free trial expires. That being said, models like the Treadmill 10 and Treadmill 22 cost more, but have more advanced features such as streaming capabilities and an interactive console.

Before purchasing, consider which features you absolutely need and whether or not you want the additional cost of a subscription.

Space

Each Bowflex treadmill model on this list has a folding deck, which helps save on floor space when not in use. You’ll still want to measure where you’d like to put your treadmill, keeping in mind that when the deck is folded the overall height of the machine is higher. The folding deck does save some space, but it’s important to make sure that the overall footprint works well in your home.

Bowflex vs NordicTrack

Bowflex offers three models of treadmills while NordicTrack has five current models (with more available on closeout) spread across its EXP series, Commercial series and an Incline series with several models in each. The Bowflex Treadmill 22 is comparable in price and features to the NordicTrack Commercial 2450 ($2,999), while the Treadmill 10 is comparable to the NordicTrack Commercial 1250 ($1,999). One big difference is that the NordicTrack Incline series treadmills incline up to 40 percent which is higher than the 20 percent maximum incline of the Bowflex Treadmill 22. That being said, the NordicTrack X22i costs $3,499 while the Bowflex Treadmill 22 is $2,499.

Both brands have HD touchscreen displays that can stream on-demand workouts through an app. NordicTrack uses iFit, which has a 30-day free trial as compared to JRNY’s one-year free trial. NordicTrack also does not allow streaming from third-party apps and streaming services.

Bowflex vs Horizon

Horizon Fitness has three models in its Go Series, which are treadmills that are designed for those who want a cardio machine with fewer features and built-in programs. The Horizon T303 ($1,099) is comparable to the Bowflex BXT8J Treadmill because they both have a simple LCD console and are budget-friendly options. The T303’s maximum incline of 12 percent is slightly lower than the Bowflex BXT8J's maximum incline of 15 percent, and both models have a top speed of 12 miles per hour.

The Horizon Studio Series models are comparable to the Bowflex Treadmill 22 and Treadmill 10, which are all designed for streaming. Unlike the built-in displays seen on the Bowflex treadmills, the Horizon Studio Series uses training apps such as the Peloton app and Zwift for interactive workouts, but they have to be streamed using your device.

FAQs

Does Bowflex sell curved treadmills?

No, Bowflex does not offer curved treadmills.

Which Bowflex treadmill is best for running?

We recommend the Bowflex Treadmill 22 or the Bowflex Treadmill 10 for running because each has a cushioned deck that is 60 inches long and 22 inches wide. They can also reach speeds up to 12 miles per hour.

Which Bowflex treadmill is best for walking?

The Bowflex Treadmill 10 has a 10-inch interactive console where you can stream a walking program, hike or show while you walk. If you want to add intensity, it can incline up to 15 percent and decline to negative five percent.

Final Thoughts

Bowflex treadmills offer a range of features and price points, each with their own pros and cons.

The Bowflex Treadmill 22 has the most features if you love interactive programming, but it is the most expensive and an additional membership fee is needed to take advantage of all its perks.

The Bowflex Treadmill 10 is a more affordable option that can be used for interactive workouts and streaming services, but the display is slightly smaller and the maximum incline is slightly less. It still offers a wide cushioned deck and a maximum speed of 12 miles per hour.

The Bowflex BXT8J Treadmill has 26 built-in workout programs so there is no need for additional subscriptions. It offers great features like heart rate monitoring and incline options, but there is no decline available. If you want to stream a workout from the JRNY app, you have to use your own device.

Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.