Bowflex Brand Info

Bowflex as a brand has a lot going for it in the realm of treadmills. They currently hold the position as the number one rated treadmill at consumer reports for folding treadmills with the 7 series. All three models come with an impressively long warranty, and Bowflex is a company that you know will be around awhile.

They keep things simple with just three models to choose from:

Bowflex 3 Series Treadmill:

• Speed range is 0.5-10 miles per hour; incline range is 0-12%
• Workout programs include manual, cardio, running, fat burn, speed interval jogger, and hill intervals
• Folds-up for easy storage and portability
• Warranty: frame - 15 years, motor - 10 years, parts/electronics - 2 years, labor - 1 year
• Features a 1.75 horsepower continuous-duty motor

Bowflex 5 Series Treadmill:

• A powerful 2.5 horsepower continuous-duty motor
• 12 workout programs (rather than six with the Series 3)
• A larger walking and running surface area that measures 20 inches wide by 60 inches long

Bowflex 7 Series Treadmill:

• A powerful 3.0 horsepower continuous-duty motor
• 15 workout programs (rather than 12 with the Series 5)
• Speed up to 11 miles per hour
• A maximum user weight capacity of 300 pounds

Bowflex Series 7

Product Summary (From Manufacturer):

The top-rated Bowflex Series 7 Treadmill is an intense cardio workout system with a powerful 3.0 horsepower continuous-duty motor and fifteen workout programs, providing ultimate variety in your exercise routine every time. The programs include a wide range of options, including manual, cardio, fat burn, speed interval jogger, hill intervals, heart strength/recovery test, calorie goal, distance goal, cardio heart rate calculation, body mass index (BMI) test, and two custom programs to truly personalize your workouts. In addition, grip and telemetric heart rate monitoring and a backlit LCD computer display track your heart rate and metrics as you exercise.

For your convenience, the treadmill folds up for easy storage and also has a built-in three-speed fan, two bottle holders, and quick-speed keys for your added comfort and ease of use. A generously sized walking and running belt surface area measures 20 by 60 inches and features Bowflex’s unique Strike Zone deck cushioning system for ultimate support, stability, and comfort during your lift-off and landing motions. Whether you’re just starting to get in shape or are a seasoned athlete looking to stay in shape, the Series 7 is a diverse piece of equipment for your home with a speed range up to 11 miles per hour and an incline grade up to 12%, allowing you to customize your workout pace and program every time.

Specs:

• Large 20 by 60 inch walking/running surface area
• Grip and telemetric heart rate monitors help you measure your fitness level
• Quick incline and quick-speed keys offer easy access to desired settings; 3-speed fan cools you while exercising
• Warranty: frame - 15 years, motor - 10 years, parts/electronics - 2 years, labor - 1 year
• 15 programs, including two heart rate calculation, two user-defined, and a body mass index test offer maximum workout variety

• 3.0 continuous-duty horsepower motor
• Speed range is 0.5-11 miles per hour/0.8-17.7 kilometers per hour
• 0-12% incline range
• Quick incline and quick-speed keys offer easy access to desired settings
• Fifteen workout programs: Manual, cardio, running, fat burn, speed interval jogger, hill intervals, 5K run with 12 intervals, heart strength/recovery test, calorie goal, distance goal, fat burn heart rate calculation, cardio heart rate calculation, body mass index (BMI) test, two custom programs
• Grip and telemetric heart rate monitors help measure your fitness level
• Skylight backlit LCD computer display
• Product Dimensions: 83 by 35 by 55.25 inches/211 by 89 by 140 centimeters
• Folded Product Dimensions: 40.87 by 35 by 65.5 inches/104 by 89 by 166 centimeters
• Machine Weight: 298 pounds/135 kilograms
• Maximum User Weight: 300 pounds/136 kilograms
• Power Requirements: 120VAC 15A non-GFI grounded outlet
• Strike Zone deck cushioning provides soft landing and firm lift-off
• Two-ply belt
• Rollers measure 2.5 inches/6.4 centimeters
• Walking/running surface area measures 20 inches wide by 60 inches long/51 by 152 centimeters
• Built-in three-speed fan
• Two bottle/cup holders

Warranty:

Frame - 15 years; motor - 10 years; parts/electronics - 2 years; labor - 1 year

Real World Pricing:

$1300-$1900

Justin’s Comments:

This is the top of the line Bowflex, and a great choice for hard-core runners and households with multiple users. It has a powerful motor and large running surface. This treadmill is a Consumer Reports favorite, and it’s difficult to find anybody that doesn’t like the thing.

Bowflex Series 5

Product Summary (From Manufacturer):

Featuring a powerful 2.5 horsepower continuous-duty motor and twelve workout programs for variety, the Bowflex Series 5 Treadmill is an intense cardio workout system for the home gym. The programs include a wide range of options, including manual, cardio, fat burn, hill intervals, heart strength-recovery test, calorie goal, distance goal, and two custom programs to truly personalize your fitness routine. In addition, grip heart rate monitoring and an LED computer display tracks your heart rate and metrics as you exercise.

The treadmill folds up for easy storage and also has a built-in three-speed fan, two bottle holders, and quick-speed keys for your added comfort and ease of use. A generously sized walking and running belt surface area measures 20 by 60 inches and features Bowflex’s unique Strike Zone deck cushioning system for ultimate support, stability, and comfort during your lift-off and landing motions. Whether you’re just starting to get in shape or are a seasoned athlete looking to stay in shape, the Series 5 is a great piece of equipment for your home with a speed range up to 10 miles per hour and an incline grade up to 12%, allowing you to customize your workout pace and program every time.

Specs:

• A powerful 3.0 horsepower continuous-duty motor
• 15 workout programs (rather than 12 with the Series 5)
• Speed up to 11 miles per hour
• A maximum user weight capacity of 300 pounds
• 0.5-10 miles per hour speed range
• 0-12% incline range
• 2.5 horsepower continuous-duty motor
• Twelve workout programs: manual, cardio, running, fat burn, speed interval jogger, hill intervals, heart strength-recovery test, calorie goal, distance goal, fat burn heart rate calculation, two custom programs
• Grip heart rate monitoring
• Four-window LED display with 10 x 21 dot matrix
• Product dimensions: 83 inches by 35 inches by 55.25 inches/211 by 89 by 140 centimeters
• Folded dimensions: 40.87 inches by 35 inches 65.5 inches/104 by 89 by 166 centimeters
• Machine weight: 249 pounds/113 kilograms
• Maximum user weight: 275 pounds/125 kilograms
• Power requirements: 120VAC 15A non-GFI grounded outlet
• Strike Zone deck cushioning provides soft landing and firm lift-off
• One-ply belt
• Rollers measure 2.5 inches/6.4 centimeters
• Walking/running surface area measures 20 inches wide by 60 inches long/51 by 152 centimeters
• Built-in three-speed fan
• Two bottle/cup holders
• Quick-speed keys offer easy access to desired settings
• Soft Drop decline position ensures easy storage and portability

Real World Pricing:

$1270 - $1799

Justin’s Comments:

A great all around treadmill for all but the most serious of athlete’s, the series 5 falls in-between the starter 3 and top of the line 7 series. Backed by the Bowflex reputation and impressive warranty, you can’t go wrong with this guy. A glance at reviews from the major sites shows nothing but a bunch of happy customers.

Bowflex Series 3

Product Description (From Manufacturer):

Treadmill Programs To Get You Started
Choose between 6 programs including Manual, Cardio, Running, Fat Burn, Speed Interval Jogger, and Hill intervals. The built-in grip heart rate monitoring system allows you to always stay informed of your workout progress.

Comfortable Running Surface
The Strike Zone^TM deck suspension provides a soft landing and firm lift-off.

Fits In Your Home
Easy to store and move thanks to cutting-edge SoftDrop^TM technology. Folds up to a compact 41″ x 35″ x 66 ” size. Built-in wheels allow for ultimate portability.

General Specs (From Manufacturer):

Performance Features	Speed Range		.5 - 10 mph/.8 - 16.1 kph
	Incline Range		0-12%
	Motor Size		1.75 HP Continuous Duty

Programming Options	# of Workout Programs		6
	Workouts		Manual, Cardio, Running, Fat Burn, Speed Interval Jogger, Hill Intervals
	Heart Rate Monitoring		Grip

Computer Features

Display Type

4-window LED Display with 10 x 21 Dot Matrix

Details and Warranty	Product Dimensions		77″L x 35″W x 55.25″H/196 L x 89 W x 140 H cm (Folded: 39″L x 35W” x 60″H/99 L x 89 W x 152 H cm)
	Machine Weight		298 lbs/135 kg
	Max User Weight		275 lbs/125 kg
	Power Requirements		120VAC 15A Non-GFI grounded outlet
	Deck Cushioning		Strike ZoneTM
	Belt		1 ply
	Rollers		2.0″/5 cm
	Walking Surface		20″ x 54″/51 x 137 cm
	Built-In Fan		No
	Bottle/Cup Holders		2
	Warranty		Frame - 15 years, Motor - 10 years, Parts/Electronics - 2 years, Labor - 1 year

Real World Pricing:

$999 - $1249

Justin’s Comments:

This Bowflex, the least expensive of the Bowflex models, gives you a solid treadmill with a reputation for quality. Reviewers on major shopping sites can’t say enough good things about this treadmill. My only concern is the wimpy motor - serious runners may look at the higher end 5 or 7 series that include a beefier motor.

Many other models with a similar or even lower price come with more powerful motors - what you are paying for with this model is the Bowflex quality and reputation.