Bowflex Treadmill 10: Features, Drawbacks, and Specifications (2023 Updated)
Image by lyashenko on Freepik
By Simon Gould
The Bowflex Treadmill 10 was introduced last year. It’s one of the biggest I’ve reviewed and you can see by the picture it’s a mammoth machine. I like big treadmills because they can take heavy users, have long warranties and tend to last. There are some features that really impress me and make it different from others you see on the market.
There is a 5% decline and a 15% incline both motorized. By using this you can replicate any course, even the down hill parts and improve your performance when you encounter it. The 400 lbs weight capacity mean the whole family can get a workout comfortably. If you’re overweight then you can exercise with confidence to help you lose weight.
As you can see in the picture above the HD touch screen display is a bit special. It’s totally interactive and will display all the workout information you need and more. Plus, if you’re in the middle of a normal routine, you can watch Netflix, Hulu, Disney+ and other streaming services you may be a member of. It can do this because it’s fully Bluetooth enabled.
The Bluetooth extends to the included heart rate arm band that help you monitor your workouts in another way. Whether your aim is to lose weight, improve your fitness, replace an old treadmill or exercise on a professional piece of equipment. You’ll get it here on the Bowflex treadmill 10. I’ll go through what I think of the features in this review.
Features of the Bowflex Treadmill 10
+ JRNY app – This is the Bowflex app which is a game changer for this treadmill and uses the 10″ interactive console. It’s been described as a digital fitness platform and makes the T10 all about you and your fitness goals. This app has a 2 month free trial and once you try it and realize it’s full potential, I’m certain you’ll want to keep it.
The first thing to do is to take the fitness assessment. It uses data from this to provide tailor made workouts that are 100% unique for you. This means if you performed well on the assessment, because you already have a level of fitness, then you’ll get workouts that will challenge you. If you’re a beginner who’s starting on your fitness journey you’ll get different workouts especially for your needs.
It’s all very clever and these routines get slightly harder as you get fitter. You can do these daily or whenever your personal time allows. The app can display you exercising in 40 different destinations from around the world in full HD color. You can stream Netflix, Disney+ and others on the console using your subscription.
There’s also trainer led videos, virtual coaching, celebrations, rewards for achievements and curated playlists. The Apple app store show the Bowflex JRNY app has an average rating of 4.6 stars out of 5 from over 3,500 users. These fitness apps have taken off and this is proving to be a popular one. It’s all designed to be used with Bowflex equipment including the Treadmill 10.
+ 400 lbs Weight Capacity – You can only achieve such a big weight on a treadmill because of how sturdy and well built it is. There are very few treadmills on the market that can take this weight. Most don’t even bother trying and accept their machines can only take lighter people. As a result those treadmills don’t usually last as long.
I always like a good maximum user weight and not necessarily because it means overweight people can get a workout. I think it also means the treadmill is stable for all users. It means the components used have to be strong and high end. The deck needs to be safe and secure. The user weight is an important metric that says a lot about the machine.
+ 2.5 CHP Motor – This is a good high number for a treadmill motor and measures its power. This means it can go at higher speeds for longer without having to work so hard. The CHP stands for Continuous Horse Power and these are the best motors for treadmills because, as the name suggests, they’re far better at dealing with continuous use.
This is the size of motor you find in high end machines. You can walk, jog and run on the Treadmill 10 but for running you would need a motor to be around 2.0 CHP and upwards and you have 2.5 CHP here. If you or your family plan to get a lot of use on your machine then I do advise you go for the best motor spec you can afford. This motor will go a long way.
+ Motorized Incline – If you enjoy using the incline to simulate hill exercises then you’ll be pleased to hear what you get. You can go from a minus 5% decline to a large 15% incline. Those workout programs that used to be called hills. Well now you can train on hills and valleys when you have a decline. Going downhill on a treadmill is a unique experience.
The varied incline helps you target your leg muscles in different ways. You can tell this when you walk or run uphill for longer periods. Maybe you want to target the upper thighs and butt, then stick the incline to 5% and go uphill for 20 minutes. You’ll be able to shape your legs and whole lower body in every way. You’ll feel firmer and you’re burning calories.
For runners the incline and decline could be used to replicate a course or route. Or maybe you want some variation in your routines. Some training can involve using the incline to strengthen the legs and give them a tougher workout. This could help your normal runs get quicker as your body adapts to the new routines you’re giving it. Your choices are endless.
+ Comfort Tech Cushioning – With such a large weight capacity you may need a strong deck but also a soft one. It needs to support all kinds of users and it will protect those knees and other joints from less impact and stress. Treadmills are often chosen because they are so much kinder than exercising outside. That’s thanks to the cushioning technology in the deck.
Bowflex have inserted special cells along the deck which provide comfort as you land and push back as you go forward. All this gives you an extra spring in your step to help you achieve the workout the app may have made for you. Personally I use treadmills for the cushioning as my left knee hurts when I run outside. It really makes a difference.
+ Warranty – A well looked after treadmill can last 10 years and more. But the warranty is an important consideration to determine if you’re covered should anything go wrong. Here the frame and motor have 15 years. This shows how sturdy Bowflex feel the frame is. The motor also would have to be reliable and well made.
There are 5 years on mechanical parts, these are the moving parts. There’s 1 year on electronics and 2 years labor. I really like a good labor warranty and we have one here. Two years is about right for a good treadmill and I have very rarely seen higher, except on treadmills that cost $5k and more. As always there are terms and conditions so keep every invoice and digital file you get as part of a purchase.
+ Other Features – There’s so much more this Bowflex Treadmill 10 has to offer so I thought I’d summarize some of them here. The machine weighs 323 lbs yet it’s folding. This is due to a special technology called a SoftDrop folding system. It’s easy to fold even though it weighs so much. This is essential as treadmills get bigger.
Bluetooth is very common on modern treadmills now and help enhance what the machine can provide. With the T10 you get a Bluetooth enabled heart rate arm band included which helps you track your performance. Bluetooth also enables the JRNY app to be used on Android and Apple devices and built in speakers. These can be used to play your curated playlists from the app.
The console has the speed and incline buttons and so does the handrails. These help you change your settings while you exercise. You just move your arm over the handrail and operate, instead of learning forward in a bad posture to press the button on the console. This is a nice feature to have and one which you’ll use a lot.
Drawbacks of the Bowflex Treadmill 10
– App is essential – I’m referring to the Bowflex JRNY app. You get 2 months free and then there is a monthly subscription of $19.99. While the treadmill works fine without it and you can use the workout programs, the app is needed to get the most out of the machine. So many features are tied into it that you have to have it really, but it’s worth it.
You’ll find these fitness apps becoming increasingly common and I would predict that this will be normal in a few years. All manufacturers are developing their own apps and they have to if they want to stay with, or beat, the competition. This is what us fitness consumers want, once you’ve experienced the benefits, you’ll be convinced. They keep you motivated and are good fun.
– Large Footprint – Make sure you do the measurements of the room you want to put this treadmill in. When it’s unfolded it takes up a lot of space (length is 85″ and width 39.6″). Think about the height of the ceiling too, you need the maximum user height plus 21″ clearance. Most properties should be ok but better to check.
Bowflex Treadmill 10 Specifications
Model | Bowflex Treadmill 10 (T10) |
Folding | Yes, SoftDrop folding system |
Motor | 2.5 CHP |
Running Surface | 22″ x 60″ |
Bluetooth | Yes, and heart rate arm band included |
Display | 10″ interactive console and adjustable HD touchscreen |
Dimensions | L 85″ x W 39.6″ x H 65.3″ |
Weight Capacity | 400 lbs |
Treadmill Weight | 323 lbs |
Speed | 0 to 12 mph |
Incline | -5% to 15% |
Warranty | 15 Years: Frame & Drive Motor 5 Years: Mechanical Parts 1 Year: Electronics 2 Years: Labor |
Bowflex Treadmill 10 Review Summary
With the Treadmill 10. you’re getting a feature packed, modern treadmill. The decline of -5% is the highest I’ve seen on the market, they’re usually -3%. It would make a great addition to any home gym, garage or wherever you usually have your fitness equipment. It’s something for the whole family to help weight management, or improve your overall health.
What makes it better than most other treadmills I’ve reviewed is the app. It takes the machine to another level. I like the fitness assessment it gives you at the start. This is a nice feature to see how fit you are and gives you workouts to help you improve over time. The Treadmill 10 is good for both new and experienced treadmill users as it has features for both.