One of the worst parts of outdoor cardio exercise is that you often have to endure hot and muggy as well as cold and wet days.
Going to a gym for indoor cardio just adds time to your schedule.
The Bowflex BXT116 Treadmill can help you work in regular cardio workouts without having to put up with uncomfortable weather.
What You Should Consider Before Buying a Home Cardio Machine
The first thing to figure out is what type of cardio routines do you wish to do?
Do you want to run, cycle, use an elliptical, use a stair-stepping machine, or something that will give you both some resistance training and cardio at the same time?
If you’re just looking to maintain your health, you can often get enough cardio from a resistance training program with only short periods of rest between sets.
However, if you are interested in a low-impact cardio session or you simply don’t like lifting weights, a home treadmill is something to consider.
Once you decide you want a treadmill, you need to look at the build quality which includes the motor that drives the machine and the durability of the belt.
You’re going to be putting a lot of miles on the belt so you don’t want something that will wear out quickly.
How much noise does the thing make? Can you access streaming workout routines and High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) fitness programs to maximize calorie burn?
Does the machine allow you to track your workouts on a fitness app so you can record your progress?
What is the max speed of the belt? Does it have a built in heart rate monitor?
Finally, you should always consult with a physician before starting any regular exercise program.
Introducing The Bowflex BXT116 Treadmill
This machine is part of the Bowflex lineup of home exercise equipment.
The company is very well-known for it’s home resistance training machines that they introduced in 1986 that operate with a tension rod system.
Bowflex also produces a tread climber, a biking machine, a stair-stepper/elliptical hybrid, as well as treadmills.
The BXT116 is the lower priced of two treadmills produced by Bowflex. Even so, the BXT116 is a quality machine with a lot of advanced features.
Its belt runs up to 12 MPH, which translates to five minute miles. This machine can support users up to 375 lbs. and includes a heart rate tracker.
The machine comes with 9 workout programs installed on the system, with the ability to access more through the JRNY app that you can connect to through your phone, tablet, or smart TV.
Pros
- Quiet motor
- Fast 12 mph speed
- Sophisticated AI training app that pushes you to improve
- RunSocial app to connect with other users
- Built in MP3 player with speakers
- Ample available workout routines so you training sessions don’t get stale
Cons
- This machine is a heavy 280 lbs. It takes two to build and move around
- Cooling fan is pretty weak even at top speed
- Hard to reach cups and the media tray while using the machine
Features and Benefits of the Bowflex BXT116 Treadmill
What makes the Bowflex BXT116 Treadmill one of the more desirable treadmills currently available?
Here are a few features and benefits that may help you see why.
Workout Programs
The Bowflex BTX116 Treadmill has nine built-in workout apps that you can access directly from the console.
You get a free eight-week DailyBurn video as well as streaming workout sessions that come from Zwift.
Users can customize these programs to match their own particular needs and fitness level.
You also can access the Bowflex JRNY app and RunSocial app that allows the user to run in 19 different locations.
You have over 27 real-time courses that you can navigate with friends.
The JRNY app is AI powered and will access your workout data to automatically adjust your routines as you improve.
It’s a bit like having your own personal training running alongside you.
Control Console
The Bowflex BXT116 Treadmill control console is built around a 7.5″ backlit LCD touchscreen.
This screen displays workout information that includes: calorie burn rate, heart rate, incline, run time, speed, total calories burned along with other tracking data.
Beneath this screen are Quick Start and Stop buttons along with Speed and Incline settings buttons.
The controls are pretty easy and intuitive to use even without reading the instruction guide. The buttons are placed close to the hand grips that contain the heart rate sensor.
You can also sync with the Bowflex JRNY fitness training app as well as the RunSocial app.
The Bowflex BXT116 is also Bluetooth capable so you can easily port your workout data into fitness apps on a phone, table, or even a smart TV.
Beneath the control console is a media shelf that also has a holder for a water bottle. It also includes a USB port so you can share data between your devices.
This is really good for moving your workout data into diet and fitness apps.
Motor
The Bowflex BXT116 Treadmill has a 3.75 CHP motor that can drive the belt up to 12 mph.
Unless you aspire to be a world-class distance runner, five-minute mile times is more than enough to challenge most users.
This motor is durable enough to withstand long training sessions without becoming overheated.
The Bowflex BXT116’s motor runs smoothly and with little vibration. There is a slight noise from the machine especially as you increase the drive speed. However, it isn’t a loud racket.
Incline and Decline
You can run flat or adjust the bed for up to 15% incline training on the Bowflex BXT116 Treadmill.
Putting yourself on an uphill angle increases the intensity of your exercise and calorie burn.
The bed sits 12 inches above the floor and at the max 15% incline it reaches 16 inches. Therefore you will need a ceiling clearance of at least 16″ above the typical user’s height.
This incline is controlled automatically if you choose one of the nine workout programs installed on the console or access through one of the various fitness apps.
You can also manually increase or decrease the incline with console buttons.
Belt
The tread on the Bowflex BXT116 Treadmill is a 2.5mm thick 3-ply rubber belt that can withstand years of intense training sessions.
It is 20″ wide and 60″ long, so even tall users will have plenty of space for a comfortable stride. The belt is also designed to resist stretching.
This treadmill also includes a shock absorption system to reduce the stress on your joints and feet.
In short, the treadmill has more “give” than the hard surfaces endured by outdoor runners.
Heart Rate Monitor
Bowflex includes a wireless heart rate monitor that you can attach with a chest strap if you don’t want to keep your hands on the console grips as you exercise.
The chest strap monitor is also more accurate than the handgrip monitor and links to the console’s display panel.
Bonus Features
The Bowflex BXT116 Treadmill also comes with a cooling fan with four-speed settings located on the bottom of the machine.
It also has two speakers that allow you to play music on the system’s built-in MP3 player or to personal devices that you can connect through Bluetooth.
Assembly
The treadmill takes about 90 minutes to construct. The deck, motor, rollers, belt, and cushioning system come assembled.
You need to attach the handlebars, console mats, and display console.
The Bowflex BXT116 Treadmill comes with all the tools necessary to assemble the machine. If you wish to avoid assembly, you can pay extra for in-home construction by Bowflex.
Storage
This machine measures 84.6″ x 36.3″ x 55.2″ and weighs a hefty 280 lbs. This thing takes up space and isn’t easy to move around.
However, the machine is foldable down to a surprisingly compact size.
You can’t really store it under a bed because the deck is simply too thick to fit under most bed frames.
Warranty
The Bowflex BXT116 Treadmill comes with a 15-year warranty on the frame and motor. Mechanical parts and electronics are covered for five years.
However, Bowflex only cover labor for two years.
What Others Are Saying About the Bowflex BXT116 Treadmill
The Bowflex BXT116 Treadmill has 162 user reviews on Bowflex’s direct-buy site, with 125 five-star ratings and only 6 1-star ratings. The BXT116’s average star rating is a solid 4.6.
Review #1
Byron linked the BXT116 with a trail app and really appreciates how well it works with his devices.
Review #2
Gramma considers the Bowflex a “a joy to walk on” despite having a bad back, knees and ankles.
Review #3
After receiving her treadmill, Rae now runs every night
Bowflex BXT116 Treadmill Alternatives
If you’re still on the fence about the Bowflex BXT116 Treadmill, you might want to consider these other high-quality treadmills that are of similar quality.
MaxKare Folding Treadmill
If you’re interested in a budget treadmill that can get the job done for home exercise, you should consider the MaxKare Folding Treadmill Auto Incline Running Machine.
This machine is a low-tech competitor to the Bowflex BXT116.
While it lacks the connectivity and many of the advanced features of the BXT116, it does have 15 workout programs built into the machine and can give you a solid running/walking experience in your home.
Pros
- Costs less than Bowflex BXT116
- Significantly smaller than the BXT116 at 52.8″ x 27.4″ x 44.3″
- Assembly only takes 10 minutes
Cons
- Does not sync with your devices
- Nothing like Bowflex’s JRNY app or RunSocial app
- Only 12% max incline instead of 15%
- Can support users only up to 220 lbs. instead of 375 lbs. like the BXT116
ProForm Pro 2000 Treadmill
If you’re looking for a durable home treadmill that comes with iFit, then you can check out the ProForm Pro 2000 Treadmill. The ProForm Pro 200 is another high-end treadmill.
It comes with a 7-inch color display panel with a strong cooling fan blowing over you as you workout.
The machine comes with a free one-year iFit membership so you have plenty of workouts and connectivity available.
Pros
- Stronger cooling fan than BXT116
- Free one-year iFit membership
- Lifetime frame and motor warranty
- Display pivots to give optimum viewing angles while in use
- More options on the control console
Con’s
- Costs more than BXT116
- Belt is only 1-ply instead of 3-ply (less durable)
- User capacity only up to 300 lbs. instead of 375 lbs.
- Doesn’t have a built-in AI trainer app
LifeSpan Fitness TR7000i Commercial Treadmill
If you want a heavy-duty treadmill that is designed with the elite athlete in mind, you should examine the LifeSpan Fitness TR7000i Commercial Treadmill.
This machine is another high-end entry into the home treadmill market.
This machine features an all-steel frame, 15 levels of incline, a 6.5 backlit display screen with scrolling messages and 3 additional LED readouts for time, speed and incline.
The deck includes four shock absorbers to reduce wear and tear on your joints.
Pros
- Nice shock absorber system
- Comes with 21 programs installed in console instead of 9 like the BXT116
- Can link with your favorite fitness apps
- Commercial quality exercise equipment
Cons
- Costs more than Bowflex BXT116
- No streaming workout system to join
- No AI trainer to motivate you and automatically adjust workouts
Final Thoughts
If you’re interested in a home exercise machine that comes with plenty of workout options, connectivity, and social workout apps, then the Bowflex BXT116 Treadmill is a great option.
The best part of this machine is the combination of high-tech connectivity with high-quality for a reasonable price compared to other high-end treadmills.
