TreadClimber

The TreadClimber - intense but low impact cardio workout

The TreadClimber, manufactured by both Nautilus and Bowflex, is the best cardio machine on the market right now in my opinion. It is designed to give you an effective cardio workout and is friendly to your knees and other joints. It is a bit expensive, somewhere in the region of $2,000, but well worth it. Very few gyms have this machine. New York Sports Club has the TreadClimber in some of the gyms, but not all.

Three Movements In One

The TreadClimber is actually a treadmill, stair climber, and elliptical machine combined. This means you walk forward, much like as you would on a treadmill, while you step up, much as you would on a stair climber; and you combine these two actions, using the machine's dual platforms that rise separately to meet each of your steps, into a smooth, low-pact motion similar to an elliptical. The result of these combined activities is a more effective workout.

Burn Calories Faster

Because your motion naturally engages your body's largest muscle groups, you benefit by burning calories at an increased rate. In fact, you'll burn the same number of calories in about half the time it would take if you worked out on a treadmill at the same speed and resistance levels. This means, even at lower speeds, the TreadClimber will burn calories faster.

Flexibility

With a few minor adjustments, you can actually use the TreadClimber as either a stair climber or a treadmill. Shut off the power, select your hydraulic intensity setting (anywhere from 1-12) and you've got a stair climber. Lock the two treadles together, switch on the power, and you've got a treadmill on a 10% incline.

Resistance Levels

Most exercise equipment will offer you a variety of resistance levels. The TreadClimber offers you twelve different resistance levels, so you can start out easy and move up to a more intense workout, as your muscles grow stronger. In addition, you can set the speed. The range begins at a comfortable 0.5 mph and extends all the way up to 4.5 mph.
A session on the TreadClimber is a great workout. You don't work up a sweat and burn calories by coasting. But it's settings do afford the luxury of starting at a level that fits your comfort zone and gradually increasing the intensity of your workout over time.

Ease of Use

While the motion of the machine is smooth, it's important to note that it's only smooth after you've had a chance to get used to it. It requires a level of concentration on your gait and balance before the motion will begin to feel natural and the workout completely effective. It may require several sessions before you gain the confidence of your gait that you no longer give it any additional thought.

If you're looking for the quickest, most effective way to burn calories while giving your heart the exercise it needs, the TreadClimber is well worth investigating. However, it's not for those looking for an easy workout with miraculous results. You won't have to participate in long sessions, but you will have to put your body through the paces.