Lately there has been a lot of dispute in the fitness world over a particular piece of exercise equipment called the bowflex treadclimber. Supposedly, you can get fantastic results using this machine without having to resort to grueling exercise like running due to the fact that the TreadClimber's unique use of a combination of a combination of movements.

To date there are 5 treadclimber models available. This article will attempt to sort these machines out for you and let you the good, bad, and the ugly about the treadclimber line.

All of the Boxflex treadclimbers combine the forward action of a treadmill, upward action of a stair climber, and low-impact motion of an elliptical trainer. It would seem that this is the ultimate workout machine. And it would be if it weren't for a minor "glitch" that we have discovered on the lower end models.

What we have found is that with the base models is that there is not a smooth resistance transition. So what the heck does that mean?!

Resistance is what makes the treadclimber adjust from easy to hard to actually tread on. Contrary to what people think, it has nothing to do with making the machine go fast or slow. Generally speaking, most machines that have resistance ability have little arrows on the center console to let the user change the resistance. The Bowflex Treadclimber however does not include these arrows. Instead it has a hydraulic system with knobs above each piston. It is nearly impossible to change these resistance levers while in motion using the machine. As a matter of fact Bowflex actually strongly suggest that you get off the machine when changing the resistance.

If you can get past this little gripe, then this IS actually a great machine that can lead to rapid weight loss. Overall this machine has a customer satisfaction rate of over 90 percent, which is good.

The bottom line is that if you don't expect to change the resistance during your workout plan and if you are looking at the treadclimber1000, for only $15 additional per month you get increased speed, additional bells and whistles and a much better user console. If you have cash to buy the 5000 or if you can afford the payments, then this is simply the best of the lot.