The Bowflex BXT116 Improves Upon Previous Treadmills

The Bowflex BXT116 joins the BXT216 as the two brand new models from the popular company, part of their foray back into the traditional treadmill market.  

The company has been focusing on their hugely popular TreadClimbers and Max Trainers for the past few years, and due to high demand are now offering traditional models.

The Machine

The BXT116 features a brand new folding design, some good cushioning, a new console and other improvements.  Let's take a look at some of the best features...

• 3.75 HP continuous duty motor
• 12 mph maximum speed
• 9 Workout programs
• Pulse grip and telemetric heart rate monitor
• Burn rate calorie tracker
• Soft Drop easy folding
• 7.5" Full Color Backlit LCD display
• Bluetooth workout tracking
• 2.75” rollers
• 20” x 60” running surface
• SoftDrop folding mechanism
• Warranty: Frame 15 years; parts & electronics 5 years; labor 2 years

The Buzz

UPDATE: In 2021 Bowflex discontinued the BXT116 and BXT216 in favor of the all new 10 and 22 models. Read reviews of the latest Bowflex Treadmills here.

There's been a lot of excitement building around the introduction of these new Bowflex treadmills, as it's been a few years since the company offered a traditional model.  So far the reviews have been positive for the most part.

The BXT116 is similar to the previous 5 series, but improvies upon that model with a stronger 3.75 CHP motor, a larger, enhanced display and better cushioning.

It features both grip and telemetric (wireless) heart rate monitoring, but you'll need a separate chest strap as it is not included.  The soft drop folding design is very easy to use...you can fold up the machine quiet easily for storage, and then back down when you're ready to use it again.

The CushionTech technology, also found on the up-level BXT216 model, provides solid support and give, minimizing impact on your knees and joints.  This enables you to workout longer without worrying about the pain you might be in afterwards.

You get 9 workout programs which are enough to vary your workouts from one day to the next.  Bluetooth tracking allows you to sync your workouts with the Bowflex app, and set goals for yourself, share your results and more.

The running area is 20" x 60", which should be ideal for most users.  If you think you might need a little more width for whatever reason, look at the BXT216 model.

Other features on the new Bowflex BXT116 include easy to access controls, media rack, USB port and a 375 lb. max weight capacity.

The specs look very good on this new model and experts have been happy with everything thus far...the only negative seems to be the frame warranty, which is only 15 years.  Typically you get lifetime coverage on a treadmills' frame.

However, the parts and labor warranty have improved significantly...you now get 5 years on parts and electronics, and 2 years on labor, which is very solid in this price range.

What We Say

The Bowflex Results Series BXT116 is certainly an improvement on previous models, with better cushioning, larger runner's deck, more powerful motor, improved console and Bluetooth workout tracking.

We like the BXT216 model better, as it gives you an even more powerful motor, larger display, wider belt and a higher weight capacity, as well as other upgrades making it more appealing.

Either model however is a good choice.  If you can get the BXT116 on sale for around $1499 it's a very good deal for what you are getting.