Bowflex BXT216 Treadmill Review

The Bowflex BXT216 Treadmill, though made for home use, is designed with the highest quality which is almost equal to a light commercial exercise machine.

It’s heavier than the BXT116 and has upgraded premium features such as a more powerful 4.0 CHP motor that enables users to run for long, wider 3-ply belt with extra deck cushioning that provides more thickness, comfort and durability, higher weight capacity, a large 9” full-color display, 11 pre-programmed workouts and advanced heart rate monitoring. All in all, it’s a perfect treadmill for serious exercise enthusiasts.

Published: August 4, 2020.

Bowflex BXT216 Treadmill Specifications

- Dimensions when assembled: 84.5 x 38.5 x 54.7 inches (215 x 98 x 140 cm) (L x W x H)

- Weight when assembled: 304 lbs. (137.9 kg)

- Motor: 4.0 CHP

- Dimensions of running deck: 60 x 22 inches (152.4 x 60 cm) (L x W)

- Maximum user weight capacity: 400 lbs. (181.4 kg)

- Incline: Automatic, 0-15%

- Speed: 0-12 MPH

- Warranty: 15 years on frame and motor, 5 years on parts and electronics, and 2 years on labor

Features of Bowflex BXT216 Treadmill

Assembly

When it comes to assembly, the BXT216 is fairly easy to assemble, because the motors and deck come pre-assembled. Users need to attach only the console masts, console, accessory tray, and the handlebars, which should not take more than 45 minutes as claimed by the company.

The manual provides detailed instructions and tools needed are included. Users can also choose expert installation for a fee.

Frame

The base frame and console masts of the Bowflex BXT216 Treadmill are made of precision-welded, sturdy steel. The entire steel tubing in the machine’s construction has a double coating of a chip-resistant and corrosion-resistant powder finish.

The console masts are painted in silver, while the base frame is painted in black.

Motor

The BXT216 features a high-performance 4.0 CHP motor that can easily handle extended workout sessions without overheating or losing performance even if the user is close to the maximum user weight capacity of 400 lbs. (181.4 kg). It also features a small flywheel that lessens the vibration and enhances motion stability and thereby delivering an extremely smooth running experience.

Folding Design

The Bowflex BXT216 Treadmill has the same folding design as that of the BXT116. Plus, it integrates the SoftDrop hydraulic system which helps users while lowering the deck and prevents any damage to the machine. When folded up, the length of the machine is reduced by around 32″ (81.2 cm).

Footprint

When fully assembled, the Bowflex BXT216 Treadmill is quite large and takes 84.5″L x 38.5″W (215 x 98 cm) of floor space. Moreover, it’s recommended to leave a clearance of at least 2 feet on each side and at least 3 feet on the rear of the machine for safe access and operation.

Stability

The Bowflex BXT216 Treadmill is significantly heavy weighing more than 300 lbs. (304 lbs. – 137.9 kg). Thus it requires at least two people for its transport, unboxing, and assembly. However, this very weight makes the machine remarkably stable and sturdy.

Even when a person close to the machine’s user weight capacity runs it at maximum speed, it doesn’t wobble. In addition, the front part of the base features four adjustable stabilizers.

Portability

Although it’s so heavy, the Bowflex BXT216 Treadmill is not very difficult to relocate once assembled, thanks to the transport wheels on the front part of the base.

Console

The console of the BXT216 is high performance and features a 9” LCD full-color display with backlight and large digits for excellent readability. It displays all the important workout stats like distance, time, speed, incline, burn rate (average calories burned per minute), total calories burned, heart rate, and heart rate zone.

It features a multi-color innovative Burn Rate Display which displays the rate of calories burning per minute at the user’s current workout level.

It also has a Sprint Display section to show the remaining sprint segment during an interval program. Plus, it shows the grid of the workout program user is using at that time.

Speed and distance are shown in both standard and metric units.

The console offers 4 user profiles; so, 4 members of a household can use the machine without having to change the settings of the previous user. Each of the 4 users can create their own profile by entering age, gender, and weight, due to which the console provides a more precise calorie reading.

Since the treadmill belongs to the Bowflex Results Series™, its console is Bluetooth 4.0 enabled which means that users can sync it with a smartphone or tablet that has the Bowflex Trainer app, which enables users to directly stream their workout data to it so that they can keep a better track of their progress.

The treadmill also comes with a USB port, so they can transfer their workout metrics online via a USB flash drive. The system is compatible with Bowflex Connect, UnderArmour, and MyFitnessPal. The USB port can also work as a recharging port for smartphones and tablets.

The machine is also compatible with RunSocial which allows users to view and run on a virtual trail on their phone, tablet, or smart TV. It offers 27 routes on 19 locations on which you can run beside your friends in real-time.

Heart Rate Monitoring

The BXT216 has pulse sensors integrated in its front grips. Plus, the console is telemetric, so, can read the pulse via the HR chest strap which is included or any other similar chest strap that works within the 4.5 kHz – 5.5 kHz range.

Workout Programs

Unlike the BXT116, the BXT216 provides 11 workout programs which include Fat Burn, Calorie Goal, Calorie Burn, 5k Distance, 8 Min. Interval, 16 Min. Interval, Varied Interval, Target Heart Rate, Strength, Manual, and Custom. The Manual program enables users to exercise freely with any incline and speed as per their wish, while the Custom program offers users the possibility to design their own workout.

Although the remaining programs are preset, users can always adjust them.

Bowflex JRNY Technology

The BXT216 has the Bowflex JRNY integrated in it which is a personalized coaching technology that creates daily custom workouts and offer in-workout coaching and personalized feedback that keep users motivated throughout their workout.

Bowflex JRNY offers individualized running workouts every day that adjust automatically as the users’ running improves, thus scaling every custom run to help them reach their goals. Bowflex JRNY subscription is required to get all these benefits.

Running Deck

The machine has an extremely strong running deck. It has a high weight capacity of 400 lbs. (181.4 kg). It features a ComfortTech cushioning system. But unlike the BXT116, it has 5 cushioning cells. The cushioning element on the front side is larger and it softens the landing of each foot thus reducing the impact, whereas the rear cushioning elements boost the stride. This system significantly reduces the workout-related pain due to which users can exercise for longer and with higher consistency.

The running surface is 60″ (152.4) long and 22″ (60 cm) wide. This allows users of height up to 6’6” to use the machine with ease, promoting a natural stride.

The belt is highly adherent and stretch-resistant. The 3-ply/2.5mm belt is powered by large 2.75” rollers that are crowned and precision-machined and integrate high-quality, sealed ball bearings so as to provide a smooth belt motion. They also increase the lifespan of the belt.

Speed

The speed range offered by the BXT216 is from 0.5 to 12 MPH. Speed adjustment controls are present both on the console and the right handlebar. The speed can be adjusted in the increments of 0.1 or 0.5 MPH. The console also has quick speed adjustment keys for the settings of 1, 3, 6, 9, 10, and 12.

Incline

The treadmill comes with an automatic incline system. The front of the deck features a small lift powered by the incline motor. Because the incline system is motorized, it can be adjusted only via the console. Also, the machine needs to be connected to an electric outlet in order to adjust the incline.

The range of incline offered is from 0% to 15%. The increment of adjustments is 1%. There are quick incline controls on the console for the 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 incline settings. But keys for quick incline controls are also available. Plus, some of the pre-programmed workouts require particular incline and speed; therefore when users choose one of them, the incline and speed are auto-adjusted as required by that workout.

Step-up Height

When the incline is set at 0% the running surface is around 12″ (30.5 cm) above the floor level. When the incline is set at 15%, the height of the highest point of the deck is 16″ (40.6 cm) above floor level. Hence users are suggested to place and use the machine in a room, the ceiling of which is at least 16″ (40.6 cm) higher than their own height.

Electrical Requirements

The BXT216 requires a 120V 15A power circuit and comes with a standard U.S. 3-prong plug, but not an adapter. It’s recommended not to connect other devices to a power circuit when the BXT216 is connected to it to avoid power surges.

Using a surge processor is also a good idea because it can prevent any damage to the console or motor, in case a surge takes place.

Add-ons

The BXT216 features quite a few add-ons. The first one is a sound system that comprises of 2 speakers placed atop the display. It’s compatible with most MP3 players, smartphones, and tablets; thus, users can play music of their choice to make their workout time enjoyable.

The second add-on is an anti-slip tablet holder placed in between the two speakers. Since it’s conveniently located above the console, it doesn’t block the display.
Further, the dashboard has four molded accessory pockets which users can use to store anything including water bottles, phone, TV remote, etc.

The bottom of the dashboard is equipped with the next amenity i.e. a cooling fan that has 4 settings viz. off, low, medium, and high.

The final amenity is a PVC accessory tray on the bar that connects the two console masts. Users can store various things in it like water bottle, phone, towel, keys, etc.

Maintenance

In terms of maintenance, it’s required to lubricate the deck with 100% pure silicone lubricant after every 25 hours of use. It’s also recommended to vacuum the surface and the belt regularly to prevent fibers, dust, or other objects being dragged and caught into the motor or block the air vents.

Also, users should periodically watch out for any loosened or damaged parts.

Pros of Bowflex BXT216 Treadmill

- Solid, sturdy construction

- Great stability

- 4.0 CHP powerful motor

- 400 lbs. maximum user weight capacity

- Easily movable with transportation wheels

- Folding deck with SoftDrop hydraulic cylinder

- 3-ply light commercial belt for a long lifespan

- 5-cell Comfort Tec deck cushioning system

- Speed range from 0.5 to 12 MPH offering a possibility for a wide array of exercises

- Speed can be adjusted in the increments of 0.1 and 0.5 MPH

- Motorized incline between 0% and 15%

- Integrates Bowflex JRNY technology that creates custom workouts and provides in-workout coaching

- Large 9” full-color backlit LCD display

- Bluetooth-enabled console that enables users to use the Bowflex Trainer app or stream their workout stats to their accounts in apps like Bowflex Connect, UnderArmour and MyFitnessPal

- Innovative Burn Rate Console that displays calories burning per minute

- Compatible with RunSocial app

- Heart rate sensors integrated in handgrips

- Telemetric console

- Heart rate chest strap included

- USB port for workout stats transfer and charging users’ phone or tablet

- Sound system included

- Tablet holder and accessory tray and compartments included

- 3-speed cooling fan included

- Smooth and almost quiet operation

- Easy assembly

- Good warranty

Cons of Bowflex BXT216 Treadmill

- Very heavy requiring two people to carry, unbox and assemble

- No decline available

- Fewer built-in workout programs

- Cooling fan is not very powerful

Bowflex BXT116 Treadmill vs Bowflex BXT216 Treadmill

Bowflex BXT116 and BXT216 are two very similar high-end models, with their most important features and differences listed in the following comparison chart:

Note: Amazon links open in the new windows, feel free to check them for the most up-to-date offers and prices.

As one can see, Bowflex BXT216 features somewhat more built-in workout programs (11 vs 9), larger backlit full-color LCD display (9" vs 7.5"), stronger motor (4.0 vs 3.75 CHP), larger running deck (22x60 vs 20x60 inches) and it supports heavier users (400 vs 375 lbs).

Also, Bowflex BXT216 Treadmill costs slightly more than Bowflex BXT116 Treadmill - nonetheless, both are excellent, Bluetooth enabled units, that can and should be used with various workout apps for achieving the best results.

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Bottom Line

The Bowflex BXT216 Treadmill is a high-quality, strongly built treadmill that has a lot of features like a very powerful 4.0 CHP motor for a great performance for extended runs, 400 lbs. maximum user weight capacity, 9” large full-color backlit LCD display, extremely sturdy 3-ply running deck with a unique ComfortTech cushioning system for optimum comfort and spaciousness to accommodate the stride of users in a great range of heights, a great range of speeds and inclines, 11 intuitive workout programs, RunSocial compatibility which offers more possibilities of workouts through virtual routes, compatibility with multiple online apps to store workout data, 4 user profiles and a lot of add-ons.

Most of these features are above average and don’t occur normally in this price range.

Users can use BXT216 for moderate to intense cardio training, interval training, stamina buildup, muscle toning, and weight loss, as well as for physiotherapy and recovery training with the lowest settings of speed and incline, and the easiest of the built-in workouts.

So, those looking for a strong, durable treadmill with a lot of features should surely consider this treadmill.

For more reviews and recommendations, feel free to check Bowflex BXT216 Treadmill Amazon link (link opens in the new window).