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Editor’s Note: The Bowflex BXT6 is no longer in production. We suggest viewing the Bowflex Treadmill 10 as the best alternative, or view our Best Treadmills list for more options.
The Bowflex BXT6 was a part of Bowflex’s BXT line. BXT treadmills were large, folding treadmills with a top speed of 12 MPH and 15% incline ability. These treadmills were solid machines without all the bells and whistles of more modern treadmills. Bowflex discontinued the BXT line of treadmills and replaced them with the Treadmill 10 and Treadmill 22.
We’ve looked at online specs and customer reviews to let you know how this machine performs. In our Bowflex BXT6 review, we will go over the numbers as well as offer alternatives if you’re looking for a similar product.
We Know Treadmills
The team at Garage Gym Reviews is constantly working to help you find the best fitness equipment to build your perfect home gym. We test fitness gear as fast as the industry can churn it out. If you want it in your gym, we’ve likely tested it.
Our team of certified personal trainers, weightlifting coaches, and athletes has tested countless bikes, ellipticals, squat racks, and, most importantly for this review, treadmills.
Looking for an Alternative to Bowflex BXT6?
The first place we’d recommend you look for a BXT6 replacement is Bowflex’s new entry-level treadmill, the Treadmill 10. The Treadmill 10 is more expensive because it comes with more bells and whistles, most notably a built-in screen that allows you to stream entertainment via apps like Netflix and Hulu as well as workouts via the JRNY app.
If you just want a basic treadmill without a fancy touchscreen, try looking at our budget treadmill roundup. Our favorite budget treadmill is the Sole F63, which has very similar specs to the BXT6: 3.0 CHP motor, 20-by-60-inch tread belt, and similar speed and incline abilities.
If you’re intrigued by the incline abilities of the BXT6, we’ve looked at all the best incline treadmills. If you have a small space, you might want to check out folding treadmills.
Best Alternative to Bowflex BXT6
If you’re looking for an interactive treadmill with a solid and sturdy build, the Bowflex Treadmill 10 is a great option for any runner. The Treadmill 10 supports speeds up to 12 miles per hour and, quite impressively, has both motorized incline and decline options ranging from -5%-15%, which makes it possible to train for any terrain. That said, it is odd that Bowflex shares no information on the motor’s power. In fact, they stated that they do not have that information on their website when questioned by a potential buyer. Other sites have reported a whopping 4.0 CHP motor, but we couldn’t confirm that. Still, users do report a powerful feel to the motor with little to no lag time. Use the interactive, high-definition, adjustable touchscreen to access a myriad of training content that comes with your one-year free JRNY membership. Bound to keep you motivated and on track with your fitness goals, the JRNY membership provides virtual coaching, trainer-led workouts and adaptive workouts that progressively get harder as your fitness improves. The Bowflex Treadmill 10 comes with some awesome conveniences, too. It’s Bluetooth-enabled for smart devices, has an included Bluetooth heart rate armband, a console fan and boasts speed and incline knobs for ease of use. The cushioned running deck will feel roomy, too, as it measures 22 inches by 60 inches, which is larger than most folding treadmills. To that end, the Bowflex Treadmill 10 uses a soft drop folding system to easily fold and unfold. However, weighing 323 pounds assembled, this tank of a machine is not easily moved around, so plan on dedicating a space in your home gym for its use.
A Quick Look at the Bowflex BXT6
While it was in production, the Bowflex BXT6 could be purchased for just under $1,000. The BXT6 featured both speed and incline abilities and could be folded up for storage. The speed ranges from 0 to 12 MPH, and the treadmill can achieve up to 15% incline thanks to a powerful 3.0 CHP motor.
You can track your workout stats via the 7.5-inch blue backlit LCD screen. Extras include a three-speed fan, two large water bottle holders and integrated speaker system. The treadmill has the ability to monitor your heart rate via contact grip sensors and the included wireless chest strap.
Pros:
- Incline up to 15%
- Media shelf with USB charging port
- 0-12 MPH speed range
- Large tread belt
- Foldable design
Cons:
- Multiple people needed for assembly
- Bluetooth function does not integrate with speakers
- Speakers reportedly mediocre quality
- Need to use with device to get full benefits of JRNY
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Bowflex BXT6 Specs
| Dimensions | 78.2” L x 35.6” W x 55.1” H |
| Minimum Ceiling Height | Tallest use + 16” |
| Folding | Yes, using the SoftDrop System |
| Weight | 235 lbs |
| Weight Capacity | 300 lbs |
| Motor | 3.0 CHP |
| Walking Belt | 20” W x 60” L |
| Display | 7.5 blue backlit LCD screen |
| Incline | 0-15% |
| Speed | 0-12 MPH |
| Workout Programs | 9 “push and go” workouts, compatible with JRNY app |
| Warranty | 10- year frame and drive motor, 3-year mechanical parts and electronics, 1-year labor |
Key Features of the Bowflex BXT6
The BXT6 has a lot of the features we look for in a great treadmill that will perform well in your home gym. It has a 3.0 CHP motor, which is our minimum standard for a walking and running machine. It also has a long enough tread belt for tall users at 60 inches long.
We also like the generous speed and incline ranges. A budget treadmill that inclines to 15% is quite rare!
Let’s look at it this machine more detail.
RELATED: Bowflex BXT116 Review
Footprint, Portability, and Durability
The Bowflex BXT6 is a very large machine at 6.5 feet long and almost 3 feet wide. The good news is that the treadmill folds up for storage after you’ve completed your workout. There are also transport wheels in case you need to move the treadmill around. However, it is 235 pounds, so we wouldn’t recommend moving the treadmill very often.
The treadmill has a solid 300-pound user weight capacity. There is also an impressive 10-year warranty for frame and drive motor, and three-year warranty for mechanical parts and electronics. This all bodes well for the quality and durability of this treadmill.
Ergonomics
There is a large 20-inch-wide and 60-inch-long tread belt, which is long enough for even taller users to run comfortably. The running deck also features Bowflex’s Comfort Tech deck cushioning system to reduce impact and create a comfortable cardio session.
The handrails feature controls for quick and easy changes during your workouts. The separate media shelf allows you to complete workouts while viewing your device without obscuring the workout information on the treadmill’s display.
Technology Benefits and Conveniences
The BXT6 tries to provide users with a lot of technology benefits without providing a built-in screen. You are able to connect with the JRNY app to stream hundreds of workouts to help you reach your fitness goals. If you don’t want to use JRNY, you can take advantage of the nine built-in programs available on the machine.
Heart rate monitoring is available with either contact hand grips or telemetry with the included wire heart rate chest strap. The treadmill has limited Bluetooth connectivity. You can use Bluetooth to export workout data to other fitness apps, but you can’t use it to connect to the integrated speakers.
There is a 3-speed fan on the center of the console for comfort and two large cup holders to store water bottles or other essentials. You can also use the media shelf with a USB charging port so your devices don’t die on you mid-workout. While you won’t find a fancy touchscreen, there is a blue backlit display to spit out data like calories burned and distance traveled.
Customer Reviews
The BXT6 had mostly positive reviews. Most users thought the BXT6 was a solid, reliable, and quiet treadmill at an affordable price. They appreciated the spacious treadmill belt and that the treadmill folded up for storage when not in use. People did find it time consuming to assemble and recommended getting a second set of hands to help you.
Negative reviews wished the speakers were higher quality and that the backlit LCD screen was able to be dimmed. They also complained that the quick speed buttons increased by 3.0 MPH rather than 1.0 MPH. Some users also struggled with the durability of the machine. They experienced the console breaking, the treadmill squeaking and the treadmill randomly shutting down mid-workout.
Final Verdict of Our Bowflex BXT6 Treadmill Review
The Bowflex BXT6 was a good, basic treadmill without a built-in screen. It was an affordable treadmill option that could be purchased for under $1,000 and could accomplish whatever you needed for your workout regardless of your fitness level. It could also provide you with a workout via either pre-programmed workouts on the treadmill console or on the JRNY app via a device.
We think this would’ve been a good addition to your home gym. Despite its solid performance, it was discontinued because Bowflex wanted to improve their treadmill line by exclusively offering treadmills with screens.
Bowflex BXT6 Rating
Bowflex Treadmill 10
In our Bowflex BXT6 review, we take a look at the specs of this now-discontinued treadmill.
Product Currency: $
Product Price: 1199
Product In-Stock: InStock
3.6
Bowflex BXT6 FAQs
Is the Bowflex BXT6 treadmill good?
Yes, the Bowflex BXT6 treadmill was a high-quality machine. It was a solid and basic treadmill. It doesn’t have many of the bells and whistles of other treadmills but it does try to give you access to these with the JRNY app and your own tablet.
Is Bowflex commercial grade?
Bowflex products are made with the home user in mind. They often have solid construction but may not be intended for commercial use, depending on the product. We do have a comprehensive list of commercial-grade treadmills.
Does the Bowflex BXT6 fold up?
Yes, the Bowflex BXT6 folds up using a SoftDrop hydraulic shock system.
Who makes Bowflex treadmills?
Bowflex is a part of the Nautilus family of brands along with Schwinn and JRNY.
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