We test and review fitness products based on an independent, multi-point methodology. If you use our links to purchase something, we may earn a commission. Read our disclosures.

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

Bowflex Treadmill 10

product image

Product Highlights

  •  -5% decline to 15% incline
  • Speeds up to 12 MPH
  • Compatible with JRNY, Bowflex’s online fitness platform
  • 10″ interactive console
  • Cushioned running deck
  • Soft-drop folding system

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • 1-year JRNY subscription included with curated playlists and training content
  • 22” x 60” running deck
  • Convenient speed and incline knobs
  • Max user weight of 400 pounds
  • Decline capabilities
  • Interactive screen
  • Heart rate armband included
  • Ability to stream Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video and HBO Max with subscription

Cons

  • At their own admission, Bowflex states it does not disclose information on motor power
  • Heavy
  • Some users found the screen to be too small
  • Some connectivity issues reported

Bottom Line

The Bowflex Treadmill 10 has a lot to offer users when it comes to technology and performance. It comes with a roomy, cushioned running surface, an interactive touchscreen display and it is heavy-duty. Keep in mind that Bowflex does not disclose their horsepower for the motor but users rave over the powerful feel.

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

RELATED: The Best NordicTrack Treadmills

Bowflex BXT6 Specs

Dimensions78.2” L x 35.6” W x 55.1” H
Minimum Ceiling HeightTallest use + 16”
FoldingYes, using the SoftDrop System
Weight235 lbs
Weight Capacity300 lbs
Motor3.0 CHP
Walking Belt20” W x 60” L
Display7.5 blue backlit LCD screen
Incline0-15%
Speed0-12 MPH
Workout Programs9 “push and go” workouts, compatible with JRNY app
Warranty10- 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 treadmill 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

Editor's Rating:
3.6

Bowflex Treadmill 10

Footprint + Portability – 3
Delivery & Setup – 3
Durability – 4
Customizations – 3
Adjustability + Ergonomics – 4
Tech Capabilities – 3
Conveniences – 4
Dynamic Programming – 3
Value – 4
Warranty, Financing, Returns – 5
Bowflex Treadmill 10

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 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. 

Further reading

Best Treadmills for Running (2024): Expert Picks Cover Image
Best Treadmills for Running (2024): Expert Picks

Check out the 7 best home treadmills for running on this in-depth roundup from Garage Gym Reviews. Read more

Best Running Shoes For High Arches (2024): 9 Pairs With The Right Mix Of Cushion And Support Cover Image
Best Running Shoes For High Arches (2024): 9 Pairs With The Right Mix Of Cushion And Support

The best running shoes for high arches have ample support in the midsole to reduce shock and the risk of injuries. Here are our top picks. Read more

ProForm Pro 9000 Treadmill In-Depth Review Cover Image
ProForm Pro 9000 Treadmill In-Depth Review

Finding the best treadmill for your home gym can be tough. If you have limited space, the search becomes even more difficult, especially if you want a commercial-grade treadmill without all of the bulk. Enter: The ProForm Pro 9000 treadmill, a commercial-home-hybrid treadmill that doesn’t skimp on power. It even folds to create more floor space when you’re not using it.After testing more than a dozen treadmills from true commercial treadmills to budget treadmills, I’ve determined that the ProForm Pro 9000 is one of the top treadmills to get if you need one of the best cardio machines that stores with a relatively small footprint.My Favorite Things:22-inch HD display and quality graphicsBuilt-in workouts and handsfree incline/speed adjustmentsFoldable for easy storageMy Callouts:WiFi connectivity is mediocre at bestCustomer reviews complain of tech problemsQuality control seems inconsistent Read more

The 11 Best Mass Gainers of 2024 to Help You Put on Quality Muscle, Tested by Experts Cover Image
The 11 Best Mass Gainers of 2024 to Help You Put on Quality Muscle, Tested by Experts

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.  » Read more about: Bowflex BXT6 Review (2024): Replaced With an Upgrade  » Read more