The BowFlex TC5300 is one of the company's stair stepper/treadmill hybrids known as TreadClimbers. The TC5300 combines the movements of two different home fitness products and succeeds in providing an effective cardio workout as well as low-impact exercise for buns, calves, hamstrings and quadriceps. Unfortunately, the TC5300 also manages to combine the price and size of two home fitness products as well; with a substantial retail price and a weight of 350 pounds, you'll need a sizeable budget and a lot of space to accommodate this machine.

The two platforms on the TC5300 are larger than the lower-end models in the range, which enables you to take longer strides; we find it is much more comfortable for taller exercisers to be able to take lengthier strides. The two platforms move up and down independently like a traditional stair stepper while simultaneously rotating like two mini treadmills. The platforms can also be locked together to operate like a standard treadmill on an incline. It also offers a standard stair stepper mode. In each case, the TC5300 offers 12 levels of resistance, but in order to adjust the resistance, you need to interrupt your workout and step off the machine.

The TC5300 offers a powerful motor, capable of a maximum speed of 4.5 mph. The included chest strap enables you to wirelessly monitor your heart rate as you exercise. The results are displayed on the unit's large LCD monitor to insure that you stay within the target zone for an optimal fat burning or cardiovascular workout.

We are pleased that BowFlex included built-in transportation wheels on this TreadClimber, since it has a footprint of 63X32 inches and a total weight of 350 pounds; still, we don't suggest moving it frequently. The TC5300 also features a number of other convenience features, such as a water bottle holder and reading rack.

If you have the space and the budget, the TC5300 will deliver a challenging workout for beginners and experienced athletes alike; we do, however, advise those on a budget or with limited space to opt for a traditional stair stepper instead of this model.


Pros: Provides effective low-impact workouts, solid construction, longer footboards, wireless heart rate monitoring
Cons: Expensive, awkward resistance adjustments, heavy

Warranty
5 years, motor; 3 years, parts; 3 years, electronics; 2 years, hydraulics