| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Incline | Motor | Console |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bowflex BXT216 Check Discounted Price | L:84.5" W:38.5" H:54.7" | 400 lbs | Automatic, 0% - 15% | 4.0 CHP, 0-12 MPH | 11 programs, 4 user profiles, Bluetooth |
The Bowflex BXT216 is the heavier version of the BXT116. This machine offers a slightly wider running surface, a greater weight capacity, a more powerful program, extra deck cushioning and two extra programs on the console. It’s quite a solid machine, offering a wide array of features. However, even though it has all the qualities of a gym-grade treadmill, it’s not commercialized as one. It only comes with an in-home warranty.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 84.5L x 38.5W x 54.7H inches (215L x 98W x 140H cm)
- Tread belt dimensions: 60L x 22W inches (152.4L x 60W cm)
- Assembled weight: 304 lbs (137.9 kg)
- Max. weight capacity: 400 lbs (181.4 kg)
- Deck cushioning: 5-cell Comfort Tech™
- Motor: 4.0 CHP
- Speed levels: 0-12 MPH
- Incline: Automatic, 0-15%
- Console: 11 workouts, Bluetooth enabled
- Amenities: HR chest strap, sound system, cooling fan, USB charging port, 2x bottle holder, accessory tray with towel support
- Warranty: Frame 15 years / Motor 15 years / Parts 5 years / Electronics 5 years / Labor 2 years
Frame & deck
Just like the BXT116 model, the Bowflex BXT216 treadmill features a folding frame. It integrates the SoftDrop™ hydraulic folding mechanism which assists you when lowering the
deck to help prevent any damage to its components. With the deck folded up, the unit’s length is reduced by approx. 32″ (81.2 cm).
With the frame fully assembled and with the deck in operational position, this fitness machine is fairly large. It takes 84.5″L x 38.5″W (215 x 98 cm) of floor space, and on top of that, it’s recommended to assign at least three feet of clearance at the rear and at least two feet of clearance on each side, for safe and unhindered operation.
This Bowflex treadmill is considerably heavy. The fully assembled unit weighs over 300 lbs (304 lbs – 137.9 kg). This means its transport, assembly, and unboxing requires at least two people. But on the other hand, all this weight plays a very important role in the unit’s overall stability and sturdiness. You can be sure that it won’t wobble even if you run on it at full speed. Plus, the front metallic base of the frame integrates four adjustable stabilizers.
Despite its weight, this treadmill isn’t too difficult to relocate, once it is assembled. Its front base frame is equipped with transport wheels so you can easily move the folder unit to a storage location.
Needless to say, the base frame and the console mast of the machine are made of heavy-duty, precision-welded steel bars. All the steel tubing within the unit’s construction is double-coated with a corrosion-resistant and chip-resistant powder finish. The colors used are black for the base frame, and silver for the console masts.
The Bowflex BXT216 treadmill features an extremely durable deck; it’s rated for a user weight
capacity of 400 lbs (181.4 kg). It integrates the Comfort Tech™ cushioning system, but as opposed to the BXT116 model, it has 5 cushioning cells on each side. The front, larger cushioning elements soften the landing of each foot reducing impact, while the rear ones propel the kick-off providing an energy boost to the stride. Due to these features, the workout-related pain is considerably diminished, which allows you to undertake longer and more consistent runs.
This treadmill offers a 60″ (152.4) long and 22″ (60 cm) wide running path. This means the unit can accommodate users up to 6’6″ (198 cm) with no problem, promoting a natural, healthy stride. It uses a stretch-resistant, highly-adherent 3-ply / 2.5mm belt. The belt is powered by large, 2.75″ rollers which are precision-machined, crowned and integrate top-quality, sealed ball bearings in order to deliver a smooth belt motion, and improve the lifespan of the belt.
Just as the BXT116, this treadmill features an accessory tray that can be attached to the bar that unites the two console masts. This PVC tray gives you the possibility to store your water bottle, towel, or other small accessories.
Incline & step-up height
This Bowflex treadmill features an automatic incline system. It has a small lift at the front of the deck which is powered by the incline motor. Since the incline system is motorized, it can 
only be adjusted from the control unit. The machine also required being connected to a power source in order to adjust the incline.
The incline range offered by this treadmill is between 0% and 15%. The incline adjustment increments as 1%. The console features quick incline controls for the 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 incline settings, but keys for gradual incline adjustment are also available. Also, it’s important to know that some of the onboard programs of the machine control incline along with the speed of the belt. So, by using one of them, the machine will auto-adjust the incline of the deck according to the current workout segment.
The running surface of the machine is situated at approx. 12″ (30.5 cm) above floor level with the incline set at 0%. Conversely, with the incline set all the way up to 15%, the highest point of the deck reaches a height of 16″ (40.6 cm). Therefore, it’s recommended to place and use the machine in a room with a ceiling that is at least 16″ (40.6 cm) higher than your own height.
Motor
The Bowflex BXT216 integrates a high-performance 4.0 CHP motor. It can withstand prolonged workout sessions even if the user is close to the 400 lbs (181.4 kg) weight capacity 
of the machine, without losing performance or overheating. It is also equipped with a small flywheel which reduces vibration and improves motion stability, resulting in a very smooth running experience.
The unit’s speed range is 0.5 – 12 MPH. There are speed adjustment controls both on the console and on the right handlebar of the unit. The speed can be adjusted in increments of 0.5 MPH or 0.1 MPH. Also, the console has quick adjustment keys for the speed settings of 1, 3, 6, 9, 10, and 12.
The machine comes with a standard U.S. 3-prong plug, not an adapter. It requires a 120V 15A power circuit. It’s recommended that the machine is connected to a power circuit solely, without other devices connected to the same circuit, to avoid surges. Also, it’s not a bad idea to use a surge suppressor, to prevent any damage to the motors or console, in case a surge happens.
Control unit
This Bowflex treadmill is equipped with a high-performance console, featuring a 9″ LCD color display, with large digits and LED backlight for an excellent readability. It tracks all the 
important workout metrics, including time, distance, speed, incline, total calories burned, average calories burned per minute, heart rate, and heart rate zone. It has a multi-color Burn Rate Display which shows the rate of calories burned for a minute at the current workout levels. It has a Sprint Display section for the remaining sprint segment during an interval program. It also shows the grid of the workout program in use.
There are both standard and metric unit settings available for the speed and distance readings. The front grips of the machine integrate pulse sensors, but the console is also telemetric; it can read your pulse via the included HR chest strap transmitter or any other similar chest strap that operates within the 4.5kHz – 5.5kHz range.
As opposed to the BXT116, this treadmill offers 11 workout programs. These are Manual, Fat Burn, Calorie Burn, Calorie Goal, Target Heart Rate, 5k Distance, Varied Interval, 8 Min. Interval, 16 Min. Interval, Strength, and Custom. The Manual program allows you to freely exercise on the machine adjusting the incline and speed as you like during your session. The Custom program gives you the possibility to design your own workout. The rest of the programs are preset, but you can always adjust them.
The console unit offers 4 user profiles. This can be an extremely useful feature if different persons use the machine. Each user can have their own personal settings. Also, for each profile, the user can input data such as age, weight or gender, so that the console can provide a more accurate calorie reading.
This treadmill is part of the Bowflex Results Series™, thus, its console is Bluetooth 4.0 enabled. This means you can sync it with a tablet or smartphone that has the Bowflex Trainer app, so you can directly stream your workout data to it in order to keep a better track of your progress. The unit also has a USB port so you can transfer your workout data online via USB flash drive. The file is also compatible with Bowflex Connect, MyFitnessPal, or UnderArmour. Also, the USB port doubles as a recharging port for your smartphone or tablet.
Not only that the trainer is compatible with the Bowflex Trainer app, it’s also compatible with RunSocial. This application allows you to view and run on a virtual trail on your smart TV, tablet or phone. There are 19 locations available with 27 routes on which you can run alongside your friends in real time.
In terms of amenities, the console of the Bowflex BXT216 integrates a sound system, a cooling fan, accessory trays, and a tablet holder. The sound system consists of two speakers situated at the top of the console. This sound system is compatible with most MP3 players, tablets or smartphones so you can play your music through it anytime you exercise. The cooling fan is placed at the bottom of the unit; it has 4 settings (off, low, medium, and high). The tablet holder is located in-between the speakers. It’s anti-slip and conveniently placed above the console display, so if you place a tablet on it, it won’t block the view of your workout stats. Finally, the console dashboard features four accessory trays molded directly into it; the top ones are large enough to hold most types of sports water bottles.
Assembly and Maintenance
The unit’s deck and motors are pre-assembled. Therefore, you only need to attach the console masts, the accessory tray, the console and the handlebars. This shouldn’t take more than 45 min. The manual provides great step-by-step assembly instructions and the tools required for it are included.
When it comes to maintenance, it is recommended to lubricate the deck after every 25 hours of usage. For this, 100% pure silicone lubricant is recommended. The belt and the surface underneath the deck should be vacuumed and cleaned periodically to prevent any objects, textile fibers or dust from being dragged into the motor or clog the air vents. It’s also recommended to periodically inspect the machine for loose or damaged parts.
The Pros
- Extremely solid deck – can hold users up to 400 lbs;
- Professional-looking design;
- Adjustable stabilizers with rubber caps;
- Transport wheels;
- Folding deck, equipped with a soft-drop hydraulic cylinder;
- 5-cell Comfort Tech™ deck cushioning system;
- 3-ply light commercial belt for a prolonged lifespan;
- 4.0 CHP, heavy-duty motor;
- Speed range between 0.5 and 12 MPH, offering the possibility to perform a wide array of workouts;
- The belt speed can be adjusted in increments of 0.1 and 0.5 MPH;
- Automatic incline, 0% – 15%;
- 11 workout programs;
- Bluetooth enabled console, allowing you to directly use the Bowflex Trainer app, or stream your workout data into your MyFitnessPal account;
- USB port for charging your tablet or phone, and for workout data transfer;
- RunSocial compatible;
- Various amenities, such as sound system, tablet holder, 3-speed fan, bottle/accessory holders;
- Pulse sensors and telemetry enabled console;
- Heart rate chest strap transmitter included;
- Easy to assemble;
- Smooth and fairly quiet operation;
- Little maintenance required;
- Consistent warranty plan.
The Cons
- The cooling fan is not too powerful.
Summary
The Bowflex BXT216 is a heavy-duty treadmill featuring a 4.0 CHP motor, automatic incline, and an advanced console with Bluetooth connectivity, 11 programs. It has an extremely sturdy deck which can hold users up to 400 lbs. It’s equipped with the ComfortTech cushioning system and can also be folded up. The unit is compatible with the Bowflex Trainer app and RunSocial. In all, it’s a solid piece of equipment and offers an outstanding value for the price.