The best treadmill reviews you can trust
JRNY provides training content for the Bowflex BXT8J, but the low-tech console doesn’t require it. Continue reading this review of the Bowflex BXT8J treadmill to learn if this treadmill’s training fits your style.
Updated: November 7, 2023
It’s hard to find a treadmill nowadays that allows you to train with instructor-led content without strong-arming you into it. The Bowflex BXT8J provides an excellent option, because it doesn’t have a built-in touchscreen but pairs with your phone or tablet for training with JRNY. It’s Bowflex’s most affordable treadmill, but it supports walking and running. The console has plenty of built-in content, and you can connect a smart device or the included heart rate monitor for higher-tech training. This review of the Bowflex BXT8J explores its construction and features.
The Bowflex BXT8J has a traditional treadmill frame made of sturdy steel. The uprights are reinforced with a crossbar to keep the console sturdy. Its slightly dated appearance might not appeal to all users, but it is a tried and true design. The frame is covered by a 10-year warranty, which is shorter than I like to see on home treadmills.
Bowflex is very secretive about its treadmill motors. I wasn’t able to test the BXT8J myself, but information I uncovered reports that the motor may be 2 horsepower. While this horsepower is under our recommendation for running, Bowflex appears adamant that its treadmills can support their entire incline and speed ranges. I agree with Bowflex that a motor’s horsepower doesn’t tell the whole story, but it is frequently the only information provided to consumers before they make a treadmill purchase. The BXT8J’s motor is covered with a 10-year warranty, which could be better but may be more realistic to the life expectancy of the treadmill.
The running surface is 20” x 60”. Runners should have plenty of room to stride out on this treadmill. The width should accommodate most users. If you need a little more room or a burlier running treadmill, the Bowflex Treadmill 10 is a great upgrade option. As for the cushioning, I can’t speak to the BXT8J’s underfoot feel, because I have not been able to walk or run on it. However, my previous experience with Bowflex treadmills, like the Bowflex Treadmill 22, suggests that the BXT8J is firm. It may be best for users who are training for a road race.
The BXT8J is a folding treadmill. It uses Soft Drop technology to lower the deck easily to the ground once it is released from its folded position. The treadmill is pretty heavy at 253.5 lbs. It has transport wheels to allow you to roll it around, but most users will likely need to keep it in a dedicated training area.
The incline range is 0 to 15%. That incline range is great for this treadmill’s price range. It does not have a decline feature. The rear feet of the deck have wheels to help the deck glide across the floor when inclined or declined.
The BXT8J has all of the built-in features you need for great subscription-free training. Yet, the features also support subscribing to the JRNY platform. Even at its reasonable price point, the BXT8J has enough features and accessories to appeal to a variety of walkers and runners.
The BXT8J’s console has tons of buttons. The main LCD screen is 7 inches and backlit. There are also smaller windows that are also backlit. The secondary windows above the largest screen show your fitness score and other competitive metrics to help you compete with your past and future self. The main screen is more traditional, showing the typical training metrics and your workout progress.
The quick adjust buttons for speed and incline are small and do not represent every incline and speed level. This small display and button combo may not be ideal for users with poor eyesight or training at high speeds. Other buttons include program navigation, start and stop, and speed/incline arrows. The console fits a lot in a small area.
The BXT8J has two cup holders, two small storage compartments, and a tablet rack. It’s a decent amount of storage for the BXT8J. The tablet rack allows you to pair the JRNY app to the treadmill or view your own training and entertainment.
The fan is located near the bottom of the console and has 3 speed settings. There is a tiny fan button for adjusting its settings. Unfortunately, I cannot speak to its effectiveness, but Bowflex has a decent track record and other reviewers report that they like the fan.
The BXT8J has two front-facing Bluetooth speakers. This treadmill does not have any audible onboard content, so these speakers are primarily designed for use with JRNY content through an app.
A heart rate chest strap is included with the BXT8J. It is 5kHz, not Bluetooth or ANT+. I suspect that only monitors that use this type of connection will be compatible with this treadmill.
When I am able to test the BXT8J, I will update this review with my experience. At this time, I can only speak to my thorough enjoyment of my walking and running experience on the Bowflex Treadmill 22 and what I expect the BXT8J to be based on it. Runners or walkers should like their experience on the BXT8J but should not expect the plush and bouncy underfoot experience of a treadmill from NordicTrack or ProForm. I expect the BXT8J to be sturdy and firm.
JRNY provides smart training content for the BXT8J. There are structured workouts, trainer-led classes, and more. JRNY provides a 2-month free trial with the purchase of a compatible product (including the BXT8J). The BXT8J should pair with other apps, but it is unclear which apps are currently supported.
There are 26 programs available onboard the Bowflex BXT8J. These include target programs, heart rate, weight control, interval, and custom programs. The nifty compare pace and fitness score options allow you to compare your training across multiple workouts. As a result, the Bowflex BXT8J is great for subscribers and non-subscribers alike.
The Bowflex BXT8J is the brand’s most affordable treadmill option, and it still has great features and training options. Runners and walkers can use the BXT8J according. The speed range and incline range offer great training versatility. There are 26 onboard programs, including custom options. You can also pair the BXT8J with the JRNY app from your phone or tablet for more training options. Lastly, the BXT8J comes with a freebie, a 5kHz heart rate monitor.
