Treadmill technology continues to advance, but for those who want solid machines without a big flashy screen attached, the Bowflex Treadmill BXT8J is looking good this year. Coming into the 2023 lineup as the brand’s entry-level unit priced at $1,199, it reminds me of the Horizon 7.0 AT in a lot of ways. Significantly smaller than the Treadmill 10 and 22, the BXT8J features a media shelf and users can bring their own screen, but it still comes with a whopping 26 built-in workout programs, as well as compatibility with the Bowflex JRNY app if you choose to use it. If you want to avoid the monthly fees associated with a workout app, this is the way to go. An upgrade of the old BXT116, the BXT8J lacks the bells and whistles of its brand-mates, but still packs a punch when it comes to performance.

The upside to treadmills with media shelves as opposed to built-in screens is versatility. I like to park my own treadmill parked in front of a television set and flip back and forth between the machine’s interactive programming and the tv. Treadmills without large screens are also significantly less expensive and users aren’t locked into that brand’s proprietary apps. Meanwhile, user metrics are tracked on the dual 7-inch LCD displays for easy reading.

Why You Should Trust Our Review Of The Bowflex Treadmill BXT8J

At TreadmillReviews.net, we bring you comprehensive reviews of treadmills so you can decide which one is right for you. Our staff thoroughly test all the treadmills we review. We install them, walk on them, run on them, and try out all of the features. We get to know each and every treadmill we review extremely well. Our reviewers log miles on the deck. We listen and record the sound of the motor, we test and measure the incline/decline, try out all aspects of the console and try the treadmill’s features, such as iFit.

Every treadmill we review undergoes the same rigorous process. That way we can compare and contrast them and give you an honest review of what we think. This particular treadmill has been around for many years, and we’ve done previous reviews of the Bowflex Treadmill BXT8J. So, in this review, we also compared it to the previous models.

Our reviewers are treadmill and fitness experts. Brian, the author of this review, is a competitive bodybuilder, and is a 7-time national qualifier in both men’s bodybuilding and classic physique within the NPC competitions. He has coached and been coached on cardiovascular training, HIIT, and nutrition, particularly as it pertains to weight loss for competitions. He is an expert at treadmills, has been on this treadmill, and you can trust his opinion on all of the treadmills he reviews.

In Brief

The 2023 Bowflex Treadmill BXT8J punches above its weight class in terms of entry-level treadmills. Measuring 78″ x 37.6″ x 62.8″ at a machine weight of 253.5 pounds, the unit folds easily and brings heartrate sensors built into the handlebars as well as 26 built-in workout programs. Purchase comes with a 5kHz heartrate chest strap, which is a big plus in my opinion as it offers continuous heartrate monitoring as opposed to the grips which only work when your hands are in contact with them. With a maximum incline of 15% and top speed of 12 miles per hour, it’s easy to think this unit would be more than $1,199. This treadmill sports a 2.5 CHP motor and comfort cushioning on its 20 x 60-inch running deck. To see if that’s enough horsepower for you, read up on treadmill motors here. Designed as a bring-your-own screen model, the treadmill comes with a handy media shelf which in my experience allows you to use either a tablet or smartphone while working out. This means anything from Netflix to YouTube can be seen while exercising here, or you can subscribe to Bowflex’s own workout app JRNY.

Bowflex Treadmill BXT8J Treadmill – Pros & Cons (2024) - Key Specs:

In-Depth Review of the Bowflex Treadmill BXT8J

Why We Like It

Right off the bat, the BXT8J comes in at a price which surprises me. In reviewing lots of treadmills throughout the year, I can see this unit as an answer to a lot of questions and complaints faced by other brands. Very similar in size and price to the Horizon 7.0 AT, it like this for many of the same reasons. What you’re getting here is a solid treadmill that will accommodate quite nicely the average user without costly membership fees or a big flashy screen. It’s big enough to handle large users and small enough to wheel about the house once folded up. You get heartrate monitors in both the handlebars and wireless strap, plus an enviable 26 built-in workout programs. I can’t say enough about that. The trend in recent years is to dial down the number of built-in programs as users move toward apps, but the downside to apps is the cost. The BXT8J is a treadmill you can wheel into the house and just start using. And let’s face it, with a 15% incline and 12 miles per hour in speed max, you can’t find many excuses.

It Comes With A User-Friendly Console

If you’re looking at this treadmill, you clearly don’t want a big attached screen. If that’s more your flavor, check out the Bowflex Treadmill 22. But for those who want the freedom associated with bringing their own screen and perhaps working and answering emails while on the treadmill, this is your go-to. User-friendly all day long, the buttons for both speed and incline and easy to reach and the data read-out for your workout metrics is quite clear. The 7″ backlit LCD screen is easy to see. For $1,199 it’s the answer to most shoppers’ demands.

The Bowflex BXT8J features a built-in media shelf for users to bring their own screens.

Easy to Fold Up and Move

The BXT8J is a folding treadmill with easy-to-use rollers. I can’t plug hard enough for folding treadmills as opposed to the larger, fixed units. Whether cleaning underneath them or lubricating the belts, having a treadmill which you can pop up with the touch of a finger is terrific. Once upon a time, people would associate folding treadmills with lower levels of quality, but these days, some of the best treadmills on the market are folding. When in use, the unit measures 78″ x 37.6″ x 62.8″ but when folded it is only 54.9″ x 37.6″ x 66.6″ at just 253.5 pounds. In my experience rolling treadmills around, that’s a very easy weight to manage for most folks. The minimum ceiling height you would want is 16″ plus the user’s height. So if you’re 6 feet tall, figure you’ll need at least 88″ in ceiling height. These are all factors to consider when placing a treadmill, as I’ve explained in articles you can read here.

Great Incline and Speed

The BXT8J offers a maximum incline of 15% and top speeds up to 12 miles per hour. It’s hard to imagine most people ever really needing much more than that, but given the $1,199 price here, I’d say that’s a solid offering. When I’m cutting weight for a bodybuilding show, I typically use High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and hiking workouts, or hard walking with a weighted vest. An incline of 15% will get your sweat breaking even at speeds of 5-6 miles per hour.

What We Like:

• The Motor

  The Bowflex Treadmill BXT8J features a 2.5 CHP motor which, given the price, makes sense here. This should be sufficient for most users to run, walk, or jog.

• 26 Built-In Programs

  This is a great feature lacking in many of the pricier models. Treadmills with large, high-definition screens typically only work with one program. The BXT8J allows you the opportunity to go app-free with a wide variety of exercise routines already loaded.

• Built-In Media Shelf 

  Users aren’t locked into a proprietary app or program here. You can bring your own pad, phone, or other screen.

• Heart Rate Monitoring

  Integrated contact grips are a great way to monitor heart rate while training. Purchase also includes a wireless chest strap.

• Tread Belt

  The 20″ x 60″ workout area is a good size for running, jogging, and walking. I like this size given so many other manufacturers’ decision to reduce their units to 20″ x 55″.

• Max Weight

  With a maximum user weight of 300 pounds, this machine can handle most potential users.

What We Don’t Like:

• Noisy: A smaller unit, the BXT8J is reported to be very noisy. If you have roommates, this could be an issue.

This Treadmill Could Be For You If You Want:

• A budget-friendly treadmill with interactive training
• To bring your own screen instead of having one built into the machine
• Incline training options up to 15%
• Built-in heart rate monitors within the handlebars

Our Verdict:

Bowflex is a great brand with the reputation to match. The BXT8J strikes me as a solid entry-level treadmill for customers who want a good workout without all the extra’s. Smaller than its rivals, the unit also lacks a screen and for the right person that can be a big plus. Since you’re not locked into any particular programming, you’ll be able to watch whatever you want. The only downside frankly is we’re hearing reports that the unit is a bit noisy. Most treadmills are. If you’re looking for a larger model go ahead and compare this to the Treadmill 10 and Treadmill 22 and see what you think. Meanwhile, for under $1,200 it’s hard to go wrong with this pick.

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