The Bowflex Tread Climber uses Hydraulic Resistance Cylinders to absorb your steps and cushion your joints – reducing your overall fatigue and eliminating muscle strain.  A Tread Climber workout combines stair-stepping with moving belts and gently supported resistance.  While you may use your Tread Climber machine in treadmill and stair-stepping modes, you will experience the best calorie and fat-burning when working out in Tread Climber mode.