Not Turning On
Bowflex Treadmill / Elliptical
Severity: ModerateWhat Does This Error Mean?
A Bowflex machine with no power is most often caused by a tripped circuit breaker on the machine itself, the safety key missing, or a power outlet issue. Check the in-line circuit breaker on the power cord first — it is the most commonly overlooked reset point.
Affected Models
- Bowflex BXT116
- Bowflex BXT216
- Bowflex Max Trainer M8
- Bowflex Max Trainer M9
- Bowflex T10
- Bowflex LateralX
Common Causes
- In-line circuit breaker on the power cord tripped
- Safety key missing or not fully inserted (treadmills)
- Wall outlet not live — tripped circuit breaker or GFCI outlet
- Power surge damage to the motor controller board
- Main power switch on the machine set to OFF
- Console cable disconnected from the frame
How to Fix It
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Locate and reset the in-line circuit breaker on the power cord.
Bowflex treadmills have a small rectangular circuit breaker box on the power cord, approximately 1-2 feet from the machine end. It has a small button — press it firmly until you feel or hear a click. This breaker trips after power surges or overload events and is the most commonly overlooked reset on Bowflex machines.
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Check the wall outlet.
Plug a lamp or phone charger into the same outlet to confirm it has power. If the outlet is dead, check your home circuit breaker panel for a tripped breaker. Also check if the outlet is a GFCI type (with Test and Reset buttons) — press the Reset button on the GFCI outlet.
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Check the safety key on treadmill models.
Treadmill models will not power on without the magnetic safety key inserted. Insert the key firmly into the console slot — the magnetic clip must sit flush against the console. Test by starting a session.
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Check the main power switch.
Some Bowflex models have a rocker switch on the front of the machine near the power cord entry point. Verify it is in the ON position. This switch can be accidentally nudged to OFF during cleaning.
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Inspect the console power cable.
A cable runs from the main frame up to the console. If the machine was recently moved, this cable can pull loose. Check the connection at both the console end and the frame end. On most models, access is achieved by removing the console mounting screws.
Frequently Asked Questions
My Bowflex treadmill worked yesterday and now has no power at all — what happened?
An overnight loss of power with no obvious cause is almost always a tripped in-line circuit breaker or a power surge that tripped the machine's internal protection. Reset the in-line breaker on the cord first. If that does not restore power, the motor controller board may have been damaged by the surge — use a surge protector going forward.
Does Bowflex recommend using an extension cord?
No — Bowflex specifically recommends plugging directly into a dedicated wall outlet. Extension cords cause voltage drop under load, which can prevent the machine from turning on or cause intermittent shutdowns. If you must use an extension cord, use a heavy-duty 12-gauge cord rated for at least 15 amps and keep it as short as possible.