Want to get into shape but don't have time to make it to the gym? We hear you. We live busy lives that don't always allow us to go to the gym, get in a workout, and make it back home. What's the solution? Bring the gym to you. Bowflex heard our struggles and developed a line of workout machines that give us a full-body workout from the comfort of our own homes.
Bowflex developed multiple machines to suit a range of needs. They address the cost, space, and selection of exercises. With all these products on the market, it can be difficult to choose which one is right for you. That's why we've developed this review of the best Bowflex machine for your home gym. We'll take a look at their top products, and what to look out for when buying a new machine.
1. Bowflex Xtreme 2SE Home Gym
Summary
The Bowflex Xtreme 2SE is one of the most diverse home gyms in the Bowflex line, with over 70 exercises to choose from. The Bowflex Xtreme 2SE includes a range of accessories to help target specific areas of the body, all while remaining comfortable. Five-way functionality handgrips and ankle cuffs allow for multiple uses, and the ab strap gets you working on several areas of the core. The Bowflex Xtreme 2SE also includes an angled lat bar to hit different parts of the back. The squat station also allows the legs to be targeted. The Bowflex Xtreme 2SE starts at 210 pounds of resistance, but if you want more you can upgrade to 310 or even 410 pounds.
To help get you started on the Xtreme 2SE, Bowflex includes 7 follow-along workouts to make the most out of your at-home machine. Additionally, there are 79 exercise diagrams within the owner's manual. You'll not run out of exercise any time soon.
The Bowflex Xtreme 2SE comes with an ergonomic high-density polyurethane cushioned adjustable seat. Many workout machines leave you wiggling around for comfort, the Xtreme 2E does not.
- Number of exercises: 70+
- Dimensions: 53" x 49" x 82"
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Wide variety of exercises to perform
- Small and compact
Cons
- Can be difficult to adjust the weight
Takeaway
A large variety of exercises all for multiple muscle groups to be worked.
2. Bowflex PR1000 Home Gym
Summary
If you're looking for a basic piece of equipment for getting you into shape without breaking a budget, the Bowflex PR1000 has you covered. Unlike other models, the Bowflex PR1000 is limited to over 26 exercises and 200 pounds resistance in the power rods. However, you can still get in a great all-around workout despite the reduced variety. The bench can also be turned into a rowing seat to target your back muscles. You also have the ability to alter the angle of each pulley to target different parts of the body.
Although basic, the Bowflex PR1000 has a pretty neat set-up. The Bowflex PR1000 includes a rowing machine so you can add in some cardio. The media rack lets you store equipment, and even has a place to hold your phone. If you're a fan of listening to music or checking your emails in between sets, this feature comes in handy.
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Perfect for low-intensity exercise
- Rowing machine and media rack
Cons
- Restricted resistance
- Requires a bit of space
Takeaway
The Bowflex PR1000 is suitable for those who don't want to spend a lot of money but still want a home workout machine that works all the muscles.
3. Bowflex Blaze Home Gym
Review
The Bowflex Blaze can be folded and wheeled around, great if you want and a home gym that can be tucked away and easily transported.
You can perform over 60 exercises on the Bowflex Blaze. If you're new to Bowflex and don't know what to do, the Bowflex Blaze comes with seven workouts to help you get started. If you want more, Bowflex has a load of workouts to follow over on their YouTube channel.
The seat rail on the Bowflex Blaze slides, allowing you to perform additional exercises such as rowing and leg presses. Pulleys can be placed in different positions, allowing you to hit a range of muscles. Power rod resistance starts at 210 pounds, but if you want more you can upgrade to 310 or even 410 pounds. The Bowflex Blaze also has ankle cuffs and triple function hand grips to make exercises more specific and comfortable. The Bowflex Blaze also includes a lat bar and squat bar. The squat bar provides great variation for leg work.
Pros
- Includes a range of accessories
- Folds away making it easy to store
- Easy to move
Cons
- Time-consuming to assemble
Takeaway
The Bowflex Blaze home gym is a reasonably priced machine with strength and cardio elements for an all-around workout.
4. Bowflex PR3000 Home Gym
Review
The Bowflex PR3000 home gym is the PR100's big brother. The upgraded version comes with over 50 exercises to perform on this home gym. One drawback of the Bowflex PR1000 is that it only goes up to 200 pounds of resistance. The Bowflex PR3000 ranges up to 210 pounds, with the option of upgrading to 310 pounds. The Bowflex PR3000 has a stronger frame than the PR1000, making it more sturdy over time.
The transition between exercises easily with the Bowflex PR3000s quick-change system. Great if you're performing supersets or circuit-style workouts. The Bowflex PR3000 includes hand and ankle grips that are also very easily swapped in and out. Roller cushions provide support during leg exercises, so you don't have to worry about your skin pinching.
If you're stuck for exercise inspiration, fear not. The Bowflex PR3000 home gym comes with a built-in instructional plaque, guiding you through the technique of a range of exercises.
Pros
- Techniques for exercises included
- Moderately priced
- Quick to change equipment
Cons
- Limited add ons
Takeaway
Quick transitions and equipment changes make this home gym great for those who are looking to work out with minimal rest.
5. Bowflex BXT216 Treadmill
Review
If weight training's not your jam, Bowflex has you covered with their BXT216 treadmill. Treadmills are a great option for runners looking to take more control over their pace, or simply can't run in sub-optimal conditions.
Whether your runs are slow and steady, or long and fast, the Bowflex BXT216 is built with a 4.0 CHP powering belt, ready to take on any amount of impact. If you're concerned about comfort, the Bowflex BXT216 running belt is 3-ply making it comfortable to constantly pound. The Bowflex BXT216 has a high-speed limit of up to 12mph or 19.3kph, allowing even the fastest runners to perform on this machine. Additionally, add incline up to 15% for even more of a challenge.
If you're looking to add some structure to your training, the Bowflex BXT216 includes 11 workouts to help you towards your running goals. You'll also get a 9" color screen and heart rate monitoring to analyze how your body is coping with the demands of your run. Automatic 3-speed fans will help cool you down throughout your run. There are also some cool tech features including Bluetooth and integrated speakers. You can check the analytics of your run including; calories, heart rate, time, speed, and burn rate on the machine, or through the app.
If the idea of a treadmill getting in the way puts you off, don't worry. The Bowflex BXT216 can be folded and tucked away neatly.
Pros
- Bluetooth technology
- Heart rate analysis
- Durable and comfortable running belt
Cons
- The speed limit is high, but for top athletes, you might want something a bit higher
Takeaway
The Bowflex BXT216 treadmill provides comfort and durability during short and long runs. Its range of features makes it a highly interactive piece of equipment. Bluetooth and heart rate technology allows you to analyze your run, and see how your body is reacting to the exercise.
6. Bowflex Xceed Home Gym
Review
The Bowflex Xceed is held together by a heavy-duty steel frame, making it Bowflex's most durable and sturdy home gym. You can choose over 65 exercises to perform and adjust the pulleys so you can set the machine up for your desired position.
The Bowflex Xceed possesses 210 pounds of resistance, but if you want more you can upgrade to 310 or even 410 pounds. You can also add a power rod rejuvenator to keep your rods nice and tight. Bowflex Xceed also includes a lat bar, squat bar, and ab training strap to target more muscle groups.
Bowflex Xceed has a quick-release seat, allowing you to switch from exercise to exercise with ease. Perfect if you want to superset or perform circuit-style workouts. The seat is also padded with high-density foam to make your workouts extra comfy.
Pros
- Heavy-duty steel frame
- Adjustable pulleys
- Small and compact
Cons
- Pulleys take time to adjust
Takeaway
A highly durable home workout machine useful for people who are looking to lift heavy loads on a frequent basis.
7. Bowflex Revolution Home Gym
Review
The Bowflex Revolution is the most diverse home gym in the Bowflex line, with over 100 exercises to choose from. The Bowflex Revolution differs from other Bowflex home gym models in terms of its resistance. Other modes use power rod technology, whereas the Revolution uses SpiraFlex plates to ensure the resistance remains consistent at each range during the lift. Resistance starts at 210 pounds, but an upgrade to 300 pounds is available.
With over 100 exercises, including a rowing erg and leg press exercise, you will have no problems targeting each and every part of the body. You'll also get a DVD teaching you the correct technique for each exercise. However, due to this machine's diversity, it is very large. It can be folded away, but still takes up quite a bit of space.
Pros
- Over 100 exercises can be performed
- Folds away
- SpiraFlex plates
Cons
- Large machine
- Costly
Takeaway
SpiraFlex technology keeps the resistance consistent throughout the lift, ensuring the weight lifted remains the same through the range of the exercise.
Conclusion
Now you've had a look at some of our picks for the title of best Bowflex machine, what machine is best for you? The answer depends primarily on your budget, variety, and space. Here's what we would consider the best in each category:
- Best for Budget: Bowflex PR1000 Home Gym. The lowest-priced product in our Bowflex machine review suits those who want something simple while keeping a lower budget.
- Best for Variety: Bowflex Revolution Home Gym. If you're looking for a range of exercises to target specific areas, having more options can be advantageous.
- Best for Workout area: Bowflex Blaze Home Gym. The Blaze home gym folds away, suiting those who don't have much room to spare.
What To Consider When Purchasing A Bowflex Machine?
One Bowflex home gym might be perfect for one person but not perfect for you. Which machine you choose will depend on your individual goals, preferences, and circumstances. Let's take a look at some considerations you should think about when deciding which Bowflex home gym is best for you.
-
Price
Whatever your circumstances, budget is probably going to be one of the most important considerations when considering the best Bowflex home gym. Low budget options such as the Bowflex PR1000 home gym has limited variety, but still provide you with a full-body workout. If you want more variety, you're going to have to be willing to spend a bit more.
-
Workout area
Unless you have a home gym, you might not want a workout machine standing in your living room. Smaller, more compact home gym machines are easier to store but usually have limited exercise options. The Bowflex Revolution home gym requires a lot of space, whereas the Xceed and Blaze are more compact. Think about your desired workout area when buying a home gym.
-
Cardio
Some of us just want to perform resistance exercises, but if you're someone who wants to incorporate some cardio into their workouts you might want to consider purchasing a home gym with a rowing machine.
-
Variety
Our best Bowflex home gyms range from 26+ to 70+ exercises. If you're looking for basic overall training, you can look for a machine closer to the 26+ exercises. However, if you want to target particular areas of the muscle a home gym with more variety will help get more specific with your workouts.
-
Resistance
How much resistance you want will largely depend on your goals. If you're looking to build muscle you might consider investing in a Bowflex home gym that can range up to 401 pounds resistance. If you're just looking for something to help you tone up or use for rehab, 201 pounds resistance would potentially be more useful.
-
Maintenance
Machines are bound to encounter some problems at some point in their lifetime. When purchasing a Bowflex machine, pay attention to the warranty, servicing, and maintenance plan. If you're using your machine regularly, keeping it in top condition will give it more chance of lasting longer. Fortunately, Bowflex is well known for its quality. Their power rods come with a lifetime warranty, which is amazing but you still don't want to have to go through the warranty process every time a power rod breaks due to negligence.
-
User Weight
Be sure to consider the machine's weight limit before investing. Not adhering to the weight limits might result in your warranty becoming invalid. Therefore, any damages might end up being quite costly.
-
Training Experience
Depending on your ability level, you might want a home gym that is simplistic or more advanced. A beginner might want a simple home gym such as the Bowflex 1000. A more advanced athlete might want more variety and therefore choose the Bowflex Revolution.
How To Use The Bowflex Machine?
How you use your Bowflex machine will depend on what machine you have, and what your goals are for the workout. If you're looking to build muscle aim for low reps, and higher resistance. If toning or weight loss is your goal, high rep, short resistance might work better.
Bowflex machines come with their own workouts or exercise manuals, helping you develop a workout targeted to your goals. Bowflex also has a YouTube channel full of workout tutorials. Here are some workouts specific to your machine:
How to Use the Bowflex Xtreme 2SE
How to Use the Bowflex PR1000 Home Gym
How to Use the Bowflex Blaze Home Gym
How to Use the Bowflex PR3000 Home Gym
How to Use the Bowflex BXT216 Treadmill
How to Use the Bowflex Xceed Home Gym
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Best Bowflex Machine To Buy?
The best Bowflex machine for you will depend on a range of individual factors. The most common considerations are budget, variety, and space. Based on these factors, these are what we think are the best:
Best for Budget: PR1000 Home Gym
Best for Variety: Revolution Home Gym
Best for Workout area: Blaze Home Gym
Are Bowflex Machines Any Good?
Bowflex has a very good reputation, consistently scoring high reviews. Their power rods are patented, making them one of a kind, and come with a lifetime warranty, representing their faith in the quality of their product. They pay particular attention to safety considerations, ensuring you can rely on your machine.
Which Is Better Total Gym or Bowflex?
Total Gym and Bowflex both create home gym machines to help support your fitness goals, but which is best? Total gym machines are pretty basic, but is budget-friendly and don't take up a lot of room. Bowflex machines are typically more advanced and focus on resistance training. Therefore, which one is best will depend on your individual requirements and goals.
Is Bowflex Revolution Worth The Money?
The Bowflex Revolution is an expensive home gym, however, it includes over 100 exercises including a rowing machine and leg press. If you're a serious athlete training regularly, the Bowflex Revolution could be a worthwhile investment in the long term. When considering cost think about how much you could save from your current gym membership, and how much value it would add to your training and goals.