by James - This article may contain affiliate links.
Bowflex Home Gyms are among the most popular strength training equipment these days. And for a good reason, Bowflex Home Gyms help most trainers build strength and muscles at their home's convenience.
Trainers can complete a full-body workout with Bowflex Home Gym. With its price value, you'll definitely see the results in your body.
However, these gyms are not for everyone. Take note that Bowflex Home Gyms have their benefits and drawbacks.
In this article, I would like to talk about Bowflex Home Gym pros and cons in general. We'll find out these machines' attributes so you can decide whether Bowflex fits your body fitness needs.
Bowflex Home Gym Series
Bowflex PR1000 Gym
Bowflex PR3000 Home
Bowflex Blaze Home Gym
Bowflex Xtreme 2SE Gym
Bowflex Xceed Home
Bowflex Revolution Gym
Features and Benefits
1. Supporting features
An important factor when buying a machine is knowing the types of exercises we can do with a home gym—the more, the better.
Why? Because we can do more workouts when targeting and toning a specific muscle group. Plus, we can train every part of our body.
In this field, the Bowflex Home Gyms Series are great. Even the basic Bowflex PR1000 model supports over 36 exercises! Here are some additional info that can aid you in choosing the Bowflex equipment for your home.
Product Name | No. of Exercises | Resistance | Bench Press | Foldable |
|---|---|---|---|---|
26+ | 210 lbs. | Horizontal | Yes | |
50+ | 210 lbs. (Upgradeable to 310 lbs.) | Vertical | No | |
60+ | 210 lbs. (Upgradeable to 410 lbs.) | Horizontal | Yes | |
70+ | 210 lbs. (Upgradeable to 410 lbs.) | Vertical | No | |
65+ | 210 lbs. (Upgradeable to 410 lbs.) | Vertical | No | |
100+ | SpiraFlex, 210 lbs. | Vertical | Yes |
2. Power rod resistance
If you buy a leverage home gym (the one that needs weight plates), you need to buy plates individually.
Plus, whenever you want to increase the resistance, you have to change them manually. A bit more comfortable option is the weight stack gym.
Typically, these machines have an insufficient amount of friction. You cannot use additional weight stacks to increase the resistance level as well.
The power rod technology of the Bowflex Home Gyms Series is straightforward to use. You can quickly change the resistance level accordingly for uninterrupted workouts.
Finally, this type of power rod resistance has a positive effect on your muscle development since you cannot drop the weight but have to hold the load till you reach the starting position.
3. Leg workouts available
If you check other home gyms at the same price, most of them support only the upper body, such as lat pull down. Likewise, you cannot do lower body exercises with them.
However, strengthening your legs is important. Fortunately, all Bowflex Home Gyms Series come with functions that strengthen your legs.
The cheaper models are made with leg curl/extension. But with Blaze, Xtreme 2SE, and Xceed, you can even squat, which is the most beneficial lower body exercise.
4. Upgradeable accessories
Lastly, most Bowflex Home Gyms Series (PR3000, Blaze, Xtreme 2SE, Xceed) are upgradeable. Each machine comes with 210 lbs. resistance, which is enough for a beginner.
But, as you get stronger, you can purchase additional rods to make your training harder. The maximum load you can get this way is 410 lbs. (except PR3000 where the max is 310 lb.) That level is enough for an intermediate level trainee.
5. Rowing functions
Rowing is among the most beneficial cardio exercises that work all the muscles of the body.
It helps you burn fat and develop your endurance. Thanks to Bowflex Home Gyms Series rowing function; you do need to buy a rover separately which is not cheap.
6. Good/Price value ratio
The simplest model from the Bowflex Home Gyms Series, P1000, costs about 500 dollars.
Meanwhile, my personal favorite is the Bowflex Blaze that cost 800 bucks, which think it is the best price/value machine among the series.
The prices may seem too much. But if you check out the gym membership prices, we can say they bring back their price in some month.
Plus, Bowflex Home Gym is a great investment since it eliminates the time-consuming activity of traveling from your home to a gym to workout.
7. Compact design and folding
Despite the idea that Bowflex Home Gyms Series has lots of functions, they do not encompass a big footprint.
You will love the idea that some models are foldable, saving you lots of space and storage.
Cons
1. Costly upgrade
I do not know why the manufacturer does not add the maximum rods to the machines. The power rod upgrade pack costs about 100 dollars. Ok, I know not everyone needs such resistance, but this seems to a trick to get more money.
2. Weak resistance (for some)
That is particularly true for someone who has been lifting weights. The 210 lbs. machine comes with a resistance enough for a beginner or an average person.
If you are an experienced weight lifter, Bowflex Home Gyms Series are not for you. But these machines may be effective in toning your muscles with high reps.
3. Not ideal for obtaining a "colossal" body
Stay away from Bowflex Home Gyms Series if your purpose is to build massive strength.
Free weights are the way to go. Get a power rack, bench, Olympic weight set and adjustable dumbbells instead and lift weights instead. That is the only way to be colossal.
Is Bowflex Home Gym Worth the Buck?
The Bowflex Home Gyms Series are useful home gym equipment for those who want to get stronger and shape their body. You can choose from a lot of exercises, and the workout experience is excellent. They are made for the average Joe and beginners. Yet, serious trainees will not find them effective and useful.
Does any of the Bowflex machines support a hamstring curl exercise?
Bowflex Blaze has a leg curl attachment.