Choosing the best home gym equipment, whether it's Bowflex or another brand, can be daunting. Factors like budget, space, and versatility of exercises are crucial.
The regular use of a home gym not only caters to these factors but also brings reduced stress, mental clarity, and enhanced physical health and makes every session an investment in total well-being.
Over the years, I've dedicated countless hours to researching and personally testing various Bowflex models. My hands-on experience, combined with feedback from my clients, has given me a deep understanding of each model's strengths and weaknesses.
This expertise positions me to guide you in choosing the Bowflex gym that aligns perfectly with your needs
In today's article, we compiled a list of the ten best home gyms according to my experience to help you along the way.
Best Bowflex Home Gym Machines
- Best Overall Home Gym Bowflex Machine: Bowflex PR3000
- Cheapest Bowflex Machine for Home Gym: Bowflex PR1000
- Best Bowflex Machine for Small Space: Bowflex Xceed
- Best Bowflex Home Gym for Beginners: Bowflex PR3000
- Best Bowflex Home Gym Machine for Seniors: Bowflex PR3000
- Best Bowflex Home Gym for Leg Exercises: Bowflex Blaze
- Best Cardio Bowflex Machine for Home Gym: Bowflex TreadClimber TC20
- Best Bowflex Machine for Rowing at Home: Bowflex Blaze
The Best Bowflex Home Gym Models (July 2024)
1 - Bowflex PR3000 (Best Overall, for Beginners & Seniors)
- Dimensions : 76"L x 86"W x 82"H
- Maintenance : Easy
- Design : Heavy-duty steel construction frame
- Warranty : Yes (5 years power rods, 60 days parts, 1 year frame)
- Premium materials : Yes
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Straightforward to use
- Easier exercise flow
- Ensures full-body workout
- Durable due to the heavy-duty steel
Cons
- Can't be easily stored away
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Beginners
- Seniors
Who is it not for?
- Advanced weightlifters
Final Verdict
A versatile home gym suitable for low to moderate intensity workouts. Not ideal for those seeking high resistance training.
After countless hours of use, the Bowflex PR3000 is my favorite. It's a breeze to use, beating out rivals like Total Gym's XL.
Its no-fuss cable pulley system makes switching exercises a snap, earning a 9/10 for ease of use. My colleagues agree, loving its user-friendly design.
It's a time-saver in setup, ideal for seniors or beginners. With the ability to tackle over 50 exercises, it's great for full-body workouts.
Built to last with heavy-duty steel, its only drawback is it doesn't fold, making storage a bit tricky.
Home Gym Facts:
2 - Bowflex Blaze (Best for Legs & Rowing)
- Dimensions : 90"L x 38"W x 83"H
- Maintenance : Easy
- Design : Compact
- Warranty : Yes (1 year on frame, 5 years on power rods)
- Premium materials : Yes
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Space-friendly
- You can perform up to 60 exercises
- Excellent for rowing exercises and aerobic leg presses
Cons
- To change the exercise, you need to change the cables.
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Leg workouts
- Cardio enthusiasts
Who is it not for?
- Limited space environments
Final Verdict
Great for those focusing on leg strength and rowing exercises. Its size may be an issue for small apartments.
When I first spotted the Bowflex Blaze, its compact design was a standout, especially for clients with limited space – they all loved it.
Its foldable bench and wheels make storage a breeze, no disassembly is needed.
This machine is a real all-rounder, offering 60 exercises with its adjustable pulleys and cables.
The sliding seat rail, ideal for leg presses and rowing, starts at 210 pounds of resistance and can go up to 410 pounds.
The only snag? Switching exercises can be slow. But hey, it comes with seven free workout plans!
Home Gym Facts:
3 - Bowflex Xceed (Best for Small Space)
- Dimensions : 53"L x 49"W x 82"H
- Maintenance : Easy
- Design : Compact
- Warranty : Yes (5 years power rods, 1 year frame, 60 days parts)
- Premium materials : Yes
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Compact, space-friendly
- Adjustable pulley system to easily increase the difficulty of the exercise
- Comfortable to sit on (no unnecessary butt ache)
Cons
- It doesn't have a folding bench
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Small spaces
- Full body workout seekers
Who is it not for?
- Heavy lifters
Final Verdict
Perfect for compact spaces while offering a complete workout. Not recommended for those needing very high resistance.
Bowflex Xceed is my top pick for a space-saving home gym.
It outshines others in exercise variety and quality. It's compact enough for any home and easy to move.
Offering up to 65 exercises, its unique pulley system lets you ramp up the challenge by adjusting the cables. Plus, it's fully adjustable and comfy to use.
The only downside? The bench doesn't fold, a minor gripe among some of my clients.
Home Gym Facts:
4 - Bowflex TreadClimber TC20 (Best Cardio)
- Dimensions : 55"L x 31.5"W x 55.25"H
- Maintenance : Easy
- Design : Combines treadmill, stair climber, and elliptical functions
- Warranty : Yes (3 years)
- Premium materials : Yes
Pros and Cons
Pros
- More options for cardio workouts
- Burns twice as many calories compared to a treadmill
- Low impact, great for your knees
Cons
- Lack of upper body training options
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Low-impact workout seekers
- Joint pain sufferers
Who is it not for?
- Runners
Final Verdict
Great for those needing a low-impact yet effective cardio workout. Not designed for high-speed running.
The Bowflex TreadClimber TC20 is a fantastic mix of a Stairmaster, treadmill, and elliptical, making it a top pick for cardio.
It's a great alternative if you're looking to shed pounds but are bored with regular running.
I use it for all my cardio sessions and the results are impressive. It burns double the calories of a standard treadmill, so weight loss feels easier.
The only drawback? It's not the best for upper body muscle building, as it focuses more on lower body and cardio.
Home Gym Facts:
5 - Bowflex PR1000 (Cheapest)
- Dimensions : 84"L x 80"W x 82"H
- Maintenance : Easy
- Design : Compact
- Warranty : Yes (1 year frame, 5 years power rods, 60 days parts)
- Premium materials : Yes
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Most affordable
- Compact vertical folding bench
- Built-in medium rack
Cons
- Hard to target all muscles due to the small number of exercises
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Budget-conscious users
- Beginners
Who is it not for?
- Advanced athletes
Final Verdict
Affordable and effective for beginners and general fitness. Lacks the advanced features needed for high-level training.
The Bowflex PR1000 stands out as the most budget-friendly choice today, offering great value without skimping on workout variety.
It allows for up to 25 different exercises, targeting the lower body, upper body, and core.
Its space-saving design features a vertical folding bench, which doubles as a rolling seat for aerobic rowing. Plus, there's a handy built-in rack for your phone or tablet.
The only minor drawback? Its exercise range is a bit limited, which might make targeting all muscle groups a challenge.
Home Gym Facts:
6 - Bowflex Max Trainer
- Dimensions : 46"L x 25"W x 65"H
- Maintenance : Easy
- Design : Compact
- Warranty : Yes (3 years on frame and parts, 90 days on labor)
- Premium materials : Yes
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Joint-friendly
- Compact
- Great for HIIT workouts
Cons
- Lack of exercises for the upper body and inability to do steady-state cardio
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Cardio lovers
- Quick workout enthusiasts
Who is it not for?
- Strength trainers
Final Verdict
Excellent for high-intensity interval training and quick cardio sessions. Limited functionality for strength training.
After testing various machines, the Bowflex Max Trainer really stands out for aerobic workouts. It's top-notch in the Bowflex range and kinder on the joints than its peers.
It's akin to an elliptical but cranks up the intensity, getting you winded in just minutes.
However, like ellipticals, it's also excellent for developing lower body muscles as shown by research published by the National Institutes of Health because of its stair-stepping design [1].
Compact and perfect for any room, it's ideal for high-intensity interval training (HIIT) at home.
The only cons? It's not the best for upper-body workouts, and steady-state cardio is a bit of a stretch.
Home Gym Facts:
"An elliptical is a form of low-impact cardio that can be good for those with knee, ankle or back issues that find running uncomfortable or painful."
- Doug Sklar, Certified Personal Trainer
7 - Bowflex Xtreme 2SE
- Dimensions : 84"L x 38"W x 82"H
- Maintenance : Easy
- Design : Full body workout with multiple pulley positions
- Warranty : Yes (5 years power rods, 60 days parts, 1 year frame)
- Premium materials : Yes
Pros and Cons
Pros
- All-around gym, excellent for building your entire body
- Move quickly from one exercise to the next
- Heavy-duty steel makes it highly durable
Cons
- A long bench is missing
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Full body workout seekers
- Home gym enthusiasts
Who is it not for?
- Those needing high resistance
Final Verdict
Provides a wide range of exercises for comprehensive fitness routines. May not offer enough resistance for advanced users.
The Bowflex Xtreme 2SE, with an 8.7/10 on my scale, delivers a top-notch, all-in-one gym experience. It's a hit among my colleagues too, thanks to its comprehensive workout potential.
Scoring 8.5/10 for versatility, it lets you perform over 70 exercises, ideal for full-body development. The high-density foam seat adds comfort, and its heavy-duty steel build ensures durability.
It offers 210-410 lb of resistance, complete with hand grips, ankle cuffs, an ab strap, and a squat and lat bar.
My only quibble? It lacks a long bench, which I prefer for horizontal exercises.
Home Gym Facts:
8 - Bowflex Revolution Home Gym
- Dimensions : 72.83"L x 38.19"W x 64.96"H
- Maintenance : Easy
- Design : Full body workout with independently moving arms
- Warranty : Yes (10 years parts, 90 days labor)
- Premium materials : Yes
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Train throughout the whole range of motion
- Best for hypertrophy training
- Makes your workouts more functional
Cons
- Expensive
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Advanced users
- Versatile workout seekers
Who is it not for?
- Budget-conscious users
Final Verdict
Ideal for those looking for a versatile and high-quality workout machine. The price point may be too high for some users.
The Bowflex Revolution's highlight is its SpiraFlex technology, originally developed by NASA for astronauts.
Its Power Rod technology ensures maximum resistance throughout every movement, ramping up workout intensity.
Offering up to 600 lb of resistance, it's a powerhouse for muscle building. I've personally seen significant muscle gains using this model, thanks to its high resistance levels.
The only catch? It's pricier than other models, but for the features it offers, it's worth considering.
Home Gym Facts:
9 - Bowflex HVT Machine
- Dimensions : 66"L x 46"W x 83"H
- Maintenance : Easy
- Design : Combines cardio and strength into one compact design
- Warranty : Yes (2 years)
- Premium materials : Yes
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Combines both strength and cardio workouts
- It can save space if you plan to buy strength and cardio machines separately
- Excellent for beginners since it comes with pre-made workouts
Cons
- Tricky to assemble
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Cardio and strength combo
- Tech-savvy users
Who is it not for?
- Heavy weightlifters
Final Verdict
Combines cardio and strength in one compact machine with modern features. Not suited for those focusing on heavy lifting.
The Bowflex HVT Machine excels in blending strength and cardio training. It's a fantastic choice if you're sharing with roommates or friends, thanks to its versatile design.
It features a skier and a functional trainer, ideal for both aerobic and anaerobic workouts. This machine is a space-saver, eliminating the need for separate strength and cardio equipment.
Beginners will appreciate the pre-set Bowflex routines, simplifying workout planning.
Just a heads-up, though: assembly can be a bit complex, so you might want to consider professional help.
Home Gym Facts:
10 - Bowflex BodyTower
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Simple pulley system
- Workout without heavy equipment
- Best for beginners due to its simplicity and those looking to master bodyweight training
Cons
- Limited for exercising the lower body
Who is it for?
Who is it for?
- Calisthenics and bodyweight exercise enthusiasts
- People looking to enhance core strength and flexibility
Who is it not for?
- Users focused solely on weightlifting
Final Verdict
Great for enhancing body control and core workouts, but not intended for those focusing on heavy lifting.
The Bowflex BodyTower has been a game-changer for my calisthenics routine, offering simplicity and effectiveness.
It's great for bodyweight exercises, but I noticed it's a bit limited for lower-body workouts.
Its straightforward design is perfect for those who prefer uncomplicated workouts or are new to fitness.
Ideal for beginners or anyone tired of the usual gym equipment and looking to focus on bodyweight training, this machine is a solid choice.
Home Gym Facts:
How We Tested the Products
In order to give you an in-depth and reliable review of the best Bowflex home gym, we thoroughly and comprehensively tested the machines.
Space Requirements
We meticulously evaluated the space each Bowflex model required. My team and I set up each machine in various environments to assess its footprint and practicality for different home settings.
Versatility and Available Exercises
We rigorously tested the range of exercises possible on each machine. Our focus was on ensuring a diverse workout experience, from strength training to cardio, to cater to various fitness goals.
Resistance Type and Range
Each model's resistance mechanism was a key focus. We experimented with different resistance levels to understand their suitability for various fitness levels, from beginners to advanced users.
Price
Price played a crucial role in our evaluation. We aimed to balance cost with quality, ensuring that the selected models offered value for money. This involved comparing prices with features and long-term durability.
User Reviews and Ratings
Lastly, we delved into user reviews and ratings. My team and I sifted through countless customer feedback to gauge real-world performance and satisfaction levels. This helped us understand each model's strengths and weaknesses from a user perspective.
Throughout this process, my team and I combined our hands-on testing with extensive research to provide a comprehensive and trustworthy recommendation list.
How to Choose the Best Bowflex Home Gym?
Choosing the right Bowflex home gym boils down to a few key factors: your budget, the space you've got, and your fitness goals. Let's dive right in!
1. Budget
First things first, let's talk money. Bowflex machines aren't cheap, and you've got to factor in shipping and setup costs too.
Ask yourself, "How often will I use this?" If it's just a few times a month, maybe hold off on dropping a couple grand.
But if you're planning to hit it daily, it's a solid investment.
2. Space
These machines can be pretty bulky, so pick a spot in your home that can handle a bit of wear and tear.
You don't want to end up with a dented wall or a cracked floor, right?
3. The Number of People Who Are Using the Equipment
Think about who's going to use the gym. A Bowflex can be a one-stop shop for the whole family, cutting down on gym memberships and travel time.
But remember, more users mean more wear and tear, and if you've got kids or pets around, you'll need to keep an eye out for safety.
4. Exercise Goals
Aiming to stay fit? A machine offering a few exercises for each body part should suffice.
But if you're after bigger health wins, like boosting heart health or muscle building, choose a Bowflex with more exercise variety.
Research in the International Journal of Exercise Science backs this up, showing home workouts' significant benefits for heart and muscle health [2].
Remember, it's more than just cost or looks – it's about matching the gym to your fitness path. So, happy gym hunting!
Who Should Get a Bowflex Home Gym?
Everybody looking to save time and have peace of mind when exercising should get a Bowflex home gym.
It's perfect for dodging traffic and crowded gym scenes.
Sure, there are other brands like NordicTrack and Marcy, but Bowflex really nails it with its easy-to-use design and flexibility.
Plus, you get to work out on your own schedule, without the wait for machines like in a regular gym.
It's all about convenience and efficiency!
Related Articles:
Who Shouldn't Get It?
Anybody planning to use their home gym only a few times a month shouldn't get Bowflex Home Gym.
Buying quality machines for a home gym is a considerable investment upfront, and there is no need to spend money on something you rarely use.
Before purchasing any Bowflex machines, consider how often you will use them, and then try to assess if it is worth it.
Related: Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE Home Gym Review
FAQs
Is a Bowflex Worth It?
Yes, Bowflex is worth it. If you lack space and want a machine built of high quality to help you tone and lose weight, then Bowflex home gym is the perfect option for you.
How Difficult Are Bowflex Home Gyms to Assemble?
Bowflex home gyms aren't so difficult to assemble. This is because the most complicated pieces are assembled, and instructions for setting everything up are clear and on point.
Can You Really Build Muscle With Bowflex?
Yes, you can really build muscle with Bowflex. Their home gyms have almost everything a regular commercial gym has, meaning the results will be the same if you put in the same effort.
Where Is the Best Place to Keep a Bowflex Gym?
The best place to keep a Bowflex gym is the garage. This is because the garage is most likely part of a home without much "foot traffic," so nobody can interrupt your sessions.
What Is the Best Bowflex to Get?
After thorough testing and evaluation with my team, we unanimously agree that the Bowflex PR3000 stands out as the best choice.
Our hands-on experience, combined with extensive research and user feedback, highlighted its superior ease of use and versatility.
The PR3000's no-change cable pulley system significantly streamlined our workouts, allowing seamless transitions between exercises.
Its robust build and ability to offer a comprehensive full-body workout make it an exceptional choice.
In our quest for the ideal home gym machine, the Bowflex PR3000 clearly leads the pack.
Our #1 Recommendation
Bowflex PR3000 (Best Overall, for Beginners & Seniors)
Rated With Total Shape's Scoring System
- Straightforward to use
- Easier exercise flow
- Ensures full-body workout
- Durable due to the heavy-duty steel
- Can't be easily stored away
About The Author
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