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.
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.
The Best Bowflex Home Gym Models (September 2023)
1 - Bowflex PR3000 (Editor's Choice)
Bowflex PR3000 tops my list, and when compared to similar models from competitors like Total Gym's XL, it stands out for its straightforward usability, and the no-change cable pulley system allows you to easily transition from one exercise to the next on your list.
On a scale of ease-of-use, where 10 is the easiest, I'd rate it a solid 9.
Because this was one of my two home gyms, it saved time on equipment setup. In addition, this also makes it the best choice for seniors or beginners because there isn't any hassle involved.
It is versatile because you can do more than 50 exercises and ensure proper upper, lower, and core training.
Also, the longevity element is another extra benefit since it is built from heavy-duty steel.
The only downside is that it doesn't fold, meaning storing away gets complicated.
Home Gym Facts:
- No change pulley system
- 210lb resistance upgrades to 310lb
- Hand grips and ankle cuffs
- Straightforward to use
- Easier exercise flow
- Ensures full-body workout
- Durable due to the heavy-duty steel
- Can't be easily stored away
2 - Bowflex Blaze
A few years back, I recommended Bowflex Blaze home gym to one of my clients who lacked space in his house.
It has everything from a folding bench and built-in wheels, which are excellent for storing your machine away when out of use.
This is handy because you don't need to dismantle the equipment completely every time.
You can perform up to 60 exercises and create workouts with the pulley positions and the multiple potential cables.
In addition, the sliding seat rail is excellent for performing classic aerobic leg presses and rowing exercises. The machine offers 210 pounds of resistance which can be upgraded to 410 pounds.
The only downside of this machine is the slow process of changing to perform another exercise. Lastly, you will get seven trainer-built workout regimens totally for free.
Home Gym Facts:
- Folding bench, sliding seat rail, and built-in wheels
- 210-410 pounds of resistance
- Lat bar and squat
- Ankle cuffs and hand-grips
- Space-friendly
- You can perform up to 60 exercises
- Excellent for rowing exercises and aerobic leg presses
- To change the exercise, you need to change the cables.
3 - Bowflex Xceed
Bowflex Xceed is my go-to recommendation for those seeking a compact home gym solution. When I compared it to other home gym equipments, the Xceed consistently offered more value in terms of exercise variety and build quality.
The workout space is small enough to fit in any home and is easily moved around.
You can perform up to 65 exercises, and a unique pulley system helps you increase the difficulty of the exercise by changing cable positions. Also, this Bowflex machine is fully adjustable and comfortable to sit on.
Some of my clients reported that the only thing they dislike about this Bowflex home gym is the bench which doesn't fold.
Home Gym Facts:
- Integrated lat tower
- Leg extension/curl attachment
- Up to 310 lbs
- Compact, space-friendly
- Adjustable pulley system to easily increase the difficulty of the exercise
- Comfortable to sit on (no unnecessary butt ache)
- It doesn't have a folding bench
4 - Bowflex BodyTower
Bowflex BodyTower is the best option for those looking for a simple pulley system, convenient for general calisthenics or circuit training.
However, I found that there is a lack of meaningful options for exercising the lower body, because of its simplicity, which is a limiting factor for some people.
However, its calisthenics-like build makes it an excellent option for people who want to get a good workout without relying on heavy equipment.
This makes it one of the best options for beginners intimidated by complicated exercises.
If you are bored of mainstream cable curls and want to master bodyweight training, this Bowflex machine is for you.
Home Gym Facts:
- Adjustable horizontal bars
- Hand grips and sling straps
- Non-absorbing cushioning back pad
- Simple pulley system
- Workout without heavy equipment
- Best for beginners due to its simplicity and those looking to master bodyweight training
- Limited for exercising the lower body
5 - Bowflex TreadClimber TC20
Bowflex TreadClimber TC20 combines a Stairmaster, treadmill, and elliptical. It is one of the best options for cardio training due to its versatility.
This could be an excellent option if you want to lose weight but tire of running.
I use this machine during every cardio workout, and the aerobic gains I have experienced are incredible.
In addition, this Bowflex machine burns twice as many calories compared to a standard treadmill, making you lose weight much easier.
The only downside is the inability to build your upper body muscles because the machine doesn't target those body parts enough.
Home Gym Facts:
- 17 Pounds
- Lcd Display
- Transport Wheels
- Heart Rate Monitor
- More options for cardio workouts
- Burns twice as many calories compared to a treadmill
- Low impact, great for your knees
- Lack of upper body training options
6 - Bowflex PR1000
Bowflex PR1000 is the best budget option on today's list.
You can do up to 25 exercises on this Bowflex machine, covering everything from the lower body, upper body, and core.
In addition, it comes with a vertical folding bench which maximizes space and reduces the room needed for storage.
The bench can also be converted to a rolling seat for aerobic rowing, which adds an aerobic component to your workout.
You will also get a built-in medium rack for your phone or tablet.
The only downside I found is the number of exercises that can be performed on this Bowflex machine, making it harder to target all muscles.
Home Gym Facts:
- Vertical folding bench
- 200 lb. Power Rod resistance
- Device holder
- Most affordable
- Compact vertical folding bench
- Built-in medium rack
- Hard to target all muscles due to the small number of exercises
7 - Bowflex Max Trainer
Having tried various aerobic workout machines, I can confidently say that the Bowflex Max Trainer stands out. Not only is it the best in the Bowflex lineup for aerobic workouts, but when compared to similar machines, its joint-friendly design is unparalleled.
It is very similar to the elliptical, but it's far better because the intensity of your workout can be much higher, making you breathless after only a few minutes.
However, it is also excellent for developing lower body muscles because of its stair-stepping design [1].
In addition, it is a very compact machine that can easily fit in any room of your home.
I have this machine, and it's one of the best options if you are looking for a home HIIT (high-intensity interval training) cardio workout.
Some downsides I found are the inability to build your upper body entirely and performing a steady-state cardio exercise is practically impossible.
Home Gym Facts:
- Interactive backlit display
- Media rack
- Multi-grip, dynamic handles
- Joint-friendly
- Compact
- Great for HIIT workouts
- Lack of exercises for the upper body and inability to do steady-state cardio
"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
8 - Bowflex Xtreme 2SE
Bowflex Xtreme 2SE, scoring 8.7/10 on my personal rating scale, offers an all-around home gym experience.
In terms of versatility, where 10 represents the most diverse machine, the Xtreme 2SE easily earns an 8.5. With the capability to perform more than 70 exercises, it's a comprehensive solution for total body development.
The seat is made from high-density foam, making it comfortable to use. Also, the whole
the machine is mainly made from heavy-duty steel, which makes it highly durable.
The resistance ranges from 210-410 lb, and you also get hand grips, ankle cuffs, an ab training strap, and a squat and lat bar.
However, I didn't like missing a long bench because I preferred a horizontal workout position.
Home Gym Facts:
- 310-410 lbs
- Ergonomic adjustable seat
- Integrated lat tower
- All-around gym, excellent for building your entire body
- Move quickly from one exercise to the next
- Heavy-duty steel makes it highly durable
- A long bench is missing
9 - Bowflex Revolution Home Gym
The most exciting thing about the Bowflex Revolution home gym is the SpiraFlex technology.
Nasa initially built that to help astronauts stay in shape.
Its Power Rod technology provides maximum resistance throughout the range of motion (ROM), making it highly functional. The tension increases at the end moves, which makes your typical workout a lot more intense.
Bowflex Revolution can provide up to 600 lb resistance, making it the best option for hypertrophy training (a.k.a muscle building).
I achieved the biggest-muscle building effects from using this model due to its insane amount of resistance.
However, it is a little more expensive than the rest of the models.
Home Gym Facts:
- SpiraFlex technology
- Up to 600 lb
- Vertical bench press
- Sliding seat rail
- Train throughout the whole range of motion
- Best for hypertrophy training
- Makes your workouts more functional
- Expensive
10 - Bowflex HVT Machine
Bowflex HVT Machine is one of the best Bowflex home gym models combining strength training and cardio workouts.
If you plan to share this machine with your housemates or friends, it is an excellent option because of its versatility.
In addition, it includes a skier and a great functional trainer, making it exceptional for aerobic and anaerobic training.
It also saves space because there is no need to buy separate strength workout and cardio machine for your home gym.
If you are a beginner, you will enjoy it because it comes with pre-made Bowflex workout routines, making you put less effort into designing them.
However, I found that assembling can be tricky, so you might need to hire a professional.
Home Gym Facts:
- Hybrid Velocity Training
- 3 pre-programmed
- Compact strength and cardio design
- 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
- Tricky to assemble
How to Choose the Best Bowflex Home Gym?
To choose the best Bowflex home gym, you must consider different factors, including your initial budget or how much you are ready to spend installing the gym in your home.
Space, your housemates, and other factors play a significant role too.
Below is a Bowflex home gym buyer's guide and everything you need to know before purchasing Bowflex machines.
"I started to come up with creative ways of challenging my body using just my body weight and simple pieces of equipment to spice it up, like water bottles as weights and cushions as props for core work and the physical results—as well as the mental results—were actually amazing. I've never looked back."
- Emily Chadwick-Vint, EvolveYou Coach & Barre Method Specialist
1. Budget
Resistance training tools are one of the most expensive gym equipment; clear thought is needed before purchasing anything.
Sometimes, people forget the shipment and installation costs, making it even more costly.
First, you must consider how often you would use the Bowflex machine to know it's ultimately worth it.
This means that if you plan only to use your Bowflex machine a couple of times a month, there are better solutions than spending $2,000.
However, daily usage of your Bowflex home gym will be totally worthwhile.
2. Space
This is more important to mention for entire home exercise facilities, but some individual exercise stations like Bowflex machines can take up a lot of space. Your workouts will impact whatever environment you choose to work in.
Dents in the wall and cracks on the floor are inevitable, but if you choose your space wisely enough, you can reduce or even avoid them.
Always choose the area for your Bowflex machines that is more suitable for scrapes and bumps because that will ensure less damage is done to your surroundings.
3. The Number of People Who Are Using the Equipment
The primary difference between your gym membership and a home gym station is that the latter can be used by anyone with access to it.
So, if you have a spouse, a roommate, or children, everybody can benefit from a single Bowflex machine, and there isn't a need for extra gym memberships, driving to the gym, and so on.
However, if everybody has access to your home gym, that will come with some drawbacks too.
The main concern is that other users may reduce your home gym equipment's lifespan, possibly requiring you to repair or buy new ones.
In addition, if you have small children or pets, exercise equipment can be a safety hazard.
Everyone using your home gym should understand the potential risks of its usage.
4. Exercise Goals
If you want to stay in solid shape, finding a machine that can do one or two exercises per body part will do it.
It is proven that home-based training has massive effects on cardiovascular health and building muscle [2].
However, if you want to enhance those effects even more, you will require a suitable Bowflex gym with a greater range of movements, therefore, more exercise possibilities.
So, before even checking the price, looks, and size, ensure enough exercises can be performed on the machine.
This is the most important part because even if you select a perfect machine that doesn't have enough potential for different exercises, you can drastically hinder your fitness progress.
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.
While Bowflex gyms offer the convenience of home workouts, eliminating the hassles of traffic and crowded gyms, other brands like NordicTrack and Marcy also provide home gym solutions.
However, in my experience, Bowflex stands out for its user-friendly design and versatility.
You will have the option to work whenever you want, and you will never have to worry about staying on a single machine for a significant amount of time, just like you would in commercial gyms.
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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?
The best Bowflex home gym is Bowflex PR3000 because of its versatility of exercises and unique no-change cable pulley system, allowing you to transition easily from one exercise to the next.
Also, the machine is straightforward to use, and you can work out every part of your body to ensure maximum muscle-building effects.
Lastly, the heavy-duty steel will maximize the lifespan of this Bowflex machine, making it a good investment that will pay off in the future.
Our #1 Recommendation
Bowflex PR3000
- Straightforward to use
- Easier exercise flow
- Ensures full-body workout
- Durable due to the heavy-duty steel
- Can't be easily stored away
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