Written by Kiel DiGiovanni | Co-founder
Fact checked by Kirsten Yovino, CPT Brookbush Institute
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When planning out a home gym you're faced with the tough decisions of what equipment to fill it with. If you were considering Bowflex models then you've come to the right place.
In this post, we cover 9 of the best Bowflex machines on the market today. From traditional Power Rod resistance to SpiraFlex to magnetic resistance, this article will help you decipher which is the best Bowflex machine for your home gym.
Table of Contents:
- The 9 best Bowflex gyms
- How we chose
- Comparison table of the top Bowflex machines
- What to look for when buying a Bowflex
- Benefits of owning a Bowflex machine
- FAQs
9 Best Bowflex Home Gym Machines
- Overall Best: Bowflex Xtreme 2SE
- Budget Pick: Bowflex PR1000
- Premium Pick: Bowflex Revolution
- Amazon Pick: Bowflex Blaze
- For Seniors: Bowflex PR3000
- For Small Spaces: Bowflex Xceed
- Exercise Bike: Velocore Bike
- Elliptical: Max Trainer M6
- Treadmill: Treadmill 22
SFS Pick
Xtreme 2SE
SFS Budget Pick
PR1000
SFS Premium Pick
Revolution
When selecting the best Bowflex machines, we meticulously considered factors such as versatility, workout variety, resistance levels, build quality, user feedback, and overall value to ensure that our readers have access to informed recommendations that cater to their fitness goals and preferences.
1. Overall Best Bowflex Home Gym: Bowflex Xtreme 2SE
The Bowflex Xtreme 2SE is our pick for the best Bowflex home gym. With this machine, you get smooth resistance training for both upper and lower body workouts.
The Power Rod technology results in low impact inertia-free resistance as you move through a full range of motion. The Xtreme 2SE comes standard with 210 lb of resistance but you have the option to upgrade the total resistance to 310 lb or even 410 lb!
Due to the Power Rod technology, there's no need to change up any cable and pulley system, making the transition between exercises a seamless experience.
Starting with an upper body workout, you get a lat bar that's angled to work the back muscles plus you get a 4 position lower pulley/ squat station to get a great lower body workout in.
This Bowflex home gym has the capability of delivering over 70 exercises! It includes a squat bar and ab crunch shoulder harness with optional attachments that can be purchased separately such as Preacher curl, Lumbar pad, Triceps rope and more.
Last but definitely not least, the Xtreme 2SE comes with 7 free trainer-built workouts including circuits, strength training, bodybuilding and both upper/lower body workouts just in case you don't know where to begin.
Pros
- Up to 410 lb of resistance
- 70+ exercises
- Comes with squat bar & ab crunch shoulder harness
- Comes with 7 workouts
Cons
- A bit expensive
The Bowflex Xtreme® 2 SE lets you change exercises more quickly and easily with no cable changes needed between exercises. Now includes ergonomically designed adjustable seat...
2. Best Budget Bowflex Home Gym: Bowflex PR1000 Home Gym
You want to get a full body workout done on a Bowflex machine but you don't have a huge budget to work with, that's where the Bowflex PR1000 comes into play.
Like other Bowflex home gym models, the PR1000 comes with Power Rods providing a total resistance up to 210 pounds. You will have access to over 25 exercises with this piece of exercise equipment as you can adjust the angle of resistance depending on the movement you want to perform.
The Bowflex PR1000 might be better suited to beginners as it doesn't allow for the same level of resistance or variety as some other Bowflex home gym machines do. That said, this machine offers some nice features including the vertical folding bench, sliding seat for rowing exercises, and the integrated smart device media rack holder.
With the Bowflex PR1000 home gym most people should be able to attain their fitness goals even though the weight resistance isn't as much as the more expensive models.
Pros
- Great value for the money
- Vertical folding bench for storage
- Sliding bench for leg press exercises or as a rowing machine
Cons
- Only 210 lb of resistance and less total exercises available
Over 200 lb. Power Rod resistance with a multiple cable pulley position allows you to easily change the angle of resistance and increase effectiveness of many exercises. Plus the bench converts to a rolling seat for aerobic rowing...
3. Best Premium Bowflex Home Gym: Bowflex Revolution
The Bowflex Revolution home gym is a special piece of exercise equipment as it uses SpiraFlex technology instead of Power Rod resistance. SpiraFlex technology was designed for NASA's space program to provide astronauts a workout independent of gravity.
This Bowflex machine offers over 100 exercises with almost unlimited variations. It comes with independent moving arms that can be adjusted to 10 different positions with 170 degrees of freedom.
You can put your entire body through a grueling workout with up to 300 pounds of resistance. But that's not all, with the upgrade you can work with up to 600 pounds of resistance on the leg press station which make this workout machine extremely versatile.
Standard options with the Bowflex Revolution is the vertical bench press, preacher curl attachment, and leg extension.
The Bowflex Revolution can be used for both cardio and strength training workouts. Besides the weight resistance exercises, the Bowflex Revolution doubles as a full-on rowing machine!
Overall you get a full gym's worth of exercise possibilities with the Bowflex Revolution home gym, if you have the money to pony up then this is one of the best home gyms money can buy.
Pros
- SpiraFlex technology provides smooth resistance up to 600 lb
- Over 100 exercises and 400 variations are possible
- Can be used as a rowing machine
- Bench can fold to save valuable space
Cons
- Might be outside most people's budgets when shopping for Bowflex machines
Over 100 exercises with up to 400 variations. Designed to work every major body zone, and support every workout routine, strength level and fitness goal...
4. Best Bowflex Gym On Amazon: Bowflex Blaze
The Bowflex Blaze home gym is one of the best Bowflex home gyms available that won't break the bank. This home gym equipment is a good choice for those that might be a little short on available space yet still want to target all their muscle groups.
When designing the Bowflex Blaze, the engineers had home gyms in mind as they added built-in wheels and a folding bench so that it could be stored away when not in use.
With over 60 possible exercises available, you should be able to reach your fitness goals with this one workout machine. The Bowflex Power Rods provide 210 pounds of resistance and can be upgraded like the Bowflex Xtreme 2SE to a maximum resistance of 410 pounds.
You can craft your own workouts of follow 7 of the free trainer-lead workouts Bowflex provides. The Bowflex Blaze home gym comes decked out with a sliding seat rail so you can perform rowing exercises or leg presses with ease. An added bonus that this Bowflex machine offers is the integrated instructional workout placard and ankle/hang grips.
All in all, the Bowflex Blaze allows you to perform a full body workout similar to what you could do in a commercial gym in the comfort of a home gym space.
Pros
- Upgradeable to 410 lb of resistance
- Folding bench and wheels to make storage easier
- Over 60 exercises for a full body workout
Cons
- More effort to change between exercises
60 plus exercises for a full body workout with 210 lbs of Power Rod resistance that's upgradable to 310 lbs or 410 lbs. Plus the sliding seat rail allows you to perform aerobic rowing and leg presses...
5. Best Bowflex For Seniors & Beginners: Bowflex PR3000
The Bowflex PR3000 is a hassle-free home gym that doesn't skip a beat when switching up exercises. This Bowflex machine would be a great addition to just about any home gym.
Built from a heavy-duty steel frame this Bowflex machine has a no-change pulley system so you can move seamlessly from one exercise to the next. The Power Rod technology on the PR3000 delivers up to 210 pounds of resistance but you have the option to add additional Power Rods for maximum resistance of 310 pounds!
The Bowflex PR3000 offers over 50 exercise possibilities to work muscle groups throughout the body and even comes with upholstered roller cushions so you can perform both leg extensions and curls.
Like the Blaze, the Bowflex PR3000 home gym comes with an integrated workout placard and hand grip/ ankle cuffs to add more variety to your workouts.
Pros
- Easy to use no-change pulley system
- Possibility to perform over 50 exercises
- Upgradeable to 310 pounds
Cons
- No folding bench
- Assembly instructions could be improved
Offers over 50 gym quality exercises to work out your entire body and allows for as little as 5 or up to 210 pounds of power rod resistance. Multi use hand grip or ankle cuffs designed to add flexibility and performance to any workout using the quick change Power Rod system...
6. Best Bowflex Gym For Small Spaces: Bowflex Xceed
The Xceed is a great Bowflex machine with a small footprint that can turn your home gym into a super functional space.
You get over 65 exercises which makes strength or circuit training a breeze with the special pulley system that allows you to perform resistance exercises through a full range of motion.
Even though this is one of the most compact Bowflex machines it can pack a powerful punch as the standard model comes with 210 lb resistance but you have the option of a resistance upgrade to 410 pounds!
This home gym comes with a vertically adjustable seat that's comprised of high-density foam resulting in a comfortable workout.
Like some other Bowflex machines, the Xceed comes with an ab training strap, lat bar, squat bar, and leg extension/curl attachments. Not all home gym machines are this compact with a wide variety of exercises available which makes it one of the best Bowflex total home gyms.
Pros
- Small footprint great for home gyms
- Resistance up to 410 pounds
- An adjustable pulley system results in over 65 exercise possibilities
Cons
- Lack of sliding seat
- No quick change system
Compact home gym for full body workout from over 65 gym quality exercises. Offers as little as 5 lb up to 210 lb of resistance with Bowflex Power Rods. Integrated lat tower with angled lat bar helps to build back and shoulder muscles quickly...
7. Best Bowflex Exercise Bike: Velocore Bike
When looking for the best Bowflex machine you might not have envisioned an upright exercise bike. However, if you're searching for a Bowflex machine to get some calorie-burning cardio exercise done in your own home then look no further than the Velocore Bike.
This is a Bowflex cardio machine rather than a home gym. The Velocore bike comes with two different console options of a 16"" or 22" screen where you can stream your favorite shows while you ride or you can follow along with an intense workout through the JRNY adaptive fitness app. What's more, is that the Velocore is compatible with Peloton and Zwift platforms as well providing you with tons of opportunities to crush your cardio exercise training sessions.
One unique feature of the Velocore Bike is the leaning mode that lets riders mimic real life bicycling. The Velocore Bike comes with dual-sided pedals with SPD clips for cycling shoes and toe cages for sneakers.
With this piece of cardio equipment you'll get 100 levels of smooth and quiet magnetic resistance levels with 4-way adjustable handlebars and a super comfortable adjustable seat. On the tech side of things, you get a media rack to hold your device plus Bluetooth speakers and a Bluetooth heart rate armband to enhance the experience while tracking your performance. Bowflex also threw in a pair of 3-pound dumbbells that you can use during your ride for an extra challenge.
Pros
- Leaning mode
- Track multiple metrics (Time, Distance Calories,(calories per minute) Heart rate, Cadence, Resistance and more)
- 100 levels of magnetic resistance
- Options for follow-along workouts with fitness apps
- Maximum user weight 325 lb
Cons
- Expensive for an exercise bike
- Have to pay a monthly subscription for apps (JRNY etc)
Leaning mode or stationary mode available plus built-in JRNY® experience. Console options: 16" or 22" with 100 resistance levels...
8. Best Bowflex Elliptical: Bowflex Max Trainer M6
In our opinion, the Bowflex Max Trainer M6 is one of the best Bowflex models for cardio workouts. This Bowflex model is based on the previous Max Trainer M5 which was a big hit with over 5,000 5 star reviews.
With the Bowflex Max Trainer M6 you can take advantage of the JRNY App at a price you can swallow as you get a 1-year membership with your purchase. This Bowflex machine comes with 16 levels of resistance and a unique burn rate display plus a magnetic media rack to hold your tablet or phone.
This Bowflex model comes with Multi grip dynamic handles that have integrated contact grips to monitor your heart rate as you workout. If one of your fitness goals is weight loss then the Max Trainer M6 might be a great option for you.
Pros
- 16 levels of resistance
- Improved upon the popular model M5
- 1 Year JRNY App membership
Cons
- A tad pricey
- No console included
With 16 levels of resistance, you can set your resistance and go! The Max Trainer's unique burn rate display motivates you by setting targets to help you achieve your goals...
9. Best Bowflex Treadmill: Bowflex Treadmill 22
As far as treadmills go, the Bowflex Treadmill 22 is one of the best options on the market. Bowflex home gyms are definitely more popular than their treadmills but this piece of fitness equipment from them shouldn't be overlooked.
The Treadmill 22 features an immersive 22" adjustable touchscreen console that allows users to follow workouts on the built-in JRNY App or watch a show on Netflix as they workout. With the purchase of this machine, you get a 1-year membership for the JRNY App which is a $149 value.
Other features of this high-end treadmill include a -5-20% motorized incline at speeds from 0-12 mph. The running deck is more than respectable at 22"W and 60" L and is covered by Comfort Tech cushioning which absorbs the impact of each stride you take.
Last but not least the Treadmill 22 from Bowflex can be folded up and stored away when not in use making it a perfect fit for most home gyms.
Pros
- Can operate at inclines of -5 to 20% with speeds of 0-12 mph
- 1 year membership of JRNY app included
- Foldable for easy storage
Cons
- On the expensive end of the spectrum for treadmills
With 16 levels of resistance, you can set your resistance and go! The Max Trainer's unique burn rate display motivates you by setting targets to help you achieve your goals...
Top Bowflex Machines Side By Side Comparison
We put the chart together below that highlights the best Bowflex machines to see how they stack up next to each other so you can make a better buying decision.
|
Product Name |
Price ($-$$$) |
Dimension |
Warranty |
Weight Resistance/Capacity |
Features |
Average Rating |
|
$$ |
53” (L) 49” (W) 83.25” (H) |
7 years Power rods: lifetime
|
Up to 410 lb resistance 300 lb max user weight |
70+ exercises No-change cable pulley system Squat bar & ab crunch attachments 7 free trainer built workouts |
1826 Reviews 4.6
|
|
|
$ |
103” (L) 80” (W) 82 ” (H) |
5 years (power rods) 1 year (frame) |
Up to 210 lb resistance |
Horizontal bench Rowing capability Folding bench |
1826 Reviews 4.6
|
|
|
$$$ |
112” (L) 37.8” (W) 73” (H) |
10 years |
Up to 600 lb resistance 300lb user weight capacity |
100+ exercises SpiraFlex Technology Vertical bench press 170 degree Freedom arms Rowing capability |
486 Reviews 4.6
|
|
|
|
$ |
64” (L) 41” (W) 83” (H)
|
5 years (power rods) 1 year (frame) |
Up to 310 lb resistance 300lb user weight capacity |
50+ exercises No-change cable pulley Leg extension/curl |
614 Reviews 4.6
|
|
$ |
53” (L) 49” (W) 82” (H)
|
5 years (power rods) 1 year (frame) |
Up to 410 lb resistance |
65+ exercises Vertical bench Squat bar & leg extension/curl attachment |
1663 Reviews 4.6
|
|
|
$$$ |
59.8” (L) 24.1” (W) 55.3” (H) |
2 years (frame & parts) 1 year (electronics) |
Max user weight 325 lb |
100 resistance levels 22” screen Leaning Mode 3lb dumbbells included |
NA |
|
|
|
$$ |
46” (L) 26” (W) 64.2” (H) |
2 years |
Max user weight 300 lb |
16 levels of resistance 1 year JRNY app Integrated heart rate contact grips |
1325 Reviews 4.7
|
|
|
$$$ |
85” (L) 39.6” (W) 70” (H) |
15 years (frames & motors) 5 years mechanical 1 year electronics |
Max user weight 400 lb |
-5%-20% Incline 0-12mph 1 year JRNY app |
165 Reviews
4.6
|
What to consider when buying a Bowflex Machine?
Before parting with your hard-earned cash you need to take into account a few factors before buying a Bowflex machine. Below are some guiding criteria that will help you determine which option is the best for your situation.
1. Size:
When purchasing any home gym equipment it's important to know where it will be housed. You need to double-check the dimensions in your home or garage gym before parting with your money whether buying Bowflex gyms or free weights. If you don't have much available space then you might opt for a Bowflex machine that has the capability to fold or be moved with the help of transport wheels. In this situation the Bowflex Xceed might be a good choice if you want to build muscle whereas the Velocore bike might be perfect for those trying to lose weight.
2. Usage:
When shopping for Bowflex machines perhaps the second most important factor you should consider is what you'll be using them for.
If you're looking for a Bowflex to build muscle or get stronger then you could consider one of the more versatile home gyms that offer the capability of more exercises. For example, the Bowflex Blaze provides users with the ability to perform over 60 exercises while working with up to 410 pounds of Power Rod resistance. That said, other options such as the Revolution give users the options to meet their strength training needs while also converting to a rowing machine to address weight loss or cardio demands.
Lastly, if your main fitness goals are cardio based then you should probably consider the Max Trainer M6, Velocore Bike or the Treadmill 22 rather than one of the Bowflex total home gyms that uses the patented Power Rod technology meant for strength training.
3. Budget:
Let's face it, your disposable income dictates the purchases you make. Whether it's a gym membership or a Bowflex machine, you have to consider how much money you have to spend.
Our top pick the Xtreme 2SE comes in around $1,300 whereas you could get the budget-friendly PR1000 for close to $600. Then on the high end, you have machines like the Revolution that provide more exercise variability but the price tag to match.
Benefits Of Bowflex Machines:
Depending on the machine you decide to buy from Bowflex you can reap a number of benefits that will help to improve your overall health.
1. Build Muscle
Bowflex total gym models offer ample opportunity for users to build muscle with a variety of exercises instead of bodyweight training. With a Bowflex gym you can work the entire body with the Power Rod weight resistance. With the lower-priced options like the Bowflex PR1000, users can perform over 25 exercises. On the other hand, if you're more serious about strength training then you can opt for the Revolution which provides weight resistance up to 600 pounds while performing over 100 exercises and over 400 variations.
2. Low Impact On Joints
One of the key benefits that Bowflex machine users can benefit from is the low impact on joints when exercising. Beginners or seniors and the like might be concerned about high-impact strength training while using free weights could be better served by the smooth consistent tension that the classic Power Rod resistance provides.
Even the cardio machines are designed with comfort in mind such as the Treadmill 22 that has the Comfort Tech soft cushioning to reduce the impact on your body while running or walking.
3. Weight Loss
Bowflex machines can help users lose weight with exercise options like strength training or cardio exercise. You can burn tons of calories within the comfort of your own home with the help of a Bowflex machine.
Bowflex FAQs:
Is it Worth Buying A Bowflex Machine?
Yes, we believe it's worth it to buy a Bowflex machine for a certain demographic of home gym owners. People who have limited space and want an all-encompassing home gym will find value in buying a Bowflex.
Bowflex home gyms can also be a good fit for beginners, seniors, and others wanting to work the entire body through low-impact training sessions. However, it's important to note that people who are more serious about weight training and want more of a challenge then we would always recommend going with the time-tested free weights.
Can you build muscle with a Bowflex?
If you use a Bowflex properly you can definitely build muscle. Some of the machines provide up to 410 pounds of resistance which should be enough resistance for most to gain muscle. However, you will need to eat enough of a clean diet with an adequate protein intake of around .8 grams per pound of lean bodyweight and get enough sleep of 7-8 hours a night if you want to maximize your muscle-building capability.
What's the difference between Power Rods and SpiraFlex?
Bowflex is famous for their patented Power Rod resistance that uses a composite material called poly hexamethylene adipamide or nylon 66. This material delivers more resistance the more it's bent. SpiraFlex is a technology developed by NASA that uses a proprietary elastomer compounds in disc shapes that create torsional resistance.
The major difference between Power Rods and SpiraFlex is that the rods produce a progressive resistance and SpiraFlex produces a more consistent stable resistance throughout the movement.
Both Power Rods and SpiraFlex can be upgraded to add more resistance to the standard amount provided in the base models.
SUMMARY: WHICH BOWFLEX HOME GYM MACHINE IS BEST?
Now that you've made it this far you probably realize that there are other Bowflex models available that you never knew existed. You have plenty of options to choose from with Bowflex home gyms but just like a gym membership, it's only worth it if you actually use it consistently.
In our professional opinion, the best bowflex home gym machine is the Bowfllex Xtreme 2SE.
If you decide to buy a Bowflex machine to get into better shape then it's up to you to get the most out of it. Don't become a statistic, we all know someone who spent hundreds of dollars on home fitness equipment then just let it sit there to collect dust. The machine won't do the work for you, take the initiative and put in the time and effort to see the results you desire.
More Best Equipment Roundups:
Kiel DiGiovanni
Author