Home exercise equipment is all the rage now in the midst of the pandemic.
In the same manner, we believe that any home gym machine that caters to an individual’s fitness goal is a great investment in itself, with or without a pandemic.
With a conducive and sufficient workout area, you can easily cater to a Bowflex home gym and exercise regularly with no hassle. This means you can target your lower body, upper body, or whole-body without having to invest in three or four different machines.
On that note, you might be wondering what makes a great Bowflex gym and what factors you should keep in mind.
Fortunately, we are here to answer those questions and more, featuring 10 amazing Bowflex home gym models and full-body machines altogether, starting with our Editor’s Pick, the Bowflex Blaze Home Gym.
Be sure to read the rest of the article and know every featured Bowflex home gym’s pros and cons so you can determine which features will theoretically work for you, and which would not.
In the latter part of the article, we share a brief buyer’s guide to help you out in shopping and answer a couple of FAQs about Bowflex home gyms to guide you in assessing your options.
Best Bowflex Home Gym Equipments at a Glance
The Bowflex Blaze is the most accommodating Bowflex home gym on the list, given its multiple attachments and features, upgradeable resistance power, and compact build for everyday home use.
With 25 exercises offered, a slim and convertible bench, and a cable/pulley system with multiple positions allowed for improved mobility, the Bowflex PR1000 is the best bang for the buck for light daily training.
The Bowflex PR3000 features a convenient quick-change power rod system, upgradeable resistance power, and a compact working area that makes the whole system friendly for beginners.
Bowflex Blaze Home Gym – Best Overall
What we like
- Foldable construction and wheel system for easy storage
- Free instructions placard for ease of use of the attachments
- Upgradeable power rod technology
- Suitable for use by every family member
What we don’t like
- The need to change cables when shifting to a different exercise
The Bowflex Blaze presents outstanding features that will benefit you and your entire family. At best, it has a compact size that will fit smaller home gyms while giving you a satisfying workout. This makes a great alternative to the now discontinued Bowflex Revolution Home Gym.
This machine has over 60 exercises you can perform with your preferred volume and pace. It features 210 lbs of power rod resistance, which you could upgrade to 310 or 410 lbs.
It has no indicated user weight capacity, but its versatility allows you to work on different muscle groups, overall allowing you to perform full-body exercises and isolated exercises for your upper body or lower body.
Using the Bowflex Blaze will help you specifically target your abs, chest, shoulders, back, arms, and legs. Of course, we have to mention its generous attachments and features, including sliding seat rail, multiple cable/pulley positions, lat bar, squat bar, and a triple function hand grip or ankle cuffs.
All of this will allow you to take full control of your workout and explore as many exercises as you physically can.
The entire machine weighs 215 lbs with dimensions of 90 by 38 by 83 inches. The package is inclusive of 7 free trainer-built workout regimes for your learning pleasure.
Bowflex PR1000 – Best Budget
What we like
- Maximizes space with the vertical foldable bench
- Conveniently deck your smart device on the machine for easy workout viewing or tracking
- Suitable for light rehab training
- Takes up a small space in your home gym
What we don’t like
- Best for toning and light strengthening, not bulking
- Fewer exercises offered compared with other Bowflex home gyms
It can be daunting to invest in a Bowflex home gym, especially with a limited budget, which is why we handpicked a Bowflex machine that we believe will fit an affordable category.
The Bowflex PR1000 works well for individuals aiming for light strengthening and rehab work. It is not suitable for extreme bodybuilding, but if your fitness goals are less intense, we say it is worth a shot taking a look at this Bowflex machine.
You can strengthen your muscles while incorporating cardio-type exercises using the multiple cable pulley positions and convertible bench to a rolling seat.
A machine for a full-body workout, it targets your abs, arms, chest, back, shoulders, and lower body seamlessly and feels the same resistance that free weights offer without buying pairs.
The Bowflex PR1000 has a weight of 144 lbs and a dimension of 103 by 80 by 82 inches. Its signature power rods provide a standard resistance power of 210 lbs to give you enough challenge.
Bowflex PR3000 – Best For Beginners
What we like
- Its compact build reduces the intimidating look of a standard Bowflex machine
- No-change cable pulley system for efficient training
- Makes legs extensions and curls comfortable and safe with the upholstered roller cushions
- Accommodates add-ons to upgrade to 310 lbs of resistance power
What we don’t like
- No foldable mechanism for compact storage
Novice lifters can enjoy the benefits of a Bowflex home machine with the Bowflex PR3000.
First off, it has a heavy set steel construction that provides great durability even over a long period of use. It provides multipurpose handgrips and ankle cuffs that enable you to perform different exercises efficiently. Best of all, no need to change the cable attachments!
With over 50 exercises offered, it would be hard for beginners to turn down the Bowflex PR3000, especially as it has a resistance power of 210 lbs, which can be easily upgraded to 310 lbs for higher resistance challenge. It also has a generous weight capacity of 300 lbs.
Feel well guided throughout your exercises, with the exercise placard showing different ways to use the attachments. Explore pushdown variations, leg extensions, cable presses, curls, hip abductions, pull-downs, and many more. Your imagination is the limit!
The Bowflex PR3000 has a total dimension of 76 by 86 by 82 inches and a work area of 100 x 78 inches (254 x 199 cm).
Bowflex Max Trainer Ellipticals – Best for HIIT
What we like
- Space-saving machines suitable for small home gyms
- Individualized workouts for your personal fitness goals
- Targets cardio while strengthening your leg muscles
What we don’t like
- Bowflex M7 has no quiet operation and produces noises while in use
If you are looking for a more cardio-centered machine that will still allow you to work on large muscle parts, the Bowflex Max Trainer Series is worthy of consideration.
The complete series features three elliptical machines: the Bowflex M7, Bowflex M8, and M3 Max Trainer.
The Bowflex M7 features 11 workout programs in all with 20 resistance levels on the elliptical itself. You can sync all your exercise sessions into the Max Trainer app using Bluetooth connectivity and be well guided in the program. It even allows 4 profiles altogether. With its functionality, the dual backlit LCD or LED Display creates easy navigation for its users.
The Bowflex M8’s main technological features include an interactive full color backlit display and 50+ global routes in real-time. Physically, the dynamic multi-grip handles make exercising a breeze. You can even dock your smart tablet on the magnetic media rack for some workout entertainment.
Lastly, the M3 Max Trainer can help you hit a good heart rate in as short as 14 minutes. You can choose from 8 resistance levels depending on your fitness intensity and choose from the built-in programs to achieve your fitness goal faster. This machine allows a maximum of 2 user profiles.
Bowflex BodyTower – Best for Calisthenics
What we like
- Straightforward functionality – no complicated attachments
- Multipurpose calisthenics machine in one solid structure
- Its compact floor size makes the machine fit in any room without the hassle
What we don’t like
- Minimal number of exercises compared with other Bowflex machines
- Design flaws: height, substandard welding, flexing movement, soft bolts and screws
Calisthenics is great for muscle control. The Bowflex BodyTower lets you maximize different kinds of bodyweight movements with one durable machine.
The Bowflex BodyTower is made with metal with a gray color finish. It weighs 51.3kg with a dimension of 50 by 50 by 77 inches.
You can enjoy plenty of 20+ exercises on this machine, such as crunches, tricep dips, push-ups, pull-ups, crunches, squats, planks, and more. The EZ-adjust horizontal bars even add variety and intensity to your exercises.
Attachments such as handgrips and sling straps are included to keep your every movement safe, comfortable, and in proper form. It also provides a non-absorbent cushion pad, as well as an instructional placard for exercise guides.
Reading the reviews on Amazon, there are design flaws customers would love to have improved. However, this does not mean that the Bowflex BodyTower is completely faulty. After all, we would not recommend it if it is not useful at all!
Bowflex Ultimate2 – Best for Muscle Building
What we like
- Higher standard resistance power from other Bowflex machines
- No-change cable pulley system for quick exercise change-up
- Multiple ways to handle the handgrip and ankle cuffs
- A convenient accessory machine on top of the big 3: squat, bench, deadlift
What we don’t like
- Difficult to transport into rooms
Resistance exercises are designed for muscle growth and strength. Muscle building is one fitness goal you can actively pursue with the Bowflex Ultimate2.
Its standard 310 lbs resistance power is noticeably higher than other Bowflex home gym equipment. It also offers 95 exercises, which gives you plenty of varieties to choose from. It has a generous weight capacity of 300 lbs and a suitable dimension of 82 by 92 by 46 inches.
This fitness equipment features a lat tower, leg extension, leg curl station, preacher curl attachment, and even an integrated squat station and a built-in rowing machine.
Everything has been designed to assist weight resistance workouts on your entire body. This machine definitely makes body recomposition an easy goal to achieve your desired physique.
The Bowflex Ultimate2 has a foldable size of 44 inches and 46 inches and a recommended work area of 10 feet by 7 feet (including wiggle room). If you purchase on Amazon, you can enjoy a 6-month warranty with this Bowflex model.
Bowflex Xceed – Best Compact
What we like
- Arguably the most compact among Bowflex home gyms available in the market
- Customizable workouts with adjustable bars and cables
- Inclusive of ab training strap, lat bar, and squat bar
- Great for solo home gym use with no spotter or trainer
What we don’t like
- Fewer exercises offered than newer models
- Not swift changing exercises
Bowflex home gym models can look intimidating and space-consuming because of their bulky size. So if you are looking for the most compact Bowflex machine you could ever find, you are in for a treat with the Bowflex Xceed!
Made of metal topped with black paint, the Bowflex Xceed covers a total dimension of 53 by 49 by 82 inches, making it yet the smallest and most space-saving Bowflex home unit you could find in the market.
This offers 210 lbs of resistance power, which you could conveniently upgrade to 310 lbs or even 410 lbs, depending on your strength level and body goals.
With 65 quality exercises to explore and perform, you would most likely not run out of programs to build and try with the Bowflex Xceed. It even provides removable leg extension and leg curl attachments to perform other exercises without blocks. You could also utilize its integrated lat tower with an angled lat bar and multiple cable or pulley positions.
Bowflex Treadmill Series – Best for Cardio Exercises
What we like
- With motorized incline or decline elevation for a more challenging pace
- Get entertained while you workout with streaming services available (Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video
- Explore 40+ scenic routes in the comfort of your home
- Track everything – time, interval, distance, calories, burn rate, heart rate, etc.
What we don’t like
- Streaming membership is exclusive ($20 per month)
- Design flaws: malfunctioning reset button, screen monitor
The Bowflex Treadmill Series features three treadmill models: T10, T22, and T7.
All models feature a console screen for streaming entertainment, 40+ global routes with auto-adjust speed, a spacious running path with Comfort Tech deck cushions and a maximum speed of 12 mph, and customizable workouts for your personal goals.
The T22 treadmill model features a bigger console at 22 inches, while the T7 provides a compact 7-inch HD touchscreen and a slimmer running path of 20 by 60 inches.
All models are also inclusive of a Bluetooth wireless armband, Bluetooth speakers, and a soft drop folding technology.
Bowflex TC20 StairClimber – Best Low Impact Calorie Burner
What we like
- Low-impact and easy on the joints
- It will give you a satisfying sweat session with three mechanisms to choose from
- 3-year warranty included with the product
What we don’t like
- Bulkier than more compact machines
Trying to lose weight by maintaining a cardio exercise daily does not mean it has to be all intense. The Bowflex TC200 StairClimber has the best low impact mobility, in our opinion, and is worthy of an honest review.
To start off, this treadmill is actually a 3-in-1 cardio machine that has all the best equipment you will need: treadmill, stair climber, and elliptical.
This gives you three primary ways to exercise your large muscle groups without straining your joints. The screen monitor has a generous size of 3 inches and a backlit LCD for tracking accessibility.
The whole equipment allows a speed rate of 4.5mph, with a minimum of 0.5mph and a maximum of 7.5mph. Suffice to say, you can trust this piece of machine to burn 3.5 more calories than you ever will on a standard treadmill, elliptical machine, or stair climber. Most importantly, it has a generous weight capacity of 200 lbs.
Bowflex Indoor Cycling Exercise Bike – Best Splurge
What we like
- Enjoy immersive environments that match your cycling mood and pace
- Fully adjustable seats, pace level, and resistance levels
- Generous monitor screens for entertainment purposes
What we don’t like
- Exclusive JRNY membership to stream and track workouts (approx. $200 per month)
The Bowflex Exercise Bike series features the Bowflex C7 IC Bike, Bowflex VeloCore I6 IC Bike, and Bowflex VeloCore 22 IC Bike.
All three bike models feature customizable workouts, a built-in touchscreen, and 50+ global routes. You can also transmit bike metrics to compatible cycling apps and use third-party apps like Peloton and Zwift.
Individually, the Bowflex C7 IC Bike features a magnetic resistance mechanism, 330 lbs of maximum weight, 100 resistance levels, and a 7-inch touchscreen.
The Bowflex VeloCore I6 IC Bike provides a ride-in stationary mode and a leaning mode that leans left or right and a 16-inch console with an HD touchscreen.
On the other hand, the Bowflex VeloCore 22 IC Bike offers 325 lbs of max weight, 98 resistance levels, and a 22-inch console with an HD touchscreen.
The Bowflex VeloCore 22 IC Bike also features an adjustable race-style seat, 4-way adjustable handlebars, dumbbell cradles, and dual water bottle holders.
Our Verdict
Hands down, the best Bowflex home gym award goes to the Bowflex Blaze Home Gym for its overall functionality, practical features, and reasonable price.
We are especially impressed with its multiple pulley points and decent 210 resistance power, which is even upgradeable to 410 lbs for a full-blown body workout.
On the other hand, if bodybuilding is not your game and you simply want a machine for light, everyday use, we strongly suggest the Bowflex TC20 Stairclimber.
It has all the cardio favorites you could get – treadmill, stairclimber, and elliptical machine all within a budget that is worth every penny.
Guide To Home Buyers: Best Bowflex Home Gym
Your Fitness Goals
A Bowflex machine is specifically designed to target major muscle groups using one compact machine that offers various attachments and features. This assists in performing various leg exercises, upper body exercises, and full-body workouts.
Strength training or circuit training are two of the most suitable programs that will help you utilize your chosen Bowflex home gym model. Exerting high repetitions with low volume will also help you achieve a good cardio rhythm with the Bowflex machine of your choice.
Size of your Space
Regardless of the Bowflex home gym you choose, space is an important factor to keep in mind as this will affect your overall comfort, safety, and performance.
Based on our Bowflex home gym reviews, the Bowflex PR1000 Home Gym has the biggest dimension compared with other Bowflex models. Even so, its floor size justifies its high functionality and offers plenty of exercises within an acceptable parameter.
If space is a major issue, smaller options are still available such as the Bowflex Xceed, as featured under our “best compact” category. It may be more condensed in size, but you cannot deny that a record of 60+ quality exercises you could perform is pretty impressive and useful.
Versatility
Versatility is the main selling point of Bowflex home gym machines. Without this, you might as well purchase individual machines that offer isolated exercises.
With that said, there are a plethora of Bowflex gyms in the market that will surprise you with the abundant features they offer, namely the Bowflex Blaze, the Bowflex PR3000, and even the Bodyflex BodyTower for calisthenics aficionados. All that is left to determine is how versatile you want it to be.
Resistance and Weight Capacity
The standard resistance power a Bowflex machine offers is 210 lbs. Some Bowflex home gym models can be upgraded to 310 or 410 lbs, depending on your individual strength and progressive goals in the future.
For non-Bowflex-type machines like ellipticals and treadmills, you would find a model with a decent weight capacity of 300 lbs or so.
Budget
A Bowflex home gym could cost anywhere around $600 to $3,000.
Suffice to say, Bowflex models are not cheap. This makes setting a budget essential instead of dipping into your available funds for an impulse buy.
You want to make sure that your budget can accommodate the features you need and not compromise your performance. For exercises that are not doable on a Bowflex home gym, you could try doing them on free weight.
Your Enjoyment
The most important aspect to consider when purchasing the best Bowflex machine for you is your personal enjoyment. Yes, it sounds more emotional than technical, but for a fair reason.
No matter how grand or luxurious your rowing machine, Bowflex model, or elliptical machine, your investment would be wasted without it benefiting you mentally and emotionally, beyond the physical aspect.
Our best piece of advice is to choose a Bowflex machine that serves you in every way possible so it would never feel like a dent in your bank account.
