Bowflex Home Gym Comparison

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Bowflex Home Gyms Reviews, Information, and Advice

Bowflex Revolution FT

Trying to decide on a Bowflex home gym? As someone who's been through the same experience, I know how difficult it can be. Fact of the matter is these machines are not cheap. When your willing to spend a few thousand dollars on a home gym you want results!

I put together this site to rate and review the various Bowflex home gyms on the market and provide valuable information to help consumers pick the right product.

About Bowflex Home Gyms 

The Bowflex Machine is an exercise machine used for strength training marketed and sold under the Bowflex brand by Nautilus, Inc. Instead of conventional weights or pulley machines, the original Bowflex machine used a combination of polymer rods to create constant resistance or tension. The machines are marketed as taking up much less space than a complete set of weights and machines.

In 2006, Nautilus released the Bowflex Revolution with a completely new design and new resistance technology. The new model uses circular plates containing coiled straps around a cam which can interlock in place of the polymer rods. Nautilus claims that the new system makes the machine easier to use than its predecessor. It has more adjustments to accommodate different sized users and provides a larger variety of exercise variations.

How To Compare Bowflex Home Gyms 

Results: This is by far the most important of any home gym. Ultimately, it comes down to getting the body you want and having a home gym that can give you a wide range of exercises, plenty of resistance, and a safe workout.

Recommended For: Not all Bowflex Home Gym are created equal. If you're a newcomer to home gyms then you need something that is not only going to give you a step-by-step easy to follow plan but also something that will take all the guess-work out. If you're a vet in the gym, then you need something that is going to push you and take you to the next level.

Workout Goals: Whether your goal is fat loss or muscle building, understanding what type of exercise program you need is at least 50% of the game.

Video Training: With video training there is no excuse to perform the program incorrectly. Videos will ensure proper technique and will fill you in on all the 'missing pieces' that books leave you with.

Space Requirements: Bowflex home gyms come in a variety of sizes and space requirements. Knowing the proper size requirements will make things alot easier for you in terms of storage and working out at home.

Price: Investing in a home gym is a big investment so much thought should be into your purchase. Fortunately, Bowflex offers their gyms at multiple price points so its easy to find something thats fits your budget.

Great Price on Amazon 

Bowflex Revolution Home Gym

Amazon Price: (as of 12/29/2009) Buy Now
List Price: $3,299.00

Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells

Amazon Price: $399.00 (as of 12/29/2009) Buy Now
List Price: $549.00

Usually ships in 24 hours

Bowflex TC5000 Treadclimber

Amazon Price: $2,199.00 (as of 12/29/2009) Buy Now
List Price: $2,499.00

Usually ships in 24 hours

Bowflex Blaze Home Gym 

Review: A great value with all the basics you need. The Bowflex Blaze offers the same Power Rod resistance as the top-of-the-line model and packs over 60 exercises. The Blaze is an excellent choice for beginners. Once assembled, this machines works smoothly and is easy to set up for different exercises. Does all the stuff I was looking for including leg presses.

Only downside is that serious trainers will need something more powerful over time. If that be the case, then I suggest the Ultimate 2 or Revolution series. If cost is a big factor in your decision, than the Blaze is a great home gym.

Results: Overall, the Blaze contains more than enough workouts to benefit beginners. Works well for building moderate amounts of muscle. Power Rods do not seem to meet their advertised resistances. But that would only matter if you switch between the Bowflex and free weights.

If the Bowflex Blaze is your only weight training machine then it really doesn't matter because you will still make gains and increase your workouts.

  • Recommended For: Beginner - Intermediate
  • Workout Goals: Build lean muscle, toning
  • Number Of Workouts: 60
  • Video Training: NO
  • Guarantee: YES (6 week 100% Money Back)
  • Warranty: 5 years


  • List Price: $999

    "Click Here To Check Out The Bowflex Blaze"

    Bowflex Ultimate 2 

    Description: The Bowflex Ultimate 2 is a complete home gym geared for those who want to take their fitness to the next level. Unlike the Blaze, you get 95+ exercises and more resistance (up to 310 lbs).

    Results: The Ultimate 2 is great for those who want to train hard and lift heavy with maximum versatility. Using the Power Rods upgrade of 310 lbs I was able to blast my chest pretty hard. The addition of the preacher curl attachment (not found on the Blaze) and ab attachment is great for working these notorious problem areas.

    Although it's more expensive than the Blaze, the Ultimate 2 has plenty of scalability and resistance to keep your muscles in "growth mode". If you want something that will challenge you for years to come then I would recommend the Ultimate 2.

  • Recommended For: Beginner - Advanced
  • Workout Goals: Build lean muscle, build mass, explosive strength, sports
  • Number Of Workouts: 95+
  • Video Training: YES
  • Guarantee: YES (6 week 100% Money Back)
  • Warranty: 7 years


  • List Price: $2,499

    "Available at Amazon"

    "Available at Bowflex.com with FREE shipping"

    Bowflex Revolution Home Gym 

    Description: The Bowflex Revolution is the flagship model offered exclusively by Bowflex. The Revolution packs 100 exercises and 400 variations. Designed to work every major body part, support every workout routine, strength level, and fitness goal.

    Results: The Revolution is a step-up from the Ultimate 2. I've noticed that the cables feel smoother and the resistance is more even. You feel just as much resistance at the top as you do at the bottom. Not everyone needs a Revolution but if you want a no-compromise home gym that will give you the best results, then I highly recommend it.

    Make sure you have adequate space in your house. It's bigger and not exactly a mobile home gym.

  • Recommended For: Beginner - Advanced
  • Workout Goals: Build lean muscle, build mass, explosive strength, sports, precision training
  • Number Of Workouts: 100+
  • Video Training: YES
  • Guarantee: YES (6 week 100% Money Back)
  • Warranty: 10 years


  • List Price: $2,799

    "Click Here To Check Out The Bowflex Revolution"

    Bowflex Revolution XP 

    Description: The Bowflex Revolution XP offers the same Spiraflex benefits of it's big brother but in a more compact space-saving design. The Revolution XP packs 90 exercises and nearly 400 variations.

    Benefits: A more compact version of the top-of-the-line Revolution. Get this one if you need all the benefits of the top-of-the-line but you're tight on space.

    List Price: $2,299 - $2,677

    "Check Out The Bowflex Revolution XP"

    Bowflex Revolution FT 


    Description: The Bowflex Revolution FT is the most cost-effective Spiraflex based home gym. You still get an incredible 90 exercises with hundred of variations to keep you busy all summer.

    Benefits: The most affordable Revolution. Perfect if you want the highest-quality workouts without breaking the bank.

    List Price: $1,999

    "Check Out The Bowflex Revolution FT"

    Bowflex Selecttech 552 Dumbbells 

    Description: The Bowflex Select 552s pack the equivalent of 15 pairs of dumbbells in one. You can change the weight with a quick adjustment of the dials. Adjustable from 5 - 52.5 lbs per dumbbell.

    Benefits: A perfect compliment to your home gym workouts. Space-saving design makes them great for small homes.

    List Price: $399 - $767

    "Check Out The 552s"

    Bowflex Selecttech 1090 Dumbbells 

    Description: The Bowflex Select 1090s pack the equivalent of 17 pairs of dumbbells in one. These guys are super effective at building strength and helping you lose weight. Adjustable weight ranges from 10 - 90 lbs.

    Benefits: If your ready for some serious weight training - and you want to save space, than these are the ones.

    List Price: $599 - $967

    "Check Out The 1090s"

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    by Sweeppicker

    My name is Mark P and I am a fitness trainer and blogger living in Southern California. My goal is to help the regular guy get fit and stay fit. (more)

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