Nautilus has been making Bowflex systems for about 20 years now — we’ve all seen the infomercials. Get the body you want in 60 days! Just 135 easy payments of $99.95 plus your soul and kidney. They’ve been on TV for as long as I can remember and if you’re like me, you’ve occasionally wondered whether or not there was any merit to the system.
Last year Bowflex introduced the Revolution, a system that mimics traditional weights through the use of various discs with built-in tension coils. It was a huge design change from its previous bar systems; a change that was enough to lure my parents into purchasing one. I’ve now had a few months to demo the unit and, in concurrence with our Fitness Week, I’d like to share with you some of my opinions.
The system arrived promptly after we ordered it, but there were problems. Due to the weight of the components, it seems to me that it is not secured adequately in its packaging. When it showed up, there were holes in the boxes and pieces had clearly fallen out — pieces that turned out to be important. Nevertheless we assembled the system until we realized that the main torque bar was one of the pieces that had been ejected.
Several phone calls and about week later, a replacement bar arrived and we were good to go. I was cautiously optimistic about the Revolution. I exercise avidly and, while I’m not a maniac about free weights, I tend to be somewhat apprehensive about new machines.
Out of the box, the system includes 220-pounds of discs, which can be expanded to 300-pounds with upgrades. It is capable of about 100 exercises, but I expect that a majority of them will be wasted on most people. I focused on the basics: bench, curls, leg extensions, etc. Now, it definitely does a lot of good, but it is rather awkward. Everything works through two pulleys through which there is no real sense of weight balance. Since it’s really just resistance, you’re not getting a workout as specific as you would from free weights, or even a machine with a fixed bar.
Another problem I experienced stems from the size of the machine. I’m about 6′3″ and the Revolution simply isn’t large enough for me. Leg press was entirely worthless because I couldn’t get enough extension out of it. I see that as being a major problem as plenty of people are over 6-feet. Additionally, there just isn’t enough weight included for leg press to begin.
Most awkward of all, is the preacher curl. To engage the preacher system, one connects the pulley cords to the leg extension then attaches a small tethered curl bar (as seen above). It truly feels ridiculous. I eschewed that method leaving the cords connected to arm section and simply bracing my curls off of my knee, one arm at a time. That worked a little better until it dawned on me that I was wasting my time and just picked up some dumbbells.
Finally, the most devastating blow against the Bowflex Revolution is its price tag. At $2,800, I really can’t even fathom recommending this product. There are about 1000 better options out there that cost at least $1000 less. Sure it’s convenient not having to goto a gym, but I think that’s a dangerous concession to make. In my experience, people who intend to exercise at home, exercise less than those who goto a gym. My parents are great examples of this. For the first year they were retired, they went to the gym nearly every day. Since they’ve gotten the Bowflex, they workout maybe once or twice a week — maybe.
Thanks for the tip about people who are taller than 6 feet. I was considering this machine until I read your review.
I must say, the Bowflex SelectTech adjustable dumbbells are HIGHLY reccomended by this guy.
Thanks, Blake…good review. I had always been interested in the BowFlex for convenience on those days that I can’t get to the gym because of time or weather. The high cost was part of the hold-up. But alas, I am 6′ 3″ too and that would be a problem. I think that you are totally on target too with the statement that home gyms typically lead to less conviction to working out rather than going to the gym. At least once you are at the gym, you can’t get as easily dissuaded into stopping and doing something else. And of course, the BowFlex doesn’t offer the moral support and encouragement you can get from fellow gym members and staff.
Thanks for this review! Like others have said, I have considered investing in one of these units several times, but I think this article by itself will stop me from holding my credit card in one hand and my phone in the other as I watch the infomercials.
Nothing could be further from the truth… at least if you are 5′8″ like me. This is the greatest machine EVER… well maybe not ever, but it is great… and I live in seattle and don’t work for Bowflex :) My boxes came in perfect shape and after about 1 hr I had it put together. Like all machines, there are exercises you won’t do.
Actually, I questioned the price, but once you add all the other machines this takes the place of, it is still a bit expensive, but worth it. My buddy came over this weekend and we joked about the commercial, but you can actually really feel the machine at work.
If you can afford the machine, I HIGHLY recommend it to anyone. It is expensive, but worth every penny.
I agree with jon. Although I have to say I do not own this specific machine, I do have a bowflex. I would recommend it to anyone. I am only about 5′10 though, I do see how someone taller could have problems. Anyways, like jon said you can feel it work.
BTW: I disagree with this statement: “Since it’s really just resistance, you’re not getting a workout as specific as you would from free weights, or even a machine with a fixed bar.” and I am almost positive you are not qualified to make this statement.
Just got my Revolution last week. Set it up and started testing it out. I’m 5′11″ and 175 lbs. I have worked out with weights on and off since my teen years.
Well, its “different”.
I’d have to say one thing right off the bat. I wanted a machine with a leg press as I have always had thin legs and not much leg strength and like to hit them hard.
I just did some leg presses on a weight machine last week. I did 250 lbs for about 15-18 reps, strained on the last reps.
I loaded up the revolution with all the plates, 220 lbs which Bowflex says is really 440 lbs with the pulley system they use for the leg press.
Well I can tell you that I KNOW FOR FACT that I cannot even spearate the plates on the gym leg press machine with 440 lbs, and I sat there and ripped off about 15 reps on the Bowflex Revolution. I only stopped because of my dissappointment .
I’ll say this, they advertise 440 lbs on the leg press, Sorry Bowflex, that is a LIE! Or call it false advertising. It is NOT even near 440 lbs of resistance!!
And, the machine slightly “pivots” when using all the plates in the leg press, and makes you feel like something is going to give.
I do like some of the other exercises, but so far its been a bit dissappointing but I have not given it a chance yet.
My advice is try one first somehow if you can, then decide. I see that it may be fine for the causal workout. But a bodybuilder would laugh at this thing, especially the leg press.
I found the preacher curl to actually be ok.
The leg extension is not so good, it is not comfortable. If you have big calfs, forget it, they get pinched at the bottom of the stroke and the padding is to hard.
Leg curl was ok.
I’ll post more when I use it some more.
Mark
Hi,
My concern with the line of Bowflex machine is the price tags.
I am wondering why these products are so expensive while I suspect
most of them are made in China for the fraction of the cost.
It s time that I create my own line of exercise machines named
PaxFlex with all the known capabilities of current one for a third
of the cost.
Any one interested
Pax.
If you could make one with the all the same capabilities for a third of the cost i’m in. I’m trying to find something to help me lose weight and tone my body. I would be interested
bUMP!
Yeah I’ve got one of the old model Bowflex XTLU the Power Pro Series. I have to change the “lifetime guaranteed” power bars every six months at least because they decrease in resistance. They also dont engage the muscle until u have pushed them slightly so u lose the Full Range of Motion that Bowflex brags about during the initial movement of the rep and the progressive resistance they talk about just means that ur gonna have muscles that are bulkier in one are hence stronger in that area and weaker in another….
In case u didnt know THAT = BADDDDD… lol leaves room for injury and makes u look lopsided eventually… Anyway price tag is too much go join a gym ull get lazy at home anyway. but wait for offers or go to college and use their rec center or get someone in ur house to go to college and then leech off of their tuition with an affliate’s membership. w00t w00t. Free Weights Still Reign Supreme!
OH and yeah leg extensions are a joke even on mine same problem with the Full ROM and also the machine feels like its about to topple over when i sit on it just not stable enough. Espeically if ur using the full amount of weight that it offers. And its a h*e to change all the little clips and put the attachment on.. omg it makes me lazy to work out just thinking about doing that. Use dumbells and benches to workout and a couple machines plus a pullup/dip machine if u can’t do enough on your own for a benefit. That’s the ultimate workout right there… plus cardio too… can’t forget cardio… BLEH!
Michael: no dawg!
I bought a Revolution and when I got it, it did not work correctly. It has been months of trying to fix it, getting a new part, numerous calls, etc. Just to let you know, the PARTS are under warranty but labor is not. Therefore, if you get a faulty machine and can’t fix it, it becomes up to you to fix it. Humm….not what I expected for $2500. They are finally sending me a new part but that means I have to take the thing apart and put the largest, most heavy part together again. I am a single woman and it’s really not something I’m looking forward to!!! I am very disappointed with BoFlex/Nautilus!!!!
i love all my homeys in the C-town
my name is Richard Mitchell and i really need a girl friend so if you can call me my number is 1-315-697-2690
my name is Richard Mitchell and i really need a girlfriend so if you can call me at my house 1-315-697-2690 or my cell 1-315-345-9615.
Yes I finally got the boxflex in less than a week I ordered it! But after 3 hours of wasting my time putting it together the right stringy thingy is to tight, so the workout is uneven. Thanks Bowflex, Now I need to call and send it back with the beat up pieces of shit boxed and all of the styrofoam is broken!!!!! Now I wasted more money! $200 for shipping and handling and the boxes are beat up and have holes in them. Not a bad idea for everyone to get this.
All I can say is this is an amazing machine. After one heck of a nightmare with other machines the Bowflex Revolution has finally met my fitness goals. I have had the Revolution since August 2006 and am very familiar with it and I love it. I loved my bench and free weights, but you usually need a spotter to max out otherwise you risk hurting yourself. After my free weights I went to the Crossbow and the Crossbow Platinum from weider. I had my original crossbow about 1 year and I hated the inconsistent feel of the bows compared to free weights.
I eventually upgraded to the Crossbow Platinum with the built in personal trainer. That machine was ok and worked for about 2 years before the electronics console completely stopped working and my machine would not calibrate properly. After having 2 cheap machines I ended up going with the Bowflex Revolution. I am about 5′11″ and this machine works great. It is a little strange at first but after a week or so you get the hang of it. The workouts are harder because you truly are getting an even constant resistance both positive and negative making exercises that may have been easier on other machines or free weights feel much harder on the revolution. This machine makes you use all those extra muscles that you would not ordinarily use. The machine has over 100 exercises with 400 variations, along with a CD-ROM personal trainer and DVD that shows you how to properly use this machine and perform each exercise. This is an expensive machine, but after my experience with two cheap machines the Bowflex Revolution is well worth it. The 10 year warranty and the
results I have seen are just an added bonus. For people who are independent and don’t always have time to go to a gym this is well worth the monthly payment which is comparable to a GYM membership in itself. The customer service from Bowflex is top notch compared to the rude customer service I got from Icon regarding the Crossbows. I truly believe you get what you pay for and I can truly say this is one great well built machine and one of the best investments I have made toward my health.
After many years with free weights at home and in the gym, I need to replace my system at home and I am considering the Revolution. However, the method for getting in position for the bench press bothers me. It seems to be injury prone. Bowflex shows a clip wherein one must reach back one arm at a time to grip the handles. You are to curl and pull in to set yourself before the lift. If you are using very light weight, okay, but if you are pushing 250 and up how is it one can curl and pull in that amount without injury before the lift even starts?
I have used the BowFlex revolution with about 80lbs on both sides, equaling a total “bench” weight of 160. In order to get to the correct position you can try to curl the weight like they do in the DVD video, or you can try to get into position prior, by attempting a chest fly first. I have found attempting a chest fly to get my arms into position helps out more than trying to curl 125 lbs ;). If you really are into free weights though BowFlex has an interesting free weight system that you should really look into. Check it out on their home page.
Man… I really want one of these things. At least I thought I did. Thanks for the comments people. Good and Bad…. I’m headed for Academy Sports. They have one there I can try. At least that’s what I hear. I just know I need something…… I’m well on my way to being quite the fat ass….
Get a life fucking Richard M.
Richard is a fag by the way!
Porfie – C’mon – how long have you worked for Bowflex?
How long have I worked for bowflex hmmm lol. Thanks for the compliment I would not mind working for them though. I review a lot of stuff so sorry if I came across as a bowflex worker. I am just a customer who is pleased with the bowflex nothing more than that. You can check out my reviews to see what I say is true.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/pdp/profile/AIRHRV3D8X4J1
Hey Joseph. Would that “stringy thingy” happen to be the internal resistance straps? (the yellow thingies). The little knobs at the bottom of the base unit on either side can be pulled out slightly and rotated to loosen or tighten those straps. There’s plenty of slack to loosen it up. This in turn will loosen everything else up if its in a bind.
I love this machine. I work out with both free weights and this unit. I switch off and on trying to keep my routine non-repetitive. While there are some drawbacks (as every other machine), it overall does exactly what its supposed to do. And for those who are complaining, 400 lbs. is not really 400 lbs., so what? I’ve yet to use any cable machine that was really the resistance it claims on the plates,power rods, etc. The point is simply push yourself hard. Yes, its hard to max out with what comes with the set, but I purchased the additional plates and now I get plenty of resistance. I never understood the idea of having to match what’s marked on a plate to real plates. Who cares? Just add more until you fatigue. That’s the whole point. Your muscles aren’t going to complain that the writing on the plates are incorrect.
Overall, I love this machine. Worth the buy.
“Since it’s really just resistance, you’re not getting a workout as specific as you would from free weights,
He clearly does not know much about weight training. Resistance training is the best kinda training for your body. Its really safe as well and thats a bonus.
I think the bowflex power rod machines like ultimate 2 are really good if you understand how to use them. Today I’m going to a fitness store to test out the bowflex revolution so i will be back to say what i thought about it.
I really dont think this Blake Robinson Knows what he is talking about.
The whole idea of not having a bar to lift/move resistance is that it forces you to utilize your so-called “stabilizer muscles” inorder to lift/move the resistance/”weight.” You thus fatique muscles which you might not normally with bar set ups. Additionally, NOT having a bar does not allow you to isolate muscle groups, as the whole idea is to work your ENTIRE body to failure to see significant gains (isolation workouts won’t cut it). This why most fitness experts currently propose whole body as opposed to limited body (lower body vs upper body) routines.
Likewise, as stated, your muscles know absolutely nothing about the writing on a plate, and could care less. If the resistance is enough to fatigue the muscles, hypertrophy will occur (barring diet and genetic considerations). It’s that simple.
I cant say enough about the revolution. Whats this rant ken is saying he thinks he is so smart pretty funny. This machine is just like every other single thing out there. Its not for everyone everyone has there own personal taste. This machine however should appeal for a lot of people.I don’t see meat heads that want to look bulky liking this machine. I mean a smart person would realize most people most girls do not like bulky they like riped. This machine is so smooth every motion you do and you feel so safe to push it to. 100 percent happy i bought one This is going to transform my body in most definitely.
I bought a “Bowflex Revolution” about 6 months ago. I’m apprx. 5′8″, free-weight trained, serious athlete. I like my machine….I don’t LOVE it. It can be challenging, takes the place (and room!) of a lot of free weights and other machines. I have always enjoyed trying to create new exercise routines and techniques, and the “Revolution” is perfect for that. I will say the machine is quite obviously geared toward the bench press, leg press, and leg extension. Other exercises kinda feel like a compromise.
Yes, it’s an awful lot of money. Mine came in perfect shape, went together in less than an hour, and is quality throughout. I plan on keeping it a l-o-n-g time, so the cost is spread out (if that makes you feel better)
Well I have had mine for almost a year. I was getting out of shape and there is no gym close enough to me to take the time to drive there. Before I started getting outta shape I was a hard core workout head. I’ve tried many machines and of course free weights. Overall, the Revolution is the best all round machine I have ever used. When you first try it you soon discover that some of the workouts feel odd or not even worth doing. Like some guy complained about the preacher curl feeling weird. I felt the same when I first tried it. Almost gave up on that workout till I changed the setting around (hight of the preacher bench vs hight of the adjustable bar) till it felt good. That is the whole thing… there are many adjustments so it takes some time to figure it out. Some workouts just don’t feel good no matter what I do but I don’t mind cause there are so many other workouts that hit the muscle that one not working for my size doesn’t bother me. (I am six foot) I am a mechanic by trade and I know a well made machine when I see one. For the most part I am very impressed at the quality of this machine. (more then I can say for the cars we all drive) They put a ten year warranty on this cause they designed it to last that long. My friend, who works out like a mad man, wishes he hadn’t already bought all his free weights cause he thinks this is better and it takes up less room. You just need to use a bit of imagination and keep trying different things to unlock this beast. I still find new workouts to do. A great machine that NASA should feel great about inventing. It works great in space and great on earth. (but who cares about space hehe) I can write more but I think you get my point.
PS I also made a bunch of custom parts that you can attach to the machine… maby I should sell them to bowflex ;-) It’s great to work at a place that you can do metal work in.
I just got myself into home-based business and am looking for home gym equipment. Thanks for the review, I’m 6′2″ so I’m not sure if this is Bowflex Revolution is still gonna be good for me.
Wow! Some of these people must not know how to workout or they’re possibly using the Bowflex Revolution incorrectly. I have had the BF Revolution for well over a year now and I LOVE IT! I am 47-years old and I have tried everything under the sun. Most machines are shaky, and/or, you can’t get a smooth consistent range of motion. I am just over 6-feet tall and the bowflex allows me a full range of motion on all exercises including the wonderful leg press. There is an adjustment on the bar under the seating area to change the distance the seat will travel during the leg press. Once I adjusted it, which only takes a second or two, the range of motion was perfect. My wife and I use the machine together and I change it back for her between sets. Very easy to do…no problems! The Bowflex is the smoothest operating exercise machine I have ever used except for the Nautalis equipment I’ve used at the gym. This is very, very sturdy and is probably why the machine costs so much. I’ve purchased other equipment at much cheaper prices but “You get what you pay for!” High quality is going to cost more than something flimsy. The number of exercises is really limited only to your imagination. If you’ve ever had an injury and needed rehab, this machine is fantastic. If I ran a physical therapy clinic I would definitely use this machine. You can hit muscles from just about any angle you wish or need to. If you are looking for variation in an exercise to ensure you work the entire muscle you can easily accomplish that with the Bowflex Revolution. My brother has the Bowflex with the power bars or whatever they’re called. This is way, way better. He wishes he had the Revolution now after trying mine. I truely cannot say enough good things about the Bowflex Revolution, and the company. I also received my 5-boxes with a few holes. (No damage to the machine though). I was missing a bag with straps and called the company. They sent the strapps to me by way of over-night delivery. I got the straps the next day! Very good customer service. I’m impressed. I wish other companies made their stuff (cameras, tv’s, xbox…), as well as the Bowflex and I wish their customer service was as good too! I’d buy it again with no reservations. Oh yeah, I’m also glad I got the one with the sliding seat. The smaller one doesn’t seem to have a leg press and I think you need to wear a harness and do deep knee bend like a squat. That would not be good for my back or knees. Good luck…
LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT! For me getting to the gym after getting home from a long day in a patrol car is tough. With the BF Revolution I can work out whenever I want, its quick and thorough! Im getting the same workout I got at the gym, without the travel time. Im 6′0″ and I fit perfectly. My wife is 5′4″ and she has no problems either. We bought our machine used from an online auction site which had local pickup. So for us the machine was priced at 50% the MSRP. You WILL NOT be disappointed in this machine.
Our lifestyle is quite busy at home, leaving very little time to travel and workout in a gym. After several years of a gym membership and only making it there about half of a year each year, sacrificing time with the family and pets, and the price of fuel, I finally had it and started researching options for working out at home. In the end, I set my sights on the Bowflex Ultimate 2, but after speaking with a Nautilus fitness consultant, I researched the Revolution and decided on it instead due to a more linear, consistent resistance it promised.
I didn’t like the high price tag ($2799 + $199 S&H + tax) despite having a 10-yr warranty. The consultant said they offer the 10-yr warranty mostly for customers who have multiple people working on the machine most days of the week; for average customers (1-3 people at home), this will outlast them. Despite some discounts and monthly payment plan, it came down to buying it used (local pick up), refurbished (Overstock), or new (Bowflex, eBay, etc.). With some unexpected expenses during this same time, I decided against buying it from Bowflex because of the total cost and wanted to save that money for other things (i.e. paying for the unexpected expenses).
After a month of using the Revolution, I came to a couple of early conclusions (mind you, these are just my conclusions and don’t represent anyone else’s as some may be happier while some are more disappointed):
Positive:
+ solid construction, very good engineering, great installation instructions
+ wide range of excercises and variations, so you’ll never get bored with a routine
+ lots of resistance (*) even without the 80-lb plate upgrade
+ quite operation (good for night time workouts)
+ workout DVD is excellent
+ beautiful piece of equipment, not an eyesore, wife likes it
Negative:
- bench is wobbly when in flat position (i.e. try holding onto the bench while doing leg curls… it’ll lift up a bit)
- getting into a seated upper body workout position while facing away from the engine requires reaching behind and curling the handles to your torso, a huge potential for injury when loading up the plates (bad starting angle/position)
- leg press is a complete disappointment (fully loaded 300-lb resistance plates which are supposed to double for the leg press does NOT feel like 600-lbs; I can only press 325 in the gym, and with the Revolution I can press all “600″ lbs — feels like less than 300 lbs honestly)
- requires an extra 3-4 feet in length and width of the workout area to comfortably walk around, change plate configurations, do some workouts on the side of the bench (i.e. kneeling high-to-low trunk rotation) without hitting the walls or someone else
- optional accessories like the mat and rack should be made standard equipment (you need a mat to protect your floor, and the rack keeps the attachments & plates off the floor), but of course this is about making money… and accessories are big money makers
This machine is proving to be a worthwhile investment, especially if you can buy it from a local seller (check craigslist or eBay) for half the price. You won’t be sorry, and once you see the quality of the machine, you’ll feel better about not having the 10-yr warranty. As with any fitness equipment, it’s better to be able to try it before you buy it, but in my opinion I would discourage one from doing the 6-week trail period from Bowflex because of 2 reasons:
1) if you work out correctly and religiously for 6 weeks, you WILL see results, so why even bother with the trial period… investment in a home gym is a commitment and a lifestyle;
2) once you assemble this thing, I challenge you to disassemble it, repackage and rebox each piece (assuming the boxes & styrofoam are still in decent shape), and eat the cost of shipping — most people will say it’s not worth the trouble or their time.
hi mi 15 i just bought a bowflex revolution and bowflex 1090dumbells im pretty fit should i do 3days a week bowflex revolution and 3 days a week free weights i mean i want to get big an tone
P.S it hasnt arrived yet so i can say how i like it .
THANKS
I am interested in anyone who has used the power rod version vs. the revolution. If buying a new machine, which would you purchase. I have had the power rod version and after 10 years gave it to my brother who loves it. Now I am interested in a newer power rod version or the revolution. Thanks
I purchased a bowfles ultimate in 2004. The sales person told me that I could trade the machine in for $1000 towards a new machine in the future.
I recently tried to do so and get this newer machine and I was told Bow Flex does nor do that any more. And they claim the sales person did not tell me this.
Well he certainly did.
Has anyone else had an experiance like this. Was anyone else told they could trade up and get $1000 from the sales personel at Bow Flex? Let me know at mark@haydead.com
Thanks.
If you’re a professional body builder or your aspire to be, this machine is not for you. If, on the other hand, you want to stay in shape and add definition to your physic than this machine is highly recommended. I too used to work out with free weights from the time that I was a teenager but due to increased joint pain, I purchased a Bowflex. Although I agree with some of the negative aspects of the machine that have been mentioned, all-in-all the Bowflex isn’t bad;I have no more joint pain.
I purchased an original boxflex about 10 years ago and I’ve noticed that the power rods are now bent outward and I’m not sure if I’m getting the right resistance. I’d like to purchase new power rods. Any one have any ideas
While Bowflex is not for everyone, they work very well for those who can’t rearrange their schedule to work out at a the gym.
Yes, I sell Bowflex home gyms and I own one and use one. I have gotten great results from working out.
Is it better than free weights? NO, but for the amount of exercises if offers, it is about as close as you can get without turning your house into a full blown gym and spending $10,000.
Also, another thing to note is they have excellent customer support that will go out of their way to help you. For those that feel it’s a scam, just realize you have six weeks to return it no questions asked for a full refund – minus shipping and handling. Getting results is really up to the individual.
Just me 2 cents
Mark
We have the bowflex Ultimate which we bought in 2005. Bowflex will not change the power rods out under warranty unless they break. The power rods are not that great. You do not get resistance throughout the full range of motion. If your thinking about the power rods try something else you’ll be glad you saved your money. BTW, the TOTAL GYM folds up and stores easily so you can have a gym in your home that hides in your closet and it’s great on your joints.
I’ve had a Revolution for over a year now and have seen major results. I was a powerlifter in my teenage years and have the trophies to prove it. I did alot of the free weights and was strong but not toned.This machine has toned my muscles that I did not know existed. It is more of a toning maching than muscle mass builder. I’m sure some of the complaints about it not working is from people who can’t get motivated enough, no matter what. If you get one just learn the machines mechanics(because all machines of different companies are different in how it works,I have had 3 machines from companies) then start adding weight once you get the correct feel for it. Some people need the gym for motivation. I don’t. My only motivation is to make me healthier. The biggest complaint is the price and the “Financing.”
I was told that it would be $48 a month for 6 years.That’s the 2800 plus 600 or so in interest. What they do not tell you is that you are billed like a credit card.The interest that they charge seems like a scam. After the first 3 months it was fine until I received a bill for $100 and it kept increasing every month. No matter how much I paid.They now say that I owe $3700 after paying a year on it according to them. My advise would be to buy one cash and do not get involved in their “interest scam.” In the end it all depends on what you want and what is going to work for you. We are all different and you got to find what is going to make YOU a healthier and stronger person. : )
I bought the bowflex revolution a year and a half ago. I like it, but still have trouble figuring out which exercise sequence make sense. I’d love if there were a workout DVD showing easy transitions to and from each exercise, especially for women with weight suggestions (a no brainer, basically).
BowFlex is a “RENT-TOO-NEVER-OWN” Greedy “UNDER-COVER” Rip off of Americans who trust disgraceful lying rip-offs like with this claiming to be Company.
I Love this product. I had no problems with shipping. I am amazed at all of the ways this thing can work you out. It is the best home gym i have ever owned from precore to BH to octane. Bow flex deliver all it says. I am 6′2 and the preacher curls worked great. I don’t think he knows what he is talking about. As for the price, my other homegyms have all cost me more and did far less than this gym. By the way other solid weight gyms weigh a ton! this thing is light and can be stored easier than any other gym on the market. I was amazed at this guys review, the only bad review i’ve seen.
For all you doubters out there…there’s a reason why the Bowflex has been selling for years (and years to come). It’s only because it actually works.
People won’t pay money for a fitness machine that sucks (think of those abdominal exercises that come and go from year to year).
Bowflex might not be good for an athlete who regularly trains at a fitness facility, but for the average joe out there, bowflex is definately more than enough.
I bought my first Bowflex, the top of the line XTLU model, back in 2001. It was rarely used and was eventually replaced with the Ultimate version in 2003. That was also rarely used until 2008.
Here’s my point: If I had written a review during my first 7 years as a Bowflex owner, I wouldn’t have had much good to say about the machine; however, now that my son and I have actually been using it on a regular basis for over a year now, I think it’s GREAT! The resistance is fantastic and the results do come if you stick with a good weight training routine.
I’m considering replacing my Ultimate with a Revolution, but I’ll have to try one out first. I tested several Hoist Home Gyms today and can honestly say that I prefer the feel of my Bowflex. I say this to my own surprise because after reading so many good comments about Hoist, I was really expecting to like it so much that I’d want to own one. Such was not the case.
Regarding the comments about financing, when I first called Bowflex and inquired about their financing, I was told point blank that that should be used as a last resort due to the high interest rate.