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Bowflex started out in the late 1980s with the first Bowflex machine - the 2000X. The Bowflex home gym's claim to fame was the ‘Power Rod’ system.
This system did not use heavy iron plates like many of the universal gyms at the time.
It used flexible resin-like rods to provide a progressive resistance. (Progressive meaning the more you pull on the rod, the more of the resistance of that rod you will get).
Today Bowflex has expanded it’s Power Rod line to five machines, (from it’s entry model) the Bowflex Blaze, The Xtreme SE, The Xtreme 2 SE, The Ultimate, and The Ultimate 2 (top of the line).
The Power Rod Bowflex home gyms come with 210lbs to as much as 410lbs (depending on the model and Power Rod upgrade). You can do up to 95 strength-building exercises that target your entire body.
For a total body workout (cardio and strength training) some gyms have a built-in rowing station. Some models also incorporate a 'no change cable pulley system' - which makes it easy to circuit train, keeping your heart rate up as you quick change between exercises.
The Power Rods have a no time-limit warranty which means if you wear them out, Bowflex will replace them for free.
The warranties on the machines themselves are much better than other gyms on the market, starting from 5 years and spanning up to 12 years. This gives you an idea of the quality of construction used on Bowflex machines
Unlike your traditional bulky weight stack gym, Power Rod Bowflex home gyms are more lightweight and don't take up a lot of space. Most also fold and roll on wheels for easy storage.
In early 2006 Bowflex introduced the Bowflex Revolution.
This machine was completely different from other Bowflex home gyms. It did not use the Power Rod system, but a new system called ‘SpiraFlex’.
The SpiraFlex System uses a series of elastic bands inside a plate like container.
This system was used by NASA to help astronauts maintain their strength and lean muscle while in space for long periods of time.
While the Bowflex Revolution (and SpiraFlex system) does not have the history of the traditional Bowflex Power Rod gyms, it does have some advantages.
Spiraflex technology duplicates the benefits of free weights - giving you more control, a more efficient workout and faster results.
The Bowflex Revolution provides 220lbs of resistance upgradeable to 300 lbs, which is less than some of the Power Rod models (up to 410 lbs), but because of a single pulley system you can get upto 600 lbs of resistance on some of the leg exercises.
You also get over 100 exercises with up to 400 variations, as well as a rowing feature for cardio workouts.
Because of the ‘Freedom Arms’, two arms that can be set at different angles (up to 170 Degrees), it is very easy and fast to change through exercises.
It also gives you a smooth, linear resistance instead of progressive resistance as the power rods do. Many seasoned weight trainers and athletes prefer linear resistance to progressive resistance.
If you prefer free weights with a weight bench for your home gym, Bowflex has a unique spin on this type of gym - Selecttech dumbbells
One pair of them replaces up to 34 individual free weights. SelectTech dumbbells let you go from 5 lbs up to 90 lbs, just by turning a dial.
There's a locking mechanism that seeks and then locks into the weight that you choose.
You set the dials to the weight that you want and lift. Tumblers automatically fasten to the weight you want to lift.
Basically SelectTech dumbbells let you shrink 30 dumbbells down to 2 - which saves you space and money. You can also get specialized Selecttech dumbbell stand and weight benches to complete your free weight home gym.
