Bowflex started out in the late 1980s with the first Bowflex machines - the 2000X.
The Bowflex 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 a series of 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 the Power Rod line has expanded to several different Bowflex machines:
Bowflex Blaze - 210 lbs of resistance (upgradeable to 410), lat tower with lat bar, rowing seat, leg extension/leg curl, lower pulley/squat station, 60+ exercises
Bowflex Xtreme - 210 lbs of resistance (upgradeable to 410), lat tower with lat bar, ab crunch shoulder harness, leg extension/leg curl, 3-position lower pulley/squat station, compact size, 65+ exercises
Bowflex Xtreme 2 - 210 lbs of resistance (upgradeable to 410), no change cable pulley system, lat tower with lat bar, ab crunch shoulder harness, leg extension/leg curl, 4-position lower pulley/squat station, compact size, 70+ exercises
Bowflex Ultimate - 310 lbs of resistance (upgradeable to 410), lat tower with lat bar, rowing station, leg extension/leg curl, 5-Way hand-grip/ankle cuffs, Built-in adjustable pulley system, T-bar, leg press belt, 90+ exercises
Bowflex Ultimate 2 - 310 lbs of resistance (upgradeable to 410), no change cable pulley system, lat tower with lat bar, rowing station, leg extension/leg curl, Preacher curl attachment, squat station, ab crunch attachment, 5-Way hand-grip/ankle cuffs, folding, optional DVD player, 95+ exercises
Each power rod is covered by a lifetime warranty. If you wear them out, Bowflex will replace them for free.
These gyms give you tons of variety - up to 95 different exercises to perform (and you also get a manual giving you instructions on how to do the exercises).
For a total body workout (cardio and strength training) the Blaze, Ultimate and Ulimate 2 have a built-in rowing station.
Plus the Ultimate 2 and Xtreme 2 use a no change cable pulley system - which makes it easy to circuit train, keeping your heart rate up as you quick change between exercises.
With the Ultimate 2 you also get a 20 minute workout DVD plus you can also opt for a DVD player installed on your gym - a feature you won't find on any other gyms currently on the market. (Great if you get bored easily).
The warranties on the machines themselves are actually 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.
One of the best things about Power Rod Bowflex machines is that they don't take up a lot of space (unlike your traditional machine gym).
The Xtreme models are really compact and are built in a reinforced X-design for maximum stability. (There's nothing worse than trying to work out on a gym and have it wobbling back and forth - something you find far too often on the cheaper models).
Also most gyms fold and roll on wheels for easy storage.
Bowflex machines also rate well with experts. In 2004, a leading consumer magazine rated Bowflex Power Pro highest on it's list of infomercial strength training equipment. (The model has since been upgraded to the Bowflex Ultimate).
Consumer Guide rated the Bowflex Extreme 2 machine 4 out of 5 stars giving it high marks for value, performance and ease of use.
Also in August 2004, Popular Mechanics had Lou Ferrigno (The Incredible Hulk from the 80’s TV show and former Mr. Universe) compare the Bowflex Extreme 2 to 5 other infomercial machines.
Lou liked the Bowflex Extreme 2 best - which says a lot about a product when a professional bodybuilder who lifts weights says they like the Bowflex.
One minor drawback is that the price may be too high for some - Bowflex gyms start around $899. There are similar crossbow home gyms like the Weider MAX - however the quality of construction is just not there on the cheaper units. If you want a crossbow home gym that will hold up well for years, go for a Bowflex.
Bottom Line: Highly Recommended
Bowflex Power Rod home gyms are well-built and covered by lengthy warranties. They give you a large variety of exercises to work your entire body.
Much lighter than other traditional weight-stack gyms, they are space efficient and easy to move.
Bowflex has been making these gyms for so long, they've had the time to work out the kinks in the product line and give home gym users exactly what they want.
With their 100% satisfaction guarantee, high expert reviews and decent warranty, it's pretty hard to go wrong with one of these machines.
However, make sure you take the time to compare Bowflex machines to make sure you're getting one that you want as different models offer a range of choices.
