Hobby

At first glance, the Bowflex doesn’t look exactly like a weight-training machine. The usual weights have been replaced with flimsy-looking plastic rods. How could anyone get stronger just by tugging on those cords and bending some rods? And yet, people who own a Bowflex are often enthusiastic about it, trainers and reviewers give sincere, if occasionally reluctant, approval, and the Bowflex brand name has gone from a single machine sold through infomercials to over half a dozen different models available, branching out from its original Bowflex machines to treadmills, TreadClimbers, adjustable dumbbells, wheelchair-friendly home gyms, and dietary supplements, and has introduced its latest innovation in home gyms, the Bowflex Revolution. It is one of the most popular brand names in exercise equipment. But is the Bowflex really everything it’s hyped up to be?

Bowflex’s main theme and selling point is flexibility. Instead of lifting weights to build muscles, you pull on a pair of cords to flex the Power Rods attached to the ends. Just by changing the position of the seat and the angle and direction from which you pull on the Power Rods, you can do a series of exercises that work out your entire body. This versatility is the Bowflex’s trademark. People who choose Bowflex also like its relatively small size and its ability to fold for easier storage.

One of the things that customers don’t like as much about the Bowflex is the number of parts made out of plastic. These parts tend to wear out more quickly and give the equipment a general feel of low quality. A few years ago, one of their older models had a recall on some parts that were breaking, but the company was pretty responsible about sending owners of the model a replacement part, even if it sometimes took a while to reach them. Most units bought directly from the company come with a limited warranty lasting anywhere from five to twelve years, depending on the model, and the patented Power Rods have a lifetime guarantee. However, many customers find dealing with Bowflex’s customer service representatives to be a frustrating experience. They are far from the only company to have this reputation, but it is still not very reassuring.

Other than durability, which has improved over the years, customers sometimes find it awkward to get into some of the positions for the various exercises, and more serious trainers and bodybuilders dislike the fact that you can only have a maximum of 410 pounds worth of resistance on any machine.

Of course, the most important question when considering whether the Bowflex is worth the hype is whether or not it actually works. Does it really help you lose weight and build muscle the way the ads claim?

As a matter of fact, it does. The “30 minutes a day, three times a week” claim may be a slight exaggeration, but when used properly and regularly, the Bowflex really does give your entire body a good workout.

What about Bowflex’s other equipment? Their treadmills have been reviewed as moderately decent for an average workout, although, once again, they are not quite sturdy enough to last long under hard running conditions. They also have relatively small motors, tend to be loud, and are generally viewed as being more expensive than they’re worth. Bowflex’s TreadClimbers are basically a combination of a stair climber and a treadmill, which also gives it the feel of an elliptical trainer. It’s a nice idea, but you should keep in mind that the complexity of the machinery could mean more maintenance. The Bowflex Revolution, the latest addition to the family, employs SpiraFlex technology, the same technology used by astronauts to help keep their muscles strong in space. It has received many favorable reviews, but requires a floor space of over 9 feet by 5 feet.

Another important factor to consider is price. The least expensive model costs about $900, and many models run well over $2000. Many of the reviewers who consider the Bowflex to be a decent workout machine still don’t think it’s worth the hefty price tag. It is possible to find better deals from third parties, but you should be careful, as the warranties promised by Bowflex often don’t apply in these cases.

So, the Bowflex may not be everything it’s hyped up to be, but it is certainly a decent exercise machine for the average person willing to pay extra.