Overview of Bowflex
Bowflex is a leading manufacturer of high-quality home fitness equipment founded in 1986. Based in Vancouver, Washington and operating under Nautilus Inc., Bowflex aims to provide effective and affordable at-home workout solutions as an alternative to gym memberships.
With over 30 years of experience developing state-of-the-art training machines, Bowflex has earned various awards for their innovative designs. This includes the 2020 Elliptical Reviews Best Buy Award for the Bowflex Max Trainer M7.
According to the brand‘s website, "We try our best to create machines that get you results as quickly and efficiently as possible, so you can live a healthier, happier life."
Some quick facts about Bowflex:
- Offer various types of exercise equipment: treadmills, bikes, ellipticals, home gyms, dumbbells, accessories
- Known for high-tech features like touchscreens, app connectivity, streaming classes
- Finance options available for most products
- Have a fitness blog with healthy tips and recipes
- Currently 4.5/5 average rating on various review sites
With many satisfied customers praising their machines‘ quality and effectiveness, Bowflex remains a popular choice for at-home workouts.
Keep reading this extensive Bowflex review for detailed breakdowns of their top sellers, comparisons, customer feedback, promotions, and more to see if their equipment is worth investing in!
Bowflex Exercise Bikes
Stationary bikes provide low-impact cardio that strengthens lower body muscles. Bowflex offers some of the most advanced indoor cycles equipped with handy features to take your workouts up a notch. Two of their best-selling models include:
Bowflex C6 Bike
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Overview: Designed with a slim profile and tablet holder, the quiet Bowflex C6 bike features 100 micro-resistance levels to gradually increase workload for all fitness levels. It comes with dual-sided pedals, Bluetooth heart rate monitoring, and device rack.
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Key Features:
- RPM cadence tracker to maintain optimal speed
- Syncs with popular cycling apps like Peloton®, ZwiftTM, and more through Bluetooth
- Includes free 1-year JRNYTM app subscription ($$500 value) with thousands of on-demand classes
- Media tray and USB charging port for entertainment
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What Customers Are Saying: With a 4.4/5 average rating from over 1,700 Amazon reviews, customers widely praise the Bowflex C6 for its smooth magnetic resistance, adjustability, and high-tech features that make workouts more fun and effective. Many mention it being far cheaper yet on par with leading exercise bikes like Peloton.
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Price: $999
Based on its competitive price point and standout features, the Bowflex C6 bike is a great mid-range option for those wanting that cycling studio experience at home without the huge price tag.
Bowflex VeloCore Bike
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Overview: Dubbed the ‘most engaging cardio machine ever‘, the VeloCore bike combines 3 workout modes – lean, stationary, and rotate for enhanced calorie burn. The adjustable 16 or 22 inch HD touchscreen allows 360° swiveling and tilting for off-bike exercises.
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Key Features:
- Smooth magnetic resistance with 100 micro-adjustment levels
- Integrated dumbbell racks to add upper body strength training
- Syncs with virtual courses and instructors through JRNY app
- Polar heart rate monitoring and other performance metrics
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What Customers Are Saying: "Best bike I‘ve ever owned! It‘s so smooth and quiet with the perfect amount of resistance." writes one 5-star reviewer. Most users agree the leaning capability makes cardio sessions more challenging and engaging. Some note assembly can be tricky despite clear instructions.
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Price: Starts from $1,699
With its innovative leaning mode and motivational tech features, the VeloCore bike takes cycling workouts to the next level. It‘s pricier than the C6 but offers advanced programming for seasoned riders.
Bowflex Treadmills
Treadmills allow home runners to rack up mileage without braving the outdoor elements. Bowflex touts premium machines combining performance with entertainment. We review two top models below:
Bowflex Treadmill 22
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Overview: Geared towards serious runners, the extra wide Treadmill 22 has a spacious 22 inch HD touchscreen to stream workouts. It reaches intense 12 mph top speeds on its Comfort Tech deck cushioning.
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Key Features:
- Built-in speakers, Bluetooth, and device chargers
- Contact and wireless heart rate monitoring
- 9 preset fitness programs + custom mode
- Up to 15% incline and -5% decline
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What Customers Are Saying: "I am so happy with my new Bowflex Treadmill 22! It is perfect for high intensity interval running as it goes up to 12 mph…" says one reviewer. Others mention it runs extremely smoothly and the wide screen is a major plus.
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Price: $2,699
With its top-notch shock absorption and high speeds, the feature-packed Bowflex Treadmill 22 allows runners to log fast-paced miles in roomy comfort.
Bowflex Treadmill 10
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Overview: Providing ample running space at a lower price point, the Bluetooth-enabled Treadmill 10 has a 10 inch HD touchscreen to view Explore the WorldTM global routes and instructor-led classes. It reaches 10 mph top speeds.
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Key Features:
- Comfort Tech cushioning deck
- 9 built-in programs
- Wireless heart rate armband included
- Syncs stats with free JRNY app
- Up to 15% incline
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What Customers Are Saying: "Easy to assemble with clear instructions. Many custom workout options from the 10 inch screen." writes a pleased buyer. Others add it runs smoothly and the smaller footprint is a win for apartments/small homes.
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Price: $1,999
While less advanced than the Treadmill 22, the more compact Treadmill 10 packs an impressive punch with its integrated training programs and immersive display. It‘s ideal for walking, jogging, and interval running.
Bowflex Home Gyms
All-in-one home gyms allow you to perform strength moves targeting all major muscle groups using a single machine. Bowflex offers their best-selling models:
Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE Home Gym
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Overview: Providing over 70 exercises, the Xtreme 2 SE home gym features Bowflex‘s Power Rod® resistance that adjusts from 10 – 210 lbs for robust strength training. The upgraded design includes an easy-to-use lat tower and smooth Media RackTM.
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Key Features:
- Squat bar and leg extension/curl attachments
- Vertical bench press station
- Integrated cable pulley system
- Media rack for phone/tablet
- Dimensions: 50"L x 30"W x 73"H when upright
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What Customers Are Saying: "This Bowflex is worth every penny! It replaced my gym membership with the variety of exercises I can do." raves a 5-star reviewer. Most mention it being commercial-grade quality for their home workouts. Some note cable adjustments can be initially tricky.
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Price: $1,499
With its wide exercise variety and serious resistance capacity, the Xtreme 2 SE allows you to intensely sculpt every muscle for max gains without leaving home.
Bowflex PR1000 Home Gym
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Overview: Providing single power rod resistance up to 210 lbs, the space-saving PR1000 home gym features smooth pulleys and cables so you can perform over 25 strength exercises from squats to rows. Upright storage minimizes footprint.
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Key Features:
- No cable changes needed
- Bench presses, lat pull-downs, low rows, and more
- Upgraded 3.1 bench with leg extension/curl
- New rod brackets for secure mounting
- Footprint: 50"L x 30"W x 83"H upright
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What Customers Are Saying: "Easy to assemble with clear instructions. Hits all the major muscle groups." says one happy shopper. Most agree it provides challenging strength training comparable to an expensive gym at a more affordable price.
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Price: $799
While less versatile than the Xtreme 2 SE, the user-friendly Bowflex PR1000 allows you to work all major muscle groups thanks to its hearty resistance power rods and multi-function pulley system.
Bowflex Ellipticals
Ellipticals deliver an intense low-impact cardio workout that‘s easy on joints. Two best-selling options from Bowflex include:
Bowflex Max Trainer M9
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Overview: Providing a total body HIIT workout, the dynamic Max Trainer M9 has 20 resistance levels to intensify your efforts along with arm bars for upper body toning. It offers low-impact motion ideal for joint health.
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Key Features:
- 14 minute interval feature
- Contact and wireless heart rate monitoring
- Syncs with JRNY app for global virtual courses
- Media shelf and USB charging
- Compact footprint
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What Customers Are Saying: "I use this cardio machine every day! My stamina has improved tremendously." writes a passionate Max Trainer owner. Most mention seeing great results in fat loss, endurance, and strength since using the M9.
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Price: $1,899
Blending cardio and strength training for accelerated calorie torching, the Max Trainer M9 allows you to slash workout times and leap towards fitness goals without hard impact.
Bowflex Max Trainer M6
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Overview: Offering a smaller footprint than the M9, the Max Trainer M6 still packs a punch with its combined upper/lower body motions and low-impact platform. Monitor progress hands-free with its contact and Bluetooth heart rate tracking.
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Key Features:
- Burn rate display to drive intensity
- Integrated device cradles for entertainment
- Chest strap included
- Free 1-year JRNY app subscription
- Easy assembly with tutorial videos
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What Customers Are Saying: "This machine kicks my butt every time! It‘s perfect for my small space and the workout programming keeps things fresh." says a 5-star reviewer. Most mention its effectiveness for cardio, intervals, and strength training in one machine.
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Price: $1,499
Offering personalized guidance at a lower price point than the M9, the more compact yet mighty Max Trainer M6 allows you to maximize calorie burn and attain overall fitness with low-impact efficiency.
Bowflex Adjustable Dumbbells
Selectorized dumbbells that allow you to quickly dial up your desired weight in one compact, space-saving unit. Two of Bowflex‘s most popular models include:
Bowflex SelectTech 1090 Dumbbells
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Overview: Allowing weights from 10 – 90 lbs to be selected instantly, these adjustable Bowflex dumbbells replace 17 sets so you can progressively strength train without a bulky setup. They‘re also ergonomically designed for comfort.
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Key Features:
- Lift weights from the side or top with unique dial system
- Trays align weights quietly
- 17.5 inch length fits standard dumbbell racks
- Durable molding won‘t scratch floors
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What Customers Are Saying: "I can‘t say enough good things about these dumbbells! They are versatile, easy to use, and feel very sturdy." writes a pleased home gym owner. Most mention the convenience of adjusting weight so quickly rather than changing plates manually.
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Price: $799
Offering up to 90 lbs of smooth, worry-free resistance, the innovative Bowflex 1090 dumbbells provide all-in-one strength training versatility that maximizes workout density and saves precious home space.
Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells
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Overview: Providing adjustable resistance from 5 – 52.5 lbs, these space-saving Bowflex dumbbells replace 15 sets so you can lift heavy or light without needing multiple sets cluttering your home gym. Special dial allows easy weight changes.
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Key Features:
- Combines 15 sets of weights in one
- Weights adjust in 2.5 lb increments
- Ergonomic handle with corrosion resistant finish
- 15.5 inches long to fit most racks
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What Customers Are Saying: "These save so much space and make it easy to progress!" says a home fitness enthusiast. Most mention convenience, quality construction, and effectiveness for strength gains that rival a gym setup.
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Price: $399
While less heavy-duty than the 1090s, the Bowflex SelectTech 552s supply essential adjustable resistance to grow stronger without sacrificing precious floor space.
Are Bowflex Machines Effective?
The short answer – yes! When used properly, Bowflex equipment provides efficient, results-driven workouts on par with gym equipment.
The key is that Bowflex machines offer resistance-based training that challenges muscles to adapt and get stronger overtime. Their patented Power Rods in home gyms adjust tension to mimic weights while cardio gear like bikes and treadmills allow you to safely exercise at intense speeds/gradients that drive cardio gains.
Plus many Bowflex machines feature built-in training programs, virtual courses, and connectivity to popular fitness apps so you can monitor performance and stay motivated.
For example, one study by the American Council on Exercise found that the Max Trainer M5 elliptical torches more calories and triggers greater heart rate response than using a treadmill, stairclimber, or elliptical alone.
So quality for quality – Bowflex is designed to challenge users appropriately and elicit desired physical improvements comparable to commercial equipment when used regularly and at suitable intensity.
Should You Buy a Bowflex?
Based on this extensive research and review – yes, for the right person, Bowflex machines make smart home fitness investments.
The main pros of Bowflex equipment include:
- Commercial-grade quality at affordable residential pricing
- Effective programming for all fitness levels
- Low-impact designs optimal for joint health
- Space saving construction
- Financing available on all products
- Positive feedback from thousands of users
Potential downsides to consider:
- Pricier than basic equipment like treadmills or bikes
- Must be motivated to use regularly solo at home
- Heavy packages requiring home assembly
- Electronics may need troubleshooting
Ultimately, Bowflex caters best to beginner or experienced fitness buffs wanting comprehensive, full-body training without the gym commute or fees. Their innovative features and patent designs empower users to accomplish serious fitness goals from home.
Casual exercisers may find more affordable options like a basic treadmill meet their needs. But dedicated users should strongly consider investing in Bowflex equipment to take their training to the next level.
Available Discounts on Bowflex Gear
While Bowflex machines carry more premium price tags given their quality and performance, the brand does offer the following promotions to help offset costs:
Current Bowflex Deals Include:
- Max Trainer M9 – Free Mat + Free Shipping
- VeloCore Bike 16" Console – Free Mat + Free Shipping
- C6 Bike – Free Shipping
- Treadmill 10 – Free Mat + Free Shipping
- SelectTech 552 Dumbbells – $25 Off + Free Shipping when bundled
- Revolution Home Gym – $500 Off + 0% APR Financing for 48 Months
Bowflex also provides affordable payment plans to finance gear interest-free so you can strengthen your body without breaking the bank.
Check Bowflex.com for latest discounts or call 800-269-4126 for specific promo details. Considering the thousands you‘d spend on years of gym dues, Bowflex still offers exceptional value per use.
The Verdict? Bowflex Delivers Results
In closing, while priced at a premium, Bowflex establishes themselves as a leader in effective home fitness equipment worth buying for serious trainees.
From their expertly engineered designs to motivate users of all levels to integrated tech syncing workout data for real-time tracking, Bowflex culminates comprehensive programming with quality construction.
So if you‘re seeking superior training minus the gym waitlines and fees, Bowflex can readily equip your home gym for empowered, customized workouts with tangible outcomes.
Ultimately, consider your budget, fitness objectives, and dedication before purchasing. But for devoted users focused on achieving and maintaining prime fitness, Bowflex machines deliver robust, accessible training for maximum gains.
