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How much time do you have in your daily schedule to get to the gym?
If you’re like most busy professionals, it’s tough to squeeze in an hour or two it takes to drive to the gym, work out, get to work/home, shower, and get on with your day.
That’s why at-home gym systems are so popular. With your own home gym setup, you can work out first thing in the morning or right after work, and there’s no need to commute.
For those interested in a home gym system, the Bowflex Revolution Home Gym is one of the more popular choices. But is it worth it? Read our Bowflex Revolution review to find out if it’s worth your investment…
It's a sizable chunk of change to drop on a gym, but does NOT suffer from reliability concerns (like the many knock offs). Good if you use it regularly, not if it's going to sit and collect dust.
Contents
About the Bowflex Revolution Home Gym
The Bowflex Revolution Home Gym system is a machine designed to give you a full-body workout. It has all the accessories needed to work your legs, chest, back, arms, and abs. It can be used for more than 100 different exercises, thanks to the versatility of the machine.
This Bowflex machine uses “SpiraFlex resistance technology”, utilizing a plate system containing a unique resistance band system that increases or decreases the difficulty of the exercise according to your desires.
The fact that it’s based on elastic bands rather than weight discs or plates means you have a smooth workout, one with little risk of falling weights or injuries from heavy loads. Basically, it’s a complete gym system made using resistance bands—a highly effective alternative to free weights and weight plates.
Key Bowflex Revolution Features
- Up to 440 pounds of resistance
- 170-degree adjustment
- 10 position settings
- Can add 300 pounds of weights, up to 600 pounds of resistance
- Workout Area: 10′ x 7′ x 7′
- Machine Weight: 157 lbs (71 kg)
- Maximum User Weight: 300 lbs (136 kg)
- Dimensions: 38.2 x 65 x 72.8 inches
Revolution Home Gym Specifications
The Revolution Home Gym is the “highest-end” Bowflex home gym system, with greater resistance, a higher number of exercises per machine, and the longest warranty (10 years) than any of the other Bowflex machines. It’s designed to be a highly versatile workout system, delivering an easy, simple workout from the comfort of your home.
As mentioned above, you don’t need too much space for your workout. The machine requires a space about 10 feet wide, 7 feet long, and 7 feet tall in order to fit the machine and its various accessories. You’ll want to set up the machine with plenty of free space around it so you don’t hit or bump anything as you work out. It’s not the most compact machine, but it definitely occupies less space than many large weight-controlled machines.
The fact that this system uses resistance bands means that there is consistent tension placed on your muscles. It will deliver a smooth, steady workout, one that has a much lower risk of injuries but yields the same results as a workout with free weights or cable-controlled machines.
Pros of the Bowflex Revolution Home Gym
Here are some of the things users love about the Bowflex Revolution:
- Easy to assemble right out of the box. Unlike many other home gym systems (which come with a mess of cables, weight discs, and other accessories), the Bowflex Revolution is fairly easy to assemble. The instructions are clear, concise, and easy to understand, and you’ll find that it’s a user-friendly machine in terms of assembly. Be warned: two people are required to assemble this gym system. Make sure you have a partner to help.
- Proven technology. The Spiraflex technology (including Spiraflex plates) on the Revolution Home Gym is the industry leader. It just works for a full range of motion. And it works better than the competitor to calibrate the perfect resistance for home training based on user inputs, for everything from upper body exercises, to leg extension exercises, and other muscle groups strength training (total body workout).
- Quiet operation. You can work out without annoying or disturbing those next door. This is a very important element for parents with small children, who can only find time to work out while their kids are napping. There are no clanking weight discs when you work out.
- Well-built. The machine feels solid and sturdy, and the parts assemble with ease. When the machine is properly set up, you’ll find that it looks and feels well-built.
- Long warranty. The 10-year warranty is far longer than that offered on any other Bowflex gym, as well as most home gym systems. It’s designed to last for years to come!
Cons of the Bowflex Revolution Home Gym
As with any product, there are a few downsides to this home gym system:
- Some limitations. More than a few users have mentioned that there are limitations on the machine. While it’s intended to do 100+ exercises, it doesn’t work as well for some of the most common movements, such as the Lat Pulldown or Curls.
- Difficulty changing the disks. Some users commented that changing the discs can be challenging. The discs don’t quite sit properly when they’re changed, meaning it can take a long time to transition between exercises.
- Pricey. The Bowflex Revolution will run $3,000—a LOT to pay for a home gym system. For those looking to spend less on their home workouts, it may be too high a price to pay. There are other cheaper options to consider, both Bowflex and other brands.
It's a sizable chunk of change to drop on a gym, but does NOT suffer from reliability concerns (like the many knock offs). Good if you use it regularly, not if it's going to sit and collect dust.
Bowflex Revolution Alternatives:
If you’re not totally sold on the Revolution, there are other options worth considering:
Bowflex Xtreme 2SE Home Gym
The Bowflex Xtreme® 2 SE lets you change exercises more quickly and easily with no cable changes needed between exercises. Now includes ergonomically designed adjustable seat and Ab Crunch Shoulder Harness.
Also made by Bowflex, this machine uses a “power rod resistance” setup instead of the resistance band design. The weight can be upgraded to as much as 410 pounds, though it only comes with 210 pounds of resistance in the box. It’s a much more compact machine, one that will fit in most homes and garages without taking up too much space.
However, you only get 70 or so exercises with this gym system. The price tag is less than half what you’d pay for the Bowflex Revolution, so it’s a much more budget-friendly option!
Bowflex PR1000 Home Gym
Get a total body strength workout with affordable home gym, includes rowing machine rail.
This is an even more compact, cheaper option than the Bowflex Xtreme. It also uses the “power rod resistance” design, with anywhere from 5 to 210 pounds of resistance depending on the setting. It’s only compatible with 30 different exercises, so it’s a far less versatile machine.
It doesn’t take up a whole lot less space than the Revolution, but it’s much more lightweight. At well under $400, it’s a good machine to consider if you’re looking for a first-time home gym setup. It’s great to help you develop those daily home workout habits.
Bowflex Blaze Home Gym
After testing for a 6+ months, I have to say that this is money well spent. There are OTHER options, but most are trying to knock off what Bowflex has pioneered. This is a well-tested, proven, and easy to use machine for home use.
The Bowflex Blaze is the mid-ground between the Xtreme and PR1000—both in terms of price and versatility. You can perform more than 60 different exercises with the machine, which comes with 210 pounds of resistance (upgradeable to 410 pounds). It’s intended for a full-body workout, complete with a leg curl and squat station.
You’ll find that the price tag ($800) is fairly reasonable considering the quality and reliability of the machine. Great for a first upgrade, but not the most complete system.
Full Review: You can also check out the full review of the Bowflex Blaze I did here.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Bowflex Revolution [FAQ]
I frequently get some of the same questions about the Revolution, so I’ve started keeping track below:
Question: Are free weights required in addition to using the bench press?
Answer: No. The handles can be used to do cable presses as needed.
Question: Does the preacher curl come with the unit?
Answer: Yes, the curls are included and can be attached/detached as needed (down by the leg lift).
Question:Â Does the Revolution come with a Warranty?
Answer: Yes, 10 years is the standard Bowflex warranty.
Question: Can you do glute kicks on the Revolution?
Answer: Yes, there’s a harness (technically called a “shoe harness”) that is attachable on the arms of the machine.
Final Thoughts on the Bowflex Revolution
For a home gym system, the Bowflex Revolution with spiraflex technology is definitely the most versatile of the Bowflex line.
The Revolution Home Gym may be A LOT pricier than you’d expect, so it may be out of your price range. However, it’s a great option for those who are willing to pay more for a high quality, reliable home gym machine.
Thanks to its quiet operation, easy assembly, and solid design, it’s a machine that will last for years to come.
It's a sizable chunk of change to drop on a gym, but does NOT suffer from reliability concerns (like the many knock offs). Good if you use it regularly, not if it's going to sit and collect dust.
Further Reading on Home Gym Equipment:
- Bowflex PR3000 vs Blaze Home Gym
- Bowflex Blaze Review
- Bowflex vs Total Gym Model Options Compared
- Bowflex 1090 vs 522 Adjustable Dumbbells [Which Bowflex Dumbbell System to Get]
- Best Total Gym Exercise Options
