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We have been looking recently at the Bowflex Range of home gyms. Now we come to the big daddy of the range: the Bowflex Revolution. While other Bowflex machines provide resistance through the Power Rod system, the Revolution uses SpriaFlex resistance plates. We will look at these in depth later.
The Revolution is designed as a top level machine that is compact enough for home use, and yet provides a huge number of exercises. You might imagine a home gym to be big, bulky and heavy. The Bowflex is none of these and is incredibly compact perfect for home use.
Bowflex Revolution Review in Full
The reason I have never bought a home gyms is mainly due to the size. They can take up masses of room, and I imagine them being used to hang clothes on when my back is turned.
Bowflex are wanting to change this view, with an incredibly compact machine, that can be used for strength training and endurance.
The Resistance – SpiraFlex Technology
Bowflex take their name from the unique delivery of the resistance. All other Bowflex gyms from the PR1000 to the Xtreme SE2 use a system called PowerRods. In the same way that an archer builds muscle bending a bow, the users of the Bowflex Gyms add strength bending these powerful flexible bars.
For the Revolution it all changes. Again the system is very different from normal weights. The system is called SpiraFlex. It works by storing up resistance in light weight plates fitted with springs. Each weight plate is incredibly light, the resistance comes from the unique way that it is fitted and twisted by the machine.
The Revolution out of the box is fitted with up to 200lbs of resistance, and this can be increased to 300lbs. The increments are a useful: 5, 10, 20 and 40lbs.
Space Age Technology.
Because of the way that the resistance is delivered, there are no weights being moved up and down. This makes it perfect for use in space, where you need gravity to work traditional weights.
The same resistance system is used to condition Astronauts on the International Space Station.
How does the Revolution work?
The Revolution has an incredibly intuitive system to use. At the heart of the machine is a comfortable padded seat, which is removable depending on the exercise. There are a number of pulleys that are connected to the weights.
At the base you find the weights (SpiraFlex) and the arms that extend out from the compact storage space.
To set up the machine we would advise watching the enclosed DVD to familiarize yourself with the set up. While its by no means complicated, there are a huge number of exercises that can be performed and its important that its setup correctly.
The biggest challenge with this home gym is the adjustments. With the arms adjusting to over 10 positions depending on the workout it will take time before you can fluidly move from one exercise to the next. All of the positions are clearly explained in the manual so it won’t take long before you are going from one workout to the next.
We like the variety of exercises on offer. These are expanded by the use of different attachments that come as standard with the Revolution. For example there is a squat harness, leg attachments for Curls, foot harness for thigh, glute and quad exercise.
Bowflex Revolution Dimensions:
The Revolution measures just 5’5″ x 3’2″. This is about as compact as it can be. To get round the machine Bowflex advise 7′ x 5’4″, however this is probably a little high
If you do not need the optional Lat Tower then they height is just 6’1″. However this increases to 6’11” if you do use it.
Variety of Exercises
There are over 90 exercises available through the Bowflex Revolution. This includes the main compound exercises such as Squat, Bench Press, Overhead Press etc.
Extra Accessories
If you are feeling flush then then you can upgrade your Bowflex. These can be added at a later date as you master your machine. For example there is a Weight Store, Ab Back Pad, and Lat Tower.
As your strength increases you can also add more weights upto 300lbs
Most Popular Bowflex Home Gyms:
| Product name | Rating | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Bowflex Blaze Home Gym | $799.00 | ||
 | Bowflex PR1000 Home Gym | Click to see | ||
 | Bowflex PR3000 Home Gym | $999.00 | ||
 | Bowflex Revolution Home Gym | $2899.00 | ||
 | Bowflex Xtreme 2SE Home Gym | $1,499.00 |
Bowflex Revolution: Warranty
Given the quality of this machine its no surprise that it is backed by a great warranty. The Revolution ships with a standard 10 year warranty.
Ease of assembly
The gym arrives in 6 big boxes. It will take a few hours to set up , less if you have a friend to help. All the instructions are clear and easy to follow.
This is the top of the range Bowflex Home Gym, if you are needing more then you could add the Bowflex Selecttech 552 Dumbbells. Or if you need slightly less features check out the Bowflex Xtreme 2SE reviewed here
Video and Table of Features
Comparison with other Bowflex Home Gyms:
| Image |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model & Review | Bowflex Body Tower Review | Bowflex PR1000 Review | Bowflex Blaze Review | Bowflex PR3000 Review | Xtreme SE2 Review | Bowflex Revolution Review |
| MSRP | $499.00 | $799.00 | $1,099.00 | $1,299.00 | $1,599.00 | $2,999.00 |
| Resistance | Bodyweight | 210 lbs | 210lbs upto 410lbs | 201 lbs upto 310lbs | 210 upto 410 lbs | 22lbs upto 300lbs |
| Platform | N/A | Horizontal | Horizontal | Vertical | Vertical | Horizontal |
| Number of Exercises | 20 | 30 | 60 | 50 | 70 | 100 |
| Arm Exercises | 2 | 5 | 16 | 4 | 24 | 21 |
| Chest Exercises | 4 | 4 | 8 | 3 | 6 | 18 |
| Ab Exercises | 3 | 2 | 5 | 2 | 3 | 8 |
| Back Exercises | 2 | 3 | 9 | 4 | 18 | 15 |
| Shoulder Exercises | 2 | 4 | 14 | 6 | 16 | 22 |
| Leg Exercises | 5 | 6 | 13 | 7 | 12 | 17 |
| Cardio Row | No | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Maxium User Weight | 300 lbs | |||||
| Workout Area Required | L 53" x W 50" x H 77" | L 103" x W 80" x H 82" | L 90" x W 38" x H 83" | L 96" x W 78" x H 83" | L 96" x W 78" x H 83" | L 120" x W 84" x H 83" |
| Warranty | Frame: 5 years | Frame: 1 year | Frame: 1 year | Frame: 1 year | Frame: 1 year | All components: 10 years |
| Wear parts: 1 year | Parts: 60 days | Parts: 60 days | Parts: 60 days | Parts: 60 days | ||
| Weights: N/a | Weights: 5 years | Weights: 5 years | Weights: 7 years | Weights: Lifetime | ||
Pros and Cons of the Bowflex Revolution
This is a very high quality machine and made to the same standards that you would find in your local gym. There are a couple of issues, and none of these would put me off recommending the Revolution XP
Cons
- Complexity. You will need to spend time learning all the workouts. With over 90 to choose from, and weight selection to consider it will take time to set up for the few times. Bowflex do a great job of explaining all the exercises in their manual and DVD, so you will not be left alone trying to work it out.
- Price. At over $2000 the price is up there with other high end exercise equipment. Are you getting value? Definitely.
Pros
- Size, while bigger is usually best, the compact size of the Revolution XP is amazing and really makes it welcome in the house.
- Number of exercises: With over 90 exercises available at high weight this machine can take you from a novice to a body you will be proud of. Bowflex promise results in just 6 weeks. With effort and dedication there is no reason to not believe this.
For more pros and cons click here>>>
Our Verdict of the Bowflex Revolution XP:
The XP is a great choice for anyone looking for a total fitness package. This is a solid piece of equipment that is simple to use and works the whole body to the limits. With the huge advantage of not having to travel to the gym, and wait for equipment its a real time saver, without the sacrifice of limiting your workout. If you have the space for a complete home gym this would be our number 1 choice.
Bowflex Revolution Home Gym Review Summary:
- 100 exercises for a full body workout
- SpiraFlex technology works independently of gravity to provide resistance without inertia
- Independently moving arms with 10 positions and 170 degree adjustments
- Work with up to 600 lb. of resistance with the leg press station
- Vertical bench press allows a wide range of exercises and folds for storage
- Sliding seat rail allows you to perform aerobic rowing and leg presses
