Keeping up with a fitness regimen can be quite daunting, especially for those who are busy with a full time job and/or a family life. While a lot of people still believe that going to the gym regularly is the best choice, there are in fact much better alternatives, one of which is to bring the gym to your own home. You will be hard pressed to set up a more complete workout solution in your home than the Bowflex Revolution. As you’ll see below, this is a significant step up from their previous home gym offerings…

What is the Bowflex Revolution?

This is a complete redesign for Bowflex and their entire workout technology. This thing is way smoother and way more versatile than their “power rod” machines. The revolution uses something they call “spiraflex technology” instead. It’s a new approach to resistance training that allows for super smooth, consistent workouts. This is a big step up when compared to traditional pulley systems or Bowflex’s own power rod technologies that concentrated their resistance in only isolated areas of your workout movement.

Massive Versatility, Over 100 Different Exercises.

If you want results, you have to keep your muscles guessing. One of the best things about the revolution is that it gives you the ability to work your muscles in enough different ways that you’ll be able to bust through plateaus with ease.

The 100 different exercises include cardio routines, muscle strengthening, and definition training. This machine ensures that nothing is left to chance, and that every type of exercise needed can be performed. Here are some of the areas you’ll be able to work:

• Chest Fly
• Leg Press
• Leg Curl
• Preacher Curl
• Built In Row
• Shoulder Press
• Vertical Bench Press
• And Literally Over 90 More
• Plus 400 Variations

One drawback: Not all of the exercises are created equal. The leg press doesn’t offer enough resistance for some stronger trainers. Also the leg curl can feel a bit awkward according to some users.

SpiraFlex = Excellent Resistance System

The Bowflex Revolution is equipped with SpiraFlex Resistance Technology, which provides excellent muscle training, minus all the drawbacks one can expect when using free weights. This is the next generation of Bowflex technology. In fact they stole it from NASA It actually is the same technology used by astronauts in space to keep their muscles from atrophying.

Here’s how it works (from Bowflex): “Gone are the bulky, cumbersome weights common in many home gyms. SpiraFlex® resistance achieves its signature smoothness in part due to the heavy-gauge elastic straps powering its lightweight SpiraFlex® plates. As an exercise is initiated, the plate’s bands tighten around a central pivot coil, creating resistance.”

The other big benefit from using this type of technology is the whisper quiet workout you’ll get. This machine really is smooth and silent. A complete 180 from those banging cable/weight systems you see at most local gyms.

Product Specs

• 220 lbs (100 kg) of Resistance (can be upgraded to 300 lbs with paid accessory)
• Bench Design
• Leg Press Plate up to 440 lbs resistance
• Leg Curl/Extension Station
• Preacher Curl Attachment
• Built-in Rowing Machine
• SpiraFlex® Plate
• Freedom Arms™ – 10 positions, 170° adjustable
• Folded Footprint (For Stowing) 4’7″x3’2″ (140 x 97 cm)
• Workout Area Needed 10′ x 7′ (305 x 214 cm)
• Max user weight – 300 lbs / 136 kg
• Machine Weight – 336 lbs (153 kg)
• Dimensions – 112″L x 63″W x 73″ H
• 10-year Limited Warranty
• Accessories included – handgrips, foot harness, manual, workout DVD
  

Over 400 Exercise Variations

As we discussed earlier. one of the best benefits you’ll get from this machine is the shear scope of different exercises you’ll be able to do. There will always be a new angle for you to hit in your workouts. Having said that, some exercises are better executed than others. Overall, the Bowflex revolution does best with upper body workouts while leg training doesn’t feel quite as smooth.

Effective Built In Cardio Workout System

One of the coolest addons on the Revolution is the inclusion of a in built rowing machine. This effectively combines both upper body training with powerful cardio, something few home gyms offer.This isn’t a willy nilly rower either. The rowing machine is well built and runs smoothly, maintaining resistance well.

Space Saver

This is a fairly big machine but it does do a pretty good job of folding up into “space saving” mode. To the left is a picture of what the machine looks like folded.

Also keep in mind that the Revolution’s elongated shape is a bit different than most home gyms.

Guarantee and Warranty Information

As far as results go, the Bowflex Revolution guarantees a time frame of 6 weeks. However, the extent of progress still largely depends on how well a person works out and whether he/she follows a good diet plan.

The warranty on this home gym is offered at 10 years. The limited warranty includes the frame and defects in material and/or workmanship.

Consumer Feedback

The Bowflex Revolution continues to be well received by users, especially those who are desperate to get results in as little time as possible. Reviews from consumers and experts are more than favorable, making this product very popular.

Let’s take a look at a few quotes from customers who left reviews on the Bowflex website:

“The Equipment is easy to use and the more you use it the easier it gets to change between exercises. If you want to target areas the Fitness guide shows you exactly what to do and how to acheive a proper work out. So far I have not found anything to complain about on the bowfelx revolution.” (Big D)

Here’s a quote that references the assembly required with the revolution:

“I just got the Revolution the day before Christmas and have only been working out with it for a couple of weeks. While it came in a number of boxes and it appeared that it would be a daunting task to put together, from start to finish (including taking out of boxes), it took me just shy of 3 hours to put together with me moving it from the garage to the basement.” (David J)

The revolution is safe for those who have had injuries as “StreetDoctor” writes:

“I had shoulder & knee surgeries at 2 different times. Resistance is what I needed to help after rehab. This machine has done this and beyond.” (Streetdoctor)

Drawbacks

The cost is perhaps the main factor that gets in the way for a lot of prospective buyers.  It will run you around $2999. This really is the cream of the crop though so if you’re looking for a all in one machine that can cover all of your workout needs, the Bowflex Revolution is it. (Not to mention it looks incredibly slick as well!)

Some customers have commented that the leg extension exercises feel a bit awkward. Also the leg press can top out at too little resistance for some stronger trainers.

The Bottom Line

This is the top of line when it comes to home gyms.  The new style of resistance technology creates an incredibly smooth workout with minimal noise. Expensive but anyone wanting the best, go for the Revolution.