The Best Bowflex Home Gym: Revolution Home Gym vs. Xtreme 2 SE Home Gym (2024)
Bowflex
The products featured in this article have been independently reviewed. When you buy something through the retail links on this page, we may earn commission at no cost to you, the reader. Sports Illustrated editorial staff are not involved in the creation of this content. Learn more here.
If you’re in the market for a home gym, but find yourself stuck on how to decide between models, then you’ve come to the right place. Home gyms are not a room in your house, but rather a compact piece of exercise equipment that works your entire body with a number of exercises all performed using one versatile machine. In this 2024 review, we’re looking at the two home gym models offered by one of the most recognizable names in home gym machines: Bowflex.
We’ll discuss the specs and key differences between the Bowflex Revolution and the Xtreme 2 SE home gym systems, what types of workouts you can do with each, who they are best for and more. We'll also discuss the general factors you should consider before making your decision, even if you opt for a different weight machine for your home.
Let’s dive in.
About Bowflex
Bowflex has been making fitness equipment since 1986, and started with the goal of bringing “gym quality results into the home,” according to their website. Bowflex makes a full range of equipment from cardio machines—like the Bowflex Treadmill 10, the C6 and Velocore spin bikes and the Max Trainer M6 elliptical—to strength equipment like SelectTech 552 adjustable dumbbells.
However, Bowflex’s bread and butter is their home gym systems. When you think of home gyms, think of resistance training, usually through cable or pulley systems. You use the same machine with different attachments and angles to target different muscle groups. Right now, Bowflex has two different home gyms available: the Revolution and the Xtreme 2 SE. Read on to see the full breakdown of each.
Bowflex Revolution
Bowflex
Key Features:
- Dimensions: 112 inches x 37.8 inches x 73 inches
- Weight: 336 pounds
- Warranty: 10 year parts, 90 days labor
- Resistance: 220 pounds (standard), 300 pounds (maximum resistance)
- Extra features: Foldable, leg press station, curl attachment, Freedom Arms, SpiraFlex Technology
- Best for: People who want the benefits of traditional free weights without all of the potential for injury
- Price: $2,899 (there are often deals)
The Bowflex Revolution represents the innovations that have changed home gym systems. Instead of a traditional pulley system, the Revolution uses SpiraFlex technology. SpiraFlex is a weight plate design that's integrated into the resistance system that gives you the benefits of free weight training without having to fight the inertia on the negative part of the rep. For example, if you’re doing a chest press, you’ll feel the resistance as you press out, not as you return to the start position.
Another upgraded feature of the Revolution is The Freedom Arms design, which is a single handle design that allows you to move your arms in 10 different positions without changing the attachment. That doesn’t mean that you can’t get attachments for specialized lifts—you absolutely can, but you don’t have to purchase extra attachments.
Other features of the Revolution include a preacher curl attachment, an adjustable bench, a rowing machine attachment option and a leg press station that can hold up to 600 pounds of resistance if it's fully upgraded.
Check out our in-depth Bowflex Revolution review for more information!
What We Like:
- Innovative resistance design that uses weight plates instead of pulleys
- Foldable frame for easy storage
- Incline bench for chest workouts
- Versatility without needing to purchase extra attachments
- Lower body workout attachments
- Financing available
What to Consider:
- More expensive than traditional home gym designs
- Large footprint when set up
Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE
Bowflex
Key Features:
- Dimensions: 52 inches x 49 inches x 83.25 inches
- Weight: 185 pounds
- Warranty: Seven-year machine warranty, five-year power rods warranty
- Resistance: 210 pounds (standard), 310-410 pounds (maximum resistance upgrade available)
- Extra features: Lat tower, four-position lower pulley/squat station, seven free trainer-built workouts, squat bar, ab crunch harness, hand grips, five-way hand-grip/ankle cuffs
- Best for: People who want a traditional pulley system experience
- Price: $1,499 (there are often deals)
If the Bowflex Revolution represents a new era in innovation for home gyms with all of the bells and whistles, the Xtreme 2 SE is a classic design that maximizes functionality while keeping things simple. The Xtreme 2 SE uses the Bowflex power rod resistance system, which means there are no traditional cable pulleys that you have to change when switching exercises. The power rod resistance gives you up to 210 pounds of resistance with an option to upgrade to 310 and 410 pounds with more powder rods.
With the Xtreme 2 SE, you can do over 70 exercises with the included attachments—a squat bar, ab crunch shoulder harness, single function hand-grips and five-way hand-grip/ankle cuffs. You’ll also get seven trainer-built workouts for free included in the manual. The Xtreme 2 SE also has a lat pulldown tower with an angled bar and other optional attachments that allow you to target your back from the overhead position.
Check out our in-depth Xtreme 2 SE review for more information on this Bowflex home gym!
What We Like:
- Classic home gym look with the power rod resistance system to make the pulleys more efficient
- Five-year warranty on the power rods
- Easy to change pulley positions
- Much more affordable than the Revolution system
- Variety of exercises all in one machine
- In-home assembly from a Bowflex tech available
What to Consider:
- Almost seven feet tall
- Large footprint and does not fold for storage
How the Bowflex Revolution and Xtreme 2 SE Compare
Resistance
Both the Revolution and the Xtreme 2 SE use innovative designs to eliminate as much inertia as possible. When you see Bowflex talking about inertia, think about the amount of effort it takes to get weights into position to perform your lift—for example, lifting and replacing the weight on your bench press, or picking up and racking a barbell before performing an overhead press. Not to mention the motion of putting weights on and off the equipment and racks. With Bowflex you eliminate virtually all of that inertia on your joints, which can help you avoid injury to your muscles and joints over time.
With that said, the resistance systems on these machines are very different. The Xtreme 2 SE uses a Power Rod system that mimics the traditional cable and pulley systems. You can adjust the resistance level by connecting the pulley system to different rods, and you can add power rods to the unit to add or subtract weight capacity.
The Revolution uses Bowflex’s SpiraFlex technology, which allows you to use weight plates to adjust your weight. The unit then transfers that weight’s inertia to the pulley system to take some of the pressure off while giving you the ability to perform similar exercises to those you would with actual free weights.
Exercise variety
Given the resistance types and attachment options, the Revolution has far more variety than the Xtreme SE 2. According to Bowflex, you can do over 100 exercises with the Revolution and over 70 with the Xtreme SE 2. The Revolution also comes with an instructional workout DVD to give you guided workout programs designed by personal trainers.
Attachments
There are two factors to consider about attachments when you’re comparing the Revolution and Xtreme 2 SE: how many attachments you need and how many attachments are included with your purchase.
Attachments you need: The Revolution is designed with Freedom Arms as the standard attachment. These handles have a 10-point adjustable range of motion up to 170 degrees. Basically, you can do most of your workout without switching the handles. The Xtreme 2 SE has different attachments for the different types of exercises you’ll be doing. It includes five of those, but you’ll need some of the optional equipment to maximize the home gym.
Included attachments: The Revolution includes a leg developer (for leg extensions and curls), a preacher curl bar and two five-way hand-grip/ankle cuffs. The Xtreme 2 SE also includes those attachments, plus an angled lat bar, a squat bar, an ab crunch harness and a pair of hand grips. But again, you get more attachments with the Xtreme 2 SE because you need more.
Price
The Revolution costs $2,899, and the Xtreme 2 SE is $1,499. However, Bowflex often runs deals, so you'll likely be able to score savings.
Who the Bowflex Revolution is Best For
The Bowflex Revolution is best for people who want most of the functionality of free weights while still getting the joint and injury prevention benefits of a home gym system. With the Revolution, you’ll load actual weight plates into the unit so you can adjust your strength training the same way you would with dumbbells or a barbell. This system also comes with a leg press machine and an incline bench to let you target large muscle groups.
Who the Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE is Best For
The Xtreme 2 SE is for people who are looking for the traditional home gym experience. If you want to skip the weight plates and lifts like bench press or back squats in favor of a traditional full body workout, then the Xtreme 2 SE is the machine for you.
How to Choose the Best Bowflex Home Gym for You
The best Bowflex machine for you is dependent on you and what you’re looking to get out of the experience. Knowing yourself and your fitness goals are the keys to making the best decision. There's also a consideration of your budget, because even though both machines are an investment, the Revolution costs over $1,000 more than the Xtreme 2 SE.
The Benefits of a Bowflex Home Gym
Resistance training in your home
Not everyone likes to go to the gym or work out in a group class, and that’s O.K. Many people who prefer to work out from home choose to invest in cardio machines or opt for bodyweight training that can be done with limited equipment. However, those aren’t your only options.
If you want to build muscle and strength, then you have to add resistance training to your workout. Home gyms are a great way to get the benefits of resistance training without having to dedicate a ton of living or storage space to free weights or other equipment.
Resistance training in a compact machine
Speaking of space, home gym systems can have a large footprint, but they're an all-in-one machine. You won’t have sprawled out dumbbells, barbells, benches or weight racks to contend with if you choose to invest in a home gym. The Bowflex Revolution also has a foldable frame to make it even more compact for storage.
Cost
Bowflex machines like the home gym systems can be expensive, but if you add up the cost of buying all of the free weights and other equipment you would need to accomplish the same full body workout, the cost of a home gym is comparable if not much less.
For example, one set of weight plates can cost up to $600 depending on the quality. That’s not including any benches, barbells or other accessories you'd need to actually use those plates. Additionally, you’ll have to invest in entirely different equipment if you want to vary your routine.
Why Choose Bowflex Over Other Brands
Bottom line: Bowflex is known for their quality, and their home gyms are both beginner-friendly and effective for experienced users. Bowflex has been around since 1986, and besides a great reputation, their equipment is backed by some of the best warranties you’ll find on the market.
What Workouts Can You Do on a Bowflex Home Gym?
Both Bowflex home gym models allow you to do full body workouts. You can perform over 100 different exercises with the Revolution model and over 70 exercises with the Xtreme 2 SE model. These home gyms also come with several attachments that allow you to add exercises to the training. If you purchase the Revolution model, you’ll get a workout DVD with trainer-designed workouts. The Xtreme 2 SE doesn't have a DVD, but it does come with seven trainer-designed sample workouts to inspire you.
Here's a sample upper body workout from Bowflex’s website that you can do with either Bowflex model:
Cardio warm-up: 1 set, 2 minutes
Seated lateral rows: 2–4 sets, 12–15 reps
Cardio: 1 set, 5 minutes (walking, running, cycling)
Standing biceps curl: 2–4 sets, 12–15 reps
Cardio: 1 set, 7 minutes
Bench press: 2–4 sets, 8–10 reps
Cardio: 1 set, 8 minutes
Trunk rotation: 3 sets, 8–10 reps
Cardio: 1 set, 7 minutes
Triceps press down: 2–4 sets, 12–15 reps
Cardio cool down: 1 set, 5 minutes
Bowflex Home Gym FAQs
Are Bowflex gyms worth it?
Bowflex home gyms come with a large price tag, but they're worth the cost if you’re looking for an all-in-one piece of resistance training equipment that you can use at home.
Is a Bowflex home gym better than free weights?
Bowflex home gyms are different from free weights, but whether they are better will vary from person to person. With home gym systems you get many—not necessarily all—of the same benefits as you would from free weights with a lower risk of injury and joint pain.
Can you lose weight with a Bowflex home gym?
Weight loss and aesthetics are legitimate reasons to train, but they're not necessarily the primary goal of resistance training. Resistance training will build strength and muscle mass, but weight loss will depend on your body and your diet as much as (or more than) what workout machine you're using.
Do Bowflex home gyms require a subscription?
No, there are no subscriptions necessary to use Bowflex home gyms. There is a membership for other Bowflex machines, but not the home gyms.
Final Thoughts
Bowflex offers two models of their home gym systems: Bowflex Revolution and Xtreme 2 SE. Both models give you effective and safe resistance training. The major difference between the Bowflex models is the type of resistance training you can do. With the Revolution model you have the ability to do exercises that mimic free-weights, and with the Xtreme 2 SE you can do more traditional pulley and cable exercises.
Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.
