Review: Is the Bowflex Revolution the Right Home Gym Machine for You? (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.
Home gyms can reference any number of compact fitness equipment. There are cardio machines like the Bowflex C6 bike, compact weight racks that let you use free weights in a small space, weight stacks that mimic the machines you should see in a commercial gym and there are multi-gyms like the Bowflex Revolution, which are all-in-one home gyms that traditionally have a cable and pulley system. In this Bowflex Revolution review, we will take a close look at all of the specs, technology and effectiveness of the machine so that you can decide whether it is the right equipment for you to reach your fitness goals.
While a multi-gym like the Bowflex Revolution home gym is a significant investment, and takes up a fair amount of space, they are one of the most versatile pieces of home gym equipment you can buy. As exercise equipment trends more and more toward technology integration and data tracking, the Bowflex Revolution has none. However, even though it is not compatible with devices, it does use innovative, patented technology to separate itself from its competitors.
Bowflex Revolution At A Glance
- Dimensions: 112 inches x 37.8 inches x 73 inches
- Weight: 336 pounds
- Max weight: 220 pounds (standard), 300 pounds (maximum resistance)
- Maximum user weight: 300 pounds
- Attachments: Ankle cuffs, preacher curl attachment, incline bench, leg press plate, leg extension and curl station
- Warranty: 10 years parts, 90 days labor
- Price: $2,899
What Is the Bowflex Revolution?
The Bowflex Revolution home gym is a multi-gym that uses an innovative technology called SpiraFlex to combine the benefits of free weights with a traditional cable and pulley style. With all of the attachments and upgrade packages, Bowflex Revolution offers up to 300 pounds of resistance and total body workout capabilities.
Benefits of Bowflex Revolution
With the Bowflex Revolution home gym you get all of the benefits of resistance training like increased muscle, fortified joints, increased mobility and strength. With the Revolution you can do over 100 different exercises with up to 300 pounds of resistance. The Freedom Arm handle technology gives you a 170-degree range of motion and 10 angles that allow you to easily adjust between exercises. There are also several included attachments that allow you to do specialized lifts like leg presses. Plus, it folds to a compact 55 inches by 38 inches for storage.
How Much Does Bowflex Revolution Cost?
The Bowflex Revolution home gym is a large investment at $2,899. However, Bowflex offers an 18-month, interest free financing option, and it runs significant deals throughout the year. Right now you can get $600 off the Revolution plus free shipping.
How to Use the Bowflex Revolution
If you’ve never used a cable and pulley system before, you might have a slight learning curve with the Bowflex Revolution. However, the innovative design makes it much simpler than traditional cable and pulley systems. Using Bowflex’s SpiraFlex technology, you’ll load FlexPacks to increase or decrease your resistance, similar to the way you would put weights on a barbell. Additionally, switching between exercises is made simple with the Freedom Arm handles that are connected by an easy-to-use carabiner.
Working Out with the Bowflex Revolution
The Bowflex Revolution offers you a total body workout. The experience will be similar to the cable systems you’ve probably used at commercial gyms, but thanks to the SpiraFlex, it should be smoother. The weight should also feel more evenly distributed, as if you’re using dumbbells or barbells. As you switch between exercises, you don’t have to worry about messing with cables and pulleys. Simply detach the handles and reattach them to the desired position for your next exercise.
The leg extension and curl station at the end of the bench is straightforward as well. A cable attaches them to the SpiraFlex tech, so loading the weight will be the same process. There is also an adjustable bench that allows you to perform incline bench presses, plus a preacher curl bar attachment included with your purchase. The leg press plate is located behind the bench.
What Customers Say About the Bowflex Revolution
Bowflex
The Revolution has 554 verified reviews on the Bowflex website with an average rating of 4.6/5 stars, and 95 percent of respondents say they would recommend this equipment. Below, we’ve rounded up some of these reviews to help you get a better idea of customer feedback.
Ranger Rick gave the Bowflex Revolution a 4/5 star rating and said, “It's a perfect equipment for a full body workouts in a room with minimal space.”
Reviewer Carl gave the Revolution a 5/5 star review, saying, “Amazingly assembly was simple, and ready to use in a couple hours. The only thing I wish the REVOLUTION came with was a bench press BAR. I'm designing one to use with it personally for a more equal press. The handles will get the job done, though.”
Several of the 3/5 star reviews mentioned receiving what appeared to be a used machine. For example, ScottyB1977 said, “It's a great product but I did pay full price for a used product that was damaged but I fixed it and made it work.”
There are five 1/5 star reviews with comments and four of those five mention having trouble scheduling the in-home assembly they purchased from Bowflex. Displeased Dan says, “Had to be rescheduled three times. Had to talk to several people in order to get the Bowflex Revolution set up.” He also mentioned that once he did get the machine set up, the screws seemed loose.
What We Like About the Bowflex Revolution
- SpiraFlex technology uses FlexPacks instead of traditional pulleys
- The frame folds to make storage easier
- Includes an incline bench for chest workouts
- Freedom Arm handles give you versatility and are easy to adjust
- Leg press, leg extension and leg curl attachments included
- Often on sale and financing is available
What We Don’t Like About the Bowflex Revolution
- You need a relatively large workout area (about 10 feet by seven feet)
- More expensive than other home gym machines
- Assembly required
Who the Bowflex Revolution Is Best For
The Bowflex Revolution is a great piece of equipment for training at home, and it is best for:
- People who want to strength train at home. The Revolution comes standard with 220 pounds of resistance, plus there is an upgrade that will give you up to 300 pounds. That is plenty of resistance to help you build strength and muscle.
- People who want or need a low-impact workout. The resistance and machine are both designed for minimal impact. For example, when you use the leg press feature, the bench slides with your force, similar to the way a rowing machine seat slides with you. The handles function the same way, allowing you free range of motion without worrying about stabilizing the weight in awkward positions.
- People who want a total-body workout. There are over 100 exercises you can do with the Bowflex Revolution, plus more if you buy additional attachments. This is an all-in-one machine that is great for people who only want to make one purchase for their home gym.
Who Bowflex Revolution Will Not Work For
The Bowflex Revolution is a great machine, but there are a few things to consider if you’re still on the fence, and if any of these are true you may want to look for another machine:
- If you’re tight on space. The Revolution folds up for storage, but you’ll need about 70 square feet of space for working out. Some exercises can be done in a smaller area, but you won’t be able to get the full benefit from the Revolution without the recommended working area. (If you have less space, you can opt for a compact home gym machine.).
- If you’re an experienced lifter. 300 pounds is a lot of resistance, especially for the types of exercises you’ll do on the Bowflex Revolution. However, if your goal is strength, and you can see yourself approaching that limit soon, this may not be a great investment for you.
- If you’re on a tight budget. The Revolution is not cheap at just under $3,000. If that doesn’t fit your budget there is always the financing from Bowflex, but make sure you read the fine print because the brand charges interest after 18 months.
Bowflex Revolution Features at a Glance
Bowflex
SpiraFlex
We’ve talked a lot about SpiraFlex in this review, but what exactly is it? SpiraFlex was developed in coordination with NASA for the international space station, and it is essentially a lightweight, portable mechanism for creating resistance. It is flexible and can produce more power than systems that use pulleys or springs.
This matters for you because the SpiraFlex system doesn’t use traditional weight plates. It uses FlexPacks that lock into place on the bar and then twist as you perform an exercise. The twist creates the resistance without making you raise or lower the weight. This keeps your muscles and joints safe from injuries that can occur with raising or lowering weights.
Freedom Arms
The Freedom Arms on the Bowflex Revolution have 10 positions that give you a 170-degree range of motion. These arms move independently of the rest of the machine which should make your exercises smoother.
Leg Press Station
In addition to the leg extension and curl attachment, the Revolution comes with a leg press plate. To use the leg press station you set up the sliding seat in the appropriate position. Instead of pushing the weight away from your body like a traditional leg press, the Revolution will have you pushing the seat away from the plate. The resistance for the leg press can be adjusted up to 600 pounds (which will require some add-on purchases).
Incline Bench
One thing we love about the Revolution is the incline bench press. The Freedom Arms can be adjusted to fit your body type and the incline bench is locked into place at an incline angle to help you hit your upper chest.
Compact Storage
The Revolution does require a lot of workout space, but it folds into a compact 55 inch by 38 inch storage mode that clears up a significant amount of floor space after you’re done with your workout.
Exercises To Do With Bowflex Revolution
There are over 100 different exercises you can perform with the Bowflex Revolution. Unfortunately, Bowflex does not offer a guided workout DVD or subscription service that gives you workouts for the Revolution specifically, but below is an example of a total body workout you can do on this machine. This workout progresses based on the system design and the quickest transitions:
Incline bench press: 4 sets, 6-8 reps
Seated shoulder press: 4 sets, 6-8 reps
Seated row: 4 sets, 6-8 reps
Lat pulldown: 4 sets, 6-8 reps
Standing bicep curl: 4 sets, 6-8 reps
Leg press: 4 sets, 6-8 reps
Leg extensions: 4 sets, 6-8 reps
Leg curls: 4 sets, 6-8 reps
Assembly and Installation
The Bowflex Revolution does require assembly. The machine ships in multiple boxes, but according to several reviews they are clearly labeled. Several reviewers say the assembly is easier than expected. Reviewer Carl says, “...Amazingly assembly was simple and ready to use in two hours.”
There is also an optional $300 at-home assembly you can purchase. However, this service is one of the most common complaints among verified reviewers on the Bowflex website.
Warranty and Customer Service
The Bowflex Revolution has a really good 10-year warranty for parts—note the industry standard is three years. There is also a 90 day labor warranty for the assembly, should you purchase assembly from Bowflex.
As far as customer service, reviews on the Bowflex site are mixed. According to reviewer Gym Rat, the Revolution is a “great product, but horrible customer service.” A few other reviews echo this sentiment, mostly with regard to addressing problems they have with their machine.
Bowflex Revolution vs. the Competition
Bowflex
Bowflex Revolution vs. Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE
The key difference between the Bowflex Revolution and the Xtreme 2 SE is the resistance systems. Instead of SpiraFlex, the Xtreme 2 SE uses Power Rods which are much closer to a traditional cable and pulley system. You can adjust the resistance level by connecting the cable to different rods.
Because of this system difference the Xtreme 2 SE is more limited in exercise variety. Bowflex says you can perform 75 exercises with it as opposed to the 100 exercises with the Revolution.
Check out our Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE review for more information!
Bowflex Revolution vs. NordicTrack CST Studio
NodicTrack’s CST Studio is very different from the Revolution because it has a much higher focus on technology integration rather than strength training. You can only get up to 100 pounds of resistance on the CST as opposed to the Revolution’s 220 pounds that comes standard. For more info, check out our NordicTrack CST Studio review.
CST Studio can be used with iFit, which has live and on-demand classes that are led by professional coaches and trainers. This allows CST Studio’s resistance to be auto adjusted based on the workout you’re doing. This is one of the biggest drawbacks of the Bowflex Revolution because the system has no technological connectivity.
Bowflex Revolution vs. Tonal
Similar to the NordicTrack CST, Tonal is a technologically advanced home gym machine. It has tracking software that collects data during your workout, and there is a display screen built into the system that helps you keep track of sets and reps.
However, to get the most out of Tonal, you'll spend upward of $4,000 for all of the attachments and monthly membership fees, whereas the Bowflex Revolution is a one-time purchase, no subscription required. To learn more, check out our full Tonal review.
Bowflex Revolution FAQs
How much room do you need for a Bowflex Revolution?
The Bowflex Revolution has a footprint of 112 inches x 37.8 inches x 73 inches. However, Bowflex recommends you have a workout area of 120 inches x 84 inches to give yourself enough room for all of the exercises.
Is using a Bowflex better than weights?
The Bowflex Revolution is different from weights, but whether it is better depends on your preference. Advantages of the Revolution over free weights include the accessibility, the innovative technology that provides resistance while significantly reducing your injury risk and the convenience of having all you need in one machine.
How long does it take to see results from Bowflex?
With resistance training, there are far too many personal variables to say for sure when you will start seeing results. These variables include your body, your diet, the frequency you use the machine and how effective your workouts are among others. However, according to Bowflex you may start to feel stronger after two weeks of training.
Is a Bowflex good for losing weight?
Resistance training like you can perform on Bowflex home gyms is a great way to build lean muscle and burn calories—key components of weight loss. However, losing weight depends on your diet, habits and genetics as much as it does your resistance training routine.
What part of the body does Bowflex work?
Bowflex Revolution is a total-body gym, meaning you can work all of your major muscle groups with the same system. See above for a few of the 100 exercises you can perform with the Bowflex Revolution. However, Bowflex also makes excellent cardio equipment like the Treadmill 10, Max Trainer Elliptical and Velocore Bike if you prefer cardio workouts.
The Takeaway: Is Bowflex Revolution Right for You?
The Bowflex Revolution is a great way to train your entire body from home. The Revolution combines strength training (up to 300 pounds of resistance) with technology that reduces the impact on your joints, and your risk of injury. If you’re looking for a way to build muscle without the clutter of free weights, or having to trek to a gym then the Bowflex Revolution is a great option.
Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.
