Bowflex Revolution Home Gym Reviews, Price + Where to Buy

Last Updated on May 27, 2020 by Sam Corbin

a review and buying guide for the bowflex revolution home gym

Looking for an honest Bowflex Revolution review? Well, every year, dozens of new home gyms hit the market, and with so many options to choose from, it can be hard deciding which one is right for you.

Luckily, we’ve done most of the research for you, and have narrowed down our top home gym choice for the year:

It’s called The Bowflex Revolution.

One look at the picture above, and you can tell that the Bowflex Revolution isn’t your average home gym. In fact, it offers more features and workouts than almost any other machine we’ve reviewed.

In this Bowflex Revolution review, we’ll take a look at what makes this one of the best home gyms on the market, how much they cost, and their size and spec information, so you can decide if the Revo is going to work for you.

Before we dive in, though, here are just a few of the reasons that make the Revolution such an amazing workout machine:

  • Over 100 Exercises with up to 400 Variations
  • SpiraFlex Technology – No Other Gym Uses this Amazing Muscle-Building System
  • Get Results with Just 30 Minutes per Day
  • Save Over $808!

Here’s the Bowflex Revolution in Action:

Ready to put the power of the Bowflex Revolution to work for you?

Check Current Revolution Price – Financing Available

As mentioned above, the Bowflex Revolution is backed by their unique SpriaFlex technology, making this one of the best home gyms on the market.

Here are just a few of the other features that make this one of our favorite gyms:

  • Freedom Arms – Easily Move the Arms to Multiple Positions
  • Leg Press Station – Up to 600 pounds of resistance
  • Leg Extension
  • Preacher Curls
  • Bench Press

Of course, there is more to love about the Revolution, including its incredibly compact design. We’ve got the full dimensions below, but you this thing can easily be a part of your home gym.

Bowflex is always running different discounts and promotions, so check out their official website for the latest deals.

Bowflex Revo Pros & Cons

Pros

Very fit woman does arm curls on the bowflex revoltution
There’s plenty of workout variety with the Revolution, so should see awesome results while never getting bored.

Compact Size

While a bigger gym is often best, the Bowflex Revolution’s compact size is simply amazing and makes it a welcome addition in any house since it does not take up much space. Because of its small footprint, it can even be used in most apartments or even your office.

Huge Variety of Workouts

rear shot of the Revo

The number of exercises you can perform with the Revolution is awesome!

With well over 90 exercise options available, at high-weight, the Revolution can take you from a newbie trainer to a seasoned bodybuilder in no time.

Bowflex promises that you will see results in about 6 weeks – with dedication and effort, there’s really no reason to doubt this claim.

Cons

We can’t think of many but I guess if we had to mention one thing it would be the price.

Price

With a retail price of well over $2,000, the Revolution is certainly not cheap. However, you are getting what you pay for, and Bowflex doesn’t skimp on quality with their equipment. We’re pretty confident that you will be happy with your results, even with the price tag.

Plus, keep in mind that Bowflex offers a variety of financing options, so in most cases, you shouldn’t have to pay the full $2k upfront if you don’t want to.

Real Customer Testimonials

Bowflex has been in the business of making awesome home gyms for years now, and the majority of reviews I have read over the years have been extremely positive.

Here are just what a few of the Bowflex Revolution owner are saying about their home gym experience:

I am the happiest I have ever been. I am in the best shape of my life. -Jim

If you think you’re too busy to get in a real workout, think again.” says Ron. “It’s really 30 minutes, three times a week. I got results immediately. I went from 194 pounds to 162. I don’t need to spend my life in a gym, I’ve got a Bowflex. -Ron

Ready to Write Your Own Revolution Success Story?

 Learn More & Check Latest Bowflex Prices

What is SpiraFlex Resistance Technology?

The Bowflex Revolution features SpiraFlex technology

Maybe one of the most well-known names in the fitness industry, Bowflex is, without a doubt, one of the best home gym manufacturers in the market and takes its name from its distinctive delivery of resistance.

All other gyms by Bowflex, right from the Xtreme SE2 to the PR1000, use a unique system known as PowerRods.

Just like archers build muscle bending a bow, Bowflex gym users add strength by bending these flexible yet powerful bars.

However, when it comes to the Bowflex Revolution, everything changes. This gym uses a revolutionary system known as SpiraFlex, which is totally different from standard weights. Spiraflex works by storing resistance in spring-fitted, light-weight plates, making this one of the best home gyms on the planet.

While each of these plates on the Bowflex Revolution is incredibly light, resistance is achieved by the way that they are fitted and twisted by the contraption.

Out of the box, the Revolution can be fitted with up to 2000 lbs. of resistance, which can be increased to about 3000 lbs. by making 5, 10, 20 and 40 lbs. increments.

Because of how the resistance is delivered, no weights are moved up and down; making this gym the perfect fitness system for spaces where gravity is required to work traditional weights.

How it Works

A man uses the Bowflex Revolution home gym
On the Revolution, SpiraFlex technology is used as the source of resistance.

Spiraflex, just like Power Rod, uses a cable/pulley system, however, its resistance source is quite different. In this technology, resistance starts from circular cams which coil once muscular force is applied

As you perform your reps, resistance remains the same right from the start to the end, offering a muscle building experience that is pretty much similar to that gym machines offer.

Bowflex Revolution Exercises (w/PDF)

Some of the best exercises you can perform on this gym include chest exercises like press and fly.

This exercise not only allows your chest muscle to work against resistance, but they also have to stabilize against system’s pulleys.

Upper back exercises like lat pulldown and lower body exercises like the seated leg extension are also great exercises to perform on this gym.

Dimensions

a man does curls with the home gym

The Revolution measures approx. 5’5” by 3’2”; and that’s as compact as it can get.

To have enough room to get around the Revolution, the Bowflex advises 7’ by 5’4”, but this is probably a bit high.

If you don’t see the need of having the optional Lat Tower, then the height stands at roughly about 6’1”; but in the event you use it, the height increases to about 6’11”.

Benefits

1. Exercise Variety

The Revolution offers users the ability to do well over 90 exercises, including compound exercises like Bench Presses, Squats, Overhead Presses etcetera.

2. Extra Bowflex Accessories

If you want to get more from your Revolution, then you can simply upgrade it. However, it is advised that you get extra accessories once you have mastered the machine well.

Some of the extra accessories include the Lat Tower, Ab Back Pad, and a Weight Store. As strength increases, you could also get more weights, lifting the overall weight to 3000 lbs.

Bowflex Revolution Price: How Much Does it Cost?

find the best deal on the bowflex revolution

The Bowflex Revolution has an MSRP of $2,799.

That price can be less, depending on the current promos being offered, and the time of year.

Where to Buy the Bowflex Revolution

Compared to most compact home gyms in the market, even its predecessors, The Bowflex Revolution stands out as one unique home gym that offers more than you think.

Using proprietary technology, this home gym offers more training options, yet takes up less space and is much cheaper than most comparable options.

At the same time, considering the number of exercising options it offers, there are countless ways to build muscle and strength by simply adjusting the Revolution to what every exercise you’re wanting to preform.

If you’re ready to buy one, then the best place to head is the official Bowflex website.

Review Summary

If you are looking to get a lean and hard body but do not have the time to join a gym, then the Bowflex Revolution home gym should be at the top of your list!

Considering the number of exercises, it offers, you can easily create routines that target each muscle in your body, making it easier for you to achieve the type of body you want, in a shorter amount of time.

If you’re ready to take your fitness to the next level, all in the comfort of your own home, then it’s time to consider this amazing home gym!

Ready to put the Bowflex Revolution to work for you? 

Right now is a great time to lock in HUGE savings:

Wednesday, May 24th 2023 SALE UPDATE: At last check, Bowflex was offering some huge savings on the Revolution, but it won’t last forever! CLICK HERE to Activate Today’s Best Revolution Discounts!


Bowflex Revolution FAQs

How to Assemble the Bowflex Revolution

This quick video can show you exactly how to assemble your Revolution:

The Bowflex Revolution features an incredibly intuitive workout system. At its heart is a rather comfortable padded seat that can be removed if need be – majorly depends on the type of exercise you are performing at a given moment.

At the same time, it features a couple of pulleys connected to the system’s weights. The weights (SpiraFlex) are located at the base of the system and its extendable arms make it easy to store the system once you are done.

a front view of the bowflex revolution home gym

To set up the gym, it is advisable that you watch the DVD enclosed to get familiar with it, and how to set up.

While it is not that complicated, there are many exercises that a user can perform on it; it’s, therefore, important that you set it up correctly if you want to get the most out of it.

The biggest Bowflex Revolution challenge is its adjustments.

With its arms being able to be adjusted to over 10 different positions, depending on the type of workout you are performing, it can take some time before you can gracefully switch from one exercise to another.

But if there is one thing that is great about this system from Bowflex, it is the variety of exercising options it has to offer. Exercises are expanded by how the different attachments, standard to the system, are used.

For instance, there is a foot harness for quads, thigh, and glute exercise, a squat harness, and leg attachments for curls amongst many other things.

How to Row on the Revolution:

1: Remove the Bench

Start by removing the bench so you have enough space to work with and the seat is able to adjust as you want it to. Please note there are multiple ways of tackling this and you want to make sure it is done right away before moving onto the next step.

The beauty of the machine is it’s not going to take a long time to remove the bench and it should be accessible as soon as you begin.

2: Adjust the Arms and Handles

With the Bowflex Revolution (read our reviews), you will start with the adjustable arms. To get this spot on, you will want to set the adjustable arms to 9. After doing this, you will also adjust the handles to the shortest setting. Please make sure to unlock the seat (pull out the pin) and set it at the “out” position.

You need to do this so the seat is able to move around without hindering your rowing.

Along with the arms and seat, you will also want to take a look at the D-ring as it should be close to the grip. As soon as you do this, the seat is going to be able to slide and you will have a fully functional rowing machine ready to go. Make sure to take it on a small test run before you push into a proper workout!

3: Choose Your Weight

You will now look to set the resistance.

The goal is to put enough resistance so you are able to get enough value out of the workout. Keeping it at the lowest setting is a good starting point and is an ideal “warmup” option as you get the hang of things. As soon as you are ready, you can start to crank up the resistance and test out the various options in front of you.

Make sure to do this before every session so you are progressing physically. If necessary, you should be looking to use a hand grip if resistance is applied. This will allow you to grip the handles and not have them slide as you sweat.

4: Sit Facing the Machine

a guy uses the bowflex revolution as a rowing machine

You will want to sit facing the machine once the resistance has been set.

The goal of doing this is to make sure you are facing in the right direction and can grip the handles. When you sit down, the first thing you are going to do is to make sure the seat is sliding. After this, you will put your feet on the footrest in front of you. Make sure your knees are bent as you are doing this (don’t leave them fully stretched). This is your resting phase and you will want to “come back” to this position once you are done the session.

5: Form is Key

Now let’s take a look at your form while using the Bowflex Revolution as a rowing machine.

The form is critical as there are multiple moving parts and you don’t want to get hurt. As mentioned above, you will want to set the feet evenly on the footrest. After this, you are going to keep your back straight and knees bent (slightly).

Make sure your arms are straight once you are gripping the handles. If not, you will want to slide the seat back until they are. You want to stay upright (don’t lean to either side!).

6: Sync Your Movement with the Machine’s

Rowing is all about synchronization and making sure everything is working in unison. This means you are going to pull the handles towards you while stretching the legs. This should sync up properly so both things are happening at the same time without you having to think about it.

The same applies to you returning to the starting position. You will want to have the arms stretching out as soon as your knees begin to bend. Timing is everything with rowing so you don’t injure yourself on the Bowflex Revolution!

7: Continue Until Workout is Completed

Working out is all about making sure you are detail-oriented and able to build out a solution that’s manageable. The design team behind the Bowflex Revolution has taken this into account and set up a workout solution that is convenient.

You will be able to get through the workout on time and it is going to remain as stable as you want it to.

The best way to do this is to set up a proper routine and then adhere to it from beginning to end. However, you do want to make sure the correct form is used and you are able to see growth in the long-term. The rowing machine can be incredibly fun as long as you keep this in mind during the workout sessions.

SpiraFlex Technology in Action: