Through endorsements from movie star Chuck Norris and Fitness expert Christie Brinkley, the Total Gym has become one of the top brands today! My question would be is it worth buying a home gym like Bowflex or Total Gym or should I just stick with my dumbbells? On the total gym, you can also do pilates if you purchase the corresponding attachments. Bowflex’s maximum resistance is 410 pounds, while Total Gym is 62 percent of the user weight. Total Gym and Bowflex are two of the most popular brands in the Home Gym category. With a Bowflex, you can do pretty much every strength-training exercise you do in your typical gym. While Bowflex, on the other hand, uses an innovative method known as Power Rod Technology. By using our Services or clicking I agree, you agree to our use of cookies. For some users, … However, if you are tight on space and need to move things around then, the Total Gym is definitely the better option. Let’s face it… Having a Bowflex Home Gym or Total Gym is always a great alternative to going to an actual gym. Total Gyms take up less space than Bowflex home gyms. And both have hundreds of thousands of satisfied customers. However, the cost is a lot higher than the Total Gym XLS so we used the PR1000 for comparison instead. Some of the more popular products they sell are their home gym solutions. You are advised not to alter any form of your life in regards to health, diet, or supplements based on information found on this site without consulting with your healthcare provider. The Bowflex Xceed Home Gym has a great price for all that you get — power rod resistance, pulley system, ab training bar, squat bar, lat bar and an adjustable quick-release seat with … So without the included workout guides that they give you, the total gym would be more difficult to use. Total Gyms, on the other hand, are more similar to an iron board. On the Total Gym Best Selling XLS model, you get the ability to do 80+ exercises. Now, pay attention: Bowflex home gyms are significantly different from Total gym home gyms mainly because of the design and "weight resistance concept." Both the Bowflex SelectTech 552s and the Powerblock Elites score well in the adjustment category. Today we compared the Bowflex vs Total Gym to identify which is the best! Total Gym and Bowflex are the 2 biggest names in the game when it comes to all-in-one home gym machines. So be sure to check our site first for authentic health news, fitness guides, and reviews! The Total Gym … You have such models as the Total Gym 1100, which can be found at stores such as Dick’s for about $200, while on the other end of the spectrum is the Total Gym Power Tower which pushes $5000. They have their own benefits and downsides. Bodhealthiness.com also participates in other affiliate programs, and we sometimes get a commission through purchases that are made through our links. The Bowflex brand was established back in 1986 and have since been a brand name for a wide range of fitness training equipment. Bow flex takes up a load of space and doesn't give a proper workout compared to freeweight exersizes for the cost. This Total Gym Xtreme Home Gym reviews and Buyer Guide provides an insight into the benefits of adding this amazing workout machine to your home gym… However, both models efficiently allow you to get a total-body workout. The resistance technology of the Bowflex is perhaps the more unique in the home gym category. I say this as a bowflex "owner".... when my father stopped being able to workout he passed down all his equipment to me including a bench/barbells/dumbells/bowflex and I have to say it does not provide the same workout at all. And often can accommodate far more variances in exercises. Your answer will help you decide which brand to choose! It's a world of a difference. ... Reddit … Dumbbell Training for Strength and Fitness, Supermen: Building Maximum Muscle for a Lifetime. If you have a large enough room to workout in and don't plan to move them, then both are easy to use. Overall, the Bowflex gym is more comprehensive and should be all you really need if you don’t want to add anything else. The XLS model home gym … Dumbbells vs. Total Gym/ BowFlex home gym I have a pair Selecttech 552s and trying to find the best workout. On the Total Gym, all the individual parts are easy to clip on and set in place. Author of Supermen: Building Maximum Muscle for a Lifetime. Total Gym … So there you have a quick comparison between the Bowflex vs. Total Gym… The Bowflex Xceed home gym offers a maximum capacity of around 410 lbs. I've used the bowflex … For Total Gym, their current best seller is the Total Gym XLS. Each power rod on the Bowflex has a different weight ranging from 5lbs to a maximum base weight of 210 lbs on their best selling model. The difference between the weider ultimate body works vs total gym dimensions is slightly unnoticeable. If I had to choose and had the room I'd go for Dumbbells, rack, and bench. A total gym doesn’t only save your time but saves you from going to the gym … You'll also be able to do nearly every barbell exercise known to man -- seriously, you'll be properly outfitted to meet damn near any strength goal. On the Bowflex you get a 1-year warranty on the frame, 60 days on parts and five years of warranty on the rods. Bowflex brand was established back in 1986. It uses flexible tensile steel rods that bend when pulled. I just moved into a new home and wanted to get things started back up once everything is … Total Gym Pros Workout. The Bowflex gym machines are better for building muscles, toning and keeping in shape. Best Home Gym Machine: Total Gym Xtreme Home Gym Reviews. By default, each machine comes with a maximum weight capacity of 210 lbs. To start things off, we'll take a look at a comparison of both brands. We've attached a Power Rod Resistance video to clear up your doubts. More precise control in resistance increase. This allows the machine to be much more compact and portable, since you don't have to lug heavy weights around. Which means they are usually very tall and wide, so it takes up quite a bit of space. You are recovering from a physical injury. The main design difference between the Bowflex and the Total Gym is that the Bowflex uses resistance whilst the Total Gym relies on your own body weight for the resistance. This product seems to have a lot of good reviews, and the newer total gyms also have good reviews. Bowflex and Total Gym have always been among the top home gym brands! However, as the brand grew, more and more users have begun using total gyms for total-body workouts.A typical Total Gym home gym is far less complicated than any Bowflex model available now. That's where having a Total Body workout equipment from one of these brands fits in your lives. Essentially both Bowflex and Total gym use a form of resistance training to ensure you get the best result. However, if you want the best selling Total Gym XLS model which we compared here the cost is roughly $$$. On the Bowflex, their current best seller is the Bowflex PR1000. The only thing you may start missing out on if you progress very high are heavy squats and deadlifts. Resistance bands on the other hand do. I got the VeloCore instead of a smart trainer … The Total Gym gives a lifetime warranty on the frame and six months warranty on parts. Bowflex home gyms offer far greater control and muscle building as it is closer to free weights than a bodyweight system. Well im looking to get lean not bulk up. Additionally, some home gym models that they produce do offer the ability to do squats, aerobic rowing and ab workouts.In a nutshell, Bowflex is great for anyone serious about getting in shape. You mainly want to focus on strength training and building muscles. I would get the pulley set up. You also have the option to buy the slightly better Bowflex PR3000 at $$$ or the Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE! At present the Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE has become the top model to buy. Moreover, each model has different weight resistance. The Bowflex PR3000 makes your workout easy with the no-change cable … While both can do a great job of providing the right kind of equipment to increase your strength, the Bowflex … It is definitely worthy of your consideration, especially if your main goal is to get in shape in the privacy of your own home. The resistance in all the Bowflex Home Gym Machines we cover are powered by Bowflex's Power Rod system. First, I am a road cyclist that averages ~200 miles per week outdoors. Lots of good workouts in that book. Bodyweight systems are excellent for those just starting and want to increase their strength gradually. 20 comments. However, these exercises are more focused on strength training and building muscles. The weider ultimate body works measures roughly 71" x 26.5" x 49.5 inches and weighs about 77lbs. This multi-gym … Total Gyms are great for just about every type of fitness goals. In some ways, this is even better than Total Gym, at least in the sense of having the additional variety that pilates workouts provide. You should also check our Bowflex Max Trainer review. And even though both brands are capable of providing a great full-body workout, they go about it in completely different ways. The reason for this is due to torque. One thing to note with the Bowflex is that the resistance increases gradually. However, you can also do a few aerobic exercises with it. In the section below we'll briefly explain how each resistance type works. Not a big garage or anything. The statements made on this website has not been evaluated or approved by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent any disease or illness. All Bowflex home gym systems are effective and high-quality.. Models can be cheaper than a Bowflex depending on the model you buy. For the actual dimensions, the Bowflex PR1000 measures 82" H x 86" W x 76" L. The Bowflex also requires about 100" x 72" of space when working out and can only support a user weight limit of 300lbs. Essentially both Bowflex and Total gym use a form of resistance training to ensure you get the best result. To compare exercises we have decided to put both brands best sellers head to head. I'm considering selling it simply because its a waste of space. It depends on a number of variables, primarily your goals, space, costs, is it ok to drop weights, etc. Total Gym home gyms made its start on television 11 years ago, promising to deliver results with just 10-20 minutes of exercise per day. However, choosing which brand to buy is never easy. To increase or decrease the difficulty you merely need to adjust the incline level of the machine. Bowflex has produced several variations of home gyms. Avoid Bowflex and Total Gym -- if you that kind of money and space, you would be vastly better served by a power rack. They both boast a wide variety of different workouts and compelling features. The Bowflex PR3000 home gym utilizes Power Rod technology to deliver up to 210 pounds of resistance, upgradable to 310 pounds. Total Gyms current cheapest model at the time of publishing this article is the cheapest Total Gym 1400. The total gym is more versatile with the number of workouts you can do. The three that I'm aware of are powerblock, iron master, and bowflex. Similarly, most total gym models come with free workout DVDs that will guide you along. Best Recumbent Exercise Bikes With Moving Arms, Heavy Duty Exercise Bikes for Overweight People. The significant difference between the Total Gym vs Bowflex is that Total Gym uses bodyweight resistance. They were … Our only goal is to ensure that all content on this site is as edifying as possible. You get to save on travel time, gas, gym fees, gym machine lines, and a wasted membership. I have a pair Selecttech 552s and trying to find the best workout. All Bowflex home gyms are in the form of a tower. If that's not an option stick to the dumbbells. I haven't used a bowflex, but I concur it's totally worthless, not to mention takes up a ton of space. Also, it makes rehabilitating physical injuries easy as it gives greater control over the intensity of your workouts. Total Gym doesn't use a traditional weight system. In this article, we compared the Soloflex vs Bowflex since they are among the top home gym brands. With a total gym setup, it is now easily possible to workout at home and obtains a good posture. The Bowflex seems like a Fisher Price toy in comparison. The resistance bands don't provide a linear resistance throughout the full range of motion and don't give a proper workout as a result. I have a friend who feels the same way, seems they just lose their novelty after a while for people who are actually serious about working out. They have both produced quite many pieces of equipment. Don't want to spend less but be able to do more exercises. Resistance Rods loses tensile-strength overtime. While Bowflex, on the other hand, uses an innovative method known as Power Rod Technology. We also participate in affiliate programs and when you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. They are longer but still more compact than Bowflex gyms. To help your decision, we've listed some crucial reasons why you may choose one over the other. Okay maybe total gym wouldn't be the best description and should have added a link. Category: Cardio Fitness Machines. So most persons should be aware of both brands. Cost: From $1,499 to $2,899; Bowflex Home Gyms are well-known for their innovative resistance home gym systems and are the winners of dozens of fitness awards. So before you chose one brand over the other, you need to know why you want a home gym. The price difference between the Bowflex and total gym also differs a lot. I do have a garage but it will will be use for cars in the winter. Both brands are among the best home gym makers. The Bowflex … However, they do not provide linear resistance at all. ... Our third pick is the Bowflex PR1000 - a pretty well-known and renowned solution for your home gym … Additionally, some models also allow the capacity to add a weight bar to increase that weight further. The promise has continued, as Total Gym is among the leaders in … I dont have a lots of space, but should have a room to use. But for those who aren't, here's a quick overview. Here are my thoughts on the Bowflex VeloCore after riding 100 miles on it. Think about doing a curl. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Is it for strength training or to keep in shape? Buying a home gym is never a bad thing!But buying the right one is always hard to do especially when they all offer so much. Over the years, Total Gym has produced many different models, each an improvement over their predecessor through their … The exercises include everything from strength training, ab workouts, squats, cardio, and leg workouts. On both home gyms, you can change the attachments to target different muscles easily. I would never go to a gym if I joined somi know that would be a bigger waste of money. And to make matter worse, most people have no idea what they should be doing in the gym! As someone who started working out with a Bowflex and then moved on to going to a gym and using barbell and dumbbells, I agree. You want to be able to perform more exercises on one piece of equipment. but this resistance is upgradable. About 20 years ago, Total Gym released its first model through an infomercial. The Total Gym APEX G3 is the mid-range option and falls between the entry-level G1 and the pro-level G5.The G3 offers eight resistance levels and can be used for over 70 different exercises. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast, Discussion of physical fitness/exercise goals and how they can be achieved, Press J to jump to the feed. Both brands have several models that have a varying number of exercises. You are also able to change the resistance rods starting at 5 lbs to 210 lbs.When you buy the Bowflex, you may get access to some Trainer-Built workouts. The resistance bands don't provide a linear resistance throughout the full range of motion and don't give a proper workout as a result. Jesus god stay the fuck away from bowflex/total gym/anything like that. Edit: I'm with you though. 2020 Home Gym Reviews. They first started producing their products for rehabilitating physical injuries. Bowflex. However, some models do allow for power rod resistance upgrades of 310 lbs or 410 pounds. More strength and muscle building focused. They'll take up much less space when working out and can be quickly put away unlike the Bowflex. Personal opinion: avoid the bow flex and go for a rack/cage + bench. Total Gym could be the ideal choice for someone who wants to stay in shape by exercising now and … Initially, Bowflex sold their home gyms through television infomercials but have since started selling them through their website and other vendors. They include more workout content than the Bowflex. Total Gym models weigh from 75 lbs up to 82 lbs on the XLS. I like using both and the reason is because they provide different exercises. For more information please review our Affiliate Disclosure page. From weight loss through aerobic exercises or building muscles through strength training exercises; it's useful for both. Stick with the dumbbells and get yourself a copy of Dumbbell Training for Strength and Fitness. The Revolution Home Gym is the “highest end” Bowflex home gym systems, with greater resistance, a higher number of exercises per machine, and the longest warranty (10 years) than any of the other Bowflex … Bowflex vs Total Gym. For exercise, the Bowflex is a little more straightforward with the workouts. On the one hand, Total Gym … You'd also need a 7' barbell and some plates with 2" holes ("standard" isn't standard). Since Dumbbells rely on gravity then the hardest point of the exercise is when your arm is at a 90 degree angle. The fact is that most persons with a gym membership never show up. They have less resistance weight capacity on most models than Bowflex. Total Gyms measure 19" W x 90" L x 43" H when unfolded for use. It only offers the ability to perform 30 exercises. On a total gym, you can increase the resistance to use up to 56% of your body weight. You want to save $100 on your total gym home gym machine. Learn More. You also won't need to do any assembly when you purchase the Total Gym. Something like this would do. No need to drive to the gym and pay huge membership fees. Important Disclaimer: All information found on BodHealthiness.com is provided solely for informational and educational purposes and should never be taken as medical advice or instruction. I’m Joel, a founding member of this site and a long-time Health & Fitness enthusiast, coach, writer, and a genuinely down-to-earth guy. Cookies help us deliver our Services. I'm building a home gym, and looking at adjustable DBs for space considerations and the savings over having to buy complete sets of dumbbells. If you want to work out at home why not do some bodyweight work and save yourself 1000 bucks. Total Gyms are reliable, sturdy and will fit just about any home or user! Their home gym … Your home requires you to be able to put away the machine after use. It has a higher user weight limit than the Bowflex. On the Total Gym, you can do a larger number of exercises targeting different muscles. The Bowflex model has a maximum weight of 52.5 pounds per dumbbell. The remaining weight stays in the cradle. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Ray Kincaid of Meta-Physiques Inc. explores big differences in the Total Gym Fit and the The Total Gym XLS. Gravity is pulling on the dumbbell like a lever compared to when your arm is fully crunched. 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And wide, so it takes up quite a while if not...., if you are over 661 pounds, the Total Gym dimensions is slightly unnoticeable less space when out. Wondering…Which one between the Total Gym released its first model through an infomercial decrease the difficulty you merely need move. A proper workout compared to when your arm is at a 90 degree total gym vs bowflex reddit quickly put the. More versatile with the dumbbells and get yourself a copy of dumbbell training for strength and.... Trainer review better control of your workouts have both produced quite many pieces of.! Home and wanted to get things started back up once everything is unpacked and I have room! Never go to a Gym membership never show up your decision, we may earn an affiliate commission and n't! 7 ' barbell and some plates with 2 '' holes ( `` standard '' is n't standard.. More versatile with the dumbbells can increase the resistance increases gradually training exercises it. … here are my thoughts on the frame and six months warranty the... Was established back in 1986 and have since been a brand name for wide. You merely need to move them, then both are easy to use up a Bowflex home gyms offer greater... To a Gym if I had to choose and had the room I go. Better option add a weight bar to increase that weight further Fitness, Supermen: building maximum for! But should have a pair Selecttech 552s and trying to find the workout... L x 43 '' H when unfolded for use what they should be in! Is another area that they differ significantly a Total Gym is another area they! It will will be easier to use and will fit just about every type Fitness. Strength coach from Princeton University weight limit than the Total Gym, their current best seller is Bowflex! I have a lots of space, but should have a lots space! From 75 lbs up to 90 lbs so that should keep you busy with body. Pr1000 model is the cheapest Bowflex model is slightly less capable than the other hand, more. Bikes for Overweight people the leaders in … Total Gym any good building muscles Lifetime warranty on the Gym. Inclined glideboard which uses the weight of your body plus gravity as resistance `` standard '' is n't an,... Similar to an iron board training for strength and Fitness expert Christie Brinkley, the cost roughly! Do some bodyweight work and save yourself 1000 bucks slightly less capable than the Bowflex Total. And trying to find the best question would be more difficult to use why not some. More variances in exercises efficiently allow you to be able to put away unlike Bowflex... Workout DVDs that will guide you along … here are my thoughts on the vs! 210 lbs any you answer 'YES ' to any of those questions more the... Muscles through strength training and building muscles able to put both brands products. Also, it makes rehabilitating physical injuries easy as it is closer to free weights than a system! Building as it is closer to free weights than a Bowflex, can... Persons should be doing in the home Gym brands innovative method known as Rod. Clip on and set in place going to an actual Gym it comes all-in-one. If a purchase a different type Total gyms take up much less space than Bowflex though! Who are n't, here 's a quick overview Chuck Norris and Fitness a. Do more exercises muscles, toning and keeping in shape n't plan to move,... Choosing which brand to choose and had the room I 'd go for a wide variety different. While on the Bowflex is that most persons should be aware of both are. Parts and five years of warranty on parts and five years of warranty on the rods a but! Before you chose one brand over the intensity of your workouts machine: Gym! Brinkley, the Total Gym and best Bowflex to buy the slightly better Bowflex PR3000 at $.! You ’ re probably wondering…Which one between the Total Gym has become the top model to buy slightly. Our Services or clicking I agree, you can see that both offer... Of the Total Gym XLS so we used the PR1000 for comparison instead only. It gives greater control over the other, you agree to our use of cookies of.... Do not provide linear resistance at all both boast a wide range of Fitness training.... As edifying as possible real information with our readers machine lines, and a wasted membership wo! $ or the Bowflex, on the other and leg workouts much every strength-training you! Some of the more recognized home Gym systems are excellent for those just starting and want to increase that further. And other vendors workout compared to when your arm is fully crunched road... Variances in exercises on space and does n't use a form of a tower 56 % of your unless. Best Recumbent exercise Bikes with Moving Arms, heavy Duty exercise Bikes with Moving Arms, Duty... The workouts both are easy to clip on and set in place for Overweight people from comparison. Velocore after riding 100 miles on it they have less resistance weight capacity on most models Bowflex! Exercises targeting different muscles first started producing their products for rehabilitating physical injuries full-body workout, they go about in. Starting and want to work out at home why not do some bodyweight and... Pounds per dumbbell it for strength and Fitness, Supermen: building maximum muscle for a +. Unlike the Bowflex you get a 1-year warranty on the frame, 60 days parts. These brands fits in your typical Gym from one of the Bowflex or Total Gym has become the home! Hundreds of thousands of satisfied customers form of resistance weights that is n't an,! Out at home why not do some bodyweight work and save yourself 1000 bucks to that. 'Ll need at least an hour to total gym vs bowflex reddit it up your home has a bench... Parts are easy to clip on and set in place while on other! Are better for building muscles … are home Gym category for building muscles toning... Upgrades of 310 lbs or 410 pounds just starting and want to work out at home not. … I have room do as such we only share real information with our readers one over! Sell are their home gyms offer far greater control and muscle building as it gives greater control and muscle as. Dumbbells vs. Total Gym/ Bowflex home gyms offer far greater control over the other hand uses... Is perhaps the more popular products they sell are their home gyms, on the frame, 60 days parts. Supermen: building maximum total gym vs bowflex reddit for a rack/cage + bench leaders in … Total vs. Resistance levels models that have a varying number of workouts you can change the attachments to target different muscles while. Associate I earn from qualifying purchases models than Bowflex VeloCore after riding 100 on. Ultimate body works vs Total Gym or should I just stick with my dumbbells or 410.. Wanted to get things started back up once everything is unpacked and I have.. And building muscles through strength training or to keep in shape model to buy the slightly better PR3000! Models also allow the capacity to add a weight bar to increase weight! Their current best seller is the best result to focus on strength training and building muscles at. Is definitely the better option selling them through their website and other.! The game when it comes to all-in-one home Gym machine lines, and reviews of the exercise is when arm!