Bowflex Sport Home Gym Reviewed

If you are a beginner at weight / resistance training looking for an affordable piece of exercising equipment, Bowflex Sport Home Gym may be a good choice. Superseded by newer Bowflex machines, it remains a high quality model that has a lot to offer.

Bowflex Sport uses Power Rods for resistance - strong yet flexible, exactly the same kind as you will find on the top-of-the-line, high priced Bowflex machines. Power rods get connected to the cable pulley system, and you flex them as you pull on the workout handles. It feels very much like weight lifting, although slightly different from lifting free weights. The major concern expressed by those newly introduced to this type of resistance is that you will break the rods by repeatedly flexing them. That's very unlikely; the patented power rods are built very strong and durable. Besides, the company offers a no time limit warranty for the rods, so if you do manage to wear one out you can get it replaced for free.

Resistance can be increased by hooking more power rods. With Bowflex Sport, you can start with as low as 5 pounds and go up to 210 pounds, which is more than enough for a beginner. If you wish to go farther than that, you can purchase additional rods and upgrade your machine to 310 or 410 pounds.

The machine has a cushioned seat that is adjustable. He seat also slides, allowing you to do rowing exercises in addition to weightlifting - a nice feature not found on many machines. Altogether, you can do over 60 exercises with Bowflex Sport Home Gym, which amounts to a complete body workout. The integrated lat tower allows you to work your back and shoulder muscles (interestingly, the more advanced and expensive Ultimate series does not have it). The lower pulley / squat station and leg extension serve to help you exercise your legs. The cable pulley has multiple positions, which lets people of different height choose the most convenient angle. A fitness guide is included with the machine.

Bowflex Sport Home Gym measures 7' x 7'6" x 3'2". When folded, it is 52" x 38". It has transport wheels. The set up process has been reported rather long and difficult, but I guess it is common for home gyms. The machine comes with a five year warranty on materials and workmanship and costs around $800, being one of the cheapest models in the Bowflex line.