#1 Bowflex Blaze Home Gym Review

The Bowflex Blaze offers over 60 exercises that utilize Bowflex's exclusive power rod technology. You can work out numerous muscle groups in your body except for your abs. Plus, beginners can benefit immensely from the inclusion of a DVD to guide them through their new workout regimen.

Is the Bowflex Blaze Home Gym best for you?

The Bowflex Blaze home gym really puts you in control of your health. While there are dozens of workouts to choose from that are detailed in the manual, you can also create custom workouts. There are multiple positions for the pulleys and cables you can work out with. Combined with versatile ankle cuffs and hand-grips, you can build your own routine once you get the hang of it.

And while this machine may first and foremost be a weight lifting device, it also offers some cardio. You can take advantage of the rower feature to increase your heart rate before getting into your workout properly.

Consider Bowflex Blaze if...

• You need good workout options. The Bowflex Blaze comes with 60 different exercises to try. You can move effortlessly from the squat bar, angled lat bar, and other stations to work your entire body.
• You want guidance. Unlike something like the Bowflex PR1000, this machine comes with a DVD. It provides you with videos to guide you through the array of workouts so that you perform them correctly and safely.
• You like cardio in your regimen. A lot of people like starting with some cardio before moving onto weight lifting. Fortunately, the Blaze allows you to perform rowing motions with the sliding seat rail to get your heart rate up initially.

Avoid Bowflex Blaze if...

• You want a six-pack. Unfortunately, there's no station on the Blaze to work out your core. You're going to have to find something else if you want to focus on abs.
• You want to really push yourself. The Blaze comes with power rod resistance up to 210 pounds. Professional athletes and bodybuilders may blow right past that. Luckily, you can purchase additional upgrades up to 410 pounds, but some people may not want the extra expense.
• You don't like bulky machines. The Bowflex Blaze may not work ideally in smaller apartments. It takes up quite a bit of space, so make sure it fits in your home before getting it.

Bowflex Blaze pros & cons

Pros

• Custom workouts with several pulley and cable positions
• Triple-function hand grips and ankle cuffs
• Folding bench with wheels
• 7 free trainer-designed workout regimens

Cons

• Bulky
• Limited warranty

What areas of the body does Bowflex Blaze target?

• Arms: The Bowflex Blaze makes it easy to work out your arms with tricep pushdowns and bicep curls.
• Legs: Your legs can likely handle greater weights than your arms, allowing you to perform kickbacks and extensions.
• Chest: With an array of presses that specifically target your pectoral muscles, you can build out your chest with ease.
• Back: Lat pulldowns and rows give your back the attention it may not see with other workout regimens.
• Shoulders: Delt raises and presses are a great accompaniment to your arm exercises to really fill out.

Is the Bowflex Blaze easy to use?

The Bowflex Blaze isn't easy to put together. While there's a manual to help you, there are a lot of steps involved, so you may benefit from some assistance. Plus, you're going to need your own tools, such as a utility knife, Phillips head screwdriver, 1/2" combination wrench, and 9/16" combination wrench.

Once assembled, you can move from different stations fairly easily. It shouldn't take more than a minute to get ready for your next rep.

Key Bowflex Blaze Specs

Reasons to buy Bowflex Blaze?

1. You don't want to buy new power rods again. Unless you want heavier rods, you get lifetime coverage on the power rods. The frame only comes with 5 years, which is a little light compared to other machines. Still, knowing where to turn to should anything happen to the rods is a major relief.
2. You plan on having the entire family lifting weights. The adjustable bench seat makes it easier for everyone, regardless of weight and height, to work out. Now, everyone in your family can work up a sweat.
3. You're on a budget. You can typically find the Bowflex Blaze for less than $1,000 online. That's a great deal compared to some of the other models on the market, some of which cost well over $2,000.

Reasons to avoid Bowflex Blaze?

1. You plan on moving a lot. Once the Bowflex Blaze is assembled, you can't really get it through doorways. You're going to have to disassemble it and put it back together if you plan on moving any time soon. As such, it's best if you plan on staying put for a while.

What real Bowflex Blaze reviews say

We spent 18 hours scouring the web (reading over 253 customer reviews). Our conclusion? Bowflex Blaze receives high praise! Our average consolidated user rating sits around a 4.6 - 4.8 (across several hundred reviews). Bowflex Blaze scored higher, on average, compared to their closest competitors.

What reviewers like

1. "I am having great gains. If you exercise as it says to at bowflex with breathing, reps, etc. you will get results."
2. "The excerises are great for upper body. Does great for Chest, back, arms, shoulders."
3. "The Blaze offers enough of a challenge to give me a fantastic workout every time."
4. "I bought the 310 and 410 lb expansion rods along with the blaze and I'm very glad that I did."
5. "Cable switching is very simple and takes less than 30s for most exercises."

What reviewers dislike

1. "It takes a little getting used to, especially having to change resistance and stations."
2. "It's not that there are sharp edges but as you handle and change cables and swivels, you should at least be careful not to unknowingly cut yourself."
3. "The rowing function on here is kind of a joke."
4. "I find the leg extension bar rather useless, since well, I don't do leg extensions."
5. "I find the seat and bench rather wobbly."

Our verdict

The Bowflex Blaze is a stellar value for what you get. It's among the more affordable offerings from Bowflex and still boasts an impressive 60+ workouts. The patented power rod resistance is great for people of all workout levels for smooth motions and easier operation.

The only downside is if you really wanted to work on your abs. However, you can easily do some crunches on a mat on the floor if you really want to get a six-pack. For everything else, you just need the Blaze.

Where to buy Bowflex Blaze

Amazon has the Bowflex Blaze available for a great price. Plus, it ships fast and free with Amazon's Prime delivery.