#1 Bowflex Elliptical Review

Bowflex ellipticals are great options for trainees of any experience level. While different models are out there, you can always expect a heavy flywheel, adjustable pedals, and sizable stride length. These machines are built to give you the most intense workout you can imagine.

Is the Bowflex Elliptical best for you?

Bowflex ellipticals give you everything you need to feel like you're working out at the gym. Every model comes with a decent assortment of resistance levels. Plus, you can take advantage of Bluetooth connectivity so that you can sync your results with a free app—tracking your progress in realtime.

These machines also come with Burn Rate consoles. This allows you to see how many calories you're burning each minute. The cushioned running deck is optimal for those with joint sensitivity or recovering from an injury as it provides a low-impact workout.

Consider Bowflex Elliptical if...

• You need premium equipment. Bowflex is a big name in the fitness industry. It has a long history of putting out stellar products, so you can trust the quality when you purchase one of its ellipticals. ‍
• You want heavy flywheels. Some residential ellipticals only give you a 15-pound flywheel. Bowflex machines are built different. The flywheels are much heavier, so you can really push the resistance levels to the max. ‍
• You like expansive incline levels. The inclines on Bowflex ellipticals are also great, allowing you to really burn calories during your regimens.

Avoid Bowflex Elliptical if...

• You're on a budget. Since Bowflex is known for quality, expect to spend a little more on the ellipticals. The exact price depends on what model you buy, but they can be nearly double what some of the entry-level models cost.‍
• You want a longer warranty. When you look at something like the Sole E95 elliptical, the warranty Bowflex provides seems a little bare. You only get 15 years of coverage on the frame while other machines give you a lifetime. ‍
• You prefer a stronger fan. A lot of reviews state how the fan on these ellipticals isn't very strong. It may keep you cool slightly, but don't expect major breezes.

Bowflex Elliptical pros & cons

Pros

• Wireless heart rate monitoring
• Heavy flywheel
• Long stride
• Dozens of resistance levels

Cons

• Short warranty
• Expensive

Construction and design

• Flywheel: It's not out of the ordinary at all to find Bowflex ellipticals with 30-pound flywheels, which gives you the same level of resistance you expect with commercial machines at gyms. ‍
• Pedals: Bowflex ellipticals allow you to adjust the pedals so that they can better conform to your stride. ‍
• Handlebars: Premium handlebars are par the course for these machines as they give you multiple ways to grip in whichever manner is most comfortable for you. ‍
• Console: Newer Bowflex ellipticals come with Burn Rate consoles with 9-inch screens to display all your data in an easy-to-read package. ‍
• Resistance: It's standard for these machines to come with between 20 and 25 resistance levels. ‍
• Built-in Programs/Features: Depending on the model you purchase, you can receive anywhere between 6 and 11 preset programs.

Key Bowflex Elliptical Specs

Reasons to buy Bowflex Elliptical?

1. You plan on having several different people use the machine. Depending on the model, you can build up to 4 different user profiles. That means everyone in the household can keep track of their stats without interfering with someone else's. ‍
2. You want the chest strap included. Unlike other ellipticals, you don't have to purchase extras with Bowflex. The brand gives you the wireless heart rate monitoring strap included when you purchase the machine. ‍
3. You need a longer stride. Taller individuals may need an elliptical that moves further. With a 22-inch stride standard with this brand, a lot more people can feel confident in their workouts.

Reasons to avoid Bowflex Elliptical?

1. You want more programs. The top Bowflex model only gives you 11 preset programs to exercise with. That's pretty sparse considering there are some models that go up to 30. ‍
2. You want more accurate readings. Some reviewers note how the calorie and distance trackers on these ellipticals aren't too accurate. You may need to take what you get with a grain of salt.

What real Bowflex Elliptical reviews say

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

What reviewers like

1. "This elliptical is a really good heavy duty, sturdy feeling machine."
2. "Awesome workout. Very quiet operation. Well made machine."
3. "We made sure to purchase a new elliptical with a large flywheel which contributes to the smoothness."
4. "I am cancelling my gym membership because the Bowflex elliptical and Bowflex home gym is a good replacement."
5. "The instrument panel indeed works well, is organized nicely, and is intuitive."

What reviewers dislike

1. "One minor thing is that the air from the fan smells like plastic, but it'll probably neutralize with time."
2. "It took my husband and I 2 1/2 hours to put it together."
3. "The picture doesn’t give you a sense of how large it is. Please look at the dimensions before purchasing."
4. "You have to lean forward to keep your hands on the handles."
5. "It makes a click every time I do a rotation."

Our verdict

Bowflex ellipticals are a great choice for anyone wanting a reliable piece of exercise equipment. When you want the equivalent of a commercial gym in your home, then you need a sturdy flywheel. That's precisely what you get here with a 30-pound flywheel being standard in Bowflex models.

The warranty leaves something to be desired, especially considering how much you may spend on one of these. But a lot of reviews suggest users don't have to worry about these machines breaking any time soon.

Where to buy Bowflex Elliptical

A number of Bowflex ellipticals are available for sale on Amazon. Besides the great prices, you can also take advantage of Amazon's fast, free shipping!