#1 Bowflex PR1000 Home Gym Review

The Bowflex PR1000 provides full-body workouts that leave no muscle group untouched. The main difference between this machine and others in its class is that it utilizes power rod resistance. As such, it's a lot easier on your muscles, which can definitely be a good thing for beginner lifters.

Is the Bowflex PR1000 Home Gym best for you?

The PR1000 is one of the most affordable offerings from Bowflex. While it costs substantially less than a ton of other models, it doesn't lack features. It provides you with over 30 exercises to choose from, and the inertia-enhanced resistance means you don't have to deal with as much recovery time afterward.

In addition to weight lifting, you can also get in your cardio on this machine. The rowing feature allows you to burn calories or take a little breather between reps. It also comes with a straightforward assembly, which means it's easy to go from one exercise to the next with minimal downtime. This is great because it allows your heart rate to remain elevated.

Consider Bowflex PR1000 if...

• You need low-impact exercising. This machine comes with power rods instead of free weights. This results in far less stress to your muscles and joints, making for smoother workouts.
• You want a full-body workout. There are 30 different workout styles you can use on this machine. You can work out your legs, arms, shoulders, core, back, and chest.
• You like a compact sized machine. This home gym doesn't take up a lot of space in your home. Even if you live in a relatively small apartment, you should be able to find room for it.

Avoid Bowflex PR1000 if...

• You'd like to upgrade down the line. With this machine, you're unable to move up to a 310-pound power rod if you want to really push yourself in the future.
• You want a lengthier warranty. You only get 5 years of coverage on the power rods. For the frame, you're only covered for a single year.
• You want to trust your weight readings. Some customer testimonials seem to indicate this machine can come with some misleading weight readings.

Bowflex PR1000 pros & cons

Pros

• Adjustable bench
• Multi-use hand grip
• Upholstered roller cushions
• Affordable

Cons

• Can't lift any more than 210 pounds
• Short warranty

What areas of the body does Bowflex PR1000 target?

• Arms: This machine allows you to perform tricep pushdowns and bicep curls.
• Legs: The leg extension and lower pulley ensure you reach every muscle group by making it easy to perform kickbacks and curls.
• Chest: The mid-level pulleys are great for performing decline presses, inclines, and flats.
• Back: You can perform back extensions, lat pulldowns, and rows.
• Shoulders: Shrugs, delt raises, and presses allow you to bulk up via the upper pulley.
• Core: Get the core you've always wanted with oblique crunches, trunk rotations, and ab crunches.

Is the Bowflex PR1000 easy to use?

It's advisable to have 2 people to put it together. It should take about 2 hours for assembly, and it comes with a wrench to help you out although you're probably better off using your own tools if you have them.

The instructions show you the ropes of how to get started with your machine. Ultimately, it's pretty easy to go from one exercise to the next, even if you plan on switching which area of the body you're targeting.

Key Bowflex PR1000 Specs

Reasons to buy Bowflex PR1000?

1. You're on a budget. The Bowflex PR1000 is among the most affordable home gyms out there. For the price you pay, you really end up with a great selection of workouts.
2. You want to partake in aerobic rowing training. This machine also comes with a sliding seat. It allows you to engage in rowing exercises for when you want to burn calories or just need to cool down after pumping some iron.
3. You want to save on space. When it's not in use, you can fold it up. This makes it easier to put it out of the way in case you're expecting company.

Reasons to avoid Bowflex PR1000?

1. You're an advanced lifter. 210 pounds is perfectly fine for a lot of people. However, if you really want to push yourself, or if you plan on competing, then you need something that can give you a lot more to work with.

What real Bowflex PR1000 reviews say

We spent 18 hours scouring the web (reading over 253 customer reviews). Our conclusion? Bowflex PR1000 receives high praise! Our average consolidated user rating sits around a 4.6 - 4.8 (across several hundred reviews). Bowflex PR1000 scored higher, on average, compared to their closest competitors.

What reviewers like

1. "I've had this for about 2 years. During that time I've used it every other day and it works as well as it did when I first got it."
2. "This was a good alternative to free weights."
3. "Dramatic improvement in strength and stamina, also combined with cardio for weight loss."
4. "I prefer this above going to the gym and waiting on equipment, plus I don't need a spotter."
5. "The resistance is sufficient and if exercises are done correctly, you'll get the isolation and workout needed for the muscle group worked."

What reviewers dislike

1. "The rods will need replacing."
2. "Some exercises are a bit awkward to perform."
3. "I find that the resistance using flexible rods seems to vary as one does the exercise."
4. "Apparently this machine isn't designed for the 310 lb upgrade."
5. "The lower body workouts are not very challenging."

Our verdict

For people just getting into weight lifting, the Bowflex PR1000 is a great stepping stone. You get a great selection of workouts that target pretty much any area of the body you want. It's also considered one of Bowflex's standard machines, so it's easy for anyone to figure out.

There are more workouts to be found elsewhere. For example, the Total Gym 1900 provides you with over 60 workouts. This model also allows you to go up to 350 pounds as opposed to staying at 210 pounds. But if you don't ned that much, then the PR1000 gets the job done.

Where to buy Bowflex PR1000

For a great price, you can find the Bowflex PR1000 on Amazon. It also comes with free shipping!