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When it comes to home gyms, Bowflex and Total Gym are always two of the top brands.
They both offer a wide variety of different workouts and some compelling features. However, choosing which one to buy can be a daunting task.
So today, we will compare the Bowflex vs. Total Gym and see which one comes out on top!
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Bowflex Vs. Total Gym Comparison table
Bowflex
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The Bowflex home gym systems work with the traditional Power Rod technology. The Bowflex home gyms can ease you into weight resistance training if you are a beginner. It has a wide selection of exercises that it offers and works better than resistance band training.
Bowflex has different products in the home gym section. However, their top home gyms models are the Bowflex Revolution and the Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE.
The Bowflex Revolution home gym offers around 100 exercise variations and Spiral Flex weight resistance of 220lbs, expandable to 300 lbs.
Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE home gym works with power rods resistance of 210lbs expandable to 410lbs and exercise variations of about 70.
Pros:
- It relies on power rods resistance training.
- Versatility with exercise.
- Works well for toning and strength training.
- Beginner-friendly home gym.
- Good for weight loss.
- Cardio machine.
Cons:
- Bowflex Gyms do not come assembled.
- Limited inbuilt weight; requires free weights for professional weights exercises.
Who should consider Bowflex?
Anyone interested in getting into shape, maintaining muscular fitness, and getting a versatile full-body workout can consider Bowflex gyms.
It is also suited for beginners who are just getting started. Bowflex home gyms are great for those with limited space at home.
Is Bowflex Worth The Money?
Although it is priced on the higher end, Bowflex home gyms are worth the investment.
They have a great selection of exercise variability and can fit your beginner fitness goals.
However, Bowflex gym might not be the best if you are a professional muscle builder.
Total Gym
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If you are looking for simplicity yet quality, sturdy and variation-oriented home gym, then Total Gym is an excellent choice for you. Total Gym is easy to use and great for bodyweight training.
There are several total gym models available for selection. Some of the top Total Gym machine models are the Total Gym GTS, Total Gym Fit, Total Gym XLS and Total Gym Supreme.
The Total Gym GTS is a great choice for a commercial fitness routine. It has over 80 variations of exercise and a weight capacity of 650lbs.
Total Gym Fit provides 85 exercise variations, 12 elevation levels, and a weight capacity of 450lbs. They are slightly overpriced but do not compromise on quality.
Total Gym XLS is one of the best-selling and easily compact home gym systems. It offers six elevation levels and 80 exercise variations.
If you are looking for a home gym on a budget, the Total Gym Supreme is the best choice. It offers 60 exercise variations with 12 elevation levels and a weight capacity of 275lbs.
Pros:
- Depending on body weight for resistance.
- Its foldable feature makes it a great space saver.
- Easy to assemble.
- Senior-friendly home gym.
- Uses body weight for resistance training.
- Compared to Bowflex, it is in an affordable range.
Cons:
- Limited weight capacity as total Gym relies on bodyweight resistance.
- Lesser exercise variability when compared with Bowflex.
Who should consider Total Gym?
Total Gym is recommended for anyone looking for building strength and wants full-body workouts without doing much resistance exercise.
This home gym can be an excellent choice for people with small workout space, and it can be easily folded and tucked away after use.
Is Total Gym Worth The Money?
Total Gym offers a comprehensive home gym experience. They offer a wide selection of exercises and are indeed an all-in-one exercise machine. Given its price, the Total Gym is worth the money.
Bowflex Vs. Total Gym: in-Depth Comparison
Both Bowflex and Total Gym are the go-to brands for home gyms, yet there are some differences, although not a significant difference.
They both have a good customer base. If you are looking for a comparison of total Gym vs. Bowflex, this section will highlight the main differences.
Resistance
Both Bowflex and total gym use resistance as their core element when it comes to training.
The difference lies in the type of resistance used and the preference of the kind of resistance can be the decider for which fits best.
Bowflex uses power rod technology for resistance. Resistance rods have different weight resistance levels, which are expandable as per preference.
Total gyms use bodyweight for resistance, and the inclined glide board uses different elevation levels to increase or reduce the bodyweight resistance.
Exercise Variability
In Total Gym vs. Bowflex exercise variability, both have a wide exercise section available.
Bowflex home gym models have the upper hand regarding exercise variability, with its top models offering 100 variation exercises. It provides a comprehensive full-body workout.
Total gym best selling model total gym XLS tops with 85 exercise variations and six elevation levels.
You would also require additional accessories to increase the exercise variation. However, one advantage that it has over the other is the row trainer exercise.
Equipment size
Does size matter? Yes, it does, especially if it is a home gym in a small space or an apartment.
Although Total Gym and Bowflex are portable and built for small spaces, there is some difference in equipment size.
Bowflex home gym dimensions are comparatively larger than the Total Gym, and Bowflex requires more space and needs to be assembled. Due to its dimension and build, it is harder to store away.
Total Gyms, on the other hand, are a super space saver. Given its dimension, it does not take up much space, and it’s easily foldable and can tuck away after use.
Ease of Use
Bowflex, in terms of ease of use, performs quite reasonably. After being assembled, one can sit and start exercising on it. The Bowflex home gyms give the sense of a traditional gym workout.
Simplicity and ease of use with Total Gym are some of its features, and it does not require assembly every time one has to use it. Because it uses bodyweight, it can be the ideal fitness equipment for some.
Price
In terms of prices, Bowflex vs. Total Gym is rather hard to pin as the prices vary in terms of the model.
Bowflex line of home gym models, however, are comparatively priced higher.
Total gyms are priced lower than Bowflex but still priced higher when compared to other brands available.
Click here to check the price of Bowflex.
Click here to check the price of Total Gym.
Warranty
Bowflex offers a good warranty deal. They offer a lifetime on resistance rods and parts besides a 7-10 years warranty on machines.
Total Gym also offers a fair warranty deal with a lifetime warranty on frames but just six months on parts.
What Other People Say
Bowflex Reviews
Check users review: Bowflex.
Total Gym Reviews
Check users review: Total Gym.
FAQs
Which is better, the Bowflex or the Total Gym?
When it comes to which is better between Bowflex and Total Gym, the answer comes down to the type of workout style preferred by one.
Bowflex is best for a low-impact exercise that uses power rod resistance technology and weight resistance. Total Gym is best for building muscles using resistance from your body weight.
For overall fitness and comprehensive workout variation, Bowflex is a better product.
Can you build muscle with Total Gym?
Total Gym home exercise products are designed for building muscles, and it uses bodyweight in building muscle mass and strength training.
How long does it take to see results from a Bowflex?
If you are workout on a Bowflex machine, you can see improvements by four to eight weeks.
Does Bowflex give you a good workout?
Bowflex home gyms are known for low impact, strength training, and muscle-building exercises. It can give you a full-body workout.
Total Gym vs. Bowflex, which is better for losing weight?
While working out in both Total Gym and Bowflex, you will see changes in your body weight.
However, Bowflex offers adequate strength and resistance training that helps lose weight effectively.
Which is better for muscle build, Bowflex or Total Gym?
Both Bowflex and total gyms are designed for muscle building. The preference of the workout style might differ; however, Bowflex offers comprehensive workout and strength training that is better for muscle mass.
Wrapping up
As mentioned before, the preference of resistance type and focus area of the exercise will determine the choice of your home gym.
Total Gym is great for simplicity, ease of use, and muscle mass. For area focus, agility, and exercise variation, Bowflex is better.
Bowflex home gyms have the edge over Total Gym in overall performance and versatility. If you are looking for such features, Bowflex is your right fit.
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