Customer Reviews

Just an FYI.
*I am writing this 'review' not from the standpoint of purchaser, but rather from the standpoint of informer.
I hope this can save someone from maybe buying the wrong Revolution.* There are 3 different Bowflex Revolutions. There is the 'regular' model (the Bowflex Revolution) (footprint of app. 3'X 8'), then the [space-saving] Revolution XP, and also the [space-saving] Bowflex Revolution FT (footprint(s) of app. 4'X5'). It seems as though the FT does NOT come with a seat/chair/bench (unless "added on"). Some [other] places offer the 3.1 bench included in the price of the FT. Purchaser should be aware that unless added, no bench will come with FT (again, this is from my research..please correct me if I am wrong). I am needing a bench that is able to be 'attached' to the unit, so the bench is stable...not wobble-like, or shaky ; therefore, I am opting for the XP.
The "FT" is the retail version of the Revolution. Also, I personally see no provision(s) for a [true] preacher curl. I love the design and footprint of the [space-saving] Revolution(s), just wanted to clear up a potentially confusing situation.
These are my issues. But I have 2 complaints with the Bowflex Blaze. First, when folded up the Lat Bar does not rest on its mountings, so it likes to fall when moving the machine. Second, I am 6-4 and due to the limits of the cables and bench there are a couple of exercises I can't do properly. These include Any Lying exercise (Lying Leg Extension, Resisted Reverse Crunch, etc) and Overhead exercises that begin at the Chest Bar Pulley (French Press and Seated Shoulder Press). This is not a deal breaker though since there are many other exercises that will work these same muscles, just not from that angle.
And I agree that the Power Rods do not seem to meet their advertised resistances. But that would only matter if you switch between the Bowflex and free weights. If the Bowflex is your only weight training machine then it really doesn't matter because you will still make gains and increase your workouts.

Bowflex Revolution FT (product and customer service review).
I have been working out on my new Bowflex  Revolution FT for just a few days. So far I am incredibly impressed with the workouts and the level of flexibility of the FT. I opted for the FT because I think that not having the bench attached to the actually unit gives me a little bit more flexibility in my work outs..the bench in my opinion would get in the way. I bought an after market bench from Target. It works perfectly and is an added plus when I move to my selecttech dumbbells.
First lets talk about the setup. Setup was pretty simple. The directions are straight forward and well put together. I ran into a snag at the end when I noticed that one of the chords was off track inside the actual housing of the FT. Customer service was closed for the weekend so I had to wait until Monday. Bowflex should either place these instructions online or include them in a troubleshooting guide. All in all there wasn't much to it. Customer service is great. On to the workouts.
To get the most out of the FT or any Bowflex with the spiralflex tech remember these words.."Form Is EVERYTHING" 4 seconds out and 4 seconds in, is the rhythm needed to get the max out of your workout. You will have to experiment with the spiraflex plates to figure out what works for you but once you find that sweet spot you will be rewarded. The workouts are intense and give you a great amount of "burn" and feedback. I group my exercises so that I can work a couple of different muscles in a given arm and grip position.
Here is my only negative...The chords loose their tension after a few sessions. Bowflex has a knob that you turn that is suppose to tighten the slack when this happens. Every time I touch that knob to adjust the tension the chord becomes tangled and I have to open the whole thing up to straighten it out again. I hope it's something I'm doing wrong, and very well maybe..but it is annoying.
Conclusion...Buy it! The FT is a couple of hundred bucks cheaper than the Bowflex Revolution XP and works just as well as the others. It really doesn't take up that much space I think it would fit perfect in an apartment or loft. My motivation for buying it was to spend more time at home with the family and less time on the road to and from the gym. To that end the Bowflex is just right for me!

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