Bowflex PR1000 Home Gym - Sam's Club $399

Having recently purchased one of these used (3yr old), something I wish I'd been aware of beforehand is the fact that, unlike traditional iron/steel weights, these begin to wear out pretty quickly (e.g. sometimes less than 3yrs, as I discovered). The rods will begin to sag/bend, at which time they provide much less resistance - and they are very expensive to replace (nearly the cost of weights - ~$30 for 30lb resistance bar). Bowflex actually makes a conditioner/rejuvenator brace that's supposed to help with this issue, but it's sold separately for about $20 - and most people don't discover the need for this, since it's not included, until after the bars begin to sag.

Any way to see local stock at sams without calling? Interested to maybe add this to my existing setup for some variety

You can check with the app.

Any way to see local stock at sams without calling? Interested to maybe add this to my existing setup for some variety

To those used to working out with free weights this machine will feel horrible. The rods change their resistance as you go through the motion. The first 50% of the motion will feel like it's at 1/3 to 1/2 of the resistance you wanted, the next 25% will feel like the resistance you actually wanted and the last 25% will feel like twice the resistance you wanted. After years of using free weights I absolutely hated the experience.

Wouldn't the change in resistance type be good for variety? I am asking as a serious question. I have a big set of power blocks but like the idea of adding some new exercises to keep things a little fresh. I have had a very difficult time switching to workout at home since COVID (and now having two small children)

I understand the justification for systems like this - cost, space, actual weight (moving), etc,.

Having recently purchased one of these used (3yr old), something I wish I'd been aware of beforehand is the fact that, unlike traditional iron/steel weights, these begin to wear out pretty quickly (e.g. sometimes less than 3yrs, as I discovered). The rods will begin to sag/bend, at which time they provide much less resistance - and they are very expensive to replace (nearly the cost of weights - ~$30 for 30lb resistance bar). Bowflex actually makes a conditioner/rejuvenator brace that's supposed to help with this issue, but it's sold separately for about $20 - and most people don't discover the need for this, since it's not included, until after the bars begin to sag.

Also, the box that the bars are mounted to is plastic and can break - and that will cost you ~$30-40 to replace.

When considering size, remember to consider the additional space required to allow the rods to bend - they come out a couple/few feet when being pulled, so plan accordingly (e.g. don't think that you can shove it in a corner if that's what you had in mind.).

Lastly, regardless of the things said online by users (many who are salespeople or sponsors), the resistance provided by these absolutely does not feel like the same weight/load you get from weights. Even after replacing the bars, the first ~6-8 inches of movement has little resistance, which I believe would make it a less effective workout when compared to traditional systems (I've essentially given up using this system and have gone back to my ~200lbs of vinyl weights).

Again, to each their own - we all have different needs and wants when it comes to equipment. This thing is pretty light and so far easier to move than a traditional weight-based setup. This does provide you with a variety of exercises, comparable to a traditional home gym system. That said, knowing what I know now, I wish I'd have just put my money into 200lbs of free weights or towards a traditional weight-based setup (which is exactly what I am in the market for, as I look to get rid of the Bowflex) - but again, different needs/wants, so take my observations for what they're worth to you.

I understand the justification for systems like this - cost, space, actual weight (moving), etc,.

Having recently purchased one of these used (3yr old), something I wish I'd been aware of beforehand is the fact that, unlike traditional iron/steel weights, these begin to wear out pretty quickly (e.g. sometimes less than 3yrs, as I discovered). The rods will begin to sag/bend, at which time they provide much less resistance - and they are very expensive to replace (nearly the cost of weights - ~$30 for 30lb resistance bar). Bowflex actually makes a conditioner/rejuvenator brace that's supposed to help with this issue, but it's sold separately for about $20 - and most people don't discover the need for this, since it's not included, until after the bars begin to sag.

Also, the box that the bars are mounted to is plastic and can break - and that will cost you ~$30-40 to replace.

When considering size, remember to consider the additional space required to allow the rods to bend - they come out a couple/few feet when being pulled, so plan accordingly (e.g. don't think that you can shove it in a corner if that's what you had in mind.).

Lastly, regardless of the things said online by users (many who are salespeople or sponsors), the resistance provided by these absolutely does not feel like the same weight/load you get from weights. Even after replacing the bars, the first ~6-8 inches of movement has little resistance, which I believe would make it a less effective workout when compared to traditional systems (I've essentially given up using this system and have gone back to my ~200lbs of vinyl weights).

Again, to each their own - we all have different needs and wants when it comes to equipment. This thing is pretty light and so far easier to move than a traditional weight-based setup. This does provide you with a variety of exercises, comparable to a traditional home gym system. That said, knowing what I know now, I wish I'd have just put my money into 200lbs of free weights or towards a traditional weight-based setup (which is exactly what I am in the market for, as I look to get rid of the Bowflex) - but again, different needs/wants, so take my observations for what they're worth to you.

Wouldn't the change in resistance type be good for variety? I am asking as a serious question. I have a big set of power blocks but like the idea of adding some new exercises to keep things a little fresh. I have had a very difficult time switching to workout at home since COVID (and now having two small children)

I don't own this particular model. I have the Xtreme SE. I've been using it for 3+ years. It's definitely not something that you're gonna get swole up big using which I don't think that's what it's intended for. I use it 3 days a week along with dumbbells and other exercises. If used properly, I think there are benefits to it. You can't just do 14 reps in 20 seconds. Doesn't work like that. Slow reps will definitely make you feel the burn on most exercises. Do 3 sets of 14 reps of biceps curls. I personally haven't had an issue with the rods. They tend to be more flexible when the temperature is warmer and stiffer when it's colder. Not an issue for me. I always keep the strap around them when not in use. On my model, you can add more rods but like stated above, they are expensive. My only complaints are the clips and connectors have rusted some. For someone wanting to get into exercising to stay in shape and don't have goals of getting big, I think something like this would work. If you follow the instructions on each exercise, you'll see benefits.