Bowflex PR1000 Home Gym - Sam's Club $399

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 was in the market for something like this. Thanks for the insight. I think I'll look for a traditional setup instead.

I was in the market for something like this. Thanks for the insight. I think I'll look for a traditional setup instead.

Also appreciate the insight. Wondering folks' thoughts on if this would be a good option for my 78 year old father who misses the weight machines at the gym (he is at high covid risk). Thoughts on other at-home options? He is just looking to stay fit and able, not bulk up 😄

Just get a tonal.

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.