Bowflex PR1000 Home Gym (Discontinued)

I will openly admit that I was highly skeptical of the Bowflex for a long time before I actually bought it. Simply put, it seemed a bit too much like one of the many fitness gimmicks or fads out there. I had previously been going to a 24 hour fitness gym routinely (i.e., 2-4 times a week) for the past 2-3 years, which I liked and enjoyed. However, after I had a baby, my time starting becoming increasingly limited and so I finally decided to gamble on a Bowflex from Amazon.I have had it now for a little over 3 months and wanted to wait to review it because I really wanted to spend some time evaluating it (again, was very skeptical). I feel comfortable doing so now. I will list my observations below:1. The price and free shipping through Amazon were unbeatable. Although you can pick this older version of the Bowflex up at Academy Sports and many other big chain stores for a similar price, having it delivered to your garage was very nice and convenient.2. Assembly was really very simple, and I'm not mechanic at all. It took me about an hour and was very easy/unproblematic.3. The machine is very sturdy -- sturdier than I anticipated in fact. I don't see it failing structurally anytime soon.4. The power rods are also very sturdy. I actually set out with the mindset that I'm going to try to break the damn things (not literally, but not hold back on them) and just see if they hold up. Thus far, they have been amazing.5. The versality of the system -- while obviously not a full gym -- is really pretty amazing. You can get a nice full body workout with it. Granted, you will lose the ability to do some of the exercises available in a full gym or on some bigger much more expensive systems, but I've honestly gotten more ripped and in better shape with the Bowflex than I did after years of going to the gym doing free weight and machine training, so that downside is really minimized or offset by the end result.6. I was very concerned about the seemingly low resistance weight (supposedly 210 lbs, which seemed like a joke), but not anymore. I am an average sized guy (5'11", 175) and it is more than adequate. Granted, I'm not trying to become a body-builder with this thing, but instead trying to get a good, strong resistance workout and have been able to do just that with resistance weight (rods) to spare. No concerns at all with resistance level/weight (some folks have complained about the weight being lighter than what it is supposed to be, but even if it is, it hasn't affected me at all. Just find your preferred resistance and you are set; the numbers really don't matter once you learn the system, which is quick to do).7. Using the machine is incredibly efficient. I can now get nearly the same workout I was getting at my 24-hr gym in literally half the time (or actually less) with no waiting and super quick change outs between exercises, the latter of which I was initially worried about being too burdensome. It's not at all. Super fast and efficient.8. Regarding the size, it is about what you'd expect from a standard bench press set-up, only it folds up nicely. I have mine in the garage and have no complaints about its size or space and neither does my wife.9. Regarding the resistance exercise vs. standard weight and machine training issue/debate, there is a difference and it does take a little bit to get used to, but I did within the first work-out or two and now very much prefer resistance training. You get resistance both ways and have a greater range of motion than most gym machines (and with free weights you often need some type of support).That is about it. I have come to love this thing and am very glad I got it. I can now workout at home anytime I want to without waiting and really enjoy it. It is super fast and efficient and very sturdy and challenging. It is a brilliant machine and concept and I highly recommend it if you have the right expectations.

**Update 2 years later below***This review is for the Bow flex PR1000 and my use of it over the last 3 months.I don't think it's necessary to go into great detail concerning the shipping etc. but the machine is packaged very well.Assembly time- With me and a friend it took about 1 hour.Quality- I was surprised on the quality of the machine. It is sturdy and very well made. After three months it is holding up as it did on the first day.Workouts- There is a lot of workouts you can do on this machine. I would highly recommend the bow flex body plan book as it is a valuable reference.Concerning the workouts the point of the Bow flex is resistance. Each motion of exercise should be controlled.Workout results-With dieting I have lost 35 lbs. and using the bow flex only 3 times a week for approx. 30 minutes a workout.Other Models- I was somewhat overwhelmed at the different models and Bow flex nor do reviews on Amazon really help in this area. After doing exhaustive research I found the main difference between this model and the Pr3000 is mostly the Pr3000 comes with 100 extra lbs. of resistance. For another 500 bucks, they can keep it.*Side note. There are numerous articles and videos showing how you can add more power bars/replace with higher weight without buying a more expensive model. It's actually quite easy.Free weights vs. Bow flex. You will have friends and so called experts argue one over the other. Through my own experience now and in the past, the bow flex concentrates on and makes you use smaller muscles you thought you never had.Will you top out the weights/power bars is a concern I had when buying this. At this point the answer is no. If you're looking to be the next Mr. Olympia then you wouldn't be buying this anyways. But the short answer is this will get you in shape, tone or add some bulk, depending on your workouts. And will continue to do so for years to come.Space required- This is not a small machine so a good 8x10 area is recommended for use.Does it work? - The answer is yes as long as you use it.You will see results as long as the machine is used and you diet.Overall rating- The Bow flex pr1000 definitely is worth the money. The machine is well made and will do its job.**Update Two Years Later*This machine has helped me lose 60llbs of fat in a healthy way, that is not starving myself but by exercising. I have been going to a local gym and still the use bow flex when I am short on time or the weather is bad.I can now speak from experience from using both the Bow flex and free weights in a gym. The bow flex will still do its job and do it well. The key is still to do the exercises slowly. For example, when doing a bench press don't jerk up, push up counting to three, hold, and then come down in three.It will hit the little muscles and will really sculpt you.Works excellent, rods are fine, it has stayed together nicely.The bowflex works if you use it!