The Bowflex line of home gyms has been widely available since the Power Pro line was introduced in 1996. Since then, the Nautilus-owned company has produced more than 20 different gyms that utilize their signature Power Rod technology. Two popular low end Bowflex models are the Motivator 2 and Blaze, which are both compact and offer a variety of exercises while still being priced less than the club quality, high end models.
Function
The Bowflex home gyms are designed to provide you with a full body workout in a single machine. Both the Blaze and Motivator 2 models are capable of delivering total body workouts, with the Motivator 2 offering more than 50 exercises and the Blaze offering slightly more than 60. Both machines have exercises that target your chest, shoulders, back, arms, abdominals and legs.
Features
The Blaze and Motivator 2 both come standard with 210 lbs. of resistance, a lat tower and a leg extension attachment. Both machines have a workout area footprint of 100 inches by 78 inches, but the Motivator 2 folds up more compactly than the Blaze, measuring 28 inches by 34 inches. Both machines come with a fitness manual that has specially designed fitness programs to target muscle building, fat burning or cardiovascular training depending on your fitness needs. The Bowflex Blaze offers at least one additional exercise for the chest, back, arms and legs when compared to the Motivator 2, and in most cases offers more.
Identification
Though the machines are very similar, the Bowflex Blaze is distinguishable from the Motivator 2 by its leg extension attachment, which has three sets of foot holds for more exercises. The lat tower of the Blaze also has a stabilizing guide bar and a workout placard attachment so you can view your workout plan easily while using the machine. The Blaze also has a squat bar attachment that can be used with the leg cables.
Considerations
The biggest consideration when choosing between the Blaze and Motivator 2 is the upgradeability of the machines. The Blaze can be upgraded to 410 lbs. of resistance by purchasing additional sets of Power Rods. The Motivator 2, however, is one of the few Bowflex home gyms that is not upgradeable. For some people, 210 lbs. of resistance can prove to be too little weight when doing some of the leg exercises or the bench press.
Availability
As of September 2010, neither the Blaze nor Motivator 2 is offered directly through Bowflex's home gym website. The Motivator 2 is available from online retailers for slightly less, however, costing around $625 as compared to Blaze's $799. Power Rod upgrades are available through Bowflex's website for a price of $99 for a set of two 50-lb. rods.
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