The Bowflex line of home gyms and Weider Crossbow are competitors in the multi-station home gym market. Both machines utilize resistance technology rather than steel weights, and come in a variety of models. When comparing these workout machines, you must examine comparable models and determine if they fit your overall workout goals and budget.
Resistance
The main difference between Bowflex machines and the Weider Crossbow line is the type of resistance they use. Bowflex machines employ either vertical rods, called power rods, or SpiraFlex discs, which are discs with elastic bands wrapped around the middle of them. During exercise, the user selects the resistance setting by attaching cables to the power rods or by turning a dial on the SpiraFlex disc. Weider Crossbow machines use horizontal bars that a cable and pulley system is attached to during exercises. The more expensive Crossbow machines, such as the Weider Platinum, change the resistance setting by selecting a desired weight on a digital console.
Features
When comparing similar models of Bowflex and Crossbow machines, such as the basic Weider Crossbow and the Bowflex Sport, the similarities between the rivals are apparent. The Crossbow comes standard with a bench press, leg extension, lat pull down, rowing and squatting stations, and can accomplish more than 65 exercises. The Bowflex Sport has the same workout stations and can accomplish more than 70 exercises, though some of the extra exercises are only slight variations on other exercises. Both machines come standard with 210 lbs. of resistance that can be upgraded with the purchase of additional equipment.
Size
The similarity in design principles between the Bowflex and Crossbow machines means that they are comparable in size to each other. The basic Weider Crossbow measures 76 inches long by 66 inches wide by 60 inches high when fully assembled. The Bowflex Sport is 56 inches long by 50 inches wide by 83 inches high. Bowflex home gyms that utilize power rods need additional room on either side of the machine while in operation because the rods are bent outward during a repetition.
Considerations
Bowflex home gyms are typically sold directly from their manufacturer, Nautilus, and carry longer warranties than Weider Crossbow models. However, the Crossbow is consistently cheaper than the Bowflex, and is more widely available from third party retailers like Wal-Mart and Sears. Reviewers of the Crossbow typically rate it as having slightly less quality than the Bowflex, though this may be offset by the smaller price of the machine.
Expert Insight
Brett Spottke, a certified fitness trainer, writing for the Exercise Equipment Expert website, believes that a majority of the Weider Crossbow machines should be avoided. While he does state that the basic models provide a comparable and cheaper alternative to Bowflex home gyms, he notes that the more expensive models are laden with "gimmicky" features that do not add value.
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