The BioForce gym is marketed by Fitness Quest as a cheaper alternative to the popular Bowflex home gyms. Both types of gyms use resistance systems instead of traditional weights, and can be used to accomplish exercises for every major muscle group in the body. As of December 2010, both gyms are available for purchase through TV infomercials or online.
Resistance System
The biggest difference between BioForce and Bowflex home gyms is the type of resistance each machine utilizes. Bowflex machines use vertical, bending rods called power rods or wound elastic bands in "Spiraflex" discs as their form of resistance. BioForce gyms have a horizontal bar on the back of the machine that houses two nitrogen-filled cylinders. When you pull on the exercise cables, the cylinders compress to add resistance. Changing the resistance level on both machines is a quicker process than loading weight plates onto traditional barbells.
Exercises
BioForce gyms are designed to accomplish more than 100 exercises. Bowflex gyms range in the amount of exercises you can accomplish, from just over 30 to more than 100, depending on the model. The machines from both companies come with various workout stations, such as an inclined bench press, lat tower, curl pad and leg developer. BioForce home gyms come with a workout DVD to help you organize your program effectively, while Bowflex machines come with a comprehensive workout and diet manual to optimize your results.
Size
BioForce gyms are available in two models: 1.7 and 2.2. Both are similar in size, measuring 52 3/4 inches in length, 65 inches wide and 82 inches tall. Bowflex gyms vary in size depending on model, but BioForce gyms are most comparable to the Bowflex Xtreme 2 in size, which measures 58 inches long by 49 inches wide by 83 inches tall. Both gyms have a relatively compact workout footprint, but require high ceilings for assembly. More basic Bowflex models, like the Classic, can be folded up for storage when not in use, a feature lacking in the BioForce gyms.
Price
As of December 2010, Bowflex home gyms are available at a wider variety of price points to suit your budget. The Classic costs about $650, and at the opposite end of the spectrum is the Bowflex Revolution, at around $3,000. BioForce gyms hit a middle price point, ranging in cost from about $900 to $1,000. Determining which gym is right for you is a matter of finding the right mix of features, comfort and exercises to fit your budget.
Member Comments