The Space Required For A Bowflex Revolution Home Gym

Bowflex exercise machines have been around since the 1980s, and they use Power Rod resistance rather than weights to work out with. The Bowflex Revolution has emerged as the "top-of-class" Bowflex machine using a superior SpiraFlex resistance technology. An alternate model of the Revolution called the XP was available in the past and had a more compact design, but is no longer available in the Bowflex lineup. The original Revolution still was available as of 2011 and offers the most exercises out of the two models.

Space Requirement

The original Bowflex Revolution machine is 6 feet 1 inch tall, 9 feet 4 inches long and 3 feet 2 inchds wide. To use the machine comfortably and utilize all attachments properly, you will need a workout area of at least 10 feet long and 7 feet wide. You will need a 6 foot 1 inch height. The machine does fold up to a compact 55 inches by 38 inches area when not in use. It is possible to roll the machine out of the way by leaning it up onto the wheels and pushing, but it may take at least two people, due to the weight of the machine.

SpiraFlex Resistance

The Bowflex Revoluton utilizes patented SpiraFlex resistance technology. SpiraFlex was developed for use on the International Space Station to prevent the loss in bone mass that astronauts experience while in space. The plates are lightweight and stack onto the machine to create different levels of resistance. SpiraFlex resistance feels more like free weights than traditional Bowflex Power Rods, and they keep a consistent feel throughout the entire range of motion of an exercise. The Revolution offers between 10 to 300 lbs of resistance and up to 600 lbs for the leg press station.

Benefits of Resistance Training

According to a 2001 issue of "Preventive Medicine" journal, resistance training, as you will get on the Bowflex Revolution, provides huge physical benefits. The article states that resistance exercise training "has profound effects on the musculoskeletal system, contributes to the maintenance of functional abilities, and prevents osteoporosis, sarcopenia, lower-back pain, and other disabilities." The article also states that research has suggested health benefits such as an improvement in insulin resistance, resting metabolic rate, glucose metabolism, blood pressure, and body fat from resistance training just twice a week for 15 to 20 minutes.

Full Body Workout

The Bowflex Revolution offers a gym-style workout by giving you a wide range of exercises for the entire body. The seat slides back and forth to mimic a rowing machine for a cardio workout. More than 100 strength training exercises are available, with more than 400 variations due to the adjustable, independent-moving arms. Exercises include leg presses, preacher curls, bench presses, bicep curls, leg extensions, leg curls, and abdominal crunches.