What Is The Resistance Of A Bowflex Pulley System?

Like most weight training machines, Bowflex gyms have a cable and pulley system, but unlike the typical weight machine, the cables do not attach to a weight stack. Bowflex home gyms use a different type of resistance than weight stacks or weighted plates like some gym machines use. The resistance on a Bowflex cable and pulley system comes from patented power rods that correspond to different weight amounts.

Power Rods

Bowflex makes their power rods out of a composite material that looks like rubber. The power rods sit vertically behind the Bowflex's upper main frame in a power rod pack. The hooks from the pulleys connect to the rod caps at the end of each power rod. You simply hook the bars that you want, then when you pull on the cables, the rods bend downward. The bars resist bending when you pull on them.

Stations

The cable and pulley system connects to the power rods at one end, but on the other end, the cables run through pulleys that go to different stations. Home gyms have multiple stations that allow you to perform a variety of exercises. The Bowflex has the low pulley station that connects to the leg developer, a middle station on a chest bar next to the bench and a high pulley station on the lat tower. When you pull on the handles, ankle cuff, lat bar or push against the leg rollers through various exercises, the cables then pull on the power rods. The Bowflex system gives you resistance from the power rods through the cables and pulleys no matter which station you use. Each model of the Bowflex is capable of different exercises and some have optional attachments as well. Consult your manual for exercise instructions.

Resistance Amounts

Most Bowflex models come with only 210 lbs. of resistance. This includes two 5-lb. rods, four 10-lb. rods, two 30-lb. rods and two 50-lb. rods. Each rod has a number on the top indicating the amount of corresponding weight. The 5-lb. rods are the thinnest, and the rods get thicker as they get heavier. The rod amounts sit side by side in pairs so there is one 5-, two 10-, one 30- and one 50-lb. rod on each side. This allows you to hook only one side to a cable pulley if you wish to exercise holding onto a single handle or ankle cuff. You can also use different weight amounts on each side of the machine.

Upgrades

The amount of resistance that some Bowflex machines come standard with will not be enough for everyone. Upgrades are available to 310 and 410 lbs. These upgrades are simply additional power rods you attach the cables to. No adjustments to the cable and pulley system are necessary. Even the upgrade to 410 lbs. may not be enough for people with strong legs or who train with very heavy weights for maximal strength gains, and Bowflex home gyms are not ideal for people with these goals. Upgrades are available for the Bowflex Sport, Blaze, Elite, Ultimate and Ultimate 2 and Xtreme series.