Bowflex PR3000 Does Everything I Need

Brief story - months ago I was in the market for a home gym that uses free weights but I happened to try out the PR3000 at Sports Authority and I really liked it. We bought another unit but it didn't turn out to be exactly what we needed and eventually I found myself remembering the PR3000 fondly.



When we finally decided to go with a Bowflex for a couple reasons - less weight on our floor and not having to move weights around our apartment. I thought I'd go for one of the long ones that let you do rowing and - I thought - leg curls. But after I tried the units with rowing I didn't actually care for the slightly loose feeling in the seat when it was locked in place and I also discovered that some Blowflex don't do leg curls and others have a complicated way of doing them.



So I went back and tried out the PR3000 again - and it was as much fun to use as I remembered it plus it has a no-cable-changes design that made switching exercises easier. So I tried a workaround someone reviewing a different Bowflex on Amazon recommended for another unit which was basically do the leg curls while standing and facing the unit. I tried that on the PR3000 at the store and it worked fine for me so I finally got it and I love using it.



The pluses:



* It doesn't take much floor space

* I don't have to move heavy weights around during my workout

* It's very quiet

* No cable changes keeps workouts moving along

* Motion is smooth (smoother than the Weider Platinum)

* Very good assembly directions

* A lot of things adjust for different sized people

* Top pulleys are on hook-and-eyes so that they swivel

* Can be upgraded to 310 pounds

* Very well-made more attention to detail than other equipment we've had



The minuses:



* Doesn't come with a lat bar although you can do pulldowns with the hand grips

* The manual isn't as detailed as other Bowflex units although still better than most other home gyms.

* Very short warranty on smaller parts. I got an extended warranty.

* Bows resistance isn't the weight specified (I measured and it's lighter) but there was still more than enough resistance to give me a burn. Larger men and very fit people should probably get the 310 lb upgrade pretty quickly.

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Decent product if you can find a door that will shut with it on

Well let me start off by saying I bought this yesterday (Valentine's Day) returned it today because I couldn't find a door that would shut with the equipment installed. I'm disappointed because I think it would be a good exercise product & I was really looking forward to trying it out. I gave it 4 stars because of the price quality & ease of installing/removing & storing it. I'd like to give it 3.5 stars though b/c I couldn't find a place to use it in my apartment. Also shop around.... I bought mine at a local Dick's store for $99.99 plus tax didn't have to wait (or pay) for delivery.



Pros:

- Seemed well made for the price. (Didn't get to use it so don't know about longevity but nice out of the box)

- EXTREMELY easy to install. From the box to installed in 10 minutes. Very easy to put up take down & store. (I easily moved it around to every door in my apartment trying to find a good place to use it)

- Small light weight & portable.



Cons:

- The brackets that go over the door are wide so they'll fit over thick doors. They don't fit thin doors very well.

- Instructions which you don't see until you buy it recommend installing the X-Factor on the side of the door that closes against the door jamb (for example most doors open into a room so you would have to install it & exercise on the side of the door that's in the hallway). The reason is to increase the strength of the door as you pull against it during exercise. They don't come right out & say it but this reduces the chance that your door could bust open & fling against you during your workout. Referring back to my example if you're exercising inside the room the only thing holding the door shut is the door latch.

- There MUST be at least 1/8" clearance between the top of the door & door frame (header). Same for the bottom of the door & the floor (sill). This is so the bracket can fit between the door & the frame/floor when you shut the door w/ the X-Factor installed. This is where I had problems and had to return it without any chance of using it. I found reviews on other websites (sorry can't recall where) that a few people had the same problem but didn't give details so I took my chances. One person said they trimmed the door shorter to fix the problem. I'm a renter so that's not an option. Another point to be aware of if your doors are hollow core not solid wood trimming them shorter may reduce their strength and when you start pulling on them w/ the X-Factor you may end up damaging your door & hurting yourself.



So before you buy this check your doors to make sure there's enough clearance & that you can install it in a place where you'll enjoy working out & be able to watch the videos too (back to my example... I don't know anyone who has a t.v. & dvd player in their hall).



Also Google around for other reviews. It seemed like there was a mix beginners & pros and there was a variety of opinions. The pros felt it was a good "back-up" but wouldn't give up their pro equipment and the beginners thought it was a good product to start with.



Not sure if this will add to your decision or not or your opinion on my review... so here's a little about me:

I'm a 34 yr old female. I work in an office all day and am very disgusted w/ how out of shape I've become from sitting on my butt for up to 70 hrs a week. I want something that will exercise my whole body and can be used in short or long time frames for a good work out. I also want something that doesn't take up a lot of space & is easy to move around as necessary and yah doesn't cost a fortune either. I really thought I struck gold w/ X-Factor. Bummer... the search continues.



Good luck in the frustrating quest to find exercise equipment that's right for you!More detail ...

Great Product


This just arrived today. Took about 2 hours to assemble but it's pretty easy. I almost bought this from another site because they were going to assemble it (would've been 200 extra dollars for that) and I am very glad I did it myself.



This unit is extremely sturdy and well put together. I was a bit nervous to buy this because I have young kids I did not want to trash it. Believe me they couldn't! This is far too well-designed and durable.



Worked out for about an hour and I love it. Lots of exercises you can do (both muscular and cardio) and you can really feel it.



As others have noted on other models I can see how the weights (200 lbs) might not be enough but I am not looking to become the Incredible Hulk. This unit is perfect to stay fit and not let those holiday meals get the upper hand.



I really recommend this to anyone who wants to work at home and does not want to be bored with the same old routine (treadmill stationary bike etc.)



Great job Bowflex!More detail ...