At first glance, the Bowflex Blaze Home Gym may look like a completely perfect option for anyone interested in getting a complete workout in the comfort of their own home. As is the case with almost any product, there are at least a few minor issues that you should be fully aware of before you make the final purchasing decision. Read on to get the full scoop.

Exercises

You can use the Bowflex Blaze Home Gym to perform arm, shoulder, chest, ab, back, leg, and ab exercises. It adds up to 60 total exercise options, meaning this gym offers one of the most varied workout experiences you will find on the market.

The Blaze allows for more than 60 exercises and offers 210 pounds of Power Rod resistance.

This system comes with a lat tower and lat bar that is specifically designed to target back and shoulder muscles. Two attachments — the leg curl and leg extension attachments — make it simple to strengthen legs. If you want to perform squats, you will be thrilled to find a squat station comes included. The rail guided seat allows for aerobic rowing and leg presses.

Perhaps best of all, creating custom workouts is a cinch thanks to features like multi-function handgrips and ankle cuffs.

Resistance

Bowflex home gyms are known for their Power Rod Technology. The rods on the Bowflex Blaze Home Gym are strong and durable, and they are backed by a lifetime warranty. The system comes with capability up to 210 pounds of resistance, and it is possible to upgrade to either 310 pounds or 410 pounds.

The Power Rods are supposed to deliver an intense workout that is easy on the joints and capable of delivering a completely pain free experience. Some users have expressed doubts about the “pain free” claim made by the manufacturer. You can read more about it in the “Any Complaints” section below.

Assembly and Storage

Assembly can be a lengthy process — many users report spending more than two hours putting the system together — but it is relatively free of stress and frustration due to the clear and detailed instructions.

Storage is aided by the folding design of the Bowflex Blaze Home Gym. It will fold down to a size of 52 x 38 inches.

Warranty

Users receive two generous warranties when they purchase the Bowflex Blaze Home Gym. A five-year warranty covers the construction and a lifetime warranty covers the Power Rods.

Dimensions

The system measures 90 x 38 x 83 inches and has a shipping weight of 214 pounds. The manufacturer suggests a workout area of 8’ 4” by 6’ 6”. During storage, the system folds down into dimensions of 52 x 38 inches.

User Reviews

It is clear that the Bowflex Blaze Home Gym is very popular with consumers. More than 80 users have weighed in with their opinion on Amazon. The average rating of these reviews is out of 5 stars, which is about as high as you will find for any piece of exercise equipment.

Many users have pointed the wide range of exercises as their favorite feature of this home gym. Others have pointed to the quality of the components and the overall sturdiness. It also is common for users to point out that using this product is much safer than using free weights.

Any Complaints?

There are a few minor complaints mixed in with all the positive feedback from users. Some very tall users have complained about the fact that it is essentially impossible for them to perform a few exercises on this machine. Others have suggested that the resistance is not up to the level listed by the manufacturer.

Perhaps the most important issue that could affect the most users is the backstrap on this system. Some users have said the this strap can dig into the skin during workouts, causing pain.

Final Recommendation

While the Bowflex Blaze Home Gym is more expensive than many of its competitors, it also offers a significantly better workout experience. It is clearly constructed of finer materials and should have no problem staying in great shape for many years to come. If you have the money to spend on a high end home gym, this should be at the top of your list.

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Exercises

The Total Gym 1100 allows users to perform up to 60 different kinds of workouts. That is a tremendous amount of variety to get out of one device.

What can you do with these different exercises? Users report that the device is great for everything from lower and upper body workouts to strength and cardio workouts. If you use the Total Gym 1100 properly, it can help you shed pounds, tone and sculpt your body, and improve your cardio and aerobic fitness.

This kit comes with two attachments that contribute to the workout variety. Wing and leg attachments help you target different parts of your body in a safe and effective way. A glide board also provides quality strength and sculpting exercises.

Resistance

This at-home workout device utilizes strength provided by the user, along with gravity, to create natural resistance that is good for the body. Sometimes weights can have a negative impact on joints and muscles. By counterbalancing the weight of the user against gravity, the Total Gym 1100 can create a smooth resistance that is also challenging.

Assembly and Storage

Assembly is not going to be a problem. Most users report that it only takes them approximately 20 to 30 minutes to complete the assembly process. While this is not the lightest home gym product on the market, it still has a reasonable weight that should be easy for one person to manage.

The 1100 is billed as easy to fold and store, but some users have taken exception with that claim. For some, folding and unfolding the Total Gym is not as easy as claimed. This may not be true for every model. Perhaps it is a bit of a quality control issue. Once it is folded, it will fit conveniently under a bed or inside a closet.

Warranty

The product comes with a full warranty that lasts for one year. If you decide you want to return your Total Gym 1100 within the first 30 days, you can receive a full refund.

Dimensions

When unfolded, the 1100 measures 99.5 x 43.75 x 16 inches. Note that the sliding bench may not have sufficient width to comfortably accommodate users who are significantly overweight. The product weighs 54 pounds.

User Reviews

With an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from more than 90 reviewers on Amazon, it is clear that the Total Gym 1100 is very popular with customers.

Users point to the wide variety of exercise options, the affordability of the entire package, and the effectiveness of the overall workout experience as the main advantages offered by this product.

Any Complaints?

While there are plenty of positive reviews out there, some people have commented on a few minor limitations. Not all users are thrilled with the resistance system offered in the Total Gym 1100. Some people simply prefer the experience of working with traditional weights. Other users have remarked that the product is difficult to move to another part of the house once it has been installed.

Final Recommendation

The Total Gym 1100 has a sturdy frame that can support a wide variety of workouts for years to come. It is no surprise that it has garnered very positive reviews from users. As long as you understand that the resistance system does have some limitations, you should be very happy with the workout experience you get from this product.

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Exercises

The Bodyblade Exerciser only allows for six basic exercises. This does not compare favorably to other home gym products that at least claim to offer up to 60 different kinds of exercises. However, this product does seem to do a very good job of getting the most out of their six options. Combined, they allow a user to effectively work on all of the major muscle groups.

Resistance

This product has a unique resistance design that truly sets it apart from other home gyms. While several other products on the market offer a design that utilizes the strength and power of the user effectively, this one goes a step further with its use of low level vibration and inertia.

The Bodyblade Exerciser changes direction at a rapid rhythm of 4.5 cycles per second. According to the manufacturer, this forces the user’s body to react up to 270 times per minute. The cumulative effect of the resistance the user puts up against the force of the constantly moving blade leads to a very effective workout experience.

The user can adjust the amount of resistance they want by either pushing or pulling on the blade. The harder you push or pull, the more resistance that will form in the blade, which in turn will require more force from you to neutralize the blade’s movement.

The variable resistance you can generate will range from one to 22 pounds of force.

This is a relatively complex workout. Some users find that it requires too much coordination. In most cases, people should expect a brief period of getting used to using this device before they fully enjoy its benefits.

Assembly and Storage

Assembly and storage are both very easy due mainly to the fact the Bodyblade Exerciser is extremely lightweight.

Warranty

No warranty or money back guarantees are found on the product description. Check with the manufacturer if you want to be completely sure. However, it looks like you are going to have to purchase this device on faith without any coverage from warranties or money back guarantees. Some users have reported that there is little to no customer support available from the company that manufactures this product.

Dimensions

The product is 48 inches in length and 1.75 inches in width. It only weight 1.5 pounds, making it extremely portable.

User Reviews

The user reviews could not be much more positive. It is rare to see any piece of exercise equipment top the average rating of out of 5 stars from Amazon reviewers. The Bodyblade Exerciser currently has an average rating of out of 5 stars from more than 65 reviewers.

Many users dub this product the best all-around exercise device that they have ever used. It gets especially high marks from people with back conditions and similar limitations. The resistance system on this product seems to create an effective but safe workout that does not harm people with limitations due to injuries or conditions.

Any Complaints?

Some people find that the device requires too much coordination. This is a relatively rare complaint, but maybe one that some people should take note of. Other users have complained that the manufacturer offers a very poor level of customer support. Some people used to the effect of traditional weights may not find the resistance level to be totally satisfying. Again, that was a relatively rare complaint. More than 80 percent of reviewers gave this product a rating of out of 5.

Final Recommendation

If you are looking for a lightweight, portable home gym system that can provide an effective workout, the Bodyblade Exerciser comes highly recommended from the vast majority of users. There are no major complaints to watch out for. It is likely that you will have a very positive experience with this product.

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Exercises

There are many different kinds of exercises that the Total Gym XLS Trainer allows a user to do. The entire package includes a pulley and cable system, a glide board that comes with a head support, a squat stand, a pilates kit, and some attachments and accessories. Several workout tools and workout guides also are included. With all of this at your disposal, you will be on the track to great results from pull ups, squats, handstand push ups, and much more.

While the Total Gym XLS Trainer does offer a diverse workout experience, it may not be a true “total” gym. Many users find that they also require dumbbells or other weight sets in order to have a maximum effect on all muscle groups.

Resistance

The Total Gym XLS Trainer has a gravity-based resistance system. It can provide users with a smooth and fluid workout routine at any intensity level. Thanks to the configuration of the total gym and the easily adjustable resistance setting, the Total Gym XLS Trainer can make it possible for users to execute exercises that would otherwise be extremely difficult or impossible.

It is possible to add even more resistance with the optional weight bar. This allows users to create very challenging levels of resistance.

Assembly and Storage

Very little assembly is required to get the Total Gym XLS Trainer up and running. When it is not in use, you can fold it down to a very manageable size, making storage easy and convenient.

Warranty

The system comes with a six month warranty for all parts. Check with the manufacturer for other warranty details.

Dimensions

The dimensions of an unfolded Total Gym XLS Trainer are 19 x 90 x 43 inches. Notice that this system is well over seven feet in length when it is unfolded. This could be a problem for people dealing with cramped spaces. Make sure you have enough room in your home to accommodate the length of the Total Gym XLS Trainer before you make a purchase. When folded, the system is 19 x 51 x 9 inches.

User Reviews

The Total Gym XLS Trainer has receive very positive reviews from users. The average rating on Amazon is 4.6 stars out of 5. Almost 200 people have already weighed in with their opinion.

Most of the positive reviews center on the fact that the included attachments, accessories, and instructional workout materials add a lot to the overall experience. In general, users seem to find that the system is well built and holds up to intense workouts. Many also claim that they feel the Total Gym XLS Trainer is a good value for its price.

Any Complaints?

This biggest issue people have is with the length of the system. As noted above, the Total Gym XLS Trainer is over seven feet long. If you do not properly plan for this issue and find that you do not have sufficient space for a comfortable workout, that could obviously lead to some dissatisfaction. Make sure you accurately measure your desired exercise space and plan properly before purchasing this total gym. Be prepared for this one system to take up most of the space in your exercise area. Even when folded, it is still rather large.

Final Recommendation

The extra accessories that the people at Total Gym have included with this version of the product are really what puts it over the top. It seems to be a well constructed and durable system that comes with a lot of useful extras. When found at a reduced price, which is commonly available on Amazon, you can get great value out of the Total Gym XLS Trainer. However, you might want to look for another product if you can only find this for full price.

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Exercises

The Bowflex PR1000 Home Gym offers users more than 30 strength exercise options. Users may choose from many different versions of leg, arm, shoulder, back, chest, and abdominal exercises. Exercises include bench press, narrow pull-downs, shoulder raise, standing biceps curl, calf raise, triceps pushdown, leg extension, and many more.

Thanks to the sliding seat rail that comes included with the Bowflex PR1000 Home Gym, users can add the effectiveness of aerobic rowing training to their routines. This can improve the cardiovascular system and burn tons of calories. The seat rail also allows for leg extensions and leg presses.

Resistance

The resistance setting covers a wide range of difficulty. You can set it as low as five pounds of resistance or as high as 210 pounds. The Bowflex PR1000 Home Gym comes equipped with Power Rod Technology, which should lower the chance of joint damage as the result of frequent or intense workouts.

Assembly and Storage

Storage is not a problem for Bowflex PR1000 Home Gym users. The unit folds down into a very storable structure. However, assembly can be a bit of a problem for some. It can take anywhere from one to four hours to setup. To a large extent, this depends on the amount of experience the user has with home gym equipment.

Warranty

The Bowflex PR1000 Home Gym is covered by several different warranties. The rods are covered for 5 years, the frame for one year, and the parts are covered for 60 days.

Dimensions

The PR1000 measures 84 x 38 x 81 inches, but you will need a space measuring at least 103 x 80 x 82 inches to have a comfortable workout space. The shipping weight is 148 pounds.

User Reviews

Roughly 250 Bowflex PR1000 Home Gym customers have left reviews on the Amazon product page. The average rating for these reviews is 4.5 stars out of 5, with only 10 people scoring it less than a 3.0.

According to reviews, users appreciate the sturdiness and durability of the Bowflex PR1000 Home Gym. It provides a wide range of exercise options all for a very reasonable price. Users have stated that they feel this machine is a great value.

Any Complaints?

The assembly process can be frustrating for some users. If you are not handy and you are working alone, it could take as much as four hours to get everything set up correctly. Some users have complained about this issue.

Another common complaint is that the maximum range of 210 pounds of resistance is not difficult enough. Experienced bodybuilders do not feel this is sufficiently challenging. While some have raised the counter argument that it is not necessary to add more weight and more resistance if you simply increase reps and slow the motion of those reps, it does not change that some users prefer more resistance.

The fact that you cannot upgrade the resistance of the Bowflex PR1000 Home Gym beyond 210 pounds compounds the problem. Other Bowflex products allow users to upgrade resistance.

Final Recommendation

This is an excellent workout machine that can provide people of any height with an effective experience that strengthens the entire body. If the lack of high end resistance is not a major concern for you, there is no reason to avoid the Bowflex PR1000 Home Gym. It has a fair price and users rave about its quality.

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Exercises

The TRX Suspension Trainer Basic Kit aims to cover all of a user’s fitness needs in one starter kit. It can help you increase flexibility, spot-train, build strength, and make time for a healthy, comprehensive workout whenever you have a few spare minutes at home.

The kit includes:

TRX suspension training P2 Model
Two Bonus workouts — TRX endurance circuit and TRX metabolic blast
A 65-Minute basic training DVD and full-color 35 page workout guide

With everything included in this package, you should be able to workout your core effectively. While the main focus is on the core, it can work effectively as a total body trainer that is very versatile. It removes the need for dumbbells or any other kind of weights.

Assembly and Storage

Pretty much the only required assembly is in effectively securing the TRX door anchor to a sturdy door, tree branch, or other anchor point. This kit should work well indoors and outdoors, as long as you can find a secure place for the anchor.

The kit also come with a storage bag that easily carries the entire kit and anchor. The whole package only weighs around four pounds so it is extremely lightweight. Moving or storing this product is never a problem. The TRX Suspension Trainer Basic Kit + Door Anchor is even easy to travel with.

Warranty

The TRX Suspension Trainer Basic Kit is backed by a 30-day, 100 percent satisfaction guarantee. If you decide you do not like it in the first month after you purchased it, you can return it for a full refund.

Dimensions

The TRX Suspension Trainer Basic Kit fits in a small bag that is the size of a lunch bag. It only weighs around four pounds, with the anchor included.

User Reviews

The customer reviews have been very positive so far. More than 150 people have reviewed the TRX Suspension Trainer Basic Kit on Amazon, and the vast majority of them have had positive comments. The average rating is 4.4 stars out of 5.

The positive comments have focused mainly on the incredible portability of this kit. Customers love that it is so lightweight that it can be taken anywhere.

Any Complaints?

Some people have had issues with the anchor. This is to be expected. You cannot use the TRX Suspension Trainer Basic Kit on just any door or any anchor point. Users should be careful about which anchor points they choose and test it out before starting a full workout. Some reviewers also have complained about poor customer service from TRX.

Final Recommendation

With the TRX Suspension Trainer Basic Kit and the included workout video and guide, you will be on track to get some incredible value out of this product. You can do away with trips to the gym and you can save yourself on the costs of buying expensive weights. Best of all, this kit easily travels with you. It is an excellent exercise option on the go. It comes highly recommended.

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