The Bowflex PR3000 is a Power Rod system offering resistance weight for over 50 different exercises, with minimal effort needed when moving between sets. It's made by one of the best home gyms brands in the business, Bowflex, so you know that the heavy duty steel construction is built to last.
While it looks a tad complicated at first glance, this Bowflex gym is easier to use than many others, and is designed to deliver a full body workout. Of course, you can also cycle between the different stations and focus on specific areas of your body only per workout for more targeted training.
If you're looking for a fully featured gym to help you achieve weights based training at home, this could be your dream machine if you have the space and budget.
If you want to compliment weight training with higher intensity cardio, we'd also recommend looking at the best treadmills for power walking and running, or the best exercise bikes for spin class workouts. Or, if you can't part with your road or mountain bike, turn it into an indoor fitness bike with the best bike trainers.
Bowflex PR3000 review: Overview
The Bowflex PR3000 uses Power Rod, a torsion based system that creates resistance weight the same way a bow creates tension when pulled taught. As such, this system has its limits, topping out at the weight provided, although expansion is possible up to 310lbs max.
The key here is that the PR3000 won't be bringing heavy and loud weights into your home, making it lighter and more compact in use. The resistance is therefore steadier and safer, but still highly effective at helping you tone and strengthen your muscles effectively. For an affordable alternative, read our Total Gym FIT review.
Design: Multifunction Power Rod
Weight: 144lbs
Exercises: 50+
Supported user weight: Up to 300lbs
To track your progress when exercising with the Bowflex PR3000, and to see how hard you're working, we'd recommend wearing one of the best fitness trackers to monitor your calories burned, heart rate and other metrics.
Bowflex PR3000 Home Gym review: Design
The Bowflex PR3000 might not have weights but it is still a full multi gym meaning it takes up a fair amount of space. This stands at 64 x 41 x 83 inches and weighs in at a reassuring 144lbs. If you want something a tad more compact, take a look at the Marcy MWM-988 Multifunction Home Gym.
This weight is thanks to a heavy duty steel construction of the frame, which comes with a one year warranty. The Power Rods actually come with a seven year warranty while parts are good for 60 days of cover.
The workout area is plentiful with a 100 x 78 inch space making it supportive even for larger users. Weight wise you can expect support for users of up to 300lbs with the Bowflex PR3000.
The red and black finish looks great, and even the Power Rods give it a symmetrical and attractive look as they're tucked away at the rear. These are designed to work with various grips meaning you don't need to worry about lots of adjustments but more on that below. For a top-rated alternative, take a look at our Total Gym XLS review.
Bowflex PR3000 Home Gym review: Features
The Bowflex PR3000 comes with lots of exercise options thanks to having so many grips. These are easy to use, thanks to a no-change pulley system where all you need to do is adjust the weight resistance between sets.
The system comes with 210lbs of resistance, but you can add more Power Rods if you want to go heavier, up to a total of 310lbs. These break down into 5lbs increments, so you can add as little or as much as is needed for each set.
The bench seat on the Bowflex PR3000, unlike some of the competition, can be adjusted to fit all sizes. This is a nice extra especially for anyone that wants to share this with several users in the home who vary in size.
There is an included four-inch roller cushion, which works with the leg system to allow for curls and extensions with comfort. There's also a media rack, curl attachment and aerobic rowing station. That's pretty nifty.
By investing in the Bowflex PR3000 you also get access to the Bowflex Body Plan to help you actually go for goals and maintain workouts, doing them correctly to stay on target and stay safe.
Bowflex PR3000 review: Performance
The Bowflex PR3000 Home Gym provides a full range of movement and targets specific muscle groups with a smooth resistance. All that means you get a well-controlled access to resistance which is super safe and feels like you're in control throughout. That means it gives you the confidence to push yourself and make progress.
The quick change system means there's a really easy transition between exercises. For that reason this is a great option for anyone that likes to do high-speed circuit or HITT workouts using weight.
The weight of the Bowflex PR3000 means this is a very solid setup that stays in place even when you're using heavier weights and throwing yourself into it. That steel frame stays strong, despite the relatively short one year warranty which we found a little worrying. This is especially so when you consider others have a lifetime warranty.
The rowing station is a great addition as it works well for weighted lifts but can also double as a cardio station for rowing.
Should you buy the Bowflex PR3000?
The Bowflex PR3000 is one of the more expensive options around, but with a great weight selection and a powerful and smooth resistance offering, minus the noisy weighty plates, this is a compelling option. It's easy to build, comes with a decent warranty, and is build from solid steel.
That cardio station makes it even more appealing, as does the slightly smaller footprint, which is ideal for smaller spaces.
