Should you get a Bowflex HVT to jump start your home HIIT workouts?

Now that you know the basics of how this machine works, it’s time to get into the full Bowflex HVT review. Here’s everything you need to know about the machine’s makeup, how it performs, and some caveats to watch out for.

The Specs & Warranty 

The overarching benefit of the Bowflex HVT is that it’s compact while still offering a full-body workout. That being said, it’s still a substantial machine. This Bowflex measures 65.6 inches long, 46 inches wide, and 83 inches tall. While it’s compact enough for a small home gym, you will need some space to operate. This Bowflex home gym weighs 182lbs and has a maximum capacity of 300lbs, making it fairly accessible.

The simple-yet-effective layout speaks volumes to Bowflex’s leader as an innovator in the home gym industry. The platform is designed with hard plastic grooves to offer adequate grip when things start getting sweaty while still providing cushioning and comfort. The platform is framed with sturdy aluminum construction to maintain the equipment’s integrity during those tough training sessions.

The Bowflex HVT machine boasts six cables, with two at floor, chest, and head level to offer various movement options. The cables are affixed with rubber stoppers to prevent slamming the carabiners upon release, which will help maintain the equipment’s integrity over time. The carabiners allow for interchangeability, though the rubber handles are more than sufficient for a comfortable grip. 

Bowflex didn’t become such a well-regarded brand by making low-quality equipment. They offer decent warranties on all of their products. Your Bowflex home gym is covered for two years when there’s an issue with parts, electrical, mechanical issues, or the frame. Additionally, there’s a six-month warranty on labor. Bowflex also offers a 90-day money-back guarantee.

What It Does Well

While the compact measurements and quality of the equipment make it stand out, the console and computer are the masterminds of the piece. As mentioned before, it offers a variety of preset workout programs. It also has a manual programming option that allows you to build your own workout from a selection of 50 different workout techniques. 

The display is a bright, vibrant LCD screen that lets users enter up to four different athlete profiles, making this a fantastic addition to a home gym for couples and families. The Bowflex HVT also comes with Bluetooth connectivity and a smartphone app that syncs with other fitness apps for detailed tracking.

This machine is ideal for athletes who want to add strength training to their home workout routine without investing in a ton of equipment. It’s also fantastic for improving endurance and conditioning with limited space— perfect for runners during the winter or CrossFitters who can’t get to the Box. 

As the cable components and programmed exercises are designed to explore the athlete’s range of motion, this system is built to improve mobility and core strength. The adjustable settings and resistance modification make this a fantastic piece of home gym equipment for people who sit all day and experience low back pain, as well as athletic seniors looking to improve their quality of life. 

Read Also:
How to use box jump workouts to level up your fitness

What It Doesn’t Do So Well

While the overall Bowflex HVT review is positive, there are a few things this machine doesn’t do well. While this type of resistance is an effective form of strength training for beginners and endurance athletes, it doesn’t replace the benefits of lifting heavy weights. Barbell athletes can benefit from using this equipment to complement their strength training, but the effects will be limited.

If you’re an advanced athlete who prefers long workout sessions, the pre-programmed workouts may not be sufficient for your cardio and strength training needs. According to the customer reviews, many experienced strength training athletes cranked up the resistance and still felt that it was lacking after their workout. 

According to some Bowflex HVT reviews, the assembly can be a challenge. As the Bowflex HVT machine has a lot of moving parts, the assembly challenges are to be expected. Fortunately, Bowflex offers an assembly service at an additional cost, which is well worth the investment.

Read Also:
What is a Metcon workout, and 5 conditioning workouts for beginners

Favorite Features

One of the coolest features of the Bowflex HVT machine is the fan resistance. This component works similarly to an Airdyne or Assault bike by using wind resistance to amplify both the cardio and strength training experience. However, when using an air bike, the resistance is primarily controlled by how hard you push yourself while training. With the Bowflex HVT, you have more control, which can improve the consistency of your training.

Another simple-yet-amazing feature of this machine is the water bottle compartment. While it may seem like the equivalent of buying a car for the cup holders, it’s a convenient addition that makes working out a bit more enjoyable. The water bottle compartment is at mid-level, just under the console, so you can take a drink without interrupting your flow. 

Finally, another subtle feature that makes a huge impact is the adjustable risers beneath the platform. This feature helps make the Bowflex home gym friendly. You can adjust the risers to create stability on an uneven floor, which is common in a basement or garage gym. The extra stability will help reduce shaking and rattling, maintaining the machine’s quality, and making your workout more enjoyable. Even so, it’s still worth investing in some rubber mats for under the equipment.