Bowflex PR3000 Review – Does It Stand The Test Of Time?

by: Michael Perry

November 26, 2020

The Bowflex PR3000 Home Gym is one of those all in one home gyms.

A solid looking fella if you'll ask me.

Having a home gym right there, in front of you, all day, every day, can really make the difference between wanting to get bigger, and actually getting bigger. 

So in this Bowflex PR3000 review we're checking whether this all in one home gym has what it takes to compete with new models and in the same time help us to achieve that shredded body we want so much.

Bowflex PR3000 quick overview


BowFlex PR3000 Home Gym

Overall Rating:

Quality 

features

Cost

easy to use

Pros

  • Offers Over 50 Exercises
  • Provides A Full Body Workout
  • Unique Resistance System - Bowflex Power Rods
  • The Unique Resistance System Provides A Workout That Is Easy On The Joints
  • Easy To Switch Between Exercises  - No Need To Change Cables
  • Versatile Home Gym
  • Quite

Cons

  • Pricey
  • There Are Newer Models that Offer More
  • The Standard Resistance Weight Is 210 Lbs
  • You Can Upgrade The Resistance up To 310 Lbs max
  • You Can't Tell How Much You're Actually Lifting
  • The Rods Will Lose Tension Over Time

Quick Summary


The Bowflex PR3000 Home Gym is like a classic car.


A magnificent piece of work that used to rule the road in its time.


And now, though It can still cruise with ease, all these damn new hybrids keep passing it by without any effort.


So when you look at all the new home gyms out there, It's hard to say why you should go for the PR3000.


However, if you're not looking for something too fancy, and you just want something that gets the job done, then this home gym might be a good option for you.


It offers a full-body workout, with over 50 exercises that will help you target almost every muscle in your body.


You can switch exercise in a second and without changing any cables, which helps you keep the intensity high.


It's got a solid build and plenty of features down its sleeve.


Like a unique resistance system that will allow you to work out even if you're recovering from an injury.


As long as you're after getting bigger, building muscles, and improving your fitness and cardio levels, all while not aiming for the newest model in town, you should check out the PR3000.


Enter The World Of Bowflex Home Gyms

Those of you who are into home gyms will probably recognize the Bowflex brand.

They've been making home gyms for three decades now.

For the company, It's not always had been a smooth ride, but the people over at Bowflex always found a way to bounce back. 

The PR3000 was, and maybe still is, one of the more popular models of the brand. 

It offers a full body workout with the ability to do over 50 exercises. 

Which is not that much when compared to other home gyms, like the Total Gym XLS for example.

However it does offer more "comfortable" workout in a way that you don't have to change the cables between exercises.

It comes with a standard 210 lbs power rods resistance, which you will find on almost every home gym from Bowflex.

Is It Worth Investing In Your Own Home Gym?

There are a lot of benefits for owning a gym.

The main problem though is that, not many people have the budget needed, or enough space to build a solid home gym. 

By solid I mean a home gym that includes Olympic bench, weight bench, squat rack, dumbbells, weight bars, etc.

Well sure you can settle for weight bench and some dumbbells, but that will mean you're also settling for the results you will get.

That is one of the reasons why all in one home gyms became so popular.

They don't take that much space, they don't costs as much as full home gym, and they provide a full body workout.

Another great thing about having your own home gym is that, in the long run you're actually saving money.

Think about it, your not paying for a gym subscription, and you're not wasting any gas by driving to the gym.

You can spend that money on supplements if you're into that, or maybe even on new gear from time to time.

Bottom line is, if you're actually going to use one, and you're serious about achieving your goals, owning a home gym might be the right answer for you. 

Our Bowflex PR3000 Review

The great thing about Bowflex PR3000 home gym is that it allows you to work your entire body. 

This is great for couple of reasons.

  1. You'll get a full body workout right in your own home.
  2. You can build, shape and tone your entire body.
  3. No need to spend extra on other machines.

Once you'll realize that, the only thing left to do is to chose the right home gym for you. 

The Bowflex PR3000 is not the latest model in the market.

Heck, it's definitely not the best, but it sure does pack some interesting features inside.

Lets check it out. 

You should also check:

Bowflex Resistance Rods (Or Power Rods)

OK, so first things first.

If you don't know them, now's the time.

The unique angel of the Bowflex home gyms are their resistance system.

You won't see any weight plats on the back or something like that.

That's just too old fashioned if you'll ask Bowflex founder.

Instead the PR3000 uses a unique resistance system developed by the founder, and known as Power Rods.

These rods are what applies the tension on your muscles in order for them to grow. 

Instead of lifting weight plates your flexing a set of rods. 

In the past they were made from polymer, but nowadays Bowflex is not reviling the material of the rods.

However, they are very flexible and durable, and they are the source of the brands name.

What I love about them, and I have said it before in our Bowflex Blaze Home Gym Review, is the fact that they enable people who suffer from joint pain, or people who're recovering from injury to workout.

You see, the way the rods work is they apply more tension as you flex. The tension is built during the exercise.

Therefore it will enable almost anyone to workout.

Just start slow and see if you can keep building the tension.

Technicalities

As a standard, almost all Bowflex home gym's come with a 210 lbs resistance weight. 

This might be enough for someone who's just starting to workout. 

But what if you used to be a gym-goer?

I can tell you right now, 210 lbs ain't gonna be enough for ya. 

You can upgrade your machine to 310 lbs, but why should you pay more than someone who's just starting out?

Bowflex should've included the 310 lbs resistance as a standard.

They lost some points from me on this matter. 

Anyway, the rods are divided into five sets of two.

Each rod has a mark on it's cap showing it's weight capacity.

  • 5 lb
  • 10 lb
  • 10 lb
  • 30 lb
  • 50 lb

Power Rods Cons

The Weight

The main downside is that it's not actual weight your lifting. (Or should I say flexing?)

The weight mark is merely an estimate in order to give you an idea of how much your lifting.

The actual weight is around 60-70% of the weight mark.

Maintenance

If that's not enough then you should also know you need to take care of the rods. 

When you're not using the machine, you need to align all the rods straight and strap them all together using the rods strap.

Bowflex Rods Replacement

Over time the rods will show normal signs of wear and tear.

Depending on your usage, you will start to notice that the tension is not what it used to be, and it's not because you became The Rock. 

Once that happens you will have to replace the rods with new ones, that is if you want to keep working out on this home gym.

Bowflex PR3000 Vs Blaze

Model
PR3000
Winner
Blaze
BowFlex PR3000 Home Gym
BowFlex Blaze Home Gym
# Of Exercises
Over 50
Over 60
Folds?
Max Resistance Weight
210 Lbs
210 Lbs
Can Be Upgraded To
310 Lbs
410 Lbs
Bench Press Layout
Vertical
Horizontal
Squat Bar
Aerobic Rowing?
Max User Weight
300 Lbs
300 Lbs
Price
$999.00
Price not available
Model
PR3000
BowFlex PR3000 Home Gym
# Of Exercises
Over 50
Folds?
Max Resistance Weight
210 Lbs
Can Be Upgraded To
310 Lbs
Bench Press Layout
Vertical
Squat Bar
Aerobic Rowing?
Max User Weight
300 Lbs
Price
$999.00
Winner
Model
Blaze
BowFlex Blaze Home Gym
# Of Exercises
Over 60
Folds?
Max Resistance Weight
210 Lbs
Can Be Upgraded To
410 Lbs
Bench Press Layout
Horizontal
Squat Bar
Aerobic Rowing?
Max User Weight
300 Lbs
Price
Price not available

Last update on 2024-03-29 at 02:09 / Affiliate links = As Amazon Associates We Earn From Qualifying Purchases - Learn More

Alright, so except for the fact that the two match up in the resistance weight out of the box and the max user weight, the scale goes in favor of the Bowflex Blaze. 

That's only reasonable considering the fact that the Blaze is the newer model.

The Blaze offers more exercises, it has a folding horizontal bench, you can do aerobic rowing on it, and the list just goes on.

In my books, when two similar products *cost about the same, and one is offering more than the other, I tend to go with the more generous one.

You can read my Bowflex Blaze review to get full details.

* At the time of writing their cost was almost identical.

Bowflex PR3000 Workouts

With the Bowflex PR3000 you will be able to work your entire body. 

The type of exercises you can do on this home gym varies from decline bench press to leg extension and standing hip abduction.

And though the PR3000 only has only a bit over 50 exercises to offer, it will be enough for most people.

I hope it goes without saying that before you start pumping away, decide what is your goal. 

What ever it maybe, most chances the PR3000 can help you achieve it. 

Here's a quick rundown of the exercises you can do with this home gym.

  • Chest: Bench Press, Decline/Incline Bench Press.
  • Shoulders: Crossover High Rear Delt Rows, Shoulder Shrug, Seated Shoulder Press.
  • Back: Standing Low Back Extension, Reverse Grip Pull-down with Hand-grips,Narrow Pulldowns with Handgrips.
  • Arms: Triceps Push-down, Triceps Kickback, Seated Biceps Curl.
  • Abs: Seated (Resisted) Abdominal Crunch, Trunk Rotation..
  • Legs: Leg Extension, Squats, Standing Hip Abduction.

Bowflex PR3000 Manual

The great thing about Bowflex home gyms is that they all come with a very detailed  manual.

Inside that manual you'll find not less detailed exercise plan.

These two make the PR3000 an easy to use home gym. Especially if you've never worked-out before. 

What's not so great is that they could have put in the extra effort and include a DVD beginners guide or on video exercises.

You know, the same kind that can be found with almost any Total Gym model.

In addition you'll also get 7 trainer workout programs, which is great. However.

You should always get a workout program that is right for you. 

Bowflex PR3000 Dimensions

Since we've already compared the PR3000 to it's younger brother, the Blaze, let's compare them in size as well.

  • Blaze In Use Dimensions: 90" L x 38" W x 83" H (229 cm L x 97 cm W x 211 cm H)
  • Folded Dimensions: 52" L x 38" W x 83" H (132 cm L x 97 cm W x 211 cm H)
  • Workout area: 100" L x 78" W (254 cm L x 198 cm W)
  • PR3000 In Use Dimensions: 76" L x  86" W x H 82" (193 cm L x 219 cm W x 208 cm H)
  • Unused Dimensions: 63" L x  86" W x H 82" (160 cm L x 219 cm W x 208 cm H)
  • Workout area: 90" L x 100" W (229 cm L x 254 cm W)

First of all lets state the obvious.

The Blaze is slightly taller, which works in favor of the PR3000.

But between the two, the Blaze is the more compact one. 

It's width is far smaller than the PR3000's, and when not in use even it's length. 

In addition, you can fit the Blaze in a smaller room since it takes up less space, and you won't need a large workout area. 

Bottom line is, Bowflex learned from past models and made its home gyms ever more compact.

In this case it is the Blaze who can say that size dose matter.

Only that this time, smaller is better. 

Bowflex PR3000 Assembly

Again, like with all other models from Bowflex, this home gym comes with a highly detailed assembly manual.

The PR3000 is not one them "ready to use from the box" home gym.

No, you will have to put in the work.

Some will say that the actual workout starts at the assembly of this home gym.

I, personally wouldn't called it that way. It is somewhat hard, but not impossible.

The instructions are very easy to understand, it's all about your execution.

And like I always say, use your own tools. Hopefully you have some. 

And you should expect to finish the work in 2 hours tops.

what's else is out there?

It's always good to consider all options, and luckily for us there are plenty of home gyms out there. Here are some good alternatives.

1. Bowflex PR1000

bowflex pr1000

If you feel the 3000 is a bit too much for you, than you should check the PR1000.

First, price wise, it's a lot cheaper.

You'll still be able to perform over 25 exercises on it, and it's got its own bench so you can add a few more exercises using dumbbells.

Another cool feature is the aerobic rowing, that even the PR3000 lacks.

Check the price here.

2. Total Gym XLS

total gym xls

The XLS is another all in one home gym that you can do over 80 exercises on.

With 6 resistance levels and a bunch of attachments you can add to it, you can rest assure you'll have your work cut out for.

But what I really like, is the fact that it comes fully assembled out of the box.

However, it might not be the best choice for you if you're after getting bigger, so keep that in mind.

Use this link to get extra 10% off the XLS. (applied at checkout)

3. Bowflex Xtreme 2SE

bowflex xtreme 2se home gym

The Xtreme 2SE offers the same full body workout but with over 70 exercises, which means you can diversify your workouts even further.

You can also upgrade it up to 410 lbs of resistance weight and with its quick change pulley system you can keep the intensity high without loosing momentum.

It also has a lat pulldown station which is great if you're after building your back muscles.

Check price on amazon, or try this link for 150$ off + free resistance upgrade from Bowflex.

Wrapping Up

Having a home gym has so many benefits.

From saving money on gym subscriptions to actually working out regularly, it can do wonders for your body.

And the Bowflex PR3000 might be the right choice for that purpose. It delivers a full-body workout and has plenty of versatility as it enables you to do over 50 exercises.

Which, in my opinion, makes the PR3000 worthy.

Because not everyone can or want to buy additional equipment to fill all their fitness needs.

So the ability to work your chest, back, arms, shoulders, legs, and abs on one machine is great.

In addition, Its unique resistance system can help even those who are recovering from injury to workout.

And though 310 lbs limit doesn't sound much, it should be enough for most home users.

I could go on, but the bottom line is, this home gym was once Bowflex best selling model, and the reason for that was, it gets the job done.

So, I gotta say that if you're looking for an all in one home gym that is easy to use and doesn't cost that much, you should definitely consider the 3000.

Check it out here.


About the author

Growing up as the fat kid is what motivated him to take matters to his hands at fifteen, and he has never looked back again since!

When he's not pumping iron at the gym, you'll probably find him hooked to his record player listening to rock classics.

If only he could carry it with him to the gym. Sigh.

On this site, he'll do his best to help you accomplish the same results for yourself.

(We're talking about getting in shape, not trying to carry a record player to your local gym)

Michael Perry