Upgrade Bowflex Resistance for $20!

[@BowflexWorkouts]

Since making this video, I’ve developed a complete upgrade kit for the PR1000 and Blaze. Check it out here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aZfYiGmIetJlo9E The upgrade shown in this video has a known issue with the elastic bands rubbing against metal. The upgrade kit linked above fixes that and addresses several other design flaws in Bowflex machines.

[@nategreatgames78]

I use to work at a Sports Authority for a decade before they went under and sold many people bowflexes over the years. I personally bought myself the competing Wieder Crossbow because it’s resistance load was heavier since you were pulling both sides of the bar with equal tension and it had more range of motion. But even with its upgrade kit there were some exercises like leg presses where I just couldn’t get enough resistance. I can believe I never thought to do this and this is ingenious for improving your resistance. Had my machine for about 20 years and I’m going to start doing this, it will be like a whole new machine.

[@robthomas5488]

I used rubber tubes that rate at 100 lbs, and they REALLY improved the bowflex rods so much it's very close to actual weight resistance.

[@aquavent]

Could you link the product you used for this?

[@rickchyczewski576]

Please give us a link to what you used.

[@charlesbelville5090]

Indeed​@@rickchyczewski576

[@strangerthanfriction9016]

I would appreciate this info as well

[@BowflexWorkouts]

@strangerthanfriction9016 I don't know what their link is, but I don't think you'll find a better upgrade than the kit I show in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aZfYiGmIetJlo9Esi=aqGZFNiAbfNzR2TP

[@alexmadrigal9703]

I was looking for a solution that did away with the rods entirely and used some other more space efficient system, but holy hell, this is genius. I doubt anybody is making an aftermarket product that does what I need, but this has gotten me excited about my BowFlex again.

[@OttoThompsonReviews]

Best bowflex hack i seen. Without adding any bolts nuts and bars to it.

[@sounddesignsforyou998]

I had my first Bowflex back in the late '80s, it was like called the 2000 XL or something like that. I've had four or five More bowflexes as well. I was in great shape till I got to my '50s, I actually got up to over 400 lb after that. I'm down to under 350 and I'm going to start again using the Bowflex. I'm buying a used Xtreme se. I'll probably have to change out some power rods. But your ideals of creating extra resistance is going to be so helpful to me. Thank you so much.

[@BowflexWorkouts]

You're very welcome. BTW, I have a similar upgrade video for the XCEED/XTREME: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z6qtdIKCm7eiaKs The XTREME or XCEED is definitely the right Bowflex for you. Very sturdy and having lifted in the past, you'll like all the pulley positions and options. I hope you also check out some of the routines I have on the channel here. I have a bunch of HIIT style workouts and rep based stuff too. I'll have a video out very soon about this XTREME muscle program that I've been releasing here and I think it's something you should look into....though you might need to build up to that, depends where you're at.

[@rockymattioli9648]

have to add(again) i used some of those thick rubber puzzle mats(cut down) to line the inside of the bar/tube(where the bands rub the tube edges)....might help wear and tear)... this is such a great hack.....really impressive work...

[@BowflexWorkouts]

This is actually the 2nd time I posted this video. In the first one, I used some electrical tape to "protect" the bands from the metal. This was a late modification to my design and of course it didn't work out. The tape created more friction (maybe they needed some lubricant?) and ultimately I've found that the bands right on the metal seem to hold up just fine. I don't expect the bands to last forever, but I'm probably about 30 workouts in and they aren't showing much wear or damage.

[@sounddesignsforyou998]

I use a old time metal clothes hanger when I put resistant bands on it helps a lot I take the clothes hanger apart I stick it through there I clip the band on it and I bring it through.

[@onthescrews19]

Thank you for your BowFlex videos! My wife and I have renewed our workout commitments, thanks to your well thought out routines and for your motivations!!!

[@BowflexWorkouts]

That's incredible to hear! It is so cool to have the reach that KZbin offers to positively affect people.

[@thebaxters1375]

This is perfect for my son! We just bought a PR1000 and while it’s perfect for me resistance wise it won’t last him long before it won’t be enough for him, so these tips and tricks will definitely help us extend the usefulness of the Bowflex for him! Thank you!!!

[@artmercado1735]

me and the wifey just bought a BF Blaze from offer up for $100 and now we will be following you for exercises

[@BowflexWorkouts]

Great deal!!

[@pd9888]

Great! Thanks. I agree, the bowflex is just an machine.

[@ejt321]

Thank you so much for this. I was considering getting a bow flex but after seeing how the resistance is compared to what is advertised I'm now doubting it. Your resistance upgrade kit looks like a great idea so I will consider that in my decision.

[@nicholaswinter4680]

Hi Eric. I have recently started with the Bowflex PR1000. I agree with you about the leg press. The resistance is nowhere near enough. I have just ordered some bands from Amazon and will attach them as you suggest. I really do like this machine. It is so good for a variety of exercises for my situation, starting all over again after having suffered an injury. I do have free weights, but I will use them only for some exercises. What I like about the Bowflex is that the resistance is gradual, less stress. I enjoy your videos and the ideas that you have for different workouts and routines.

[@BowflexWorkouts]

Thanks, Nicholas! You're right, I never talk about how nice the gradual resistance is. For many lifts, it's actually more effective since it keys in more later on in the rep. With the bands, you'll find the resistance hits just a bit earlier, which is actually kind of nice to smooth things out. Thanks for the comment and hope you like the upgrade!

[@daniellarson3068]

I have an old Power Pro. Simple innovations such as you presented here are great. Perhaps there are other ideas out there. I saw one person who bought replacement nylon power rods from an industrial supplier at a far lower price that Bowflex sells them for.

[@jackrabbitdude80]

Hey thanks for the great video.. you've brought new life to my bowflex that felt not worth using most of the time.

[@NorEEzta]

Interesting. I did something similar. I put a u-bolt up on the lat tower with a carabiner on the back side. I routed those same bands through the carabiner and attach them to the power rod hooks with the power rods attached.

[@BowflexWorkouts]

I don't think I'd change what you've done. The nice thing about this design is it doesn't require extra parts or tools. How has the u-bolt design worked out for you?

[@NorEEzta]

@@BowflexWorkouts The u-bolt has worked very well. I anchored it at a point where there's no slack and added multiple sets of bands with progressive overload. The truth is, I had a Bowflex for two decades. I replaced it with free weights but I miss it. Currently shopping for one that has a lat tower, but I want to make sure that I can anchor another u-bolt.

[@davehogan1716]

I did a similar thing years ago, but I’d have to say my setup is better because I have my bands hanging from the center behind and above my lat pull down. This way, I hook my bands on to the same spot where the rods hook on. I now have around 500 lbs of resistance, also allows me to fine tune my resistance….. let’s say I’m using 4 50 lb rods with a 10 lb rod, but want just a couple pounds extra, I’ll grab my yellow resistance band and hook it on. It’s crazy how much I’ve improved my bow flex

[@BowflexWorkouts]

Hey, send me a pic of your setup please! [e-mail]. I tried similar setups and couldn't make it work.

[@BowflexWorkouts]

Got any other "hacks" for improving your Bowflex?

[@bassmaster6190]

@@BowflexWorkouts will you share this hack with the rest of us as well in an upcoming video

[@BowflexWorkouts]

@@bassmaster6190 I need a picture cause I don't understand your setup

[@bassmaster6190]

@@BowflexWorkouts I have the same pr1000 you have just wondering if you hooked yours up like the comment above or kept yours the way you showed in the video running the bands through the bar thanks for replying back

[@brianleponiemi3833]

I have a bow flex ultimate. I use power lifting bands for deadlifts & leg press. I grab extra 15 or 20 lb dbs while doing chest. But doing pull-downs, I usually do pullovers first that way the stack is enough weight.

[@teamuop99]

Thanks for video! I just installed my new rods and they now just use a standard Phillips instead of the Allen wrench or torx. 👍. Super easy.

[@giovannisenatin6982]

Just ran in to your video and channel. Thanks for the great work! Keep it up

[@zaidpaki]

Thanks

[@rickmyers2270]

Great idea - I do have a Blaze so if I do anything, I will add more weight...I'm a long way from there! I did learn about the back accessory - to use for squats...love that - didn't really know how to use that!

[@BowflexWorkouts]

Hi Rick, yeah I don't use that Back Strap often in videos, but if you have one, these routines utilize it well: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g3iblGSAgLOmhNU kzbin.info/www/bejne/f4ikpp-BqM-neqc If you're doing leg press, you need this resistance upgrade! Squats, maybe not. Depends on the person. I see day 2 is in the books. Good work!

[@jmdavis8686]

I have recently started working out again in my twenties i was ripped but the kids came lol and i sky rocketed uo to my max weight loss f 286 lbs. but since aug. Of 2021 till aug of 2022 i lost 60 lbs. we are a theraputic foster home my wife and I and we have 6 kids from 5-I8 so im back up to 255lbs lol. So i have recently just bought the pr3000 210 lbs of resistance but im 6’5” 250lbs 44 yrs old so this band idea is great. I had figured it would at least be close to what the claim for resistance but i push the 210lbs like im using 50-60 lbs dumbbell’s of my free weights. Thank you fir the idea. I was trying to think of something but never thought to run through the tubing. But im still going to figure something else out. So you will be the first to know if a good idea comes through. Sry for the rant but thats my story and I appreciate your time. Thank you.

[@BowflexWorkouts]

I haven't tried running the bands on a PR3000, but here's how I run them on my XCEED: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ppjKemelg9mYitE If you find a good set-up on the PR3000, snap me a pic and send it to [e-mail] Sounds like you need to find a workout schedule that works for your life nowadays. Even if you can only make time for 3 days a week for ~30 minutes. You've got to take of your body--you only get one and you've got people counting on you.

[@rickymedi6564]

Innovative! Thanks for the tip !

[@frankeckdall4577]

Terrific review! Cool guy too.

[@BowflexWorkouts]

😎

[@rockymattioli9648]

god bless you,brother...that`s really thinking outside the box...a BIG like...wish i could give you more...

[@rockymattioli9648]

and lemme add..you can thread the bands through the bar using silicone tape and a hanger..the silicone tape isn`t gooey(it`sticks to itself).... again...well done,my man...

[@user-cp2qw2ek5e]

Cool idea. If people’s budget allows, buying minimum 2 “unitree pumps” would also be a great way to add resistance. I have done this with my bioforce gym..

[@BowflexWorkouts]

Those are expensive though, I'd just buy more power rods at that point.

[@valerie-og4ui]

Bought a Bowflex XTL back in the early days. Still Love it! How would you attach the bands to it? Thank you for your videos. Great refreshers!

[@BowflexWorkouts]

I'm not sure. Maybe run them behind the rod box and then use a carabiner to clip them to attach them near the pulleys. If you do buy them, report back with what works!

[@valerie-og4ui]

Hey that sounds like it will do the job. Will report back. Thank you thank you

[@RonaldjBrown-ik4oh]

I have the XTL also, I'm going to see if can add resistance bands also!

[@kellysonnenberg9604]

How do you put them on a blaze? There is no cross bar.

[@sunnymehat5523]

Same question - just picked up a used Blaze so the power rods are probably no longer providing the original resistance. These bands sound interesting (and WAY cheaper than the official Power Rods upgrade) but the video only shows PR100 instructions. @BowflexWorkouts is there a safe way to do this on the Blaze? If so do you have a video? Thanks 😄

[@therationalistparty9742]

You can also connect them directly to your power rods.

[@DonBistrow1]

By your testing the Bowflex rods they are about 50% of the actual weight number. How does this measure for the bands. Have you tested them, if so, what were your results?

[@BowflexWorkouts]

It's about the same. If you pull from both sides of a 50lb band, you get about 50lbs of resistance.

[@thebirdintern7488]

Used the affiliate link for the bands, thanks for the tip and instructions bro. Just got this thing today but it's used so a little worn down. Hoping these help.

[@BowflexWorkouts]

Thanks, Bird! I don't think you'll be disappointed. I'm all for buying used--save a ton of money and its good for the planet. Outside of the Power Rods, these machines are built to last a decade or more. Another thing you can do is you can reverse the Power Rods (turn them 180 degrees so they bend the other direction). That'll give them another life....I'm not sure how long they'll last. I flipped them on one of my machines and it makes a big difference.

[@thebirdintern7488]

@@BowflexWorkouts That's a great idea, thank you! Its in good shape and not that old. But the folks just physically couldn't use it so were clearing out space. Hoping it sticks around for a while. I like it pretty good so far!

[@jesse12345654321]

Any update on durability? How long have you used this method without the bands tearing?

[@BowflexWorkouts]

They last a while, it really depends on the lifts you use them for. I think using the top pulleys with mine wears them out faster. In time, the develop a weak point which eventually tears. I seem to get around 50-80 workouts in before they break down. I am working on an upgrade kit that would feature a better setup. It's still in development and working with a manufacturer on it, but if you want to wait ~4 months, you could be an early adopter!

[@Keifer-D]

Wow. Sorry, but what happens when the resistance bands wear and possibly snap? It looks like they are rubbing on the inner frame.

[@BowflexWorkouts]

I haven't had that happen and used them a lot. If they were to break, I think it would be gradual tear and not a whiplash. I'm not saying they'll never break, cause you're right, there is friction there. I think you'll get a lot use out of them for the money though and in my opinion, it's a good way to add a lot of resistance on the cheap.

[@gperez6185]

How can you add bands to the Extrema SE? There is no crossbar from what I can tell.

[@BowflexWorkouts]

Yes, and it works even better. Check out this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z6qtdIKCm7eiaKs

[@philipr3996]

Great video and a wonderful idea. Will this "hack" work with the Bowflex Ultimate 2? The rods are originals and have very little resistance left.

[@BowflexWorkouts]

I don't have an ult 2, but think this variant would work better: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z6qtdIKCm7eiaKs

[@itsGuy]

Should I put the bands behind the bolts closer to the back of the unit? (Like in your video) or put them on the other side of the bolt? Afraid they will run against the bolt and snap. Or have they been fine for you? I grabbed the 300 lb set

[@BowflexWorkouts]

Behind. Mine did eventually snap after many uses. I have a new upgrade kit that fixes this issue coming out in about a week.

[@itsGuy]

​@BowflexWorkouts what kit did ya get? I just got these haven't installed yet, I'd rather return and grab the kit you get lol. Thanks in advance and great video

[@BowflexWorkouts]

@@itsGuy I worked with a supplier to design my own. If all goes as planned, they will be delivered to my home on Thursday and will go up for sale on Friday. They are considerably more expensive, but it's worth it. If you want to be notified when the kit goes live, sign up here: form.jotform.com/241244520216141

[@nydd]

How to add bands to the exceed?

[@BowflexWorkouts]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z6qtdIKCm7eiaKs @nydd

[@ElisaPicato]

Do you have recommendations on where to purchase upper tower to attach lat pull down bar for bow flex ultimate.

[@BowflexWorkouts]

This site has almost everything, but not the cheapest: www.fitnessrepairparts.com/brand/bowflex Ebay has a lot of scrapped parts, but personally, I'd look to buy something like this on Amazon: amzn.to/3Q3p2iv I haven't purchased a lat pulldown bar, but I think having is "break-down" in half like this could be kind of cool to try some swing type of motions. Key thing is you need a bar in which you attach resistance to both sides instead of right down the middle.

[@sounddesignsforyou998]

Can I get your affiliates link to the resistance meter your using? Thanks.

[@BowflexWorkouts]

I've had it for a long time, not sure on the exact brand, but its something like this: amzn.to/3Ro0NvS

[@sounddesignsforyou998]

@@BowflexWorkouts I love people who do videos and actually reply to the comments. You're my hero thank you.

[@keithfields1178]

What is the actual weight increase with the rubber attachments you recommend?

[@BowflexWorkouts]

I have a better upgrade coming out in about 5 weeks.

[@christurek28]

Wooooo. Love thiisssss

[@mayhemmiller4989]

So when I click the link for the bands the 150s are what you are using

[@BowflexWorkouts]

That's right. I usually have a 50, 40, & 30 run through the crossbar.

[@mayhemmiller4989]

Okay good deal I just wanted to make sure before I purchase them I have a motivator 2 and have done the 100 add to it thanks to you. So going to grab those and have a little more.

[@parker290]

Do you still have the setup? Any failures with the bands at this point. Longevity concerns?

[@BowflexWorkouts]

Still have it. It's not going to last forever, but a year in and still works well. The bands have a little wear and I think that's caused when linking them to the top pulleys.

[@parker290]

@BowflexWorkouts Thank you for the quick response. Looking forward to trying it out!

[@slpdataguy]

Hey man thanks for the great video! Question. I wanna get these resistance bands (using your affiliate link), but I'm seeing a few options - 110 lb, 150 lb, 200 lb, 250 lb, and 300 lb. What ballpark would you suggest I look in? I'm pretty strong and a little bit of a bigger guy than you - about 165 lb. Second question is - knowing everything you've learned thru your experimentation, would you still suggest upgrading the rods in addition to your band upgrade? Is there any sense to going with a fairly high lb resistance bands instead of the rod upgade? Thanks for the tips! Getting a used PR1000 today - first time user.

[@BowflexWorkouts]

I would go with the 200lb bands. You can try that out and maybe decide to add another set of rods. The resistance is a bit different using the bands. Their resistance kicks in a bit sooner and you don't get the full effect on single arm exercises. I saw your comment on the other video and going to get to that now.

[@slpdataguy]

@@BowflexWorkouts thanks man! As an update i actually went with the blaze! For reasons i mention in my comment on the other video, it seemed kinda like the best of all worlds at least for things i was looking for. Ill stilll want to add resistance. I presume your advice will be the same - add these 200 lb resistance bands then see if i want to add the power rods as well. Thanks again for the guidance!

[@BowflexWorkouts]

@@slpdataguy awesome! Yeah, get the 200lbs and see if adding another set of rods is needed.

[@slpdataguy]

@@BowflexWorkouts thanks man! Appreciate you taking the time to respond to my questions. Looking forward to following your channel!

[@titosofi3477]

Hi Eric can you link the amazon site for the elastic band? Why you put two ad not one? Thanks

[@BowflexWorkouts]

Bands can be found here: amzn.to/3hiTXVf As for two instead of one? More resistance! The bands either top out at 50 or 60lbs each, so double up for even more resistance.

[@austinking5193]

How would you run the bands on a bowflex sport?

[@TheMateo2008]

Good evening and greetings from Puerto Rico. Where's the link of the resistance bands?

[@BowflexWorkouts]

amzn.to/3hiTXVf

[@TheMateo2008]

Thanks a lot

[@alanmckenzie3228]

where can I buy them resistance bands? thank you

[@BowflexWorkouts]

Link in description

[@jamesgibson1465]

How do you keep the crossbar from cutting into the bands?

[@BowflexWorkouts]

They will break in time. Mine lasted over a year before the first one snapped. That said though, it's still the best way I know to add resistance around this price with an off-the-shelf product. I am working on designing a custom product for this machine with a manufacturer, but that probably won't be available for sale for at least another 3 months.

[@BowflexWorkouts]

I should also mention, the bands linked are very durable. I tried many and the linked ones should last a while.

[@neilmeiskey5482]

Any idea how to add weight for an older version: in particular the Bowflex XTL?

[@BowflexWorkouts]

You might be able to clip some carabiners where the pulleys reside and then run some bands through them? That or something to affix them to the base of the machine.

[@neilmeiskey5482]

@@BowflexWorkouts thanks, I’ll try that.

[@jam_mstr_j]

What about the “Xceed”

[@BowflexWorkouts]

@@jam_mstr_j kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z6qtdIKCm7eiaKs

[@jam_mstr_j]

@@BowflexWorkouts - TY 🤜🏻🤛🏻

[@jedialiengorilla6809]

Hey thanks for your videos! Much appreciated👊 I have a question. Can you make those bands work for the Bowflex XTL? I have one that's in amazing condition but want to lift heavy. Thanks!

[@BowflexWorkouts]

I think so. I tried a design that worked pretty well involved clipping in another set of carabiner clips into the same loop/bracket where the pulleys are attached. Surprisingly, there was enough slack there to fit the carabiners. Then just run the bands behind the tower and through the carabiners. You can test to see if there's space before you buy the bands. This design worked pretty well, but I would only run 1 or 2 bands through them at a time to limit friction and wear. Let me know if this ends up working out for you!

[@jedialiengorilla6809]

@@BowflexWorkouts thanks! I will give it a go and post an update!

[@russkarasch1899]

Can you do the bands to a bowflex xtreme 2 se? About how long do the bands need to be?

[@BowflexWorkouts]

Planning on it, but not sure when I'll get to it. Here's the short version: kzbin.infoUgkxovDkIgsQlkTfLVz9r3Vw2QVH2bhw252n Same bands I showed link in the description of this video.

[@charlesmcclay1646]

Is there a way to add resistance bands to The Bowflex Xceed?

[@BowflexWorkouts]

Yes and it actually works even better. I don't have a video out on it yet, but I briefly talk about it here: kzbin.infoUgkxovDkIgsQlkTfLVz9r3Vw2QVH2bhw252n

[@G--M-A-N-G]

Tacocat Chuys shirt!

[@kristirothwell8320]

How would I do this for the bowflex extreme 2?

[@BowflexWorkouts]

Good question and check out my video going up on Monday with a test design. Think I've got a pretty good one.

[@TopBananaMan]

Are the power rods replaceable on the pr1000? Not wanting to upgrade weight but just replace my current power rods

[@BowflexWorkouts]

Yep, they are replaceable. With a hacksaw, you can even add another set of power rods too. I'll put out a video on it one day--its recorded, but the computer where I edit videos is down.

[@BowflexWorkouts]

I've got a video on replacing power rods for the XCEED here too. It's pretty similar for the PR1000, there's a few extra steps. kzbin.info/www/bejne/r4S1ZZ-ifdmLh7c

[@TopBananaMan]

@@BowflexWorkouts awesome! Where is the best place to get them? I see on the bowflex site they only have the 50lb rods. I'm looking to upgrade all of my rods. I did however order those bands from your affiliate link maybe I'll be okay with these

[@michaelsancier2418]

Do you have an Amazon link where to buy these ?

[@BowflexWorkouts]

Yep and thanks! amzn.to/3hiTXVf

[@tedclayton4160]

Will this work for bowflex exceed?

[@BowflexWorkouts]

Yes, but it'd look like this: kzbin.infoUgkxovDkIgsQlkTfLVz9r3Vw2QVH2bhw252n

[@tedclayton4160]

@@BowflexWorkouts Ok thanks I'll have to get some of em. I appreciate this.

[@allison5881]

Thanks Eric. Once I am as strong as you I will definitely get the bands.

[@BowflexWorkouts]

LOL. I'm working on a row upgrade that I think you'll really like!

[@allison5881]

@@BowflexWorkouts I love the rows! Rows and the lying down tricep exercises are my favorite!! BUT LOL I am still looking out for the full ab burn workout lol 😆

[@BowflexWorkouts]

Still working on it and hopefully will have it posted in 2 weeks. 👍

[@JoeCharlotte]

Harris Helen Martinez Eric Gonzalez Sarah

[@WildeMarshall]

Perez Brenda Hernandez Betty Rodriguez Linda

[@Tasmanaut]

all these bowflex guys are tiny - speaks volumes about the product

[@BowflexWorkouts]

I'm more into fitness than bulking and actually more of a cardio guy than anything. There's a lot of people with Bowflexes and this channel is meant to serve them.