Are you considering investing in a complete home gym, but you are unsure if you should go “all in” and splash the cash on the Bowflex PR1000 or PR3000?
I know.
It’s hard to tell the difference between the two; they look darn much alike!
Well, to help you decide, I have looked at them both and lined them up head to head…
Bowflex PR1000 vs PR3000, which is the best?
Before I give you all the juicy details, here’s a quick look at the two models:
Okay, let’s dive in!
Contents
Essential Features to Consider Before Choosing Your Bowflex Home Gym Model
Both the PR1000 and PR3000 are pretty darn good alternatives if you are in search of a multi gym, but they both come with their unique, strong sides.
While the PR1000 offers some features, the PR3000 provides others.
To choose the one perfect for YOUR needs, you will have to consider all aspects of the two machines:
Amount Of Exercises
Don’t we all want a piece of equipment that can get us performing as many exercises as possible?
Absolutely!
Bowflex has done a pretty good job of ensuring that these two models allow you to pull the highest possible number of workouts…
For instance, you can expect a thorough challenge from the 30 exercises you get from the PR1000. Even though the machine only lists 26 moves in its manual, there is just so much more you can do with it!
With its fantastic fold-down bench feature, you can perform a wide range of supine maneuvers and cardio-based movements.
Wait! It gets more exciting:
PR3000, an advanced version of PR1000, get you working out even more.
The official number of exercises stated on its product manual is 26, but you can hit up to at least 50 moves!
I know, pretty cool!
You have heard your gym instructor say that the more the varieties of your workout, the more you are likely to meet your fitness goals. With PR 3000 giving you more options to choose from, it goes without saying that this Bowflex model takes the lead here.
However, PR 3000 lacks a fold-down bench – so if you are looking for a more versatile machine, then PR 1000 might be a better option.
Of course, the 50 exercises sound like a fair amount compared to the 30 offered by the RP1000. Still, if you want something more flexible that can allow folding between workouts, you may want to take your eyes off the PR3000.
Key takeaways:
- Bowflex PR1000: Offers 30 different exercises. It comes with a smart foldable bench to add even more to your exercise mix.
- Bowflex PR3000: Offers 50(!) different exercises.
Position Of The Bench
Do you prefer working out while lying down or in a more inclined position?
How you answer this question will help you get the best equipment for YOUR gym.
The bench of the PR1000 is designed to sit horizontally while that of the PR3000 is set up in a gradient position.
Now:
Studies show that exercises performed in the incline position get your muscles working harder than usual, which gives you a better full-body workout.
PR3000, being designed to work this way, adds resistance to the workout, which means that more energy is exerted to fuel the muscles. This is not the case in the PR1000’s horizontal set up as your muscles are a little more relaxed…
So:
If you are eyeing a more intense workout, you should think of Bowflex RP3000.
But if you have an issue with your back, a horizontal bench position should be something to consider.
Key takeaways:
- Bowflex PR1000: Comes with a horizontal bench.
- Bowflex PR3000: Comes with an inclined bench.
Build
Both Bowflex PR1000 and PR 3000 come with a stylish design – and it may be difficult deciding which machine is the best for your gym just by looking at the appearance.
But to be honest, there is much more into the design and features of these two than what our eyes perceive.
Read on!
One nice feature that most people overlook in PR1000 is the inbuilt rowing machine.
A rowing machine is a fitness game changer!
Well, you may not take my word for it but ask any gym expert out there, and they will tell you that rowing increases stamina, tones and builds muscles, and is excellent for weight loss.
Rowing works the major group of muscles, giving you a stronger upper and lower body…
But not only that:
Your heart pumps harder, and your lungs work like crazy, providing a fantastic aerobic workout!
You don’t get this with the PR3000.
Space
This is one of the biggest concerns every home gym owner has when buying fitness equipment.
No one wants something that will take up so much space, especially where one doesn’t have enough room for it…
“Many exercises you can do on a gym machine can also be done on Bowflex Home Gyms. But the Bowflex has the advantage of being compact enough to store in almost any room of the house.”
Reference: WebMD – Review: The Bowflex Home Gym
Bowflex PR1000 measures 103x80x82 inches. Its 3000 counterpart dimensions 96x76x83 inches. This shows that the PR1000 occupies a larger space than the latter.
Well, the difference in size may not be that huge, but it’s still something for people whose space is a severe issue.
Resistance
The default resistance of both models is 210 pounds. This is a reasonable limit to perform your workouts with.
But you want a machine built to withstand intense workout and see you through years and years of training. Therefore you might need something that you can upgrade in the future.
Agree?
This is where Bowflex PR3000 comes in:
It gives you an option to upgrade your resistance, a feature that is absent in the PR1000 model.
You can push the resistance up to 310 pounds to make the workout more challenging once you have gained proficiency in the 210 pounds of intensity.
That’s 100 pounds of extra resistance!
Key takeaways:
- Bowflex PR1000: Comes with an integrated rowing machine. Leaves a slightly larger footprint than it’s “big brother” PR3000. Maximum resistance of 210 pounds.
- Bowflex PR3000: Slightly smaller footprint than it’s competitor. 210 pounds default resistance, but can be upgraded with 100 extra pounds -landing on a total of 310 pounds.
Price
Let’s face it; the depth of our pockets is a great determinant of how good or poor the equipment we get for our home gym is.
We all want something with the best features, but can we afford it?
The same case applies here. PR3000, being an upgrade of PR1000, obviously comes with a higher price tag…
This difference in cost is due to the number of exercises included in each – and of course, some other details as well.
“If you are on a budget but looking for a total body workout, the Bowflex® PR1000 is your ideal home gym.”
Reference: Bowflex.com – BOWFLEX PR1000 HOME GYM
You may think that going to the gym is cheaper than investing in any of these machines, but think about it for a second:
You are actually bringing an entire gym to your house!
Those little pieces of equipment you see at your local gym are all packaged into one machine, and you will be reaping the benefits of each right from the comfort of your own home.
You won’t even need a gym membership!
Key takeaways:
- Bowflex PR1000: The most affordable of the two is taking the least dig in your wallet.
- Bowflex PR3000: The “top model” often cost more; this is also the case with the Bowflex PR-series. The price might seem stiff, but taking into consideration the cost of a year’s membership at your local gym, it really isn’t that bad…
Bowflex PR1000 VS PR3000: Head to Head
Bowflex PR1000 Home Gym
Bowflex PR1000 is the perfect choice if you are looking for a complete home gym without emptying your pockets. While offering a lot of features, the only downside is the limited weight resistance of 210 pounds.
FEATURES:
- Offers more than 30 different exercises.
- Power rods technology.
- Built in rowing station.
- Comes with integrated media rack.
- Several pulley positions for exercise variety.
- 210 lbs maximum resistance.
- Horizontal folding bench.
- Warranty.
- Item weight, 144 pounds
Bowflex PR3000 Home Gym
Bowflex PR3000 is one of Bowflex most popular home gyms for a reason… While being reasonable priced it offers more than 50 exercises – and the build quality is awesome!
With the ability to upgrade the weight load, this machine is suited to both beginners and people with a solid muscle foundation.
FEATURES
- Offers more than 50 different exercises.
- Perfect for leg curls and leg extensions.
- Integrated workout instruction cards onto the frame.
- Heavy duty steel construction for durability.
- 210 lbs default – can be upgraded to 310 pounds maximum power rod resistance.
- Vertical bench.
- Warranty.
- Item weight, 175 pounds
Final Words: Bowflex PR1000 or PR3000?
Having fitness equipment set up in your home is essential as it saves you the time you use to walk/drive to and from your local gym.
Now, getting the right equipment for your gym is equally important as it keeps you motivated towards meeting your fitness goals.
So, Bowflex pr1000 vs pr3000? Which should you choose?
Both PR1000 and PR3000 are great options:
If you just started working out, you may find PR1000 a better choice. It is cheaper and offers plenty of exercise for both rookies and intermediate users. The built-in rowing machine also makes this model worth a try.
But if you want your workout more intense, PR3000 would be a fantastic pick. With its up-gradable feature and relatively more exercises to choose from, you will take your strength training to a whole new level.
If you want to check out even more alternatives to these two models, here are some other Bowflex home gym models to consider:
- Bowflex Xtreme 2se home gym
- Bowflex revolution home gym
- Bowflex Xceed home gym
- Bowflex blaze home gym
Do you want to check out other types of equipment worth considering?
Or maybe you are curious about functional training and calisthenics?
Well, then visit my critically acclaimed collection of at-home strength training articles – LOADED with actionable hacks and home gym tips!