Bowflex Elite is a Bowflex-brand multi-station home gym that uses Power Rods (not plates) to provide resistance. Historically advertised with 310 lb baseline resistance and an optional 410 lb upgrade, it supports dozens of exercises and includes adjustable attachments. It is heavy (boxed weight commonly reported near 250 lb), may include wheels and compacting features on some models, and typically requires a couple of hours to assemble. The Elite is positioned as a higher-cost, durable home gym; confirm exact model specifications, included media, and shipping/delivery terms before purchase.

What the Bowflex Elite is

The Bowflex Elite is a home strength-training machine from the Bowflex family (a brand historically associated with Nautilus, Inc.). It was designed to bring a full-body resistance gym into a home footprint and was widely marketed as a premium multi-station model.

How it provides resistance

Unlike traditional plate-loaded systems, the Elite series uses Bowflex "Power Rods" for resistance rather than stacked plates. Historically the Elite models were advertised with a baseline resistance of 310 pounds and an upgrade option to 410 pounds; that approach let users move through a broad range of exercises without swapping plates.

Exercises, adjustments, and accessories

Bowflex Elite units were promoted as allowing rapid transitions between moves and supporting dozens of exercises from chest presses and lat pulldowns to leg extensions. Older marketing claimed "over 60" exercises on some Elite configurations. 1 The units typically include adjustable components such as a chest bar/press arm and ports for accessory attachments. Early packages sometimes shipped with a trainer CD; current resources and programs for Bowflex equipment are usually delivered online or through fitness apps. 2

Size, transport and assembly

These machines are heavy and bulky when boxed. Older descriptions list a packaged weight around 250 pounds; units also have transport wheels on the base to help position them, though moving a boxed machine usually requires assistance. 3 Some Elite-series models or similar Bowflex multi-stations have designs that reduce footprint for storage, but the degree of compactness or whether a unit "folds" varies by model. 4 Assembly is straightforward but time-consuming; expect to spend a couple of hours following the manual and securing parts.

Price and buying advice

The Elite models were pitched as premium home gyms and typically cost more than basic home gym stations. They remain more of an investment than a simple bench-and-dumbbells setup. Bowflex-branded machines are commonly sold direct from the manufacturer and through major retailers and marketplaces; availability and pricing vary by seller. 5

Bottom line

The Bowflex Elite delivers a durable, non-plate-based approach to home strength training and is useful if you want a wide exercise selection without swapping weight plates. However, it's heavy, can be expensive, and model-specific features (resistance levels, folding, included media) vary - check the exact model specs and delivery details before you buy.
  1. Confirm current ownership and brand status of Bowflex and Nautilus, Inc. and whether that phrasing is up to date.
  2. Verify the advertised baseline resistance (310 lb) and upgrade option (410 lb) for the Bowflex Elite series and which models those specs apply to.
  3. Confirm the historical claim of "over 60" exercises for Elite models and the current exercise count per model.
  4. Check whether current Bowflex Elite packages included a trainer CD historically and whether the manufacturer now provides digital app/workout subscriptions (and the name of any service).
  5. Verify the typical boxed weight (~250 lb), whether specific Elite models fold, and current retail availability (major retailers such as Costco/Amazon) for the Elite series.

FAQs about Bowflex Elite

Does the Bowflex Elite use weight plates?
No. Bowflex Elite-series machines use Power Rods for resistance instead of traditional weight plates.
How much resistance does the Elite provide?
Historically the Elite was advertised with a 310-pound baseline and an option to upgrade to 410 pounds; check the specific model listing for exact resistance figures.
Is the Bowflex Elite easy to move and store?
The unit is heavy and bulky when boxed (commonly reported near 250 pounds). Many machines include transport wheels to reposition them, and some models reduce their footprint for storage - but whether a model truly folds varies, so verify the model specs.
How long does assembly take?
Assembly is usually straightforward but time-consuming; expect about two hours of work following the manual and a second person to help for larger steps.
Where can I buy a Bowflex Elite today?
Bowflex machines are typically sold direct from the manufacturer and through major online and big-box retailers. Availability and pricing vary by seller and model, so compare listings and delivery terms.

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