Bowflex Training Machines: How Much Space Do You Need?

People who market Bowflex exercise machines claim that they are the home equivalent of a full gym workout in a small package. But how much space do they really take up? And can you get acceptable training from them? The truth is, you can get a great gym-quality workout with a Bowflex machine. And they don’t take up much space (especially when not in use).

Each Bowflex model is different in its actual dimensions. Therefore, the space requirement depends on the machine you choose. However, most Bowflex machines come with wheels and fold down for easy sliding and storage. So space really isn’t an issue, even in smaller apartments. Simply hide your Bowflex when you’re not using it. This helps keep your workout space free for other activities when it’s not being used for exercise.

Here’s a breakdown by Bowflex model of the space you’ll need, both open for exercise and folded for storage:

The Bowflex Sports Exercise Machine

This one has a training footprint about nine feet deep and nearly seven feet wide. It stretches about seven and a half feet tall. The folded footprint is fifty-two inches long by thirty-eight inches wide. The total workout space needed is about ten feet by nine feet, the size of a small bedroom.

The Bowflex Xtreme XTLU Fitness Trainer

This is a smaller fitness trainer than the Bowflex Sport. It has a seven foot by six foot training area. While designed for a smaller area, this Bowflex does not have the option to fold up and requires a permanent dedicated room in your home. It features a more upright training style than the Bowflex Sport and comes with leg extensions and leg curl attachments.

Bowflex Xtreme XLU Exercise Machine

This is a smaller version of the Xtreme XTLU discussed above. It requires a five foot by six foot training area.

So what is the difference between Xtreme XLU and Xtreme XTLU?

You can perform about sixty different exercises on the XLU. In the XTLU you have more than sixty-five different exercise options. Plus, it comes with a leg curl and leg extension attachment. Attachments require more floor space, so the XTLU is about two feet longer than the XLU. Other than that, these machines are very similar.

The Bowflex Ultimate XTLU Total Gym Training System

If you have enough space, you may want to consider the larger of the Bowflex fitness trainers. It has a seven foot by nine foot training area. Although it requires quite a bit of space, it folds up and slides into a closet or other area when your workout is done. The XTLU is the largest and most effective total gym system Bowflex manufactures. You can perform more than ninety exercises on it and it comes with a number of accessories that need ample space to be used properly.

Each Bowflex model can be purchased with or without accessories that customize its size and exercise capabilities. When shopping, be careful to choose the right combination of machine and accessories to fit the space you have available.

Measure the dimensions of the room where you’ll be using your fitness trainer, then refer to the Bowflex website for the exact dimensions of each machine you’re interested in purchasing. This ensures that the fitness trainer you buy will work in the space you have available. There’s nothing worse than receiving your new exercise machine, only to find out it doesn’t fit and has to be returned.