Bowflex Attachments, Yea or Nay?

There are a number of upgrades available to the standard Bowflex machine. Whether you are buying a new Bowflex or thinking of adding on to your old one, you may be wondering if these upgrades are worth the money. We've taken a look at the leg attachment, squat station, lat attachment, and the power rod upgrades. While each of these upgrades can be helpful in their own way, what we've looked at is whether they are beneficial enough to warrant the cost.

Bowflex Leg Attachment

The leg attachment allows you to perform the leg extension and leg curl exercises that you have probably done on machines at the gym before. We like these exercises but feel that $250 is a bit much for just two additional exercises. You can already exercise the quadriceps and hamstrings on the basic Bowflex.

However, for people who are not comfortable standing on one leg and hooking the handle around the opposite leg in order to do an exercise (not all of the leg exercises require this, but many of them do), the leg attachment may be a good choice. The leg extension and leg curl exercises are less awkward with the attachment.

The downside of the leg attachment is that it makes the Bowflex take up more space in your home. You should still be able to fold your Bowflex, but if you are like me, and tend to leave your machine in the down position for convenience, be aware that the leg extension adds length to your Bowflex, and it is easy to bump against as you pass by.

Price: $239
Recommended? Depends on User

Bowflex Squat Station

The squat station is our least favorite of the upgrades. For $150, you only gain one additional exercise, an exercise that is very similar to the leg press which comes standard with the Bowflex PowerPro (the squat station is included with the other models). The leg press tends to be easier on the back and joints than the squat as well. If you are a diehard gym junkie, and you love squat, go for it. If you find the leg press sufficient, save your money.

Price: $150
Recommended? No

Bowflex Lat Attachment

The lat attachment is our favorite upgrade. Unlike the squat station and the leg extension, the lat attachment offers a variety of exercises for your money. You can do a range of lat pulldown exercises as well as the popular triceps pulldowns. It is true that you can exercise these muscles without the attachment, but the attachment generally makes things easier and gives you some old gym favorites.

Keep in mind, if you have a pre-1998 model, adding the lat attachment will keep your Bowflex from folding. Also, make sure you have the ceiling clearance to add the attachment as it adds a good foot to the top of the machine (should be find in most rooms, unless you have your Bowflex tucked into a nook).

Price: $239
Recommended? Yes

Power Rod Upgrade

210 lbs. tends to be plenty for most people to do the upper body exercises. However, our legs are powerful and can move a lot of weight, especially in the presses. Guys, you will probably find yourself maxing out the base weight on the leg press and calf raises very quickly. Many women will experience the same thing, so we recommend you go ahead and upgrade the power rods with your initial Bowflex purchase.

Price: $99-$198
Recommended? Yes
Women upgrade to: 310
Men upgrade to: 410

All attachments are available to buy from Bowflex.

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