Bowflex Motivator 2 Review

We know all about the benefits of home gyms and want to help you build the best one for your abilities. Now, you may or may not have noticed that we did a lot of reviews on Bowflex. I mean, why not? 

Bowflex has been one of the most notable names in the industry. Its products are loved by so many people. By now, you might have already guessed that this is another Bowflex “episode.” And yes, you are absolutely right. 

However, we are taking another route this time. The main character today, the Motivator 2 Home Gym, is, in fact, a discontinued Bowflex model. “But, why talk about a product that is no longer available? How are we even supposed to buy it?”

Well, there are two reasons. First of all, this is one of the few machines that receive virtually no bad review, which makes us wonder. Is this actually a perfect piece of equipment, or did it only not stay in the market long enough to disappoint people? And that is what we set to find out.

And secondly, we hope our readers can refer to our analysis next time they buy a new machine. We want to act as a buying guide AND a manual with examples of how to choose the proper equipment.

We hope that we have made ourselves clear enough. Now, let us begin looking into the Bowflex Motivator 2 Home Gym.

TL; DR: Bowflex Motivator 2

As stated, the Bowflex Motivator 2 Home Gym is discontinued. All the retailers’ stocks have also run out of it. This is the closest product to the Motivator 2. 

Like many other Bowflex home gyms, the Motivator 2 Home Gym claims to deliver a total body workout in less than 20 minutes a day. The main idea lies in the way it incorporates different circuits into one routine.

Furthermore, with the Bowflex Motivator 2, you get access to over 50 exercises targeting your shoulders, back, chest, arms, abdominal, and legs. Unfortunately, it only allows strict-form movements, so it is unlikely that you will creatively crack that limit of 50 exercises.

The way that the machine sets up is straightforward and comprehensive. That means anyone from 8 to 80 can operate it. It is suitable for all fitness levels, whether you are a beginner or an advanced athlete.

Pros

• Weight resistance may be adjusted up to 210 pounds
• Provides more than 50 exercises
• Claims total body workout in less than 20 minutes a day
• Includes training manual
• Includes:
• lat pull-down station
• leg curl/extensions station
• rowing seat
• triple-function hand grip/ankle cuff
• Compact size requires workout area of only 100 x 78 inches
• Folds for storage and offers convenient transport wheels
• Includes Bowflex Motivator 2 Workouts 

Cons

• The product has been discontinued
• 300-pound maximum user weight limit

Special Features

• More than 50 available exercises
• 210 pounds of Power Rods resistance
• Lat pull-down station
• Leg curl/leg extensions station
• Sliding seat rail for aerobic rowing
• Handgrip/ankle cuff with three different functions
• Includes training manual
• Dimensions: 34 x 84 x 78 inches
• Workout area: 100 x 78 inches
• Folds to a compact size (28 x 34 x 6.5 inches) and includes transport wheels for easy storage
• 300-pound maximum weight capacity

Is it worth it?

If you are familiar with the Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE, it should take absolutely no time to get used to the Bowflex Motivator 2. That is, both incorporate the same Power Rod technology.

However, compared to the Xtreme 2 SE’s 410-pound maximum resistance, Bowflex Motivator 2’s 210-pound does not seem like much. 

To be fair, though, you would have to upgrade the Xtreme 2 SE to get the whole 410 pounds.

Now, the Motivator 2 is still reasonably suitable for beginners. 

If you want an upgradable version, the Power Pro, Motivator, Xtreme line, Xceed, Sport, Blaze, Elite, and PR1000 models should suit you better.

Also, the Bowflex Motivator 2 Home Gym is said to have the best rowing station out of all Bowflex alternative models. 

This is because it permits smooth and natural rowing motion thanks to its bench and mechanics.

In-Depth Review of the Bowflex Motivator 2 Home Gym

Size and Dimension

The Bowflex Motivator 2 covers an area of 34 x 84 x 78 inches. Therefore, users should allow 100 x 78 inches of workout areas.

The good news is that the Motivator 2 can fold ¹if you’re looking for just a foldable bench, see the top 5 options herehttps://dumbbellsreview.com/foldable-workout-benches/ to a more compact size of 28 x 34 x 6.5 inches. Transport wheels are also included.

Quality and Durability

Despite being a home gym, Motivator 2 is claimed to have a gym-quality leg developer. In other words, you can enjoy high-quality, and strict-form leg exercises with it.

Overall, the metal frame is sturdy and durable. 

The Power Rod, made from high-tech compound material under top-quality control measures, is so strong, you will not be able to wear them out.

Since they are made to be flexed repeatedly, Nautilus (the owner of Bowflex) guaranteed that they are tested four times after being sheathed to secure their quality and durability.

As a matter of fact, it is said on Amazon that the Power Rod is so durable, Bowflex even covers them under a lifetime free replacement warranty.

Resistance and Weight Capacity

The Bowflex Motivator 2 offers resistance by incorporating Bowflex’s patented technology – the Power Rods. You can enjoy up to 210 pounds of resistance on this machine.

Unfortunately, it is not upgradable, so you are stuck with the aforementioned 210-pound weight for the remainder of your life.

The unit can hold up to 300 pounds, which is not the best option. This once again shows that the Motivator 2 is best for beginners instead of experienced or bulky users.

Additional Features and Components

One thing we have to give to the Bowflex Motivator 2 is how versatile it is. This single machine can allow up to over 50 exercises.

We have seen machines like the Total Gym that permit users to create more exercises, which results in the vast amount of available movements.

However, this is not the case for the Motivator 2. Instead, it includes a whole range of stations, including the lat tower and pull-down, the leg curl/extension, sliding seat-rail, and handgrip/ankle cuff.

So, basically, this is a piece of 5-in-1 equipment.

And the best thing is you get a training manual explaining every exercise that you can do with the Bowflex Motivator 2. You can take a look at them here.

The manual also includes a “Body Leanness Program” by Ellington Darden, Ph. D., a body-measuring guide for men and women, eating plans, a Q&A section, and an exercise log.

Exercises to perform / Best Uses

In total, there are 57 exercises that you can do on the Bowflex Motivator 2 Home Gym. These consist of:

• A warmup/cooldown exercise
• 6 chest exercises
• 14 shoulder exercises
• 7 back exercises
• 15 arm exercises
• 5 abdominal exercises
• 9 leg exercises

You can refer to the owner’s manual for information on each exercise’s targeted muscle groups, bench positions, accessories, and success tips.

Warranty

Upon purchasing the Bowflex Motivator 2 Home Gym, you are granted a 6-Week Satisfaction Guarantee by Nautilus. 

Basically, you can get a full refund if you are not 100% satisfied with the product provided you follow certain conditions.

Other than that, users receive a 3-year warranty on the machine and a no-time-limit one on Power Rod units.

What Do People Say About It?

The Bowflex Motivator 2 Home Gym receives an above average score from customers that have bought it. 

Users like the Motivator 2 for its ease of assembly, versatility, sturdiness, and comprehensiveness.

“It was easy to put it together. I can do lots and lots of different exercises, and I found it was relatively easy to go from one to the next.”

“Even though this item is discontinued, it has lasted.”

However, some users also thought it would have been better to include a workout DVD, which should be easier to understand than the manual alone.

“This model does not come with a DVD which would have been much better than the “poster” of exercises you get, which are explained more in-depth in the book that comes with the machine.”

Most people also like how quick it is to change from one exercise to another.

Not surprisingly, a non-upgradable power rod is viewed as a shortcoming.

The Bottomline

So, there you have it, our in-depth analysis of the Bowflex Motivator 2 Home Gym. 

We hope you can put our findings to good uses even though the item is no longer available.

Motivator 2 is, in fact, a good investment for beginners and elderly women who intend to tone their muscles. 

You will grow out of 210 pounds weight pretty quickly, so we would not recommend using it for building muscle.

It also has a space-saving design for those who do not want to sacrifice their living space.

If you enjoy this article, make sure to check out our other Bowflex reviews. We have tons of analysis available on gym equipment and fitness exercises. 

As someone who loves working out at home, you wouldn’t want to miss them!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOmL0VW6v_g