Soloflex Machines: An Owner’s In-Depth Review [With Videos]

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Soloflex Review

All in one simple machine that fits in a corner of your home. Soloflex Muscle Machines doesn’t do anything new, it does all of the standard exercises you’ll ever need. And it does them better.

If you’re like me, you might find that buying the perfect in-home workout equipment can be a bit of a struggle.

You want to ensure that you are getting something that addresses your needs, and fits your budget, goals and quality standards.

I, like most people who seek out in-home workout solutions, have struggled with my own fitness success. Finding it often difficult to be able to get the most out of my workout routine, and get my body where I wanted it to be.

It seems a new piece of equipment hits the market every day. And all in one home gyms are no exception. With so many choices and marketing promises, it is hard not to be overwhelmed.

In this detailed Soloflex Review, we’ll look at how this simple home gym equipment can be a great potential solution for those of us who are looking to have a versatile piece of equipment added to our home workout space.

Are Soloflex Machines for you?

Soloflex Muscle Machines are not anything groundbreaking or new. They perform the same basic workout functions of a standard in-home weight training machine. But they do it very well.

This is how Soloflex parts are assembled – as seen in old commercials like this.

So, if you are in the market for a simple piece of equipment that will help you get a quick and easy workout in, Soloflex can be that. But they are definitely more geared towards those who want to be able to tackle a serious workout, from home.

soloflex vs weidIf you are looking for a cheap, in-home workout machine, Soloflex is not for you. They can be a bit on the pricier side, and market themselves towards a bit of a more intense workout crowd. If you are in the market for a mid-top range in-home gym, keep reading.

For those looking for easier/cheaper solutions to your in-home workout. The Weider Ultimate Body Works Home Gym is an excellent budget home gym that can be acquired for only $125 and comes fairly well-reviewed.

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So, Let’s take a closer look at the Soloflex Home Gym.

Soloflex Review

What is Soloflex?

Soloflex is a home gym that offers you a range of 30 basic workouts. Such as bench press, leg press, and several pull-down exercises. They are designed for you to do each exercise easily and with proper form to ensure you are tackling your desired muscle groups in a safe and effective manner.

You can find how the Soloflex machine work here. And also some specially curated Soloflex workouts here .

Soloflex Machines use elastic weight straps as their main resistance. They attach to the equipment arms and add easily increased resistance to your workout. Overall Soloflex machines provide the user with the experience of free weights, but with far fewer safety risks.

Pros of Soloflex

– Clever design that packs a lot of punch into such a simple looking and compact frame.

– A wide variety of workouts are offered to ensure you get the full-body workout experience.

They offer a wide range of weight resistance from 2.5lbs – 405lbs .

– They are made to last, with a solid build that ensures the product will have a long lifespan.

Cons of Soloflex

– At its price point, they aren’t exactly the cheapest home gyms on the market.

– The seat height and length of the machine sometimes doesn’t fit shorter body types very well.

– There are only available in three models. Meaning you don’t have a lot of options when purchasing.

– A number of Add-on Options.

They also offer a wide variety of upgrades and add-on options. These will drastically increase your workout options and range.

You have the option of Butterfly attachments, Leg Extension attachments, and even a Whole Body Vibration attachment. You can easily find foam, or wood bench replacements, and additional weights. They also offer easy customization and upgrade options.

You can find attachments and accessories here.

Does the Soloflex Home Gym really work?

Weighing all of the pros and cons of a home gym system, this piece of equipment is all well and good, but at the end of the day we as consumers really only care about one thing:

Does it work?

Just like any other in-home gym, you get out of it what you put in. Soloflex offers a real, and viable alternative to free weights and going to the gym. But they will take some getting used to.

With the band resistance of most Soloflex Machines, if you are used to the feel and function of free weight exercises, you will have a bit of an adjustment period.

That being said, long term Soloflex users have reported actually enjoying the results of their machines, and find the lack of cumbersome and potentially dangerous weights to be an upside.

All in all, the Soloflex Muscle Machine won’t give you any better results than free weights or going to the gym. But they will give you results at least as good, as long as you are putting the work in, and using the machine to its full potential.

Special features of Soloflex Machines

Soloflex home gymThere are a few things in particular that make the Soloflex Muscle Machine stand out for consumers, and that I myself find useful. For Instance:

The tough and stable build allows for the use of bodyweight exercises like dips and chin-ups. Which some of its competitors can’t do.

It comes with an easy, no headache assembly. I really appreciate this because oftentimes in-home gyms can be just as much of a workout to put them together, as it is to use them.

They are also quite compact for an in-home gym. At just 6’0″ tall and 4’0″ wide, they are easily stored in most homes. I find this extremely handy as someone who lives in an apartment, it would fit nicely into the corner of my bedroom or living room.

Soloflex Parts and Accessories

Soloflex Replacement Bands

soloflex replacement-bandsOne of the most popular and search for the Soloflex part is the replacement bands. Due to the versatility of the Soloflex machine, replacing bands is very common. If you have an old machine sitting in the garage of your home, you may just need to replace its bands to start using it once again.

And a set of Aftermarket (NON-OEM) Resistance bands from Amazon may be perfect for this purpose. It come with this dimension (2 25LB bands + 2 10LB bands + 2 5LB bands + 2 2.5LB bands = 85LBS total)

With sample bottle of 303, Aerospace Protectant included + Microfiber cleaning cloths

Soloflex says these parts are designed and tested in-house on an actual Soloflex Muscle Machine.

How do Soloflex Machines Compare to their Biggest Competitor?

Soloflex vs Bowflex

Bowflex Blaze

Another household name for home gym systems is Bowflex. The Bowflex Gym has a lot of similarities to the Soloflex. Both home gyms were popularized in the 80s-90s through highly successful infomercial campaigns.

Both home gyms utilize resistance weight training rather than free weight plates. Both home gyms offer total body workout potential. So in a lot of ways, they are very similar machines. Here are a brief  ‘Apples to Apples’ comparison.

Price:

– Bowflex Gyms range between $650-$3,000 USD depending on the model.

– Soloflex Machines range Between $1,995-$2,770 USD depending on the model.

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Range of Workout Options:

Bowflex Gyms offer a range of up to 100 different exercises in the basic model.

– A Soloflex workout offers about 30 unique exercises without any attachments. However, this range can be upgraded. The Soloflex Machines also offer dips and chin-up bodyweight exercises, unlike the Bowflex Gyms.

Size Comparison:

– Bowflex Gyms are quite a bit more bulky, with a minimum workout area size of 9’4″ x 6’6″.

– Soloflex Machines are far more compact and require much less room to set up in your home. Coming at just 6’0 x 4’0.

Resistance Types:

– Bowflex Gyms utilize polymer rods called power rods, which attach to cables and offer you varying weight resistance.

– Soloflex Machines utilize Soloflex bands, giant durable bands that can be interchanged on the machines to change weight resistance.

Real User Testimonial

The Soloflex Muscle Machine has very positive review feedback, with very little buyers remorse. While preparing to write this article, I spent quite some time researching what consumers and owners thought of their Soloflex Machines. The general thought seems to be that they are very well made, versatile, and reasonably priced for what you get. I have grabbed a few testimonials from real-life users for you to check out yourself. I’ve added relevant links to aid your search.

If you like the Soloflex Machines, but the Price Isn’t Right.

If you are interested in purchasing the Soloflex Machines but feel like you can’t quite justify the price, there are options to purchase used or refurbished machines at a significant discount. On such websites like this one here, you can find a host of sellers offering great condition, used Soloflex Machines for as little as $600-$800 USD. The accessories and replacement straps are easily available on eBay at a sizable discount as well. So if a used alternative is appealing to you, they can be purchased for a very fair price relatively easily.

Soloflex Alternatives

If you decide that the Soloflex Machines just aren’t quite what you are looking for, there are several high-quality Soloflex alternatives. You aren’t limited in your options in the home gym market. Some of those high-quality alternatives include:

1. Bowflex PR1000

soloflex vs bowflexThe Bowflex is, by now, a household name. Popularized in the late ’80s around the same time as Soloflex. They both have managed to carve their own chunk of the home gym market share.

The Bowflex offers a wider range of product selection than Soloflex, as well as offering a few cheaper options as well. Here are some benefits:

  •  Bowflex Machines utilize polymer power rods which attach to cables to provide resistance.
  • They are guaranteed for life.
  • They are a decent amount larger than Soloflex Machines, requiring a much larger workout area.
  •  They offer a wider range of workout capabilities than Soloflex Machines. Ranging from 30-100 different workouts depending on the model you purchase.

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1. Total Gym XLS

Total Gym offers you a totally different experience from products like Soloflex or Bowflex. It is a much more compact home gym but offers a larger range of workout capabilities than the Soloflex. soloflex-vs-total-gymHowever, it does utilize resistance training and offers total body workout just like its competitors. Total Gyms also tend to be cheaper than their competitors. Their most popular model is only $800 USD. Here are some benefits:

  • Total Gyms utilize bodyweight resistance as opposed to band or power rod resistance.
  • 80+ unique workout options for your whole body.
  • Extremely simple design, that is far less complicated to use than it’s competitors.

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Bowflex PR3000 Home Gym

bowflex-versus-SoloflexBowflex has been able to develop several high-quality options to compete in the home gym market. The PR300 is no exception.

The Bowflex PR3000 Home Gym offers you a lot of the same advantages and results of the Soloflex Machine.

However, you could be sacrificing from a budget point of view.

So the price/reward ratio will be up to you. Here are some benefits:

  • Offers over 50 gym-quality exercises to work out your entire body
  • It provides as little as 5 or as many as 210 pounds. of Power Rod resistance.
  • Multi-use hand grip or ankle cuffs designed to add flexibility and performance to any workout using the Quick Change Power Rod system.
  • Upgradable resistance to 310 pounds.
  • Heavy-duty steel construction frame offering long term durability and change mechanism, seemingly faster and smoother than it’s competitors.

Check Price on Amazon

Make sure that you take the chance to check out some of these other high-quality products on the market when you are searching for your in-home gym solution.

Final Thoughts

The Soloflex Muscle Machine is an excellent solution to a common problem. How can you work out, stay fit, and get the body you want without having to leave home?

These machines solve all of those issues, in spades. While Soloflex Machines are not without their drawbacks, they definitely offer a lot of pros that make them enticing for fitness experts. These machines ensure that:

  1.  You get the quality of a gym workout at home without buying several types of equipment.
  2. You have versatile, and unique options to isolate any muscle or body group you may want to target.
  3. They are fairly compact, and lightweight, making them easy to set up and maintain in your personal living space. You don’t need to put them in the garage.

So if you want to get a closer look at the Soloflex muscle machine, click here to check this product out!

A Word From Cardio Zero

Try Before You Buy

Like I always advice;
Before you buy anything, visit a few fitness stores/shops that specializes in fitness equipment.
Do well and try several models available. It will even be better if you could wear your workout gear and
use the machine for 10 minutes so you get a feel for it.

While testing things out, pay attention to the crucial benefits mentioned here.

  1. Is it easy to see and use?
  2. Make sure the motion is smooth and that nothing impedes your movement.
  3. Measure it to make sure you have enough space at home.

Buying an all in one home gym equipment is not an easy decision to make. And yet, if you think that adding one to your home gym will keep you:

  • In shape
  • motivated
  • and in your budget

then it can be a great asset that will keep you fit, healthy and happy for a very long time.

Good luck.

 

 

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5 thoughts on “Soloflex Machines: An Owner’s In-Depth Review [With Videos]”

  1. I have a Soloflex, hexagon dumbbells 10-20 lbs., adjustable dumbbells 25-65 lbs., and ‘The Rack.’ My Soloflex has, the leg attachment, pec-dec, and dip accessory. With the equipment I have; I’ve yet to hear someone tell me that they can’t get a good workout!

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