Bowflex HVT Review – Cardio and Strength Training

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If you have been searching the internet for a Bowflex HVT review, then you have come to the right place.  The Hybrid Velocity Training machine from Bowflex combines cardio and strength training to give you a serious workout.  In this review, I will walk you through the features and benefits of the machine and if there is anything I don’t like, I will let you know that as well.

Bowflex HVT review

Bowflex has been designing high-quality workout equipment for years, like 30 years.  They are a very innovative company and continue to stretch the limits with awesome new ways to workout.  Bowflex does not disappoint with the HVT series.

For many people, getting to the gym is a serious hassle.  You go to work in the morning, come home after a long day and the last thing you want to do is get back in the car, pack up all your stuff and hit the gym.  Plus there are always a lot of people at the gym and it’s hard to get an efficient workout done.

This HVT is a fantastic way to combine cardio and strength training into one awesome unit.  If time is a big obstacle for you, then look no further, as this machine can provide you with a full-body in about 18 minutes.  This is a circuit-training machine, which gives you the best of both worlds, strength, and endurance.

One of the great things about circuit training is you will not get bored.  With the combination of the variety of exercises and the speed of performing them, you stay busy.  When I stay busy, I am usually not bored. These workouts are efficient, challenging and offer variety.

Specifications

Bowflex HVT

  • Dimensions: 65.6” L x 46” W x 83” H
  • Maximum user weight: 300 pounds
  • The weight of the unit: 182 pounds
  • Warranty:
    • 2 years on frame, mechanical, electrical, parts
    • 90 days on labor
  • Price & Promotions:

Workout options with Bowflex HVT

The Bowflex HVT comes with three pre-programmed workout options:

  • Sprint (power, speed, and recover)
  • Circuit (strength, form, and range of motion)
  • Builder (strength and endurance)
  • There is also a manual mode, which allows you to choose from 50 different exercises.

Best sure to check out our complete guide to Bowflex HVT workouts.

Other HVT features include:

  • 16 resistance levels
  • Water bottle holder
  • Heart rate monitor
  • Four user profiles

The machine does come with three manuals; of course, the owner’s manual, along with a quick start guide and a training guide.  The training guide walks through the workout options listed above in detail and shows you how to perform each of the exercises.

For instance, the training guide explains in detail the Sprint workout and shows images of each exercise performed in that work out option.  There are “Tips” as well, which tell you how to perform each exercise properly.

There is also instruction for the manual mode exercises, so if you want to focus on upper body or core, you can do that as well.  The training guide is really packed full of a lot of useful information.

Display

The HVT comes with an LCD/LED display, which will display your statistics like, time, calories burned, level of resistance, etc.  With four user profiles, the machine can be set up ahead of time with your vitals, so you do not have to waste time to enter all of your data, each time you work out.

Bluetooth connectivity

Yes, the machine comes with Bluetooth, and you can download the free Bowflex HVT Software App for Android or IOS.  You will have access to 50 trainer-led exercise videos.  So, if you are a beginner or advanced workout warrior, you can be challenged every step of the way. The HVT Software App will automatically synchronize with MyFitnessPal so you can keep track of your results.

Once you gain an understanding of how the machine works for and with your body, you can create your own workout programs using the HVT Software App.

Resistance

A dial on the console controls the resistance.  You can increase or decrease the resistance of each program depending on your needs. The resistance fan applies the resistance.  There are 16 levels of resistance.Bowflex Hybrid Velocity Training

To dive a little deeper into resistance, since the machine has fan resistance, the faster you go, the harder the workout becomes.  Kind of like an Airdyne bike, when you pedal faster, it becomes harder.

You can select a resistance level and that is a good place to start, but to increase resistance, the faster you go, the harder it gets.

Assembly

Well, here is the fun part, building the machine. You will have to assemble the HVT or, you can pay for in-home assembly, but what fun would that be right?  I enjoy these kinds of things, so for me, it is no big deal to assemble, but for those of you who are not into that, you can always opt to have Bowflex build it for you.  The unit arrives in two boxes.

I spoke with Bowflex representative and you should plan on about two hours for assembly.  They also highly recommend two people to build the machine.  So, remember your friend that owes you a favor? Now is the time to cash in.

The compact design will fit well in just about any corner of your home or office.  With strength training and cardio built into one unit, this can serve a great purpose for many people.  Bowflex recommends a workout area of 101.3 inches x 117.2 inches to make sure you have ample room to work out.

Power source

You will need to make sure that you have a power source close by.  The power cord adapter is about six feet long and Bowflex does not recommend using an extension cord with its products.

Maintenance

Routine maintenance includes

Bowflex HVT Maintenance Illustration

  • Daily: Look for loose, damaged or broken parts. Wipe the machine down after each use
  • Weekly: Inspect the pulleys and their connections to make sure they are in good shape
  • Monthly: Make sure all bolts and screws are tight. Fully inspect the ropes and look for wear (The image shows what you want to look for with the ropes)

Positive customer reviews

“I have a lower back injury and I use it to keep in shape and build my core strength”

“I was running up to 4 miles on a treadmill before using the HVT. I thought I was in shape. I was wrong.”

“I would definitely recommend the HVT to anyone that is pressed for time throughout their day and looking to get in a quick solid workout”

Bowflex HVT – USA
Bowflex HVT – Canada

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • One machine combines strength and endurance training
  • A space-saving design will fit nicely in a home or office
  • Bowflex offers a 6-week guarantee (less shipping and handling)
  • Financing is available
  • 2-year warranty
  • Pre-set workout programs
  • Work out in about 18 minutes
  • There are many positive customer reviews.
  • Save money by canceling your gym membership

Cons

  • Cables sometimes hang up on each other
  • Some complain there is not enough resistance, but others have had no problems with this at all. One user explains that he has adapted his movements to increase the difficulty.
  • It’s a pretty expensive machine

 

Conclusion: Bowflex HVT Review

Who is Bowflex HVT good for?

  • Athletes looking to increase speed and power
  • People who want a fast and efficient full-body workout
  • Anyone who is looking to improve core strength
  • You want a machine capable of both cardio and strength building
  • Folks who are looking to improve their range of motion
  • Anyone who wants to change up their current fitness routine
  • You want to build endurance
  • People interested in a full-body workout at home
  • You are looking for a functional movement workout

Who is it not for?

  • People looking for a more leisurely workout, like walking
  • Bodybuilders who need to lift massive amounts of weight
  • You love spending hours at the gym working out (or not working out LOL)

If you are looking for a great all-in-one machine for an efficient and effective workout, I think the HVT is worth a look.  One machine that can help you build endurance and strength is something to consider taking a look at.

As with any piece of workout equipment, some people will love it and some not so much.  The vast majority of people using this machine like it a lot and get a great work out in a short amount of time.  Maybe you are busy at home with kids and do not want to go to the gym at night after the dust settles.

Maybe you work a lot, and the same result, you get home late and do not want to venture out again. A machine like this gives you an opportunity to get your heart rate up, and get a great work out at home and do it quickly.

Pricing and promotions for the Bowflex HVT change seasonally. If you are ready to purchase a Bowflex HVT or would like additional information, visit Bowflex USA or Canada.

Bowflex HVT – USA
Bowflex HVT – Canada

I would love to hear what you think about this product.

What do you like most about this Bowflex HVT? Let us know in the comments section below.

Bowflex HVT
  • Workout efficiency - 90%
    90%
  • Price - 95%
    95%
  • Design - 95%
    95%
93%

32 thoughts on “Bowflex HVT Review – Cardio and Strength Training”

    • Thank you for stopping by. Yes, this machine is a high-intensity interval training machine and it does come with preset workouts. You can also create your own workout once you get to know the machine and how your body reacts to the training. Thank you for your comment, good question.

      Reply
  1. Hi, and thanks for this indepth demonstration of Bowflex HVT.

    Hard choice here, these are all good training tools. They are a bit on the expensive side but quality has it’s price I guess.

    I’ll check out som more products on your site before deciding.

    Reply
    • Yes, it’s definitely priced on the higher end. There are a lot of other options, depending on what you are looking for. Please let me know if you need any more help. Thanks for stopping by, I appreciate your time today.

      Reply
  2. I believe you got a pretty mean machine right here.

    I’m a gym rat myself. Lucky I don’t live in a highly populated area, but even I have problems with people using the machine I’d like to be using sometimes.

    Man, just figuring out all the workouts you could do with this thing would be a workout on it’s own!! That’s great.

    Thanks for the information!

    Reply
    • Thank you for your comment. Yeah, gyms get so crowded, unless you are one of the few who can go during off-peak hours. It is a pretty versatile machine, so there is a lot to learn. I love the training manual since it shows how to do everything and do it properly. Let me know if you have any questions, I am here to help.

      Reply
  3. Hi thanks for the great review. My question is in what way can you work on your cardio. I notice most of the excercises you can do on this build strength, so not sure where the cardio comes in, unless you work the strength exercises at a speed which may cause injury.

    I love that there is an app you can follow for workout sessions. This is a great idea and you won’t get bored if you try a new workout each time.

    Reply
    • Yes, the idea behind this machine is to work quickly and seemlessly through the movements.  There are jumping exercises, and sqauts, among others that will help to increase your heart rate.  Just becaue you are moving quickly does not mean you will get injured.  This machine may take some getting used to for some people, other people are used to working out this way. You can get an effective workout in a short amount of time.  Good question and I appreciate you taking some time to read this review.  

      Reply
  4. I have seen the HVT advertised before and was interested in checking out your review. Thanks for all the awesome content, you did a great job of pointing out pros and cons. I love the fact that this is a machine designed with functional movements, and you can get a great workout in a short amount of time. We are all on the lookout for more time in our days, so this is a great way to get a workout in.

    Reply
    • Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment, I appreciate it. I like the functionality of the exercises the Bowflex HVT provides, and you can work up a good sweat as well. If you have any questions, just ask, I am here to help.

      Reply
  5. My aunt bought a bowflex back in the day (maybe 15 years ago) but it was really old and she never used it. What’s funny is that she’s still got it, sitting in her garage, laid down not being used. I wonder if she’ll let me use it since it seems “Bowflex” is a good brand. However, it might be best just to get a new one since I care about quality, durability and usability more than anything. Thanks for the help 🙂

    Reply
    • Yeah, you might want to consider a new machine at this point. This machine is great for high-intensity interval training, and you may also want to check out my best home gym system post if you are interested in other models. Thanks for stopping by, I appreciate you taking the time today.

      Reply
  6. Great recommendation. This has a rather small footprint and would easily fit into a home gym without taking up too much space. It has a lot of functionality as well!

    Reply
    • Thank you very much. Yes, the small footprint is definitely one of the best parts of this machine. I am glad you stopped by, have a great day.

      Reply
  7. Hi Steve,

    Thanks for the review. I’m a former, former gym rat (many moons ago :-)) and I often find myself mulling over getting back into the game. I haven’t done any serious training in a long time, and I love the idea of mixing cardio and strength building in the same sets of exercises. I think that the trainer lead routines via the app is great, particularly for helping people do the exercises correctly and get the maximum benefit from them. I’ll have a serious look at the link – thanks!

    Reply
    • Thanks for stopping by.  I am glad to hear you are interested in getting back in the game so to speak.  Please let me know if you have any questions, I am here to help.

      Reply
  8. Thanks for this well written review. I have been interested in buying a home gym for a while and this seems like it has a lot of nice features.

    Whst would you say is this pros and cons of this vs going to a gym? Are there certain things you can do at the gym that you can’t with this?

    How often does it say it will probably need parts replaced and stuff too?

    Reply
    • Thanks for stopping by.  The pros of not going to a gym are the monthly membership fees, working out in your own space whenever you want to.  Gyms can be really crowded and some people don’t like the “Judging” that goes on in a gym.  There are of course things you can do at a gym that you can’t with this, like chin ups, or serious hardcore weight lifting. It just really depends on what you are looking for.  My goal is to share with people, the options that are available for someone who is looking for ways to build core strength and get an overall full body workout at home.  As with any product, it is great for some people but not for everyone. Hopefully I can open some eyes as to what is available on the market.

      As for replacement parts, Bowflex does offer a 2 year warranty on parts, and 90 days on labor.  I can’t answer for 100% certainty when the parts will wear out, lots of factors in play there.  Thanks again for taking some time to leave a comment, I appreciate it.

      Reply
  9. Hi Steve,
    Awesome review of the Bowflex HVT. Really looks like a fantastic machine. About 15 years ago I had a low end Bowflex in a small house my wife and I had. It worked really well because I was able to workout at home and since I was pretty busy, not driving to the gym was great. These days I’m lucky in that I have decent gym at work so get my training sessions in there mostly and also have some solid equipment in my basement.
    This Bowflex looks amazing, I would say the only knock it has is the price tag. I know there are people that like to have this as an in home piece to help get in shape so I’m sure there’s no shortage of purchasers. That plus Bowflex make quality equipment.
    Do you have any other Bowflex machines you also recommend?
    Thanks,
    Mat A.

    Reply
    • Thank you for your comment, I appreciate it.  That’s great that you have a gym at work, a lot of people don’t have that option.  Yes, I agree the price is definitely up there on this machine.  It just really depends on what people want.  My goal is show people ways to get a quality workout to help build core strength as well as overall strength, with a home gym.  As with anything you can buy, some people will love the idea of a home gym and some not so much.  

      I do have other machines including the Max Trainer series, Bowflex Max Trainer M3Bowflex Max Trainer M5, Bowflex Max Trainer M7.  I also have another post, best home gym system if you are interested in other options.

      Thanks again for stopping by!

      Reply
  10. The Bowflex HVT looks like a great machine and I’m impressed that you can do so much with just one machine. That eliminates having to have more than one and saves on space. I don’t have a Bowflex, and never have, but I know that they are quality machines. Right now I’m getting my exercise by road cycling, but I can’t seem to get rid of my gut. Would using the Bowflex help me tighten my abs and lose belly fat?

    Reply
    • Hi Grant, thank you for your comment.  Well, the Bowflex can help you with strength and endurance, but there is a saying that abs are made in the kitchen.  I am glad you are impressed with the Bowflex HVT, it’s a very innovative machine.  Thanks again for stopping by, I appreciate you taking the time.

      Reply
  11. Fantastic review as always. Wow i must say bow flex has come a long way in 30 years I remember when it first came out and was the new hot work out machine everybody wanted it.
    I have been thinking about getting a home work out machine and this HVT has me thinking.
    Thank you so much for this very Informative article.
    David

    Reply
    • Hi David, thanks for stopping by. Yes, Bowflex has come a long way since the early days. They are still innovating and designing great fitness equipment. Please let me know if you have any questions, or need any help.

      Reply
  12. Steve, I appreciate all the information on the HVT. My biggest obstacle in keeping in shape is actually getting to the gym. Having a machine at home would certainly be advantageous. I had a cross-training type of machine at my parents when I was in high school and I was very disciplined in working out, so I know that I can make it happen. I will certainly keep your site in my favorites as I possibly pursue a machine in the future.

    Reply
    • Thank you for the comment Jeff, I appreciate it. Yes, being disciplined is really hard for a lot of people, even with a home gym. The obstacle of going to the gym is easy to overcome with an in-home gym, but you still have to use it. I am glad to hear you were disciplined enough to make good use of it. Please let me know if you have any questions, or need any help.

      Reply
  13. I have had hvt about a year…wish it had options for increased resistance…for instance upright rows on manual, I feel like I am working with only 20 pound dumbbells if that much…I mean I can do 80 reps in one set…any way to turn up the weight load?

    Reply
    • Hi Ed, thanks for commenting here today. Hopefully I can help you out.

      This machine cannot be equated to pounds since it is not a lifting workout. To make this workout harder, you would want to increase the range of motion and speed up the pace.

      Since this has fan resistance, the faster you go the harder the workout becomes. The resistance level will give you a great starting point, however since the fan is added in, the resistance is not consistent.

      It’s similar to an airdyne bike where the faster you pedal the harder it becomes. The faster you go through the rep, the more resistance you will feel from the ropes.

      Thanks again for stopping by!

      Reply
  14. Hello, can I use ankle and tricep rope like I would on a universal weight system? Also, I know it’s restitance of 1 to 16 but what do you think the highest level would be equivalent to in pounds? Thanks.

    Reply
    • Hi Tim, thanks for stopping by. I am not exactly sure what you mean by “can I use ankle and tricep rope like I would on a universal weight system”. The video in my post gives a great demonstration of the HVT bands in action. If you haven’t seen the video, you should check it out.

      As for resistance, as far as I know, measuring the exact weight associated with resistance bands is not really possible, depending on the user and range of motion. The best method I can think of is trial and error. I know that doesn’t answer your question, but honestly, I am not sure if there is a way to translate the resistance levels into pounds.

      Thanks for your comment, I appreciate it.

      Reply

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