Bowflex
A home-fitness icon known for inventive machines — now rebuilding under new ownership after a 2024 bankruptcy
- Founded
- 1986
- Country
- United States
- Warranty
- Typical Bowflex cardio coverage is short for the class: about 2 years frame, 2 years mechanical parts, and only 1 year on electronics/touchscreen — and out-of-warranty screen replacements have been quoted near $1,100.
- Support
- Support and the JRNY app now run under Johnson Health Tech, which has said JRNY will continue. Long-term parts sourcing and software commitment for a recently-distressed brand are unproven, and stock has been intermittent.
Overview
Bowflex built its name on space-saving home gyms and, more recently, connected cardio like the lean-mode VeloCore bike. After parent company Nautilus rebranded to BowFlex Inc. and filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy in March 2024, the brand and its JRNY platform were acquired by Johnson Health Tech (parent of Matrix Fitness). The hardware remains inventive, but the brand is mid-transition.
Is it worth it?
Bowflex is worth it only for buyers drawn to a specific feature (the VeloCore’s lean mode) who accept the post-bankruptcy support uncertainty and short electronics warranty. Risk-averse buyers should favor an established brand.
