Finding time for fitness isn’t always easy. Busy schedules require a workout plan that can be adapted and changed depending on your individual needs, and made to fit the constraints of a full working week. For that reason, many of us consider the home gym.
Home gyms can be a fantastic solution to tough time constraints. However, they come with their own issues. A home gym needs space that many of us lack, and there’s often some necessary sacrifice in equipment range. A home gym can very rarely encompass all we might expect from an actual gym.
This is where BodyBoss comes in. This innovative solution to the home gym aims to be a diverse and portable response to the home gym problem. With a workout that focuses on using resistance bands to improve all around fitness, BodyBoss intends to appeal to a diverse range of fitness enthusiasts.
But before purchasing the BodyBoss, you need to understand what it is, and how it can work for you. The BodyBoss home gym has some fantastic benefits, but it isn’t right for everyone. With this review, we take a look at everything the BodyBoss has to offer, and whether it might be the perfect start for your home gym.
Who is BodyBoss?
Designed as a home workout to suit everyone, BodyBoss is a company that aims to make fitness equipment for those who struggle to find a routine that works. Created by fitness enthusiasts who understood just how difficult making time for workouts can be, BodyBoss makes a simple alternative to the gym.
BodyBoss started life as a Kickstarter project, which quickly received the full funding amount. This has actually become a surprisingly useful way for new fitness products to get started.
What is the BodyBoss Home Gym 2.0?
BodyBoss Home Gym 2.0 is a strength training system that uses resistance bands instead of weights. Using these heavy-duty cables can burn fat, build muscle, and improve energy levels. Unlike traditional weights, resistance bands are easy on the joints, allowing even fitness beginners to get comfortable.
The BodyBoss home gym combines these resistance bands with a stable base, allowing that workout to become adaptable. While typical resistance bands often provide a static and focused workout, the innovative BodyBoss system engages the entire body.
A portable gym that can be folded up and carried about, BodyBoss is designed for all people, from all lifestyles, and with all fitness levels.
First impressions of the BodyBoss Home Gym 2.0
The BodyBoss home gym looks good when you first see it. Actually, when you first see it, it doesn’t look like a home gym at all. Able to fold down to a simple hard plastic case, the initial impression of the BodyBoss is that it’s some sort of briefcase.
When the BodyBoss is laid out and set up, it still looks very understated. With the focus on resistance bands and simplicity, it certainly seems small compared to common home gym equipment such as the treadmill, or the cross trainer.
All the equipment feels sturdy and well-made, like equipment you can expect to find at the actual gym. The plastic base that forms the carry case has an unexpected strength to it, and everything included in the kit has a similar quality of design.
Once you get past the initial misgivings about how something so simple can be a total body workout, the BodyBoss looks good. The sleek graphics won’t blow you away, but the overall impression is of a home gym with serious intent.
BodyBoss Home Gym 2.0 also comes in three colors — green, yellow, and pink. The color is mainly on the resistance bands themselves, as well as a few accents of a design. For the most part, the BodyBoss home gym is solid black.
What do you get in the box?
The first impressions of the BodyBoss Home Gym 2.0 may be good, but how does the equipment compare to its design?
Fold up VectorFit Base
The VectorFit Base is the platform used to anchor the resistance bands, and to form a solid support structure as you exercise. The design looks simple, but with 10 anchor points, the VectorFit Base really allows you to change your workout. Anchor the resistance bands to the base, and you can adjust their strength, and how you use them.
The base itself is sturdy underfoot, although it can slip if not placed on the right surface. Placing a mat underneath can help to keep it still. As you move, it never feels like there’s any danger of the base snapping and breaking, and you can pull on an anchored band as much as you like. You really can dive right into your workout.
Collapsible Workout Bar
Like the VectorFit Base, the collapsible workout bar adds versatility to the BodyBoss system. The bar threads through the ends of the resistance band, providing you a firm hold point that’s useful for shoulder exercises.
Strategically placed padding provides a comfortable place to grip. Made with durable materials that can withstand as much force as you can put out, the collapsible workout bar helps transform the BodyBoss from a set of resistance bands to a full-body workout.
1 set of 2 Resistance Bands
The bands, bar, and base form the central focus of the BodyBoss system. The issue some people have with resistance bands is that they need to be anchored. Often, the only way to do this is to hold the bar down with your foot. Needing one or two legs to hold the band in place really limits what you can do.
With the resistance bands anchored through the VectorFit Base, there’s room for movement and versatility.
The bands themselves are 30 inches, and can simulate up to 30 pounds. There are two bands included in the basic pack, with some workouts using both at the same time.
1 set of 2 Handles
By attaching the handles to the resistance band, they can be used like dumbbells. The handles clip on easily, creating a strong link that won’t break even as you apply force.
1 set of 2 Wrist and Ankle Straps
The adjustable straps fit around all sizes of wrist and ankles, made with a soft fabric that’s gentle on the skin. By strapping the bands to either the wrists or the ankles, the resistance bands can be used to add weight training to cardio exercises in a way that feels natural.
Door anchor with ring
Use the door ring to turn your resistance bands into a cable fly machine. This is particularly useful for frequent travelers, as the door ring allows you to leave the base at home, making the BodyBoss even more portable.
Instruction Manual and Visuals
Purchasing the BodyBoss Home Gym 2.0 also gets you access to the BodyBoss videos and instructions. These teach you all the ways you can use the BodyBoss, and how it can be a full-body workout.
There isn’t a steep learning curve when using the BodyBoss. If you have any experience with using resistance bands, then you can easily learn to use the BodyBoss.
The wide range of videos demonstrate all the ways the home gym can work for you. One issue with building a home gym is that equipment can limit the type of workout possible. But with the BodyBoss, you can pay attention to every area of the body.
The instructional videos are clear and easy to follow, and you have complete access to them via your BodyBoss account. Gradually build up a workout regimen, or sample a bit of everything to find what you like.
Feel like you’ve got stuck in a workout rut? Have a look through over 100 videos provided by BodyBoss, and get some motivation.
Preset training regimens cater to various levels of fitness, and access to a trainer helps you to create something specifically for you. The BodyBoss Home Gym provides you an in-gym experience, from the comfort (and ease) of your home
Extra Bands
For an extra price, you can get the advanced version of the BodyBoss Home Gym 2.0. This is very similar to the original home gym, but it also includes some extra resistance bands.
The extra resistance bands are ideal for someone who is already fairly proficient in the gym, or a person serious about taking their workouts up a level. The stronger bands allow the user to keep on advancing when the standard bands don’t offer the same resistance.
The extra bands can also be purchased separately, for a similar cost.
Overall, the kit without the bands is the best option. The extra bands are useful once you’ve advanced past the strength of the standard bands. However, how soon you reach this point will depend on the individual user. If you prefer to use the BodyBoss to maintain a fitness level, or to supplement other forms of workout, the stronger bands may never be necessary.
As the resistance bands can be bought separately for a similar cost, it’s worth simply paying for the upgrade as and when it’s necessary. That way, you don’t have an extra pair of bands hanging around (and you won’t be tempted to push too hard, too soon.)
What About the Add-ons?
There are some additions you can buy for the BodyBoss home gym, designed to make the system slightly more well-rounded. Currently, the options are limited to the ab wheel, and replacements for damaged parts. The ab wheel is a fun addition, and a way to mix up your workouts from time to time.
There is room for growth with the BodyBoss Home Gym 2.0. Hopefully, we’ll see more innovative releases in the future.
What Kind of Workouts can you do with the BodyBoss Home Gym 2.0?
If you think the resistance band is only good for exercising the arms, then you need to think again. The BodyBoss Home Gym 2.0 may not be able to replace every machine in the gym, but it does a pretty good job at covering a lot of them.
For a start, the BodyBoss resistance bands can be used for strength training almost every muscle in the body. With the VectorFit Base providing an anchor, and the collapsible bar giving you new ways to grip, everything from toe touches to shoulder presses can be accomplished with the BodyBoss.
But it isn’t all about static movement. A sturdy base and wrist straps help to incorporate resistance bands into cardio based training. They’re particularly useful if you enjoy boxing workouts, adding resistance without hampering movement.
If you prefer a cardio workout, the BodyBoss Home Gym 2.0 can still have its uses. Set up takes less than a minute, and then you can easily incorporate strength training into your day.
With 100s of videos offering guidance and ideas, there’s little limit to the BodyBoss Home Gym 2.0.
Who Would Benefit from the BodyBoss Home Gym 2.0?
BodyBoss is designed for use by everyone, but it’s best suited for those who struggle to keep a consistent workout routine.
The BodyBoss Home Gym is so portable that it can be used all over the house. Stretch out when watching television, talking on the phone, or fit in a quick workout while dinner cooks. You aren’t constrained by where the BodyBoss is set up, because the set-up is completely moveable. Busy fitness fans who never have time for fitness will enjoy how adaptable the BodyBoss system is.
If you struggle to make time for a workout, then the BodyBoss system is ideal. Not only because it’s portable, but because it’s quick and easy to set up. In no time at all, you can tailor fitness routines to suit the reality of your day to day, ensuring you never have to do without.
Anyone living in an apartment, or in a shared house, should appreciate the size of the BodyBoss Home Gym. It’s so easy to keep bundled in a corner, that even those who are really pressed for space will find it fits into storage. Unlike a bulky exercise machine that gets in the way whenever it’s not in use, the BodyBoss Home Gym is out of sight, out of mind (although for some, this may be a disadvantage).
Frequent travelers can also appreciate the portability of the BodyBoss Home Gym.
Those who prefer a self-motivated workout are likely to get the most benefit from the BodyBoss Home Gym. It really requires you to take charge of setting your goals, and working towards them.
What are the Downsides to the BodyBoss Home Gym 2.0?
BodyBoss is designed for people of all fitness levels, but those who’ve never used a resistance band before may struggle to learn the movements. Although they’re easy to use once you’ve got the hang of them, an initial hands-on demonstration may be needed.
BodyBoss can work almost every muscle of the body, but those who prefer variety may find the workouts get boring.
On a similar note, the BodyBoss might not keep up with high-level fitness enthusiasts.
The resistance bands of BodyBoss are used for strength training. If you prefer a focus on cardio, BodyBoss would work as an addition to a routine, rather than a basis.
But the main downside of the BodyBoss system is the same problem with any home gym — you have to motivate yourself. Other innovative home gym systems have included an interactive element to navigate this, but BodyBoss isn’t quite there yet. Perhaps, at some point, BodyBoss will be able to create a better online presence, and maybe include some live classes.
Price
The BodyBoss Home Gym 2.0 will cost you several hundred dollars. Compared to other home gym equipment, this is something of a bargain. Bulky gym equipment like treadmills and cross trainers can set you back more than twice the price of the BodyBoss, and do less.
Compared to the cost of a gym membership, the BodyBoss is a good deal. For many of us, an expensive gym membership can sit unused. A BodyBoss costs half the price of the average annual gym membership, and is much more adaptable to your day-to-day needs.
Is the BodyBoss Home Gym 2.0 a hit or miss?
The BodyBoss Home Gym 2.0 is a definite hit. The simple but innovative design really meets the needs of fitness fans who can rarely find the time. By using resistance bands rather than weights, the BodyBoss home gym works for everyone, putting less strain on the body while producing results.
The home gym may not be the most diverse product on the market, but the low price more than makes up for the simplicity. In fact, the simplicity is one of the strong points of the BodyBoss. With no bulky equipment, portability increases hugely. And because of the anchor and band system, there are many types of workout to explore.
The biggest issue with the BodyBoss gym is that it relies on you, but that’s the same for all home gym equipment. However, it would be nice to see BodyBoss build up a community that could be used for motivation.
If you’re a self-motivated fitness enthusiast, then the BodyBoss might be the perfect addition to your home gym. Affordable and easy to use, the resistance bands help build strength and the portability builds a habit.
BodyBoss have created a home gym that really works in and out of the home. And with plenty of room for expansion, we’re excited to see what they do next.
Hi, I’m Kevin Harris and my interest in bodybuilding began when I first saw Arnold Schwarzenegger wielding a sword on-screen as ‘Conan the Barbarian’. At that moment, I knew I wanted to be all that I could be, and that I wanted to be like Arnold. As soon as the movie finished, I joined my first gym.
Nothing in life is easy, but the lessons that I’ve learned from the time that I’ve spent lifting weights and pushing myself in the gym have served me well - that’s why I want to share them with you.
I want you to be the best version of yourself that you can be, and I hope that my site will help to inspire you to reach that goal and meet every challenge that you encounter head-on.
Thanks for spending some time on my site and with me, and maybe one day we can spot each other while we’re reaching for perfection.
