How do you measure resistance vs. weight?

Question

I have the bowflex revolution, if its 80lbs of resistance what is the weight?

Answer 1

In theory 80 lbs of "resistance" means that it is the same level of resistance you would feel when attempting to pick 80 pounds up off the floor.

In practice the Bowflex is variable resistance. That is, it is easier at start of the motion and progressively gives you more resistance the farther you pull. So 80 lbs of resistance may only be 20 lbs of resistance during the first inch of movement, but might be 120 lbs at the far extension of the movement. So the numbers are more of a general guess and are probably about accurate at 3/4ths of the way through the motion.