chigrl71

Ok...I'm finally ready to make a move and get a Bowflex for off-season training. Anyone own one? Opinions?

55/Rad

I just sold mine. Like so many training devices, it was great when I used it but I got to a point about a year ago where I decided that I'd rather ride more often than push weights, so it sat unused. I go to the gym when I want a weight workout now.

One item of note - it took up more space than I realized.

I won't deny it's a quality machine with a lot of versatility. Certainly worth the price.

55/Rad

forensicchemist

becareful if you buy a pre-owned unit....several recalls.

https://www.bowflex.com/how/safetynotice.asp

by the way hows the weather there? I grew up in Schaumburg and Northbrook, but moved to Texas for the warmer climate.

chigrl71

Ok...so what I am hearing is that the Bowflext of today is not the quality machine it was 2 or 3 years ago. Is this true?
I really am wanting to buy a home fitness machine, I hate going to the gym to workout, but want to get the best bang for my buck. I looked at a "Precor Zuma" today, which looks like a good machine, a little more expensive than the Bowflex, but only offers 25 exercises compared to the 60 on Bowflex.
Forensic - the weather is great today...about 40 out. Last week we had highs in the 10's, not including the windchill. Don't like the weather right now...stick around for 15 minutes, I'm sure it will change.

Ebbtide

You got that right, Brother!

chigrl71,

All things considered I like the Smith machines.

skydive69

I'm with you - I considered one, but bought a very high quality Smith Machine made by Life Fitness - same people who make Lifecycles, etc.

forum*rider

In you're guys/gals personal opinions whats a better workout, free weights or a machine?

I use both at school but I find that I like the free weights better. Seems to give me a bit more of a workout.

webist

Each has its advantages. I find the free weights offer a good deal more flexibility in both the muscle groups addressed as well as location of the workout. Another advantage of the free weights is you can add to them (purchase) incrementally over time whereas the machine is all or nothing.

There are no exercises on the machine I use which would require a spotter. Free weights on the other hand....

Generally, I will say to myself, if I spent that much money on the mcahine and let it take up all that space, I might as well use it. I doubt the free weights would make so compelling an argument.

I would note though that even though my machine was to have worked out every muscle group with hundreds of exercises and routines, I still have a few free weights to do curls without unclipping and reclipping special straps and handles and reconfiguing the weight machine.

In either case, I have discovered that neither is worth much without actually straining to lift something occasionally. At least my machine is still totally accessible after two years rather than covered with laundry or stored items.

Rath177B

I bought a Crossbow because it was 1/3 the price of a Bowflex. I have had no problems in 2 years. It is big, but I do use it. I don't think it is very effective for lower body workouts but for press, curl, butterfly type movements, its OK. I also like it for sit-ups.

skydive69

Free weights work the supporting muscles, hence one gets a slightly better (complete) workout. The need to balance the weights makes a difference. You will find that you can bench press more on an accurate Smith Machine than you can with free weights do to the fact that various supporting musculature need not be brought into play. I use a combination of both, and vary my routine. For example, on one workout I might bench of the Smith Machine, but on the next I will do incline DB presses.

giant99

Free weights and proper diet. Will build muscle. Bowflex Ha Ha Ha Ha....Opps sorry

Guest

When I go to fitness conventions, the Bowflex is highly recommended. They even offer classes on how to teach and train with the Bowflex. If you know how to use them, and you're using them on a regular basis, they can be a great workout.

BUT...

If you are someone that needs that external motivation from having others around, Bowflex will not work for you. At least, not in the long run. So reconsider if you can't work out on your own.

Koffee

Lone Ranger

I have had one for more than 8 years and I really like it. It can provide an excellent and varied workout. For example, you can use it to simulate various sports movements if you want to train for a particular sport (e.g., tennis - you can use the bowflex to perform groundstrokes or serves with resistance). It is easier on your joints than free weights and many machines.

I highly recommend the bowflex.

I have lifted weights off and on for more than 20 years and prefer free weights for substantial strength gains and increasing muscle mass. However, you don't indicate that is what you want (and heavy weights are not practical for many people, particularly for exercises requiring a spotter).

If you are seeking off-season training to increase strength and muscle tone, I highly recommend the Bowflex.

It would be good to supplement the Bowflex with some dumbells for variety and to help maintain bone density. I have a set of dumbells called the PowerBlock ( https://www.powerblock.com/ ). All the weight is in two units and the amount you use can be adjusted with a selector pin. I highly recommend them as well.

Guest

I have the same dumbells I got from Sports Authority or something like that. Actually, I used them for a week or so, then joined my gym around the corner! With the bowflex, though, I would have stuck with my home workouts. They are great weights, though. I got it half price from Sports Authority. They were so clueless they didn't know how to use them or what they were for. I ended up doing a store demo for the employees there, and I told them how to promote it. They were so nice about my demo that they half priced it and threw in the stand for free. It was definitely cheaper than getting a bunch of dumbells of different weights and storing them in my tiny apartment.

Koffee

Freestyle

chigrl71 Just buy the B F. I have had one for years and the ease of use such as changing weight, and positions is just so quick and easy, it is well worth the money. If you fall off the machine in the spring no problem, just jump back on the bike.

Al.canoe

Bowflex is OK. I didn't like the progressive increase in resistance because it doesn't replicate the real world type of lifting/pushing/straining I do when in my normal and recreational activities. This might be important to me only, but I sold mine and got a cable machine. I also use free-weights as much as possible (again for the realism) and religate a weight machine to those exercises that either can't be done with free weights or are unsafe with free weights.

Al

iowarose

I've never used the Bowflex, but do use free weights at home. I have a couple of DVD's to guide my workouts. It works for me - fast and cheap, and I don't have to wait for the vanity boys to finish their sets at the gym. At any rate, I don't have the money or space for a Bowflex. But that's what works for me!

laduckslayer

Good equipment, just sold mine. The new products are quality and you can get a great workout on it with it's versatility....takes up a tremendous amount of space (as do others). Just like anything else, you'll want something different in a year or so...

FXjohn

Bowflex is for idiots.
I see they are marketing to the same crowd with "adjustable" dumbells now..

what a joke!!

chigrl71

Thanks for your positive input FX....

FXjohn

I'm just telling the truth...not trying to sell you something, think about it.

See Giant99's response.

Guest

FX, have you seen one up close or touched one or used one?

The commericals may not be enough to convince you, but if you don't try one out, how can you comment on its effectiveness?

Koffee

FXjohn

I've used one.
Can't compare to a powercage with freeweights.
Even dumbells with a pilates ball for seat and bench would do what a bowflex would do and not take up any space. The space and the cost are ridiculous on that item. Freeweights work better because they make a person balance.

Guest

Yeah, but it's not meant to take the place of freeweights. It's meant as an at home substitute for recreational folks. For them, what's wrong with the bowflex if someone wants a bowflex? And with the new bowflex adjustible weights, don't you get to work with balance?

Koffee

FXjohn

It sounds like you work for Bowflex.
First you say, freeweights aren't for "recreational" folks, then you say, what's wrong with Bowflex's adjustable dumbells cuz they provide balance.
Why would you need some overpriced space robbing gizmo that doesn't even work as well as freeweights?
It's just another case of a middleman trying to make money off of something that's free.
You can get a few sets of solid dumbells cheaply let's say a 15 pound set, a 25 and a 35 pound set, and maybe one set of cheap plate weight dumbells you could adjust once in awhile. It's like someone trying to figure out a way to make money off from unprocessed food, like a banana. You buy it, you eat it.
I put it in the same category as all the ab machines, when simple crunches and hanging ab raises work just as well.