Bowflex equipment?

[trucknut]

My family and I have been looking around for home workout equipment. The Bowflex looks good but a little pricey. If any has one of the later models I would appreciate your comments.

 

[SGibson]

Junk. Something thats bound to be set out on trash day just like so much "ronco" like exersise equiptment. You didn't say how much space you have or what your goals were, is it going in a 15th floor penthouse or in the basement of your house. But nothing beats iron it's not pretty or trendy but it is what it takes to get positive results and if you want your family to get encouraged and use this stuff, results is what does it. For instance if I had a few teenagers I would look for a decent wide bench, squat rack, chinbar, some dumbells, a jump rope and a bike. Two bars and around 300-500# of plates, all this stuff can be bought cheap at yard sales, ymca's or gyms looking to update or the local fabricator who makes this stuff for gyms in your area ,alot of times they take the old stuff out and put in the new and will sell old stuff at not much more than scrap prices sometimes. I have run into several old "Universal" stations for 300-500 bucks for everything and that stuff is way better than bowflex or any other of that infomercial junk.

 

[fkovalski]

I do not feel that the Bowflex is junk. I am biased in this opinion because I own one. It is not the new re- design. I bought it about 6 years ago. While free weights may or may not be better, the bottom line is that one must use the equipment to get results.



While the Bowflex may also cost more than weights (depending on how much one buys if they choose the iron) I chose it because of my lifestyle situation. I rent the house where I live and have moved 3 times since the purchase of the BF. It is much easier to move than dead weight. Also- space consideration must be taken into account. I am limited on this. If you have ample room and do not plan on moving, then looking into free weights is a viable option. If I had the room and knew my moving days were over, then I would have probably chosen free weights. If you are looking for an exercise machine for all the conveniences it has to offer then I would recommend looking at something like the Bowflex. I have seen used ones offered in the papers for around $500. Mine has the lat attachment because I concentrate on upper body exercises. I do, however, find the Bowflex to be lacking in comfortable leg routines. I do not have the leg attachment and it may offer better options for it.



Are you looking at the new re-designed ones that are now on the market? I got a coupon from BF to trade in my existing one for the new one. They would give me $1000 towards a new one (costing me another 1K to get it. ) I chose not to because this one works for me.



Another HUGE advantage that I found with the Bowflex: I had both my shoulders operated on in the last year (rotator cuff and biceps tendon repair. ) The BF is a great PT machine. I was able to use the pulleys as a range of movement device (one arm pulling down to lift the other…etc. ) The lightest weight to start building up the muscles once I got the OK from the doc was a very useful way to start to build up strength- especially with the range of motion options with resistance. Nowadays, shoulder recovery is one that they want you to "get right into" exercising soon rather than waiting months before physical therapy. Of course, I already had the BF prior to the procedure; I probably would not have bought it solely as a recovery item.



Bottom line- Any exercise machine MUST be used in order to give results. For me the Bowflex suits my needs. Look closely at yours and assess your needs and goals. Any machine will not give results if it is used as a "glorified clothes tree. " Good luck with your choice and PM if you have any questions.



Respectfully,

-frank,

 

[Rman]

Frank I'm on the tale end of shoulder rehab, i feel your pain bud. My buddy has a bowflex, I've used it and liked it. I just use the free facilities on the USAF installation I work at.

 

[Todd G]

Buy used. Save a bundle. There are lots of barely used fitness machines out there.

 

[jeepit]

Our family has an older model and we really like it. It has a small footprint and you get a good workout and weight variations without alot iron taking up space in rec area. If you can find a used one you can save $$. We bought new and had all the options included. I too had a shoulder problem-never went to doctor, just started a new exercise with bowflex and shoulder is feeling alot better. Son uses it when he short on time and can't get to gym.

 

[BigGunZ]

I have a bowflex. I was skeptical at first but not any more. I was once a typical muscle-head that believed machnes were for sissies when I was in the military. After I got out, going to the gym was taking too much time out of my day and I needed a solution. The boxflex has only one downside and it's the same for any home equipment... you have to use it for it to work.

 

[trucknut]

Thanks for the replies

At one time in my life I used to work out hard with free weights, but those days are long gone. Kids, my kids sports, room for equipment, my job, getting older have all affected my work out time. Anything to keep your workout shorter but effective, seems to help my drive to continue working out. AT least thats what I'am hoping from the cable machines. ( bowflex, crossbar, etc,). These replies have been excellent and have decided to give one of these machines a try.



I know free weights are probably the best, but all around they just don't seem to fit my life, with space and time being a real issue. Maybe when the kids move out there will be more space and time, but that will be a few more years.

 

[bigtoy]

I bought my bowflex in march of 03, and have used it steady since then. I love it. there are so many exercises you can do on it. When I first got it my max bench press was 140 lbs. now my max bench press is 280 lbs. If I pushed a little harder I could probably do more. I admit it's a bit pricey, but I have never been able to stick with any type of exercise until I bought the bowflex. I tried to find a used one. Ebay was the only place I could find any. The used ones were going for almost new price,so I ordered new from the factory