Bowflex

[elamb]

Anyone here have one or used one. Me and the wife just ordered one. Let me know what you guys think of them.



Eric

 

[CoreyPerez]

I too have wanted to order one, but damn, that cost is CRAZY! I heard that when a lot of weight is put on (lot of the power bars) the motion gets very "Jerky" due to your muscles not having a completely fluid motion. I havent' heard any bad things, just it can by an annoyance.



Which one did you get? Let me know what you think, and if there are some qualities or options that you would like to get / not have gotten. I may still beable to talk the little lady into it.



Thanks,



Corey

 

[fkovalski]

I have one with the lat pull- down attachment. I like it as my concern had to do with not wanting a ton of weights to deal with. I do compliment the BF routines with two each: 3, 5, 8 dumbbells and 1- 20 pound dumbell. I have gotten into a regime and have lost (and kept off) 25 pounds over the last year. Bowflex is the type of machine that folks will either love it or hate it. I find it works well for my life style. But, the key to ANY work out is consistency and gradual progression. I does not work as the claims tout if it just a glorified coat rack. Set realistic goals and stick by your routine to achieve them. I would not recommend the additional (option) weight bars. If you are at that level to step up, then the gym or free weights are better suited.

 

[HEMI®Dart]

I think most users are happy with the Bowflex. They are not discounted anywhere.



Sometimes eBay can be a good determining factor on how good a product is. Look at the "action" on the Bowflex machines:



http://search.ebay.com/search/searc...&SortProperty=MetaEndSort&ht=1&query=Bowflex+

 

[Shovelhead]

Any comments on the Bowflex vs Crossbow?



I'm looking to purchase a Crossbow as I can't justify $1500-$2000 for an exercise machine.

Crossbow = $599 everywhere,... . even Wally World & Sears.

 

[MGordon]

I've used a Bowflex Power Pro since February 2002. I did have to upgrade the rods from 210lbs to 310lbs. I also have the leg curl / extension attachment and the squat attachment. It works for me. I have not noticed any jerky motion with a lot of rods attached.



I like it because its easy to use and you can change from one exercise to another quickly for a more aerobic workout. Of course, its just like any other exercise program, you have to find something you like and stick with it.



Make sure you log your progress, thats a great motivator. Also change your routines every so often to keep from getting bored.



I hope you like it!

 

[VGiacalone]

I live about 5 miles from where they make the Crossbow - and a lot of people here have them.



They aren't quite as slick as the bowflex, but for the price, they do a real nice job. My son and all his buddies work out on ours daily - they say it's as good a workout as the big gym setup at the high school. .



So, for the money, it's great deal.



Valarie

 

[Jeff Clark]

I personally don't like the BowFlex, but I'm old skool and prefer free weights. My mom ordered one (as well as one of every other infomercial fitness apparatus know to man). She didn't like it either and she sent it back. But don't let that stop you from getting one. If it works for you, that's all that matters.

 

[elamb]

I ordered the PowerPro XLT with 310lbs. Its supposed to be here in 2 weeks. I guess I'll know then if I like it or not. Most people you talk to like them. Thanks for the replies.



Eric

 

[Oil Burner]

Are any of you around 6'4". I want to get one but am concerned about the range of motion, particularly on the lat pull down, etc... They look like nice machines, though.

~Jason

 

[elamb]

Originally posted by JStull

Are any of you around 6'4". I want to get one but am concerned about the range of motion, particularly on the lat pull down, etc... They look like nice machines, though.

~Jason

I am 6'5". My cousin has one and he said that he didn't believe it would be a problem. When I ordered mine they did ask my height and tried to get me to buy the Ultimate (Top of line). I figured they were trying to get more money because going by the dimensions I don't think there's that much difference.



Eric

 

[fkovalski]

I am 6'4" and while there are some limitations in the lat pull movements, I find it to not be too much of a problem- especially for the convenience of the whole package. Hey, I don't fit into a Vettte all that well either- but that's the pitfalls of being tall. Would'nt change either even if I could

 

[CoreyPerez]

Val,



Where do they make the Crossbow at?



I've even looked into the Goldsgym system. It looks like the same idea, they just don['t use power rods, they have a central unit that puts tension on the system and you pull against that.



Corey

 

[VGiacalone]

Corey,



They make the Crossbow at the Icon plant in Logan (smithfield actually). If it's worth the drive up here you can usually get a "return" one at a big discount (if you know the right employees!)



BTW, one of the big selling points for the crossbow is that it has a much larger range of motion than the bowflex. (for all you tall people out there... )



Val

 

[CoreyPerez]

I may have to look into the crossbow! For 1/4 the price retail, and its nearly the same deal. Doesn't sound like much of a choice!



If I make it up there sometime, I may have to run into you and we can talk smoke! (And exhaust brakes)



Thanks,



Corey

 

[VGiacalone]

Corey (and other Utahns)



Anytime! We love to show off Cache Valley. And now we could talk smoke too... .



The cheapest place to buy a new Crossbow is Al's Sporting Goods in Logan - we got ours for $399 last winter. Anyway, check them out - for the price its a great deal. I'd rather spend my extra money on truck or horse stuff!



Valarie

 

[Shovelhead]

Everywhere here it's the same $599. 95 from Wally World to Sears to Sports Authority.



Can you say "Price Fixing"? :-{}

 

[CoreyPerez]

Corey (and other Utahns)

everytime somebody says that, I always think "Croutons"







Corey