Thoughts on Bowflex

[ffhounddog]

I went from a 210 pound Navigator Student to a 170 pound Navigator in my time at Randolph AFB with one and I was still drinking like no tomorrow and lots of red meat. It did help me bang more chicks towards the end until they heard I was going KC-135s instead of AC-130s.

Now I still have it but have not used it much since the house got flooded due to a pipe break in Jan and the insurance company is being well taking their time I will say.

I love it I drink my coffee in the morning and watch some TV while working out.

[Cincinnatus]

I have a bowflex and wish I had gotten a free-weight system instead. It works, but one drawback is that the bow-arms have less resistance at the beginning of a rep than when fully flexed, so you get less than the full range of motion with full resistance.

[WillBrink]

Will, could you comment on advantages and disadvantages of increasing resistance, like employed with the Bowflex models and similar machines?

The problematic term is "similar machines" All are inferior to free weights, both in training effects and bang for the $$$ spent.

Also depends on your goals, experience levels etc.

As mentioned, a TRX trainer, a couple if different sized sand bags, and an O bar with a few weights, and you have yourself a very effective, efficient workout.

Examples:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wu4ZbJYr7GA

and

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6IsTkQ5Xbg

Hell, zero equipment, one can get a pretty darn good workout (again, depending on goals, etc.) doing a bodyweight only program such as TacFit Commando:

http://www.brinkzone.com/articles/ta...mmando-review/

[dookie1481]

Sooooo... You read what you wanted to read and left out the rest....ie the details and the facts...very arfcom...

Not at all. I'm saying that your results probably wouldn't have been much different if you had used free weights. Your results aren't really as much a reflection of the tool used as they are a testament to your dedication, hard work, and training age.

I'm pretty poor at communicating on the internet. Did this clarify my position a little here?

[RetiredCO]

If you watch your diet and do cardio anything is going to work to some point.
I used my wifes Boflex after I had arm surgery 8 years ago and it did help me in getting back on track in the gym.
I still use it in my home gym some times along with free weights.

Any thoughts or opinions on Bowflex. I've been looking for a bowflex on C's list and have found some good deals. Any advice?

[Stuntridef4i]

I have had the bowflex for some time and it really just comes down to diet and exercise it will work as much as you put into it..I also bought the new bowflex weights and they are really nice. If you can get one for a good price go with it then you have the option to work out when you want. But I would highly recommend the bowflex weights with the p90x program and do that.

[usmcvet]

If you buy one buy it used at 1/3 the price! They're usually still brand new.

[jhs1969]

I picked one up 2-3 weeks ago. $225 in nearly new condition with all attachments that I'm aware of. I really am enjoying it, it is doing everything I was looking for.

[usmcvet]

I picked one up 2-3 weeks ago. $225 in nearly new condition with all attachments that I'm aware of. I really am enjoying it, it is doing everything I was looking for.

Great deal for $225

[5cary]

FWIW, I got a Bowflex 5 or so years ago when I changed jobs and lost access to a gym for a long while. I already had a bench and free weights, but the only room I could work out in was right next to our newborn baby's room - with uncarpeted wooden floors. Tough not to make noise during a 5am workout with dumbbells on a wooden floor, even with mats laid down.

The bowflex (and body weight exercises with a vest) was a good solution. It's no substitue for compound movements, but it fit the bill in my situation. I have not used it in a couple years, but I got my mony's worth.