Thoughts on Bowflex

[jhs1969]

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?

[bsf]

I have an older model I bought new and have actually used it, a lot. I purchased the extra 100lbs of powerbars; squat attachment; lat tower; and leg attachment. I regret my purchases though, at least I regret purchasing that stuff new. I would now be much happier if I had spent that money to buy the following instead, preferably used: commercial grade flat/incline/decline bench; a decent cage; Olympic bar; bunch of plates; dumbbells; and maybe a couple other things. It may depend on your goal(s). Others can probably explain better than I the pros and cons of using a system of increasing resistance like the Bowflex.

[dookie1481]

I think they are a gimmick for people who want to feel like they are doing SOMETHING to get in shape.

The nature of the powerbars means that you are using the maximum resistance (the listed weight) at the most mechanically advantageous point in the movement. You don't develop strength through the whole range of motion.

And they are absurdly overpriced. The margin on these is massive.

Spend the money on a power rack and a few hundred pounds of weights instead.

[WillBrink]

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?

I'd take a TRX trainer and or a flat bench and bar with assorted weights over a bowflex.

[bsf]

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

[jhs1969]

One of the problems I'm up against is room and weight of plates. This system will go up on the third floor and I'm not sure what other options I may have. Any other ideas?

Just to expand a little bit, I'm not looking for max size/strength like I used to 15-20 years ago. Being in my early 40s I'm looking for a lower level of strength, more endurance and general better condition. Any thoughts or help on this mindset I'm all ears, so to speak.

[Magsz]

I was gifted one of these from a lazy family member (yay).

Ive put on 15-20 pounds of muscle and lost 40+ pounds of fat in 16 months.

These are NOT extraordinary results BUT the machine works for me, i feel it working and i can push more weight than i could on my own without a spotter.

Ive also done all of this from the convenience of my own home.

I love the machine but i know for a fact i will not be using this thing for the rest of my life as eventually, any workout routine gets stale. Not to mention, i can bench press 320 pounds on this thing (yeah right with true weight) and that is the maximum poundage without buying more weight which means im going to outgrow this thing sooner rather than later.

Also, diet plays a huge part in all of this so...yeah, any quality strength training with a good diet will yield results.

[Atchcraft]

I've never been a fan of "universal gyms" but I've used and liked the bowflex. I was actually surprised. It's a nice option if you can't make it to the gym or don't have room for free weights.

[dookie1481]

Ive put on 15-20 pounds of muscle and lost 40+ pounds of fat in 16 months.

If you have lost 40 pounds of fat AND gained 15 pounds of muscle concomitantly, then ANYTHING resistance related would have worked.

It's not the machine, it's the fact that you started working hard and watched your diet.

Gaining muscle and losing fat at the same time is reserved for beginners and people on drugs.

[Magsz]

If you have lost 40 pounds of fat AND gained 15 pounds of muscle concomitantly, then ANYTHING resistance related would have worked.

It's not the machine, it's the fact that you started working hard and watched your diet.

Gaining muscle and losing fat at the same time is reserved for beginners and people on drugs.

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