bowflex xtreme home gym

moto450

I'm thinking about getting a home gym and I've been looking at the Bowflex. Any experience from anyone out there on this?

perseverance14

I don't have one, but I guess I like the free weight experience, it would not be the same for me with any machine.

moto450

I have free weights and really like those too.

judykat7

I have had my Bowflex for several years and use and enjoy it. However since I have been on MFP, I have wished I had a free weight system. It would make it easier to do challenges and compare progress with other MFP users. Not practical for me though and the bowflex works just fine. It is what you put into it.

ninerbuff

There are better options for less money. Also Bowflex rods are progressive resistance only. It doesn't provide eccentric contraction since the resistance progressively reduces as the rods straighten again.

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HeidiCooksSupper

Don't buy new. Many of us have home gyms going begging in our basements and garages. Check craig's list and ebay and you'll find lots of them -- often good as new. Also, consider that resistance bands have a lifespan and need periodic replacement if you don't want to end up like Harry Reid this week. From the LA Times, "Reid, who will transition to minority leader when the new Republican-controlled Senate convenes next week, had been working out on an exercise machine at his home in Henderson when a resistance band broke, hitting him and causing the fall, an aide said." [mu emphasis] http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-senate-leader-harry-reid-injured-20150102-story.html

moto450

Good feedback. Thanks everybody!

crashchamp

I'd recommend a power rack and olympic bar if you don't already have one over a bow flex.

keithd12

Do what the above poster mentioned, check Craigslist. I bought one 5 + years ago when I found myself out of shape. Its good to a point and once I reached that point I went back to the gym. Now I use it for shoulders or arms if I can't make it to the gym.
If you are going to spend the money then buy the Bowflex Revolution. My dad has one and its actually pretty good. Pretty sure Craigslist has them too.

quickcrx702

I got my bowflex for $100 from a guy divorcing his wife and selling everything in his house LOL. They work great, but you quickly outgrow the max resistance they offer. I have weights too, and also do a lot of bodyweight exercises. There's nothing wrong with doing more than one form of training, it keeps your body guessing. I say get one, just don't buy new.