Weights choices

faely

I have a Bowflex Blaze. I got it for $200 off craigslist. I'm not sure if I want to - need to - should keep it and use it.

Pro's
-- I paid for it
-- Don't need to go to the gym
-- Fits in a pretty small space (space isn't an issue for me)
-- Seems fairly inclusive for most muscle groups
-- Don't need a spotter (I am all by myself and can't afford a trainer to learn techniques nor am I comfortable walking up to the guys at the gym and asking for help


Cons
-- It doesn't feel like I'm actually doing any work on my muscles, like, I'm stronger than the machine, which I find hard to believe
-- I enjoyed using the free weights (dumbells) during bodyweight workouts with the free session I got with a trainer at the gym (that was about the only good thing he taught me)
-- I am interested in heavy lifting for better toning and physique (but as stated above, am all by myself so no spotter/training)
-- I feel like the whole machine moves if I pull too hard on the cables
-- I hate the cables
-- They don't make the add-on rods for this model anymore so even if I wanted more resistance I can't get it unless I find someone selling them


I know the Bowflex is something, which is better than nothing, but I really don't use it or enjoy it. I would much prefer to be doing free weights, but all I have are 5 lb dumbells and not having a spotter concerns me. I don't want to kill myself under a heavy bar I've dropped when I could kill myself much easier under a Bowflex I've tipped over. I do have a heavy bag/punching bag as well. My knees aren't the greatest so I am careful with them, but it's nothing that can't be fixed by losing weight and toning up.

I did a search in the forums for this type of concern but didn't find much in the way of comparison. Maybe it's just personal preference :ohwell:

Any thoughts and advice is much appreciated :flowerforyou:

Sarauk2sf

Tagging

tomcornhole

I do all my barbell lifting by myself in the basement. I bought a used power rack off of cragslist with 2 oly bars, 310 lbs of weight and a bench for $400. The power rack allows me to safely lift by myself. That may make you happier than the Bowflex.

faely

:flowerforyou: b-b-bumpity-bump

bostonwolf

I have a Bowflex and used it for just about every exercise in the book and always felt a good pump except when I was doing squats because the machine's max (about 210 or so if I remember right) was still pretty easy for me.)

I definitely felt it. Different workout from using free weights but better than using fixed machines, IMO.

Sarauk2sf

I do all my barbell lifting by myself in the basement. I bought a used power rack off of cragslist with 2 oly bars, 310 lbs of weight and a bench for $400. The power rack allows me to safely lift by myself. That may make you happier than the Bowflex.

^^this would be a better option imo if you can swing it. especially based on the issues you are having with it.

Sarauk2sf

Locking so we can track active threads better. If you have further questions, please PM me, and include a link to this thread and I will unlock so you can pose them.