Bowflex? Is it worth it?

onwarddownward
onwarddownward Posts: 1,683 Member
edited January 30 in Fitness and Exercise
I have a Bowflex Xtreme SE in the basement. It's in storage after our move. We have all of the pieces, but the cables are all jumbled. I'm wondering if I should put it together and use it or sell it.

It seemed, when I was using it before the move, that the workout I got was far less than what I got with simple free weights. It just seemed like the resistance was somehow different that traditional weights. Less intense.

I'd like your opinions. I guess I never see a bowflex in a gym setting, that should tell me something.

Replies

  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    I've seen a couple of bowflex machines at hotel fitness rooms and an awful lot of used ones for sale on Craigslist etc.

    If you've got one put it together and use it (even though I think free weights are a better option) as you'll only get back a fraction of what you paid for it.

    Bowflex do seem to be masters of marketing and they've been around for a long time. The ones I've tried while traveling struck me as more complicated to use than free weights, but that may just be old age addling my brain.
  • GetSoda
    GetSoda Posts: 1,267 Member
    Well it's something, and it's not quite as good as nothing.
  • RunnerInVT
    RunnerInVT Posts: 226 Member
    I LOVE my bowflex!! It is so easy once you get used to the exercises and you dont need a spotter.
  • phjorg1
    phjorg1 Posts: 642 Member
    better than nothing. worse than everything else.
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 49,289 Member
    Bowflex rod technology works on progressive resistance only. There is no "negative" resistance and negative resistance works on eccentric contraction which is what's responsible for the micro tears in muscle. It's better than nothing, but even a TRX suspension would do more for a home gym.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness industry for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
  • taso42
    taso42 Posts: 8,980 Member
    free weights > bowflex > nothing
  • ArchyJill
    ArchyJill Posts: 548 Member
    I just sold mine to a used equipment shop. I got $200 for it. I figure it was worth it for what I gained in floor space and my free weights have done me just fine.
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