Bowflex

Juanwi
Juanwi Posts: 68 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
My husband and I have been looking at some of the Bowflex equipment. Do you think these are good or a waste of money?

Replies

  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    I think Bowflex has done a great job marketing and make a very good quality, if overpriced, product.

    For what one their machines goes for you could get a great set of free weights, a bench and a week in Cancun.

    If you really want one look for a used one, there's usually a ton of them for sale on craigslist etc.
  • GetSoda
    GetSoda Posts: 1,267 Member
    Unless your goal is : Being good at using a bowflex... I'd avoid it.

    Suspension trainer, free weights, sandbag, kettlebells, all better options.
  • Juanwi
    Juanwi Posts: 68 Member
    So you think it is better to just purchase free weights and a bench?
  • Juanwi
    Juanwi Posts: 68 Member
    Unless your goal is : Being good at using a bowflex... I'd avoid it.

    Suspension trainer, free weights, sandbag, kettlebells, all better options.

    This made me LOL, thanks.
  • TheNewDodge
    TheNewDodge Posts: 607 Member
    Free weights are way better
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    So you think it is better to just purchase free weights and a bench?

    Yes. The only reason I can think of for buying a machine over free weights would be if you don't have anyone to spot for you.

    Even buying really good equipment (again, you can find great deals used) your initial investment is much, much lower and you can add equipment as you need it.
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 49,031 Member
    A suspension trainer (like TRX) is a great choice for home because it takes up no space and can be taken with you anywhere. If a home gym is what you want, you're much better off with some free weights and a power rack if you have the room. There are ENDLESS combinations of workouts that you can do where as on a machine, you may be limited on movements.

    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
  • Juanwi
    Juanwi Posts: 68 Member
    Is there a specific type of brand or bench that I should be looking at. There are several options on Amazon.
  • Juanwi
    Juanwi Posts: 68 Member
    A suspension trainer (like TRX) is a great choice for home because it takes up no space and can be taken with you anywhere. If a home gym is what you want, you're much better off with some free weights and a power rack if you have the room. There are ENDLESS combinations of workouts that you can do where as on a machine, you may be limited on movements.

    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

    Do you mean this:

    http://www.amazon.com/TRX-Suspension-Trainer-Basic-Anchor/dp/B002YRB35I/ref=sr_sp-atf_title_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1375982616&sr=8-1&keywords=trx+suspension+trainer
  • GetSoda
    GetSoda Posts: 1,267 Member
    Is there a specific type of brand or bench that I should be looking at. There are several options on Amazon.

    I use a jungle gym XT. I think it's the best value on the market. Paid about $90 for it.
  • noranda82
    noranda82 Posts: 23 Member
    To give you another opinion, I currently own a Bowflex and MUCH prefer it over free weights for the following reasons:

    1. I work out on my own and I feel much safer and in more control with resistance rods than free weights. Changing "weights" is quick, simple, and effortless. The exercises are controlled and easy on my joints. I feel much more confident that I will not injure myself during my workouts.
    2. I have small animals and don't have to worry about them getting hurt around my equipment. There is nothing heavy to fall and cause any kind of damage.
    3. If you follow the instructions and use proper form, there are MANY studies that show that Bowflex exercises are just as beneficial for your muscles as free weights. You will experience improvements in strength, firmness, and muscular refinement. Unless you are looking to build serious mass (bodybuilder status), I'm confident a Bowflex machine will satisfy your needs. I am on week 12 of my program and cannot tell you how much stronger I feel. I have lost inches everywhere and couldn't be happier with my progress. Short and simple: it works.
    4. I have one machine in my home that takes up half of my guest room when in use and a fraction of that space when not. Having a gym at home was essential to my success.
    5. While Bowflex does have a number of expensive models, I purchased the lowest model for $450 on Amazon and do not see this as an extravagant cost. All of the parts I need for a full body workout are included and it's made with the highest quality materials. I expect I'll get over ten years on this machine. In that sense, the cost is WELL worth the payoff.
    6. Finally, it really all comes down to what works for you. Maybe free weights works, maybe not. Maybe Bowflex works, maybe not. Go to a gym that has both. Try them. Ask questions. Do research. Then decide what would work for you. My Bowflex works for me and that's what matters.

    For research on Boxflex technology and workouts, I highly recommend The Bowflex Body Plan by Ellington Darden PhD.

    Feel free to ask me any more questions! Keep lifting!

    Noranda

    P.S. Some additional resources:
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_qwDxiEuds
    http://www.livestrong.com/article/154117-effectiveness-of-bowflex-vs-free-weights/
  • kuntry_navy
    kuntry_navy Posts: 677 Member
    I love the constant tension on your muscles you get from bowflex, that stretch! I've got one, cheaper than buying a cable set. Though I also agree, free weights are the best bang for the buck
  • scookiemonster
    scookiemonster Posts: 175 Member
    To give you another opinion, I currently own a Bowflex and MUCH prefer it over free weights for the following reasons:

    1. I work out on my own and I feel much safer and in more control with resistance rods than free weights. Changing "weights" is quick, simple, and effortless. The exercises are controlled and easy on my joints. I feel much more confident that I will not injure myself during my workouts.
    2. I have small animals and don't have to worry about them getting hurt around my equipment. There is nothing heavy to fall and cause any kind of damage.
    3. If you follow the instructions and use proper form, there are MANY studies that show that Bowflex exercises are just as beneficial for your muscles as free weights. You will experience improvements in strength, firmness, and muscular refinement. Unless you are looking to build serious mass (bodybuilder status), I'm confident a Bowflex machine will satisfy your needs. I am on week 12 of my program and cannot tell you how much stronger I feel. I have lost inches everywhere and couldn't be happier with my progress. Short and simple: it works.
    4. I have one machine in my home that takes up half of my guest room when in use and a fraction of that space when not. Having a gym at home was essential to my success.
    5. While Bowflex does have a number of expensive models, I purchased the lowest model for $450 on Amazon and do not see this as an extravagant cost. All of the parts I need for a full body workout are included and it's made with the highest quality materials. I expect I'll get over ten years on this machine. In that sense, the cost is WELL worth the payoff.
    6. Finally, it really all comes down to what works for you. Maybe free weights works, maybe not. Maybe Bowflex works, maybe not. Go to a gym that has both. Try them. Ask questions. Do research. Then decide what would work for you. My Bowflex works for me and that's what matters.

    For research on Boxflex technology and workouts, I highly recommend The Bowflex Body Plan by Ellington Darden PhD.

    Feel free to ask me any more questions! Keep lifting!

    Noranda

    P.S. Some additional resources:
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_qwDxiEuds
    http://www.livestrong.com/article/154117-effectiveness-of-bowflex-vs-free-weights/


    All of this. We have a Bowflex in our basement, and it's much more usable for me than free weights. I would be worried about working out alone with free weights, and I think I'd be more worried about hurting myself. The bowflex allows for a huge variety of exercises - I'm not really sure why people think it limits you. How many different exercises do you really need? My husband, who is a lifelong athlete and has done plenty of free-weight lifting, is the one who chose the Bowflex for its convenience, ease of use, and compact space requirements. He's managed to maintain some pretty big muscles on it without needing free weights, and we've had it for years.

    Again, to each his own. Plenty of people see a lot of success with free weights. Plenty of people see success with machines like the Bowflex. It's really up to you.
  • noranda82
    noranda82 Posts: 23 Member
    All of this. We have a Bowflex in our basement, and it's much more usable for me than free weights. I would be worried about working out alone with free weights, and I think I'd be more worried about hurting myself. The bowflex allows for a huge variety of exercises - I'm not really sure why people think it limits you. How many different exercises do you really need? My husband, who is a lifelong athlete and has done plenty of free-weight lifting, is the one who chose the Bowflex for its convenience, ease of use, and compact space requirements. He's managed to maintain some pretty big muscles on it without needing free weights, and we've had it for years.

    Again, to each his own. Plenty of people see a lot of success with free weights. Plenty of people see success with machines like the Bowflex. It's really up to you.

    Yes! I forgot to mention how versatile it is! So many exercises on such a compact machine is possible when you don't have bulky weights to contend with. I do a full body 12-exercise workout which usually lasts 30-35min three times a week. I also switch up the exercises every 2 weeks. I never knew it could be this easy to get in shape. :)
  • IronSmasher
    IronSmasher Posts: 3,908 Member
    I only knew about Bowflex from their overpriced dumbbells. I had no idea there was a guy on a video, bouncing a weight up and down on a force gauge.

    I'm still none the wiser. I'm guessing it's that spidery thing I saw Jackie Chan use on that one movie with a training montage.
  • noranda82
    noranda82 Posts: 23 Member
    I only knew about Bowflex from their overpriced dumbbells. I had no idea there was a guy on a video, bouncing a weight up and down on a force gauge.

    I'm still none the wiser. I'm guessing it's that spidery thing I saw Jackie Chan use on that one movie with a training montage.

    Link or it didn't happen. :P
  • IronSmasher
    IronSmasher Posts: 3,908 Member
    I only knew about Bowflex from their overpriced dumbbells. I had no idea there was a guy on a video, bouncing a weight up and down on a force gauge.

    I'm still none the wiser. I'm guessing it's that spidery thing I saw Jackie Chan use on that one movie with a training montage.

    Link or it didn't happen. :P

    My guess looks to be right. It says it right on it http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afKp2kRFPyU

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