Bowflex - Exercise & Fitness Message Board

Hitmen · 04-25-2006, 06:05 PM

I'm just wondering if anyone here has any experience with any of the Bowflex home workout systems, dumbbells, etc. I know they are very pricey but then again so are gym memberships. I'm really starting to consider buying one so any help would be appreciated...thanks!

SkuNumbers · 04-25-2006, 06:34 PM

Hitmen,

Do yourself a favor and invest in a nice weight bench and some dumbbells. I bought a Bowflex when I first got into working out about three years ago. It wasn't very effective. The machine winds up doing much of the work for you; you don't engage many/any of your little stabilizer muscles. With free weights, you have to focus on proper form but, in doing so, you will become stronger and more fit. Plus, you will save yourself a load of money. Get some free weights, get a treadmill and you will be better off.

Hitmen · 04-27-2006, 05:02 PM

^^Thanks...anyone else?

Belles150 · 04-27-2006, 07:08 PM

right on, but i would join a gym if you can, you do not see any of the stronger guys on a bowflex except on the commercial and im sure they got there with free weights, many gyms have cables anyways, they re good for a few sets not a whole workout.

OutToLunch · 04-27-2006, 08:00 PM

Hitmen, I actually had a Bowflex. This was several years ago when I first took up resistance training. It was great for a beginner like me cause it got me into the habit of exercising, but it didn't take long for me to outgrow it. And I was a weakling so I can't imagine how worse it would be for someone who was already strong. Right from the start, I maxed out on the squat and the leg press belt snapped. I was lucky I didn't get hurt. I eventually junked it and got a bench and free weights. There's no substitute for free weights. My workouts are so much more effective and I feel like I'm in better shape than I've ever been. Skip the Bowflex and anything else you see advertised on TV.