bow flex / cross bow - Exercise & Fitness Message Board

tommyboy1984 · 02-05-2003, 06:43 PM

Has any one ever had any problems with these 2 gyms? I'm thinking hard about getting one and I am leaning tword the cross bow for the fact that its cheaper and has more weight. There are people saying that you cant build muscle or strenth with these things but the cross bow goes up to 440lbs and unless you can bench press more than that then you WILL build muscle and strinth. But any how let me knoe ***** one you think is better.

Chelle1977 · 02-06-2003, 08:22 AM

I have the BowFlex and I guess its possible I'll build some muscle and strength with it (I'm a woman so the 210 pounds it comes with is plenty for pretty much any work I'm going to do), but its just not the same as a gym workout with free weights.

I don't know anything about the Crossbow - I guess its the same idea?

arkiehog · 02-06-2003, 08:48 AM

you will get better gains from a good set of free weights and a good bench that adjusts so that you can do squats a lat bar also is helpful. the bowflex and crossbow would probably work if you just want to tone and lose weight. but if u want to gain serious muscle mass free weights are the way to go. besides they are much cheaper than the overpriced bowflex or crossbow.

zzippzzapp · 04-19-2003, 08:28 AM

I'll agree that the Bowflex is seriously over-priced, however the CrossBow is only around $600.00. I too am ready to buy one of these machines, and trying to decide which one. Is resistance not resistance, no matter if it is from weights or rods??

CaV961 · 04-19-2003, 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by zzippzzapp:
I'll agree that the Bowflex is seriously over-priced, however the CrossBow is only around $600.00. I too am ready to buy one of these machines, and trying to decide which one. Is resistance not resistance, no matter if it is from weights or rods??

it's still resistance but with free weights you involuntarily use a bunch of stabilizing muscles to keep the weight steady. with machines it is kept perfectly in place for you, so you won't get quite as strong with them. that doesn't mean never use them, i like to finish each bodypart with one or 2 isolation machines. working out at a gym is best, but if you must do it at home, i'd recomend going with a set of free weights. a little over a year ago my friend did this and has seen incredible results.