Bowflex: Anyone Use One? Worth the $?

[Ultralight]

I realize that those ripped actors in the TV infomercials most likely did not get that way using a Bowflex. But my son and I have discussed setting up a home gym with one their machines along with a good set of free weights.

We are just wondering if anyone has purchased and used one and what has been your experience. In my research I find those that say it is a good investment with good results while others say that the rods don't give enough resistance.

Thoughts?

 

[glenn beck]

no and this belongs in Health and Fitness

 

[GagHalfrunt]

Originally posted by: Ultralight


We are just wondering if anyone has purchased and used one and what has been your experience. In my research I find those that say it is a good investment with good results while others say that the rods don't give enough resistance.

The answer lies somewhere in the middle. They're really easy for the casual person to use and versatile enough to provide a nice all around workout. They're not nearly advanced or strong enough to provide a challenge to the true fanatic. You'll have to assess your own needs. If you want something quick, easy, idiotproof and effective up to a point the Bowflex will be everything you need and more. If you're looking to do serious training for competetive sports or bodybuilding it won't be enough machine for you.

Personally, I use a generic copy of the Soloflex and find that it provides plenty of resistence for about 75% of the stations it offers and not enough to be a challenge on the rest. I found the same to be true of a real Soloflex too. And that's my objection to the Bowflex. You can get a workout that's 99% as good from a generic that costs a couple of hundred dollars. The price of a real Bowflex is not close to being justified by what it offers over the competition.

 

[venkman]

15 minutes a day for a few months will make you look like a roid-ed out 4 year vet gym rat.

 

[Dirigible]

Originally posted by: venkman
15 minutes a day for a few months will make you look like a roid-ed out 4 year vet gym rat.

So I only need to work out about 30 seconds a day to just get a few little muscles? Sweet!

 

[venkman]

Originally posted by: Dirigible

Originally posted by: venkman
15 minutes a day for a few months will make you look like a roid-ed out 4 year vet gym rat.

So I only need to work out about 30 seconds a day to just get a few little muscles? Sweet!

if they say it on an infomercial, then it MUST be true.

 

[ric1287]

my (huge) brother swears by it and I've used it a few times.

It all depends on how committed you are. "20 minutes a day 3 days a week" ain't gonna do shit. But if you treat it like a normal workout and stick to it multiple times a week its fine. Create a list of exercises and do them in rapid succession, gives a good cardio as well that way

 

[amicold]

Take the money you'd save and buy a set of hex dumbbells to compliment an olympic set.

 

[Alone]

Over all it's a decent compact machine. I mean, if you're looking for casual, convenient workouts, then it's not too bad. The results will be mediocre, and it probably wouldn't take long to max out.

IMO, and I'm no pro, I'd say it's simply not worth the money. I'd prefer to spend that cash on an actual weight set, allowing more creative uses and exploitation of muscle groups.