How can Bowflex possibly work?!

[Centaur6]

Ultimately, the Bowflex will never measure up to a good set of free weights. However, some people, such as myself, don't have that luxury. With that said, if used correctly, the Bowflex can and will yield excellent results. If you manipulate macronutrients in your diet to shape your body, take supplements and vitamins, and stick with a rigorous exercise program, you'll be pleased with the results. Of course, all of this applies to free weights just the same.

 

[Zebo]

Originally posted by: Centaur6
Ultimately, the Bowflex will never measure up to a good set of free weights. However, some people, such as myself, don't have that luxury. With that said, if used correctly, the Bowflex can and will yield excellent results. If you manipulate macronutrients in your diet to shape your body, take supplements and vitamins, and stick with a rigorous exercise program, you'll be pleased with the results. Of course, all of this applies to free weights just the same.

Best post yet. Yes something is better than nothing. We just hate thier commercials and somewhat hyped results so we are comming down a litle strong against the product

 

[HamSupLo]

Those dudes they use on those Bowflex commericals are wayyyyy too big. I'm sure Brock lesnar got to where he is by using a bowflex

 

[vi edit]

By "turning hardcore", I mean by increasing a healthy lifestyle.. learning about how the body works (muscle recovery/routines/optimizations). Personally, I found that gyms provide me more opportunities like swimming/raquetball/basketball/free weights/treadmills/tracks..

Most people who go to the gym often and know their stuff will naturally dismiss a lot of equipment that are sold on tv. Ab devices are so played out.. People who buy the ab machines are those who need cardio. When something new pops on the market, it's going to be criticized..

It's all about what you perceive as being healthy/fit.

That's the key. Everyone has a different perception of being fit. To some people being able to run a marathon is fit. To others it's being able to lift their bodyweight 10 times. To others yet, it's looking good in a mirror. It just comes down to what you consider fit.

To me, and a lot of people out there, all we need is 3 days of lifting a week, and three or four days of cardio. If my bodyfat is under 12%, my cholesterol is good, and I feel good about myself, that's all I need. I can easily achieve this with my fairly elementary home gym consisting of a treadmill, some freeweights, and a machine similar to (or including) a bowflex.

Some people need a gym to get a good workout. Some people need something at home. I fall into the latter. I've tried the gym thing. It usually involves long waits to get on equipment and I have to put up with crappy music and actually drive there. Ever since I started putting together my home gym, I've been exponentially more compliant in my lifting/exercising.

Different strokes for different folks.

 

[wonTong]

Originally posted by: vi_edit

By "turning hardcore", I mean by increasing a healthy lifestyle.. learning about how the body works (muscle recovery/routines/optimizations). Personally, I found that gyms provide me more opportunities like swimming/raquetball/basketball/free weights/treadmills/tracks..

Most people who go to the gym often and know their stuff will naturally dismiss a lot of equipment that are sold on tv. Ab devices are so played out.. People who buy the ab machines are those who need cardio. When something new pops on the market, it's going to be criticized..

It's all about what you perceive as being healthy/fit.

That's the key. Everyone has a different perception of being fit. To some people being able to run a marathon is fit. To others it's being able to lift their bodyweight 10 times. To others yet, it's looking good in a mirror. It just comes down to what you consider fit.

To me, and a lot of people out there, all we need is 3 days of lifting a week, and three or four days of cardio. If my bodyfat is under 12%, my cholesterol is good, and I feel good about myself, that's all I need. I can easily achieve this with my fairly elementary home gym consisting of a treadmill, some freeweights, and a machine similar to (or including) a bowflex.

Some people need a gym to get a good workout. Some people need something at home. I fall into the latter. I've tried the gym thing. It usually involves long waits to get on equipment and I have to put up with crappy music and actually drive there. Ever since I started putting together my home gym, I've been exponentially more compliant in my lifting/exercising.

Different strokes for different folks.

Sounds like a good setup. I was surprised when I first set foot in my college gym.. it's really everything you could ask for.. two floors and sports fields of goodness. I guess I should make the most use out of it while I'm here. Aaand.. there's always hot chicks there. Maybe that's why I keep going.

 

[vi edit]

Sounds like a good setup. I was surprised when I first set foot in my college gym.. it's really everything you could ask for.. two floors and sports fields of goodness. I guess I should make the most use out of it while I'm here. Aaand.. there's always hot chicks there. Maybe that's why I keep going.

Yep, my fiancee has a pretty decent deal. She goes to a university for class during the day, and then works on campus at the hospital at night. For like $60 a semester she gets full use of the fitness center there. It's three whole floors of cardio machines, free weights, and strength machines. She just goes there between class and work and does her stuff there. Can't beat that for $60 a semester! :Q

I don't have the same luxuries available, and it's tough for me to get to a gym at a non-busy time because of my work schedule. The best thing for me is to work out at home.

 

[PG]

But if you want ABS... get on the floor buddy.. no bowflex is gonna help you. Get a 10 pound weight and start doing REAL crunches.

I read this and about pissed my pants laughing. If you want to be strong get some real weights and stop fooling around. I can do about a dozen situps holding a 70 lb. sandbag across my chest. Squats, deadlifts, pullups, and overhead presses are some of the best exercises around but very few people do them because they are too hard. Everyone's looking for a shortcut or gimmick. About a year ago or so I could only deadlift about 250 and now I've done 405, no belt or straps either. My weight really hasn't changed much and I don't look strong at all. I know lots of guys that are much stronger than me too. If all you guys want to get stronger and really make a difference you need an attitude change first.
I lift at home, by myself, for me. I got a cheap squat rack, bench, and weight set at Sam's Club for $200. I've bought lots of extra 45's since then and I need a new bar soon. I've done partial deadlifts with about 600 and the cheap bar bends like a noodle.

 

[beer]

Originally posted by: PG

But if you want ABS... get on the floor buddy.. no bowflex is gonna help you. Get a 10 pound weight and start doing REAL crunches.

I read this and about pissed my pants laughing. If you want to be strong get some real weights and stop fooling around. I can do about a dozen situps holding a 70 lb. sandbag across my chest. Squats, deadlifts, pullups, and overhead presses are some of the best exercises around but very few people do them because they are too hard. Everyone's looking for a shortcut or gimmick. About a year ago or so I could only deadlift about 250 and now I've done 405, no belt or straps either. My weight really hasn't changed much and I don't look strong at all. I know lots of guys that are much stronger than me too. If all you guys want to get stronger and really make a difference you need an attitude change first.
I lift at home, by myself, for me. I got a cheap squat rack, bench, and weight set at Sam's Club for $200. I've bought lots of extra 45's since then and I need a new bar soon. I've done partial deadlifts with about 600 and the cheap bar bends like a noodle.

405 is nothing. You really need to put on a belt. A belt at 400+ does far more good than harm on deadlift. Most deadlifters use way too much back and not enough leg and hip power, anyways.

Do your back a favor and put on a belt.

I can deadlift 515 @ 175 lb, in a singlet with chalk, powder and a power belt.

 

[PG]

405 is nothing. You really need to put on a belt. A belt at 400+ does far more good than harm on deadlift. Most deadlifters use way too much back and not enough leg and hip power, anyways.

Do your back a favor and put on a belt.

I can deadlift 515 @ 175 lb, in a singlet with chalk, powder and a power belt.

I know that 405 isn't that much and that's one of my big points. People want gimmicks, they don't want to work hard on exercises that really can make a difference.

Nice lifting, 515 is a lot of weight and it gives me something to work towards. I weigh about what you do.

 

[Maverick]

I was pretty good about going to the gym for 5 months but now I've been slacking. If I had more room I'd go for a home gym. But I'd miss looking at all the hotties at the gym. Maybe I should go back

 

[WinkOsmosis]

Originally posted by: SnapIT

Originally posted by: mrCide
i'm doing 150 DUMBELLS..

kills me.

I suppose you mean kg's or are you a wuz?

A kg is 2.2lbs.... not the other way around!

 

[Centaur6]

Originally posted by: Shiva112
I was pretty good about going to the gym for 5 months but now I've been slacking. If I had more room I'd go for a home gym. But I'd miss looking at all the hotties at the gym. Maybe I should go back

This is one of the main reasons i choose exercise at home instead. Not that i dislike looking at beautiful women, but there is just too much socialization going on at the local gym to get anything done. Whenever i go in there, i bump into people i know, and end up spending most of my time chatting and not exercising. Other reasons? First, it's simply cheaper in the long run. Second, it's far more convenient and saves me one hour daily. Third, i can listen to music and watch TV while exercising. Fourth, i can have my ice-cold pre and post-workout drinks precisely when my body needs them. Fifth, bottled water costs 20c, as opposed to $1.50. I could go on and on, really.

 

[beer]

Originally posted by: PG

405 is nothing. You really need to put on a belt. A belt at 400+ does far more good than harm on deadlift. Most deadlifters use way too much back and not enough leg and hip power, anyways.

Do your back a favor and put on a belt.

I can deadlift 515 @ 175 lb, in a singlet with chalk, powder and a power belt.

I know that 405 isn't that much and that's one of my big points. People want gimmicks, they don't want to work hard on exercises that really can make a difference.

Nice lifting, 515 is a lot of weight and it gives me something to work towards. I weigh about what you do.

You really need to wear a belt. A nice, thick powerlifting belt would be good. Gym chalk on your hands will aid in your grip and is perfectly legal, but you will develop callouses. Straps are annoying and complicated and gloves will actually cause your grip to slip. Fvck hand protection. And if you are wearing shorts, your bar will get caught on them and it will make it harder to lift. I wear my squat suit when I deadlift usually and I coat the entire front of my legs in baby powder.

 

[StageLeft]

Slightly off topic I've already prepared mrsskoorb that when we buy our first house the garage will be a gym with free weights and bench press and squat rack etc! She says she agrees with it. I have always loved the idea of a GOOD gym in my home with mirrors, tv, nice pricey equipment, etc. The only real excercises I'd have to look out for doing totally alone would be squats and bench press and with the pins in the squat rack and a similar setup on the benchpress even if I had a heart attack the bars would be caught in time.

 

[Zebo]

Originally posted by: Skoorb
Slightly off topic I've already prepared mrsskoorb that when we buy our first house the garage will be a gym with free weights and bench press and squat rack etc! She says she agrees with it. I have always loved the idea of a GOOD gym in my home with mirrors, tv, nice pricey equipment, etc. The only real excercises I'd have to look out for doing totally alone would be squats and bench press and with the pins in the squat rack and a similar setup on the benchpress even if I had a heart attack the bars would be caught in time.

Lemme know when your ready. i have a $3500 Landice treadmill I'd be willing to let go for $1500 + FOB. It's new basically and I hate working out at home.

 

[PG]

You really need to wear a belt. A nice, thick powerlifting belt would be good. Gym chalk on your hands will aid in your grip and is perfectly legal, but you will develop callouses. Straps are annoying and complicated and gloves will actually cause your grip to slip. Fvck hand protection. And if you are wearing shorts, your bar will get caught on them and it will make it harder to lift. I wear my squat suit when I deadlift usually and I coat the entire front of my legs in baby powder.

I have a belt, I just haven't used it yet. I'll have to start using it on heavy sets.

I'm with you on the grip issue. I have straps but only use them for partial deadlifts. For most deadlifting I use my "thick bar". OK, it's just a pipe cut to the same length as a olympic bar. The diameter is the same as the ends of a normal olympic bar and it has really helped my grip. I have some decent callouses already too.

 

[SeaSerpent]

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