In need of a fitness machine (weight machine)

[Cuda1447]

Im looking to get myself a fairly inexpensive fitness machine (like those bowflex type machines). Only, I don't want to spend 2grand on one. I don't want complete crap, just something that will get the job done that I can afford.

My main requirements are exercises to repair my torn ACL, those being leg press/extension/flexsion. Leg press being the most important. I do intend to use the other aspects of it though, and would like to build my upper body (although its not nearly as important as rehabbing my knee).

The one I was looking at was this at sears.com for $299 (on sale for 100 bucks off).

If anyone has any info on these types of things or can offer up some guidance it'd be much appreciated.

 

[vi edit]

With that amount of money, just buy a year membership to a decent gym.

You aren't going to get anything but disposable crap for $300.

 

[BlueWeasel]

As someone who used a Bowflex for several years, I don't think they are nearly as good as free weights. I found the leg exercises on the "Blowflex" to be especially lacking.

 

[Cuda1447]

Originally posted by: vi_edit
With that amount of money, just buy a year membership to a decent gym.

You aren't going to get anything but disposable crap for $300.

Are you speaking from experience, or speculating?

The reason I ruled out a gym membership is because A. I don't have the time to go there often, and it would be much more convenient at home. B. It'd cost the same as getting a machine that I could own and use whenever I wanted... and I forgot what C. was, but A and B seem good enough

 

[vi edit]

Originally posted by: BlueWeasel
As someone who used a Bowflex for several years, I don't think they are nearly as good as free weights. I found the leg exercises on the "Blowflex" to be especially lacking.

It's a compromise of space & variety of exercises where the bowflex shines. You can do a lot of stuff with it in a very small area and without requiring a spotter for really anything. It's a great alternative for a home gym that is limited in space and the buyer wants convenience and vairety.

It's not perfect, but it's a great alternative. I still use dumbells for curls and some isolation exercises though.

 

[BlueWeasel]

Originally posted by: vi_edit

Originally posted by: BlueWeasel
As someone who used a Bowflex for several years, I don't think they are nearly as good as free weights. I found the leg exercises on the "Blowflex" to be especially lacking.

It's a compromise of space & variety of exercises where the bowflex shines. You can do a lot of stuff with it in a very small area and without requiring a spotter for really anything. It's a great alternative for a home gym that is limited in space and the buyer wants convenience and vairety.

It's not perfect, but it's a great alternative. I still use dumbells for curls and some isolation exercises though.

I do agree somewhat. The BF is good for those wanting to tone up using lighter weights. But, I found that even with all the rods in use, that still wasn't enough resistance for me. Sure, I could have gotten the additional rods, but in the end, I just felt like going to the gym and free weights were better for me.

When it comes to space and variety of exercises, the BF is hard to beat.

 

[Cuda1447]

Bump for some actual help?

 

[Cuda1447]

ttt