anyone use Bowflex?

[axelfox]

I'm doing some research before I think about dropping the amount of money they cost. There isn't a place near where I am that has some I can use, but I'm wondering how smooth the cables are and if you like it.

One thing that draws me to it is that you don't have to stack the weights like free weights. And no, I don't want to join a health club.

I've looked on Epinions and looking for some more feedback.

thanks

 

[Beau]

I bought an XTLU a year ago. I didn't like it at all. The resistance wasn't natural, it stresses your bone joints too much, the calbes are a pain, and the construction is sh!tty. You'd be a lot better off just getting a free-weight set.

 

[Angrymarshmello]

What Beau said - nothing will beat free weights and a good bench

 

[GT578]

The resistance is good because its the same throughout the range of motion. I have the XL model and its very convenient to use. I also have a Ballys membership but I rarely go there because its such a hassle driving there. Bowflex works.....I haven't tried other machines but I personally think its worth the money.

 

[prodigy]

no, but I've used the search before.

 

[yakko]

I am enjoying my Bowflex XTL. The resistance feels fine to me. I like it better than free weights because it is easy to change between exercises and you can do more while taking up the same amount of floor space.

 

[madthumbs]

It's severly lacking to me. For some excersizes it's great, but others it's not. It can't simulate a lat bar at all, arm curls are awkward, Any excersize that has you standing also places the simulated weight off center making unnatural lifting conditions which could be dangerous for your back and other areas. It's fine for some things, but is no total gym at all!

 

[smp]

Never used it .. but I hear it's good. I'm of the mind that you can get a complete body workout the good old fashioned way .. a bench, some free weights and a bicycle or running shoes.... it's just not as snazzy.

 

[Beau]

Originally posted by: smp
Never used it .. but I hear it's good. I'm of the mind that you can get a complete body workout the good old fashioned way .. a bench, some free weights and a bicycle or running shoes.... it's just not as snazzy.

You'll get a better work out with what you mentioned than with a bowflex.

 

[UberDave]

.


Try searching there's like 9 topics on this.


RP- Link
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[ratkil]

Try searching there's like 9 topics on this.

That will be a great help.....as long as he is a subscriber. ;-)

 

[PG]

Originally posted by: ratkil

Try searching there's like 9 topics on this.

That will be a great help.....as long as he is a subscriber. ;-)

Even the poor non-subscribers get a search button.

 

[ratkil]

True, but they can't get to those links.

 

[yakko]

Originally posted by: ratkil
True, but they can't get to those links.

Well if they do not want to type in forums in place of subscriber they couold just subscribe themselves.

 

[dirtboy]

I considered a Bowflex, but in the end I bought a Total Gym.

 

[MainFramed]

my uncle uses bowflex and itz nice but itz only restiantce. free weights are much better, you get more out of them and with a nice bench and some dumb bells you cant get better

 

[cipher00]

Well, it's no total gym, and forget the cardio claims. That said, it's not at all bad, but I agree that there are some exercises that you cannot replicate very well...but that's not to say that it's useless in those exercises. Consider the various options (like the lat tower) and get at least 310 lbs. All in all, I like mine. fwiw.

 

[ratkil]

"Quote

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by: ratkil
True, but they can't get to those links.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Well if they do not want to type in forums in place of subscriber they couold just subscribe themselves"
Hey look yakko, if you are going to start throwing logic into the equation, it might just be go time for the two of us.... ;-)

 

[Maverick]

I haven't heard good things about bowflex for people that actively work out with free weights. I think its just too different from them. For me I have to have a workout buddy to keep me motivated so I go to a gym.

I think the best thing is to join a cheap gym. 24 hour fitness, ballys, and other health clubs have too much useless sh*t that isn't worth the extra $20/month. Like way too many machines than I need, aerobics, swimming pools, etc.

I joined a cheap gym that has a few machines, full free weight setup, and some treadmills and bikes. Everything I need for $25/month. As an added bonus, my company reimburses me for up to $25/month on health club dues...so the whole thing is free for me

 

[Cable God]

THey suck. Forget just a bench and weight. You can't work your legs, squats, etc. Go with a Smith Machine and dumbells.

 

[yakko]

Originally posted by: ratkil
"Quote

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by: ratkil
True, but they can't get to those links.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



Well if they do not want to type in forums in place of subscriber they couold just subscribe themselves"
Hey look yakko, if you are going to start throwing logic into the equation, it might just be go time for the two of us.... ;-)

It is go time boy. Which Taco Bell do you want to go to? I am pretty hungry.