Home Gyms

[MaverickBP]

Originally posted by: MustISO
We have a bowflex and I wish I had gotten something different. I think we paid about $900-$1000 for it like 4 years ago. It's certainly not a bad piece of equipment but I think it would have been better to get one of those 3 station rack systems.

What are those? Any links to one I may check out? Of course I just mention Bowflex cause it seems to be a nice machine and have alot with it. If anyone has any other recommendations for home gyms by all means link away.

Also what do you like/dislike about your bowflex and which one do you have? I would have to get one of the higher end models.

 

[Rastus]

Originally posted by: Syrch
its kinda like bose in the sense that the founders have absolutly not fitness background. That may have in fact changed though. personally, i'll take the free weights any day.

I don't know why you say that about bose, they have been heavyweights in the industry for many years. I would give good money for a set of 1967 901's in good shape. Their marketing practices are the reason they are reviled. Targeting lower end and convincing people their stuff is better than it is. That's also what Bowflex does.

 

[vi edit]

Originally posted by: Syrch
its kinda like bose in the sense that the founders have absolutly not fitness background. That may have in fact changed though. personally, i'll take the free weights any day.

No it's kind of like Bose in the sense that it has a huge marketing push and is expensive when purchased new. But when bought used at half price both companies have decent products that offer unique alternatives to conventional methods/devices.

My "Bowflex Ultimate" is very well constructed and works great for most upper body exercises. I can do most of my workouts in a matter of 30 minutes. I can't drive to a gym and back in that amount of time. Plus most gyms would take me well over an hour to my workouts due to equipment being unavailable.

I used a Bally's a few times when traveling and I'd rather put a bullet in my head than put up with the rat race that place was. Sure there was some great scenery, but trying to work around the apes milling about the benches was a huge waste of my time.

A majority of people don't have the time, dedication, and desire to push themselves past the point where a Bowflex can't take them. For the majority otherwise, if they use it, it's better than using nothing at all.

Ease & convenience - if it gets you into a regular workout routine - trumps better equipment any day.

 

[vi edit]

Originally posted by: MaverickBP

Originally posted by: MustISO
We have a bowflex and I wish I had gotten something different. I think we paid about $900-$1000 for it like 4 years ago. It's certainly not a bad piece of equipment but I think it would have been better to get one of those 3 station rack systems.

What are those? Any links to one I may check out? Of course I just mention Bowflex cause it seems to be a nice machine and have alot with it. If anyone has any other recommendations for home gyms by all means link away.

Also what do you like/dislike about your bowflex and which one do you have? I would have to get one of the higher end models.

There's a huge difference in the build quality between the $700 Bowflexes you find at Sears and the $2000 they advertise on TV.

I have the "Ultimate" which is about 4 years old. It was around $2000 when it was new. At the time I looked at the cheapie ones that were in retail stores and it's a completely different machine. Everything about the one I have was built better. Bench, bars, padding, pulleys, ect. It was like comparing a $7000 Kia to a $40,000 Lexus.

 

[azazyel]

Originally posted by: MaverickBP

Originally posted by: azazyel
I don't know about the Bowflex but I love my Totalgym. Once you get in the habit it's hard to quit. I know a lot of people don't like home gyms but for me it's harder not to work out when it's right there in your bedroom mocking you. I also agree that you shouldn't by it new, go used and just clean it really well. Also, take it really slow at first! The worst thing you can do is start off too strong, get too sore and have to stop. I made that mistake with my curl bar. Worked out so hard that 2 days later I couldn't even straiten my arms. It made wiping my arse a pain in the arse.

Ya i've heard good things about that one as well. That's the Chuck Norris endorsed machine right?

I do agree with taking it slow at first. When I first started working out strategically (about 14) I tried to mimic Bruce Lee's workout to the tee. Unfortunately I tried to start off where Bruce Lee was in his prime. Ya...not a good idea lol.

Yup, that's the one. I just like it because it seems like my strength goes up rather quickly. But it's based on your own weight and the incline. So, the more you do it the easier it gets and you can get to the point where you can't go any higher. So, I just end up doing a whole lot of reps and low on the sets. Also, I bought a curl bar and some dumbells to add to my work out.

 

[MaverickBP]

Originally posted by: azazyel

Originally posted by: MaverickBP

Originally posted by: azazyel
I don't know about the Bowflex but I love my Totalgym. Once you get in the habit it's hard to quit. I know a lot of people don't like home gyms but for me it's harder not to work out when it's right there in your bedroom mocking you. I also agree that you shouldn't by it new, go used and just clean it really well. Also, take it really slow at first! The worst thing you can do is start off too strong, get too sore and have to stop. I made that mistake with my curl bar. Worked out so hard that 2 days later I couldn't even straiten my arms. It made wiping my arse a pain in the arse.

Ya i've heard good things about that one as well. That's the Chuck Norris endorsed machine right?

I do agree with taking it slow at first. When I first started working out strategically (about 14) I tried to mimic Bruce Lee's workout to the tee. Unfortunately I tried to start off where Bruce Lee was in his prime. Ya...not a good idea lol.

Yup, that's the one. I just like it because it seems like my strength goes up rather quickly. But it's based on your own weight and the incline. So, the more you do it the easier it gets and you can get to the point where you can't go any higher. So, I just end up doing a whole lot of reps and low on the sets. Also, I bought a curl bar and some dumbells to add to my work out.

Ya you lift heavy weight with fewer reps to bulk up and less weight with more reps for tone which is what I go for.

 

[vi edit]

Originally posted by: azazyel

Originally posted by: MaverickBP

Originally posted by: azazyel
I don't know about the Bowflex but I love my Totalgym. Once you get in the habit it's hard to quit. I know a lot of people don't like home gyms but for me it's harder not to work out when it's right there in your bedroom mocking you. I also agree that you shouldn't by it new, go used and just clean it really well. Also, take it really slow at first! The worst thing you can do is start off too strong, get too sore and have to stop. I made that mistake with my curl bar. Worked out so hard that 2 days later I couldn't even straiten my arms. It made wiping my arse a pain in the arse.

Ya i've heard good things about that one as well. That's the Chuck Norris endorsed machine right?

I do agree with taking it slow at first. When I first started working out strategically (about 14) I tried to mimic Bruce Lee's workout to the tee. Unfortunately I tried to start off where Bruce Lee was in his prime. Ya...not a good idea lol.

Yup, that's the one. I just like it because it seems like my strength goes up rather quickly. But it's based on your own weight and the incline. So, the more you do it the easier it gets and you can get to the point where you can't go any higher. So, I just end up doing a whole lot of reps and low on the sets. Also, I bought a curl bar and some dumbells to add to my work out.

That is my major complaint about the Total Gym. You hit a limit where you can't get any more reistance short of putting a backpack full of dumbells on.

It's probably okay if you weigh 400 pounds. But if you are a 160 pound twig like me you quickly hit your maxes.

 

[sdifox]

Originally posted by: Rastus

Originally posted by: Syrch
its kinda like bose in the sense that the founders have absolutly not fitness background. That may have in fact changed though. personally, i'll take the free weights any day.

I don't know why you say that about bose, they have been heavyweights in the industry for many years. I would give good money for a set of 1967 901's in good shape. Their marketing practices are the reason they are reviled. Targeting lower end and convincing people their stuff is better than it is. That's also what Bowflex does.

for a pair of speakers 40 year old???? I am sure all the cellulose has been eaten away.

 

[imported_Cameron]

I started using mine again recently, and the only real complaint is the amount of resistance for my legs is way too low. Other than that I love it.

 

[foghorn67]

Originally posted by: vi_edit
No it's kind of like Bose in the sense that it has a huge marketing push and is expensive when purchased new. But when bought used at half price both companies have decent products that offer unique alternatives to conventional methods/devices.

My "Bowflex Ultimate" is very well constructed and works great for most upper body exercises. I can do most of my workouts in a matter of 30 minutes. I can't drive to a gym and back in that amount of time. Plus most gyms would take me well over an hour to my workouts due to equipment being unavailable.

I used a Bally's a few times when traveling and I'd rather put a bullet in my head than put up with the rat race that place was. Sure there was some great scenery, but trying to work around the apes milling about the benches was a huge waste of my time.

A majority of people don't have the time, dedication, and desire to push themselves past the point where a Bowflex can't take them. For the majority otherwise, if they use it, it's better than using nothing at all.

Ease & convenience - if it gets you into a regular workout routine - trumps better equipment any day.

I am looking into a home system whenever I get a bigger apartment. I hate the local gym (24 hour fitness). A bunch of idiots breaking rules and the rules never being enforced.
And what kind of shakes do people drink these days to gain weight? Holy hell, their burps are more dangerous than any normal man's farts.
-People never bring towels. And that was supposed to be the big no-no.
-Apes doing supersets. Get a Gold's membership already. Why hog a bench for that long?
-Gossip, gossip, gossip. People hog equipment and just use it to converse over. And then act offended if I ask if I could work in.
-Personal trainers not employed by the gym using it as their own place.

It amazes me how macho people act at the expense of others.

 

[MaverickBP]

Originally posted by: foghorn67

Originally posted by: vi_edit
No it's kind of like Bose in the sense that it has a huge marketing push and is expensive when purchased new. But when bought used at half price both companies have decent products that offer unique alternatives to conventional methods/devices.

My "Bowflex Ultimate" is very well constructed and works great for most upper body exercises. I can do most of my workouts in a matter of 30 minutes. I can't drive to a gym and back in that amount of time. Plus most gyms would take me well over an hour to my workouts due to equipment being unavailable.

I used a Bally's a few times when traveling and I'd rather put a bullet in my head than put up with the rat race that place was. Sure there was some great scenery, but trying to work around the apes milling about the benches was a huge waste of my time.

A majority of people don't have the time, dedication, and desire to push themselves past the point where a Bowflex can't take them. For the majority otherwise, if they use it, it's better than using nothing at all.

Ease & convenience - if it gets you into a regular workout routine - trumps better equipment any day.

I am looking into a home system whenever I get a bigger apartment. I hate the local gym (24 hour fitness). A bunch of idiots breaking rules and the rules never being enforced.
And what kind of shakes do people drink these days to gain weight? Holy hell, their burps are more dangerous than any normal man's farts.
-People never bring towels. And that was supposed to be the big no-no.
-Apes doing supersets. Get a Gold's membership already. Why hog a bench for that long?
-Gossip, gossip, gossip. People hog equipment and just use it to converse over. And then act offended if I ask if I could work in.
-Personal trainers not employed by the gym using it as their own place.

It amazes me how macho people act at the expense of others.

Just a few reasons why I rather get a home gym.

 

[Linux23]

Originally posted by: vi_edit

Originally posted by: azazyel

Originally posted by: MaverickBP

Originally posted by: azazyel
I don't know about the Bowflex but I love my Totalgym. Once you get in the habit it's hard to quit. I know a lot of people don't like home gyms but for me it's harder not to work out when it's right there in your bedroom mocking you. I also agree that you shouldn't by it new, go used and just clean it really well. Also, take it really slow at first! The worst thing you can do is start off too strong, get too sore and have to stop. I made that mistake with my curl bar. Worked out so hard that 2 days later I couldn't even straiten my arms. It made wiping my arse a pain in the arse.

Ya i've heard good things about that one as well. That's the Chuck Norris endorsed machine right?

I do agree with taking it slow at first. When I first started working out strategically (about 14) I tried to mimic Bruce Lee's workout to the tee. Unfortunately I tried to start off where Bruce Lee was in his prime. Ya...not a good idea lol.

Yup, that's the one. I just like it because it seems like my strength goes up rather quickly. But it's based on your own weight and the incline. So, the more you do it the easier it gets and you can get to the point where you can't go any higher. So, I just end up doing a whole lot of reps and low on the sets. Also, I bought a curl bar and some dumbells to add to my work out.

That is my major complaint about the Total Gym. You hit a limit where you can't get any more reistance short of putting a backpack full of dumbells on.

It's probably okay if you weigh 400 pounds. But if you are a 160 pound twig like me you quickly hit your maxes.

i'm looking at their website and you'd have to be a moron to pay the $1000 they want for an inclined bench. what's good about this system?

 

[mrrman]

I have the Xtreme 2...love it

 

[Special K]

Originally posted by: MaverickBP

Originally posted by: azazyel

Originally posted by: MaverickBP

Originally posted by: azazyel
I don't know about the Bowflex but I love my Totalgym. Once you get in the habit it's hard to quit. I know a lot of people don't like home gyms but for me it's harder not to work out when it's right there in your bedroom mocking you. I also agree that you shouldn't by it new, go used and just clean it really well. Also, take it really slow at first! The worst thing you can do is start off too strong, get too sore and have to stop. I made that mistake with my curl bar. Worked out so hard that 2 days later I couldn't even straiten my arms. It made wiping my arse a pain in the arse.

Ya i've heard good things about that one as well. That's the Chuck Norris endorsed machine right?

I do agree with taking it slow at first. When I first started working out strategically (about 14) I tried to mimic Bruce Lee's workout to the tee. Unfortunately I tried to start off where Bruce Lee was in his prime. Ya...not a good idea lol.

Yup, that's the one. I just like it because it seems like my strength goes up rather quickly. But it's based on your own weight and the incline. So, the more you do it the easier it gets and you can get to the point where you can't go any higher. So, I just end up doing a whole lot of reps and low on the sets. Also, I bought a curl bar and some dumbells to add to my work out.

Ya you lift heavy weight with fewer reps to bulk up and less weight with more reps for tone which is what I go for.

I'm sorry, but that is completely wrong, regardless of whether you use a bowflex or a gym. Gaining muscle and losing fat are determined by your diet. Want to build muscle? Eat more than your maintenance. Want to burn fat? Eat less than your maintenance. This is simplified, but what you posted is a common training myth.

 

[ch33zw1z]

cable pulley resistance systems are better then free weights, and safer. They work good.

 

[purbeast0]

Originally posted by: Special K

Originally posted by: MaverickBP

Originally posted by: azazyel

Originally posted by: MaverickBP

Originally posted by: azazyel
I don't know about the Bowflex but I love my Totalgym. Once you get in the habit it's hard to quit. I know a lot of people don't like home gyms but for me it's harder not to work out when it's right there in your bedroom mocking you. I also agree that you shouldn't by it new, go used and just clean it really well. Also, take it really slow at first! The worst thing you can do is start off too strong, get too sore and have to stop. I made that mistake with my curl bar. Worked out so hard that 2 days later I couldn't even straiten my arms. It made wiping my arse a pain in the arse.

Ya i've heard good things about that one as well. That's the Chuck Norris endorsed machine right?

I do agree with taking it slow at first. When I first started working out strategically (about 14) I tried to mimic Bruce Lee's workout to the tee. Unfortunately I tried to start off where Bruce Lee was in his prime. Ya...not a good idea lol.

Yup, that's the one. I just like it because it seems like my strength goes up rather quickly. But it's based on your own weight and the incline. So, the more you do it the easier it gets and you can get to the point where you can't go any higher. So, I just end up doing a whole lot of reps and low on the sets. Also, I bought a curl bar and some dumbells to add to my work out.

Ya you lift heavy weight with fewer reps to bulk up and less weight with more reps for tone which is what I go for.

I'm sorry, but that is completely wrong, regardless of whether you use a bowflex or a gym. Gaining muscle and losing fat are determined by your diet. Want to build muscle? Eat more than your maintenance. Want to burn fat? Eat less than your maintenance. This is simplified, but what you posted is a common training myth.

Man I was wondering what was taking you so long to reply to that!

 

[Jmmsbnd007]

Why don't you get a squat rack, bench, and a 300lbs Olympic bar and plate set instead?