thinking about getting a bowflex

[Maverick2002]

In a few months our (mine and my girlfriend's) lease expires. We're going to be moving into a larger, 2 bedroom apartment where one room will be for my computer stuff and a mini-gym. We're both big into sports and working out (she's been on lots of teams, I've been on a few and a member of several gyms for years), so we know the whole exercise routine.

However, given our schedules (school + work + living on our own) we don't have much time to go out of our way to a gym. Furthermore, I found that it's a lot cheaper to just buy your own stuff than pay to "rent" it. Anyway, we're looking for an all-in-one machine. I've heard a lot about the bowflex system. Does anyone here have one or used one in the past? How does it compare to other machines in the gym? How does it compare to free weights? What kind of tension can you expect (in pounds)? I guess I'm asking whether it's a good all-around fitness workstation. Any input would be great. I'm doing some more research as we speak.

 

[SacrosanctFiend]

By asking for serious input you will most likely get the exact opposite.

 

[Coquito]

I've heard tension isn't as good as free weights, but since you have limited space, what the hell.

 

[Maverick2002]

I just looked at the pricing .... $800 - 2000 !!!!! that is nuts

 

[Beau]

I had one a couple years ago. I used it 20 minutes everyday for 3 months, and never liked it. The resistance was very un-natural feeling (wasn't constant feeling and came from non-gravity-like directions because of the cables), was a PITA to set up and tear down, and the results were no where near what I got from using free weights. Plus, it was 3x the cost of the free weights set I ended up buying.

 

[Zim Hosein]

You should find a lot of help here: http://www.geekfitness.com

 

[n0cmonkey]

Get to a local store that has them in stock. Try them out. I use one occassionally o) and I like it better than other machines I've used in the past.

 

[Tremulant]

We have the Crossbow. It was $400 at Sears a few months ago and came w/ a mail-in for a free 100 lbs. of extra resistance.

However, I haven't used much in the past couple of months because of lack of time and motivation. I'm looking to get free weights though, just because I can put them in my room and not have to worry about anyone messing with them.

But I'd also suggest to try one out and see how you like it.

 

[rudeguy]

I actually bought a Bowflex. But I talked to some people that owned them, and the majority told me that they regret the purchase. I ended up cancelling the order before I picked it up. Start out with something cheaper like the Crossbow to see if you will use it. You can always upgrade, but trying to sell one off to downgrade can be a PITA.

 

[lavagirl669]

it will end up being a nice dust collector

 

[Sundog]

Originally posted by: Coquito
I've heard tension isn't as good as free weights

But, but....but look at the bodies those people have in the BowFlex ads. Wow :shocked: .....to know you could get a body like that just from the BowFlex.

 

[JacobJ]

Didn't like the tension on the one I tried.

 

[b0mbrman]

I haven't liked the many different band machines I've used and the lack of variety would get to me even more.

Right now, I satsify my workout bug by having a gym membership and a few dumb bells at home for those days when I either don't have the time or the inclination to leave the house.

 

[Deleted member 139972]

Bowflex is CRAP. I've heard that the resistance bars break down and loose strength over time. Also if somthing breaks you have to order parts through them only.

If you want to start getting fit, start with a gym membership and a trainer to get started. Once you know enough for training you can start a do it yourself gym. A lot of people that i've seen trying to workout on their own just don't know exactly how to work out properly or get lazy because it's in their home.

My brother has started at the gym + then moved his workout at home and he's stacked now. He's benching close to 295 Lbs. I'm not quite as strong but I train mostly for tone rather than strength.

 

[dbk]

Just buy yourself a bench and some free weights...maybe a cycle/treadmill too

 

[Baked]

My bro got a set. It's weird. I know how it advertises the resistance helps and all, but it just feels uncomfortable and unnatural. I like free weights better.

 

[Sundog]

Originally posted by: Deleted member 139972
If you want to start getting fit, start with a gym membership and a trainer to get started. Once you know enough for training you can start a do it yourself gym. A lot of people that i've seen trying to workout on their own just don't know exactly how to work out properly or get lazy because it's in their home.

Did you even read the OP's original post??

Suggest you read it again.

 

[Trogdor91]

Originally posted by: zippo
Just buy yourself a bench and some free weights...maybe a cycle/treadmill too

:thumbsup:

 

[Googer]

I have heard of people getting injuerd because the bows snap and break. your money would be better spent on a GYM membership, a few free weigts, and a pair of running shoes.

 

[Maverick2002]

Ok once again I'm not asking for workout suggestions or alternatives ("get a membership, go run, etc"). WE KNOW HOW TO WORK OUT. My question was about the bowflex in particular. I'm wondering about it because it seems pretty versatile without taking up a lot of space like a full set of free weights, a bench or two, and a cycle/other things would. I guess I'll just have to try it out.

If it's really bad, why are they still in business (now even selling $2000 "ultra" models)?

 

[Gurck]

I've used both a blowflex and freeweights extensively and can tell you firsthand that the former is overpriced snake oil. If the fact that it needs infomercials to sell didn't clue you in, and its astronomical price went over your head as well, take a look at some actual bb forums such as those at www.superiormuscle.com for opinions on the thing from people who are into lifting. For far less money you can get a quality bench and iron to go with it. Nothing beats freeweights.

Originally posted by: Maverick2002
Ok once again I'm not asking for workout suggestions or alternatives ("get a membership, go run, etc"). WE KNOW HOW TO WORK OUT. My question was about the bowflex in particular. I'm wondering about it because it seems pretty versatile without taking up a lot of space like a full set of free weights, a bench or two, and a cycle/other things would. I guess I'll just have to try it out.

If it's really bad, why are they still in business (now even selling $2000 "ultra" models)?

No need for two benches, weights don't take up much room, and a bowflex won't provide any more of a cardiovascular workout than freeweights would; it doesn't replace a cycle/treadmill. They're still in business because the vast majority of American consumers believe what they see on TV commercials and do no research. Bose, Sony, Apple and AOL are other examples of an image selling an inferior product for a higher price than its competition.

 

[Vegito]

I been trying to find alternative to bowflex also, I found Schwinn Fitness.. I think they license the bowflex technology aka ideas. I got a catalog with both of them on.. so I'm assuming they're in bed some how

http://www.schwinnfitness.com/...ex.php?sel_category=24

They got 3 models, one isn't on the website

Ultra
Comp
Force - Im looking at the force..

My only reason is lack of space.. it folds up..

I would have thought that these bars are like steel or something.. unbreakable..

 

[BCskunk]

I have the bowflex /w the leg extension... cost me about $2000
honestly...i think its pretty good..its prolly the closest all-in-one gym to free weights.. i find it especially good for working out your chest and shoulder..

IIRC its life-time warranty as well..

i dont see how the bars can snap...

i've had them bent seriously like a U shape...no problems.....

on each side...i think there are 1x5, 2x10s, 1x30 and 1x50...

u also have the option to add another bar...so if u want to be crazy...u can add another 100 on each side..

if u need more info..

just send me a PM

 

[marcello]

Originally posted by: Maverick2002
Ok once again I'm not asking for workout suggestions or alternatives ("get a membership, go run, etc"). WE KNOW HOW TO WORK OUT. My question was about the bowflex in particular. I'm wondering about it because it seems pretty versatile without taking up a lot of space like a full set of free weights, a bench or two, and a cycle/other things would. I guess I'll just have to try it out.

If it's really bad, why are they still in business (now even selling $2000 "ultra" models)?

Because people make poor decisions with money. If you're at all serious about lifting and staying in shape, don't get a bowflex. It'll burn a hole in your pocket and you really won't get a good workout from it. For much less money you can get a bench and some weights that won't take up much room at all. Check these out:

http://www.powerblock.com/frame.html

These are awesome and a great idea.

 

[spacelord]

We have a bowflex and like it. although I don't use it as much as I should recently.. but yes they are expensive, but if I had a gym membership at $30/month I would have thrown away $2160 over the past 5 years I've owned the Bowflex...

and I'm totally lazy... too lazy to drive to a gym.