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verbatimreturned 04-19-2005 12:08 PM

bowflex
 
has anyone here ever used the boflex i was trying to get opinions in it. i have one in my home but id much rather be using free weights, or a machine targeted toward the muscle specifically what is everyone opinion?

Darkhorse 04-19-2005 12:18 PM

I think it would be good for overall fitness/weight loss. But, it is not optimal for muscle mass. Free weights are the best. They combine gravity, balance, and free range of movement. Everything a growing boy needs. Bowflex has a restricted movement down a set path.

Frontline 04-19-2005 06:57 PM

I would SERIOUSLY consider trying it in store before buying one of these. I use to be interested in the bowflex or crossbow as a general piece of equipment until I went and tried them at the store. To me it just didn't feel natural and I could see that my exercises would be limited with it. Some people however love them, so I would really stress to try it before you buy it.

Honestly, I think the best home equipment is a power or half rack and a good adjustable bench. You could do anything with that setup. I have a half gun rack (just cause my ceiling is low), an incline/decline/flat bench, and my weight set and can do anything I want at home when I am can't make it to the gym.

Dr X 04-19-2005 07:53 PM

I didn't like the movement of the machine at all. If it has one redeming quality at least you can do pull downs. Other than that it's all about the free weights.

apocalypse 04-19-2005 10:46 PM

If u got that much money, why dont u get a gym membership??

verbatimreturned 04-20-2005 11:58 AM

its not my money its my dads lol he bought it and i dont know about it so far all i found to do with it is leg extensions and pulldowns for your triceps maybe rowing thats all i really like it for. i already have a bench but it not that good in my opinion im looking for a good gym to join though. it just gettin there thats the problem im to young to be driving (16) i can only get a permit, and my parents arent always going to be home to take me there

Playmaker7 04-20-2005 12:05 PM

I should be getting a bowflex soon, but before I do, I'm mainly trying to develope my chest muscles. Would the people that have used the bowflex recommend it for pectoral muscles? I'd get it for other muscles as well, but mainly for my pectorals.

Thanks in advance.

verbatimreturned 04-20-2005 02:25 PM

to be absolutly honest with you...they are all right joining a gym is so much better if u think about it more equipment, you get to meet people, cardio machines, some places offer even more things like pools, saunas. and after looking at my bowflex i dont think u get a constant amount of weight throughout the entire rep. also keep in mind that you will oventually want to work out using different machines for different muscles to see how they respond to different types of use things like that.

Speedster 04-20-2005 03:05 PM

Hey guys, I am a bowflex owner and I'll say that all in all it's not a bad machine and can help keep you in shape, but does not truly replace a gym, especially not for bodybuilding. Yeah they are pricey and definately more so than freewights and benches the reason I bought mine was that I was not really in a position to go to the gym or even workout with freeweights, unless someone was with me and helping me at all times and I didn't have that luxery. For me the big issue was safety, I didn't have to worry about injuring myself or trying to move around plates and bars. Also it is fairly compact so you don't need all that much space for it. It odes give you a decent workout and can help get soemone and keep someone in shape. That said I'm not sure how capable one is of really building muscle with it, I don't think I did but I also wasn't training/eating to gain mass so I cannot say for sure. Basically if you are looking to get big I wouldn't really suggest it, however if you are just looking for equipment to help you keep fit then it is perfectly fine. In my opinion nothing can replace freeweights and if you are able to go to a gym or buy actual gym equipment that do that.. but if you are not able/willing to do that then go for a bowflex. Personally now that I have a gym to go to and can hit the freewieghts hard my machine rarely sees any use. Every once in awhile if I'm in a rush, can't get to the gym but feel I need to do some form of excerise I'll hit the bowflex. Mostly, it's a coat rack for me now though :D I've debated selling it but think I'll keep it around just in case there is a time in the future when I won't be able to use a gym.

apocalypse 04-20-2005 09:17 PM

glad to here that ur dad can afford a bowflex, my mofo king dad cant even afford the rims that I got on my car :D








Thread officially lowjacked :D

GuardDog 04-21-2005 04:19 AM

Use whatever equipment you have, but I personally love free weights.

Playmaker7 04-21-2005 06:19 AM

So I shouldn't get it if I want to add muscles?

GuardDog 04-21-2005 07:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Playmaker7
So I shouldn't get it if I want to add muscles?

Not saying that. Depending on your level on fitness, it can add some.

Snachito 04-21-2005 09:06 AM

Any type of equipment will work for a certain amount of time. If you were to get a bowflex use it for 1-2 months, then switch to free weights. This way your body is always thrown off and doesn't adapt to certain movements, weights, range of motions, etc. Your body will always be off balance so to speak.

As long as you are taking in to account your nutrition, recuperation, and supplementation you will grow. This is what is more important IMO:

1 Diet- Important as this really makes or breaks your progress
2 Training- This is the stimuli for you body to make changes
3 Recuperation- Without this your muscles won't grow and you'll become overtrained. So get your required sleep and rest!
4. Supplements- This is your Creatine, NO2, AAS, anything in that realm.

Having these things working together will have an overall positive synergistic effect on your body. And this includes whether you use bow-flex, free weights, Total gym, etc.

Playmaker7 04-22-2005 11:37 AM

Thanks for all the help from everyone. I think I'm going to be getting the bowflex. Two I mainly interested in are the Bowflex Sport Home Gym and theBowflex Motivator 2 Home Gym

Is it worth getting the one for $800 or would the one for $600 get me the same results?

verbatimreturned 04-22-2005 11:44 AM

keep in mind your going to need help putting it together it looks pretty simple on tv but theres lot of parts to it

GuardDog 04-22-2005 02:38 PM

I didn't really see any difference in them. :confused:

Dr X 04-22-2005 04:34 PM

I see one difference in them, $200.00 :)

verbatimreturned 04-22-2005 04:49 PM

the more expensive one offers 10 more exercises and i think thats just about it


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