Bowflex

[4utunv]

With the job i am in now i dont get much time to spend at home with my family.
I love to train and see the results at the end of each month, but i was wondering what your thoughts on the bowflex equipment is.
You see i thought as my gym membership is coming up to having to be renewed i thought about getting a bowflex so i am at home a bit more.
Please post your advise.

[pat07]

It'll give you results, but you can't really do squats on it, and it's definitely not a gym substitution. But for your reasons it might be worth it.

[gomez26]

how about a free weights home gym?. those machines take up a lot of space.

[vikingsrule92]

Freeweights are defintiely better (no bowflex vs. freeweights arguements please) but if you are really that short on time and you're just looking to get in shape it might not be a bad idea to get a bowflex. However, that being said freeweights are much more beneficial to muscle size and strength, they are cheaper, and take up less space than a bowflex. If you have the time I would much rather suggest a Power cage, bench, and olympic weight set.

[vikingsrule92]

Originally Posted by Drsoos

I had one for years, its a fast workout and very quiet. Anybody in the family can use it,

http://bigfitness.com/boxt2hogym.html

Stop spamming and advertising for your site. that is not welcomed here and I have already reported you. Please stop now we are all tired of it.

[PopeyeFAFL]

Originally Posted by 4utunv

With the job i am in now i dont get much time to spend at home with my family.
I love to train and see the results at the end of each month, but i was wondering what your thoughts on the bowflex equipment is.
You see i thought as my gym membership is coming up to having to be renewed i thought about getting a bowflex so i am at home a bit more.
Please post your advise.

Maybe this:

http://www.powertecfitness.com/workbench_lev_gym.htm

or even this:

http://www.powertecfitness.com/workbench_bench.htm

Do a search on this forum, it has been review intensively.

[dbx]

Originally Posted by vikingsrule92

I think it's the NEG TRAIN!!!!

It just rolled by.

[vikingsrule92]

Originally Posted by dbx

It just rolled by.

LOL, ok I realized that sounds stupid anywhere but the Misc. section but c'mon every one of this guy's posts has been spam. I don't know about you but that sure as hell frustrates me

[dbx]

Originally Posted by vikingsrule92

I don't know about you but that sure as hell frustrates me

Yep, me too..............and that is why he is now red

[pumpster]

Bowflex is excellent IMO, and i've previously used weights for years. Squats are one of the best things on it, both in terms of effectiveness and in regards to safety.

A bowflex and some adjustable dumbbells is a good combo at home. Or a Powertec WB-LS or Ironmaster bench + adjustable dumbbells.

[4utunv]

Thanks for all the feedback,
Much appreciated.
That powertec gym looks the goods, but i dont think we get those in new zealand. Which is a shame.

[pumpster]

Originally Posted by 4utunv

That powertec gym looks the goods, but i dont think we get those in new zealand. Which is a shame.

It's always worth emailing the company to find out which stores in the area might carry them.

Also check classifieds, such as craigslist new zealand. It just started, will probably become more popular over time:
http://geo.craigslist.org/iso/nz

[Blackout]

The following three stickies should be at the top of the Main Forum page and required to be read and quizzed over before getting a username. It would cut posts down about 50%, no joke.

1. Creatine
2. Fasted cardio
3. Bowflex

[pumpster]

Originally Posted by Blackout

The following three stickies should be at the top of the Main Forum page and required to be read and quizzed over before getting a username. It would cut posts down about 50%, no joke.

1. Creatine
2. Fasted cardio
3. Bowflex

Why should these be separated, and why would it matter if posts are cut down?

[Pool_Shark]

I disagree that free weights take up less space than a bowflex.

I have a crossbow and when it isn't inuse I just fold it up and push it up against the wall. I know it isn't a bowflex but, less space than free weights? Maybe it depends on which version, but I can't see it taking up more space than an olympic weight bench.

I also have an olympic weight bench, that takes up a lot of space, and a plate tree that can't be moved unless I remove all the plates and put them back on.

With regard to strength and size, I put on 30 lbs using my crossbow. Later I did switch to free weights for most exercises and added about an inch to my arms. I think I could have done that just as easily had I stayed with the crossbow.

It was impossible to do squats on it, but I found I can't really do squats anyway because of my left knee, but I can use it for the leg press.

[pumpster]

Originally Posted by Pool_Shark

I disagree that free weights take up less space than a bowflex.

I have a crossbow and when it isn't inuse I just fold it up and push it up against the wall. I know it isn't a bowflex but, less space than free weights? Maybe it depends on which version, but I can't see it taking up more space than an olympic weight bench.

I also have an olympic weight bench, that takes up a lot of space, and a plate tree that can't be moved unless I remove all the plates and put them back on.

With regard to strength and size, I put on 30 lbs using my crossbow. Later I did switch to free weights for most exercises and added about an inch to my arms. I think I could have done that just as easily had I stayed with the crossbow.

It was impossible to do squats on it, but I found I can't really do squats anyway because of my left knee, but I can use it for the leg press.

Accurate on all counts. Unfortunately the majority of lifters are too conventional to consider anything outside of free weights, which are only one way to build up. There are exercises available on a Bowflex that can't be easily replicated using a bench and free weights. I like the options, the ability to train to failure with no risk of injury, and the small size especially on some models. Bottom line he gained alot using it.

Crossbow's decent; squats on a Bowflex are excellent, plus that option allows other exercises like bench press, pullovers and extensions. The best Bowflex models like Ultimates and Xtremes aren't expensive now, found used on places like craigslist.org if you ever want to upgrade. And the lesser models like the Sport and others are good value, even bought new. Add some dumbbells and you've got a lot of options.

[Pool_Shark]

Originally Posted by pumpster

Accurate on all counts. Unfortunately the majority of lifters are too conventional to consider anything outside of free weights, which are only one way to build up. There are exercises available on a Bowflex that can't be easily replicated using a bench and free weights. I like the options, the ability to train to failure in safety, and the small size especially on some models.

Crossbow's decent; squats on a Bowflex are excellent, plus that option allows other exercises like bench press, pullovers and extensions. The best Bowflex models like Ultimates and Xtremes aren't expensive now, found used on places like craigslist.org if you ever want to upgrade. And the lesser models like the Sport and others are good value, even bought new. Add some dumbbells and you've got a lot of options.

Squats are the only exercise I can't do on the crossbow.
I read once where a guy put the boxflex squat station on his crossbow, but I didn't care enough about it to try.

[pumpster]

Originally Posted by Pool_Shark

Squats are the only exercise I can't do on the crossbow.
I read once where a guy put the boxflex squat station on his crossbow, but I didn't care enough about it to try.

From a Crossbow an upgrade to a used Ultimate later might be worthwhile given the low prices used; $400-$700 on craigslist.org. The squat attachment's effective, also allows flys, lying extensions, bench press, seated military press, standing & seated calf raises, etc.

Here's a pic of my home gym that includes an Ultimate, Ironmaster Superbench with chin, situp, preacher and hanging leg raise attachments, and adjustable dumbbells. I sold a lat tower because there's was enough with the others.

[Pool_Shark]

Originally Posted by pumpster

From a Crossbow an upgrade to a used Ultimate later might be worthwhile given the low prices used; $400-$700 on craigslist.org. The squat attachment's effective, also allows flys, lying extensions, bench press, seated military press, standing & seated calf raises, etc.

Here's a pic of my home gym that includes an Ultimate, Ironmaster Superbench with attachments and adjustable dumbbells. I sold the lat tower because there's enough with the others.

There is no need for me to upgrade. I can do all of those exercises now, except squats, and I can't do squats because of my knee anyway.
I can also do reverse flys, lat pull down, triceps presses, french presses, crossovers, etc.

[koolaid71]

Crossbow users.... take the lat bar, attach it to the low pulleys, face away from tower and grab the bar behind you
-sort of a hack squat I guess
works pretty good for me

[Pool_Shark]

Originally Posted by koolaid71

Crossbow users.... take the lat bar, attach it to the low pulleys, face away from tower and grab the bar behind you
-sort of a hack squat I guess
works pretty good for me

I've done it the way you mentioned and it sucked ass!

The problem is since you can squat much more than you can lift over your head, how do you safely and comfortably get the bar on your shoulders? Holding it too far back is a terrible strain on the shoulders.

[koolaid71]

up on the shoulders is NOT a hack squat. that is a squat.
I grab the bar behind my legs with my arms down palms facing back
like a hack squat

[Pool_Shark]

Originally Posted by koolaid71

up on the shoulders is NOT a hack squat. that is a squat.
I grab the bar behind my legs with my arms down palms facing back
like a hack squat

AH!

Maybe I'll give that a shot, at least that way I don't have to move my bench which is one of the reasons I always dreaded leg night.

[BusyDizzyIzzy]

Originally Posted by 4utunv

With the job i am in now i dont get much time to spend at home with my family.
I love to train and see the results at the end of each month, but i was wondering what your thoughts on the bowflex equipment is.
You see i thought as my gym membership is coming up to having to be renewed i thought about getting a bowflex so i am at home a bit more.
Please post your advise.

Its junk, its overpriced and underbuilt. If you don't mind paying triple or quadruple the actual value of the product then by all means grab it. But 40% of the price itself pays just for the TV ads that you get to see of some old bald guy rockin out on his bass at some Holiday Inn Express.

If you want to get a real workout. Free weights, a power rack and a good quality bench are all you need. And you can fit em all in the same space as a bowflex. And you can do it for a fraction of the price. In fact with the money saved you can buy yourself a new Ampeg Bass amp, Bass guitar, Line6 Basspod Pro preamp and bass cab. I bet you the bald guy wasn't smart enough to figure that out!

[pumpster]

Originally Posted by BusyDizzyIzzy

Its junk, its overpriced and underbuilt. If you don't mind paying triple or quadruple the actual value of the product then by all means grab it. But 40% of the price itself pays just for the TV ads that you get to see of some old bald guy rockin out on his bass at some Holiday Inn Express.

If you want to get a real workout. Free weights, a power rack and a good quality bench are all you need. And you can fit em all in the same space as a bowflex. And you can do it for a fraction of the price. In fact with the money saved you can buy yourself a new Ampeg Bass amp, Bass guitar, Line6 Basspod Pro preamp and bass cab. I bet you the bald guy wasn't smart enough to figure that out!

I've used just about everything on the market, having trained for over 3 decades. The only thing i'm absolutely sure of is that this "busy's" opinions are junk. Good to consider everyone's opinion but this character's extremely opinionated as well as completely wrong in providing misinformation here.

The early Bowflex model was effective but not well made, which is probably why it has a bad rep to some who haven't paid attention to the fact that their recent models as of a few years ago are entirely solid. I'm 250 lb. and have never had issues with the Bowflex's effectiveness or durability.

I've actually owned one for years-i doubt highly that this "busy" has. LOL

[BusyDizzyIzzy]

Originally Posted by pumpster

I've used just about everything on the market, having trained for over 3 decades. The only thing i'm absolutely sure of is that this "busy's" opinions are junk. Good to consider everyone's opinion but this character's extremely opinionated as well as completely wrong in providing misinformation here.

The early Bowflex model was effective but not well made, which is probably why it has a bad rep to some who haven't paid attention to the fact that their recent models as of a few years ago are entirely solid. I'm 250 lb. and have never had issues with the Bowflex's effectiveness or durability.

I've actually owned one for years-i doubt highly that this "busy" has. LOL

Though I dont doubt you own a Bowflex(seems like you a bigger Bowflex rep. than I am for Lamar! ), I do doubt your own opinion is made without any bias on your own. Calling the kettle black from where I stand. At least my opinions are based on hands on experience.

[pumpster]

Originally Posted by BusyDizzyIzzy

Though I dont doubt you have own a Bowflex(seems like you a bigger Bowflex rep. than I am for Lamar! ), I do doubt your own opinion is made without any bias on your own.

More negativity in lieu of perception: I already said that i've owned and still own a number of pieces, including a Bow. That qualifies me to speak on all of them.

The difference is that i like the idea of being objective, which means i don't diminish my credibility by calling other good pieces of equipment "junk". And i don't go on and on in almost orgasmic ways as is done with the Lamar, when in fact the Ironmaster's quite comparable and is also referred to as "junk" by our friend here.

[BusyDizzyIzzy]

Originally Posted by pumpster

More negativity in lieu of perception: I already said that i've owned and still own a number of pieces, including a Bow. That qualifies me to speak on all of them.

The difference is that i like the idea of being objective, which means i don't diminish my credibility by calling other good pieces of equipment "junk". And i don't go on and on in almost orgasmic ways as is done with the Lamar, when in fact the Ironmaster's quite comparable and is also referred to as "junk" by our friend here.

BTW do you happen to own a SUperbench as well? We already know the answer to that. Sorry, I guess one man's JUNK, is another man's treasure. Not my fault you don't know the meaning of good solid home equipment Bowboy!

Ive played with Bowjunk, Ive play with the less than Superbench as well. My conclusion is that its junk compared to many other brands of equipment in the same price range. Sorry that my lifting toys are superior to yours. Not my fault you got chumped by infomercials........

[pumpster]

Originally Posted by BusyDizzyIzzy

BTW do you happen to own a SUperbench as well? We already know the answer to that. Sorry, I guess one man's JUNK, is another man's treasure. Not my fault you don't know the meaning of good solid home equipment Bowboy!

Ive played with Bowjunk, Ive play with the less than Superbench as well. My conclusion is that its junk compared to many other brands of equipment in the same price range. Sorry that my lifting toys are superior to yours. Not my fault you got chumped by infomercials........

Sounds like "busy" hasn't actually owned any of the stuff he so readily attacks like a rabid dog; pretty much as i expected. More crappola and speculation from bigmouth.

I've owned plenty of different benches and equipment, am an informed buyer with experience. I've kept those that were the best, and sold the others, as any rational person would.

[BusyDizzyIzzy]

Originally Posted by pumpster

Sounds like "busy" hasn't actually owned any of the stuff he so readily attacks like a rabid dog; pretty much as i expected. More crappola and speculation from bigmouth.

I've owned plenty of different benches and equipment, am an informed buyer with experience. I've kept those that were the best, and sold the others, as any rational person would.

See, this is where you look like a moron. Ive posted a ton of pictures of the equipment I have owned in many threads. If you did a search like I told you many posts back you may have figured that out. Ive got actual pics posted on this and the JSF forums showing actual shots of products from Lamar,Natilus,Powertec,Powerblocks,Ironmaster,Body solid,Bodycraft,TKO,CAP the list goes on and on. COnsidering I work with weights all day long and train kids on countless machines you would think I may know a thing or 2 about quality. Ever actually been to a real gym before Bowboy?