Bowflex for Bodybuilding?

[craig2020]

Hey Folks - My gym is now closed in light of the coronavirus pandemic and there is a possibility the restrictions could continue for another year. I’m exploring options for a home gym that will help build mass or at least maintain it.

If you have had experience with a Bowflex, please let me know, including what model you purchased.


Thanks and stay safe - Craig

[NerdyLady]

We have a Bowflex but it's the least used equipment used in our house. I have bars and plates, a barbell rack, bands, pullup frame, bench, dumbbells and plates for those. Bowflex is expensive for what it is, TBH.

There are local ******** (I know everyone here hates FB, myself included, but you can get some decent equipment there) yard sales all over the place where you can find some great equipment deals.

[SuffolkPunch]

Don't do it.

1. Barbell + plates
2. bench
3. power cage with pullup bar - or at the very least, spotter stands.

This will get you a long way.

[air2fakie]

Is this a temporary corona gym in limited space (for maintenance / minimization of muscle loss), or a permanent setup in a large enough space that you'll continue to use once the apocalypse is over? That should affect what you buy and how much you spend.

If the latter, SP's suggestion above is good.

If the former, I'd suggest a power tower (with at least pullups / dip station), small flat bench, heavy adjustable dbs, pushup handles, and a weighted vest.

Not ideal, but surprisingly small footprint when placed together when you're not using it, and relatively cheap if you read reviews and find the cheapest yet sturdiest ones, esp if you can get used adjustable dbs (which are costly if you get decent ones).

[Squid24]

Don't do it.

1. Barbell + plates
2. bench
3. power cage with pullup bar - or at the very least, spotter stands.

This will get you a long way.

I like and use my Bowflex all the time but, I also have everything SP is saying to get.....

My bowflex is an Original model and is over 20+ yrs old now....

[OldFartTom]

No!!!!!

[Squid24]

No!!!!!

[placentalprevia]

I used the original bowflex when i first started. Better then nothing. But the weights dont correlate at all and its hard to get the same muscle activation with the rubber band effect where its starts easy and gets gradually harder at the end of the movement. better results, quicker with traditional, simple weights


that said. For a small apartment and in quarantine it is clutch and better then nothing.

[placentalprevia]

I used the original bowflex when i first started. Better then nothing. But the weights dont correlate at all and its hard to get the same muscle activation with the rubber band effect where its starts easy and gets gradually harder at the end of the movement. better results, quicker with traditional, simple weights


that said. For a small apartment and in quarantine it is clutch and better then nothing.