Thread: New to weight training/body building.

Originally Posted by mcarlos95

So I have been convinced to get into weight training by my uncle after using his bowflex Xtreme 2 SE. It's a great machine which gave me results in less than 2 weeks. I am being offered one for $420. Is that a lot? What is the most effective method of building muscle? Are there better things than Bowflex out there?

YES! Bowflexs really arent that great. If I were you and serious about getting in to better shape then I would invest in a gym membership. Way more options. Your muscles will get used to the bowflex in about a month - then what?

I second the gym membership.

Gym membership all the way. If you've never done exercise before i could get you results in two weeks with a heavy rock. The bowflex isn't special. Channel all this enthusiasm into the gym and you'll do great!

Its the effort that counts, not the equipment (as you've shown this last two weeks) but you'll soon outstrip the bowflex and it won't get you results anymore.

Originally Posted by Gazhole

Its the effort that counts, not the equipment.

By this logic that would make gym machines/dumbbells overrated too.
I think its more about the person's genetics, motivation and will power
that determine success or failure in getting physical results.

True ! You will be very limited with a bowflex though. Spend the $ on a gym membership bro, trust me.

BowFlex is old news. Its all about Shake Weights in this society.

Originally Posted by Gazhole

If you've never exercised before you could get results in two weeks with a heavy rock.

I think thats what you where trying to say. but either way that statement is funny as hell

Originally Posted by Wiseguy.

BowFlex is old news. Its all about Shake Weights in this society.

Shake weights and shape ups, and you'll be Mr. Olympia in no time.

All kidding aside though find a gym that you like and hit it up. Be sure to do a trial membership first if your gym offers those.

Free weights are the best way for building muscle mass. Having said that, I'd take that cash and buy yourself a gym membership instead.

I had a Bowflex for years and loved it - the type of resistance that is present in a Bowflex helped me work through a shoulder issue in a way that free weights could not do. Saying that, a Bowflex is absolutely no substitute for a gym if you want to build overall muscle.

420$! thats like a year of the gym which im sure has a gay ass bow flex look-a-like but also has a nice selection of hoes to look at while using it!

They're nice women to look at for free in many places.

If you're new and have a "fear" of working out in a public place (many people do), Bowflex is a good alternative (I'd invest into p90x, however - it's cheaper and you get a plan to follow). If you don't care - join a gym. It's better in a long run.

The bowflex is kind of wimpy as many people have mentioned.
There are many home gyms that are worth buying, although it
can be costly for a complete setup.

The hardest stuff to workout at home is your legs as they require
specialized equipment. This includes things like the standing calf raise,
seated calf raises, leg press, a good leg extension, and others. You
probably also won't have a huge dumbbell rack, treadmill, elliptical
devices, sauna, and such.

You can usually find stuff at a really good discount on craigslist
if you live in a large metropolitan area. They sale stuff a Sports
Authority, Big 5 Sporting Goods, Sears, etc. I would personally learn
the market well and find something I'd be happy with for years.

I happen to workout at home and enjoy doing this. I can easily workout
at any time, I don't need to wait on other people, I can play any music
I want and not endanger my ears with earphones. There are numerous
benefits. It has a large upfront cost, but saves money over the long haul.

Do some research and give some consideration to the home gym.
I own a few Impex pieces and they have been pretty good so far,
although they do have some downfalls due to their compact design
with home multi-purpose systems.

The stuff I got looks a look like their AX-PWR7. Many manufacturers
exist. Like I mentioned previously take a good look around before you
buy anything.