Does anyone use bowflex

[Momma2]

I am considering getting a bowflex, I know it's not as good as free weights, but the town I work in does not offer a gym, except at the nursing home and that's just a natilus style system.
Any feedback good or bad would be much appreciated, I don't spend that kind of money lightly or often.
I do have a few free weights that I would supplement the bowflex with.
Thanks

 

[Randy]

In my own opion I think bowflex is far over rated and way over priced for what you get. I know that they are always introducing new scientific gadgets that are supposed to sculpt your body into the perfect shape. But, I personally am one of the old fashioned believers. The key is a good diet. Mix that with a minimum of 30 minutes of arobics and a daily workout with free weights and you will do just great. Now I do own what they call a "Hoist" gym setup. This baby was about 3 grand I believe. You can do pecs, lats, bench, crunches, legs, dips etc etc.. It does have many usefull exercises, but ironically I seem to use the free weights more. Well, with the exception of a cross over machine that I use religiously. This is the type of machine that has 2 pulleys on each side.. One on the top and one on the bottom.. Now that does wonders. If I was going to recommend a machine, that would be the one. Not sure where to buy them. I had a guy build it for like 800.00. But that is more for advanced bodybuilding. I think a good diet, free weights, and 30 minute erobics is all you need to lead a very healthy lifestyle.

Well that is just my idea. I'm sure there are many people that are firm believers in bow flex, but I am not one of them.

 

[Momma2]

Thanks for your feedback, I plan on doing lots more research before I make my final decision.

 

[ajustana]

I own one.

I bought it about 18 months ago and still use it pretty often. However, doing it over again, I would buy something else. The best thing to do would be to buy a bench that adjusts, a set of Powerblock dumbells and maybe another bar for squats, etc...

 

[prophet]

it's 'ok' for a machine.. but it shouldn't be something to depend on... it'lll only get you so far.. i've tried it with bench, it's just not the same

 

[diego230]

I wrote another reply for another bowflex user. Take a look at that. Basicly I have no faith in the bowflex alone. No machine can do better work then free weights hands down. Bowflex will help with your synergistic muscles but you will not see as much of an improvement in power or strengh than if you were using free weights. It's best to just get a membership to a gym if your serious about increasing your strength and/or size. Its also better to tone down with high reps with free weights.