Is a bowflex at all worthwhile?

[Saturday Fever]

How many top level bodybuilders use machines or bowflex exclusively?

Oh, that's right, none. But I'm sure it's just as good. And what would LAM know, he's only one of the largest guys on this site.

 

[Phred]

I feel that cable lifts have their place. It is another tool in the tool box and you should not limit your tools. I have a Cross bow (low cost Bow Flex) that I use for only a hand full of exercises. Stiff arm pull downs, lateral and side raises, tricep press, curls, and leg extensions (although I did weld a pipe on the extension to add weights). I spend most of my time with free weights. I purchased a used BodySolid cage a few weeks ago and feel that has been the best investment so far. However, cables do offer some good isometric exercises.

Currently is seems like your tool box is limited. Live within your limits. As time moved on I found more variety is needed if I was to progress in strength and size. I added free weights. I have the space, and I am fortunate in that respect. It has take me over two years to gather up the tools I have and many I made (standing calf mach, dip bars, t-bar row, better handles for the cross-bow and forearm roll).

We all have to start some where. Who cares if you start with a Bow Flex? I feel it is more important that you start.

 

[pmech]

That's enough for now, seems that the dumbasses on the site won't stand for anyone with an opinion that differs from the rest of the sheep. Unfortunately this just confirms the weightlifter stereotype; nice going guys. I'll just stay on topic and ignore the very predictable reactions.

I dont believe they are expressing any sterotype, but you on the other hand have been aggresive about being right in every post you have made, BUT the major difference is that the majority of the ones respoonding to you with what works, know it works because of their physique. I dont have much to offer as I know what works for me only, and it prolly wont work for anyone else the same. But if I did have something to offer I wouldn't be an ass about my opinion being right, then accusing others of being the same way.

As to the bowflex, it is a good machne if that is what you are comfortable with, but like it has been said several times, evaluate your goals and choose the tools appropriately. I personally chose to go to a gym, I am able to motivate myself more that way.

 

[Arnold]

Thanks for setting me straight dad; go back to thinking firmly inside the box. Pulleys have been used for decades thanks to Joe Gold, Zinkin and other innovators, and leverage is huge now, because it's awesome.

machines have their uses, no doubt I use one every work-out, but they also have disadvantages. Here is a Q & A I did last year:

Question:
If all things are equal will I get faster results from free weights or from machines?


Answer:
Unless you have an injury free weights should always be your choice of exercise for several reasons.

Here are a few advantages of free weights:

- Using barbells & dumbbells are much more effective in strengthing/developing synergistic muscles, e.g. rotator cuff.
- Biomechanically free weights match the natural movements of the body.
- Overall you will develop greater strength & size using free weights.
- Overall power is achieved much more efficiently.

Here are a few disadvantages of machines:

- Machines force the body to maintain a pre-determined & often unnatural path.
- Machines are not very effective in strengthing/developing synergistic muscles.
- Machines are built to accomodate the "average" person's body, so if you're larger or smaller than average you may not fit very well.
- Difficult to achieve maximum velocity due to the inherent constraints of a machine.

Now do not get me wrong here, I am not stating that machines should never be used. Machines do have their uses, but the majority of your exercises should be done with free weights. Machines do have some advantages as well.

Advantages of machines:

- Some machines can be more efficient in muscle isolation.
- In some respects, especially for a beginner machines can be safer.
- A quicker work-out can be done utlizing machines, no plate changing, etc.


http://www.ironmagazine.com/viewarticle-981.html

 

[BoneCrusher]

Dude I don't care if ya use a bucket of water and a mop handle ... just lift something and get healthy.

 

[Autarch]

Thanks for that info there, Robert.

I think that I am going to stick to free weights for now but I am absolutely going to have to get SOME kind of cable machine for some of the excercises I want to do at home. I have always planned on using free weights for every excercise I can and cables for anything else I can't easily do by myself or that is dangerous.

I am going to just use dumbbells for now though, as if I get into a dangerous situation where my muscles work to failure during a benchpress or something I can just drop them to the side and not break my sternum

Anyhow, it seems to me that a mix of both seems like the best way to go with free weights as the focus.