Boflex anyone???

[rosepetals]

Hi there is an ad in the paper for the Ultimate Bowflex 2 at a good price. Anyone have one or any of their models?

I like the idea of a rowing machine attached to it. Back in my college days I did the rowing machine instead of the stationary bike. It was easier on my tosh and I liked it.

Any recommends? I have been debating geting something like this instead of paying gym fees of $60.oo a month.

I also have yoga, step aerobic, walking, bellydancing, weight lifting, dance videos to use at home and a bosu.

[GoingtoRAW]

I had one of the older models of Bowflex that I bought in 2000, I think. I liked it - I just wasn't disciplined enough to continue doing it. According to the infomercial it is supposedly easier to use when you are changing from one exercise to the next. :rolleyes:

[raweater]

I would recommend getting free weights, they provide a much better workout as the weight is always the same, with the bowflex, the beginning of the movement has very little simulated weight and it gradually gets harder which is not natural and provides and uneven workout. Free weights are cheaper and provide a much better workout. I got my olympic barbell with 300 lbs of weight for about $220 if I remember well, and got a used bench press for $50 in the classifieds. So for $270 you can get what you need for many exercises. A set of dumbell handles and weights can be about $60-100 or more.

I also just recently bought a power rack (http://www.nlfit.com/powerracks/powerRacks.htm) since I workout with over 200 lbs so it can be dangerous without this for certain exercises with heavy weights. I had worked out without one for a long time but after a near accident I bought the power rack 2 days later, and I wanted to buy one for years, so I didn't wait for a real accident, I got my lesson.

[rosepetals]

Thank you for your advise. Weights would take up less room.

[gingincal]

Try kettlebells - I think they're much more fun than regular free weights.

[Lollipop]

We have a Bowflex, as well as a bench with free weights. My husband uses them both. Personally, I didn't like the feel of the Bowflex. My feelings are that you don't get the same "weight" throughout the entire range of the movement, since the rod bends in relationship to the force applied to it - therefore easier at the top, harder at the bottom. That might just be me though.

If space is an issue, check out: http://www.ironmaster.com/store/home.php
We have their adjustable free weights and their superbench. We both love them, and think that they were well worth the investment.

[KittyMommy]

I heard that assembling the Bowflex is tough. It costs extra to get a company rep to do it for you.

[endcruelty]

kettlebells and clubbells defiantly (imo) will give you a killer workout, but everyone i've known who's had a bowflex liked the thing and got results, so i assume the machine isn't completely useless :P if you enjoy a certain way of working out i say keep at it, don't worry when people say "dumbbells will give you better results" because if you buy those dumbbells and it's no fun for you, you'll never get results.

[carolg]

Husband has Total Gym. I'm clueless on how to use it but am a member of a gym I go to about 5-6 days weekly for my workout. I do weight training several times weekly and love my cardiio mainly www.turbokickboxing.com or www.turbojam.com. I do use free weights and also machines.

carolg

[Marco]

I have never been able to get into exercise machines. I fancy long walks on my estate and splitting wood for a nice fire. It keeps me close to nature.

[carolg]

Marco, Whatever works is great for you. How many acres?

For me, turbo is a great workout and getting raving reviews:
www.turbojam.com

Love, love, love it to the max.

Even my machine workout at gym, it's such a short time, great compromise to see great results, I just have no choice but DO IT! Sometimes I have to talk myself into something, but once there with others doing same, I'm ready to be like one of the crowd.

I know cutting wood can be a great workout too, but Turbo is more like dancing to great music.

carolg