Bowflex machine - Any good?

[larry blau]

I don't have much money; but I found where I can get the Bowflex machine (slightly used) for quite cheap.

Does anyone know:

1. Is it a worthwhile investment?

2. Is it relatively portable? I don't have much space; hopefully it won't take too much space. Will I also be able to "fold it up" and put it away easily, from time to time?

 

[The Red Dragon]

Bowflex from what I see is 1xxx dollars...I think you can build a decent gym with a power rack, an olympic set and an incline/flat bench . And that shouldn't even go over 1000 (From what I've researched)

 

[The Red Dragon]

Bloody hell 1499 is the minimum from what I can see on my cursory search...there's ones that run to 3000...that's fucking insane. You can so buy a top notch gym (if it wasn't for the lack of space). I don't think you should spend that much money on that thing...let alone buy it in the first place...unless you're insanely rich with lots of space in the house.

Oh shit you wanted portability...well I don't know how portable a power rack/bench/olympic set can be . But that's all you'd need to get huge though.

Oh shit, a used one, how much is it gonna cost you?

Alright...more nap less THC for me

 

[louden_swain]

I think you can get a great workout, but I don't think it would be effective for building a big body.

 

[revexrevex]

louden can probably curl the whole weight stack on bowflex

 

[jerkbox]

take that $$ and get a gym membership bro.

 

[Ghandiman]

my mom actually got a bowflex, lol. It is really good for her, she goes out there and circuit trains, doesnt need a spot, and can jump from excercise to excercise very quickly. I tried it, first thing i did was max out all the rods on the bench. now i use it for active recovery, for which it works great. I think that machine is great for weight loss and toning, but not for bodyBUILDING. u kno the guyz on the commercials didnt get that way using a bowflex, they were using free weights.

 

[Deleted member 33117]

My first suggestion is to get a gym membership. It isn't as expensive as you think. Alot of gym offer corperate rates if you work for certain companies or discounts for students, etc. Since you didn't say how cheap the bowflex is, we can assume used it is at least $500. That will buy you at least a 1 year membership at worst. A commercial gym will give you access to alot more equipment than you could afford or even have space for. Plus you have the social aspect. Not only is it a good place to meet people and for social interaction, but it can be motivating. Humans are social animals. Most of us will be more motivated to train harder and more consistant if we have others around. Also, it can form a support group. Most of my workouts are set at scheduled times, so the other bodybuilds, and the fitness chicks, who frequint the gym at that particular time and day will know if I skip a workout, and will ask me about it next time they see me. "Were you sick? Did something come up? Did you just not feel like coming?" Especially helpful for cutting because I'll be inthe gym twice a day. The other serious trainers will know what I'm doing because we all talk with one another, and will start expecting to see me there at that time. These types of people will also be there to help spot you, and encourage you to push harder and give 100%. These type of social interactions will help make for a better body.

Now, the bowflex is a fine machine, but within a matter of months, if you train very hard, you'll platau on it. You are much better off with a power rack/bench/olympi set. You can always buy more weight as you grow stronger, and can add an adjustable dumbell set, extra bars for doing partials and pins, dipping bars, a chinup bar, etc. There is no reason one cannot build an impressive, and quite large, musculature with some basic equipment at home, but I still recommend a gym.

 

[tinymm]

i bought one a while back and didnt like it at all!!! theres nothing like free weights. i even like using machines better than the bowflex,i sent mine back
-matt

 

[louden_swain]

A friend of mine has a Soloflex. . . . I tried it out just to get the feel.

Overall the movements felt good, but there is one thing I didn't like. . .you cannot get a good negative.

To me thats a huge part of training.

 

[KWKSLVR]

I've had one for a little over a year and I like it a lot. These guys are right, if you want to do some SERIOUS body building, get a gym membership.

I find it to be perfect for me. It keeps me active, and its nice that I can be lazy and not have to leave the house to go work out. I can just go to my front room and lift weights, or go run around the neighborhood.

Granted, realize I'm a pathetic weakling. For example, I work out on bench press @ 150lbs. Most of these guys can curl that with one arm, about 60 or 70 times. It all comes down to what your goal is. I'd like to be cut, but I definately don't want to body build.

I recommend finding someone that has one and trying it out first. I was lucky with mine, might parents bought it for me for my 22nd birthday as a kind of reward for the first 90lbs lost

 

[Deleted member 33117]

Curl 150 ibs, one armed 60 times!? I wish I could handle a #150 dumbell, for a single rep. When that happens I'll officially be a bad ass. For now doing alternating dumbell curls for 10 strict (no cheating) reps with the 60's is about my limitation.

 

[larry blau]

I just wanted to thank you guys a lot. AND I MEAN a lot!!! I read carefully ALL your posts. It can be a nice world, where guys are so willing to help the newcomer out. I really appreciate it.

Oh, and you were right about something else: In his ad, the guy says "I am asking" $500.

And, I hear you guys. I know I could find a real nice cheap gym here in NYC. I was at one of those (nice but) pricey Health Clubs and was paying too much for my new severely limited income.

Here's hoping I can find one of those no frills, but good gyms, that will be like really cheap, here in Manhattan.

BTW, Anyone know how to do a search to ask people where such cheap gyms are?