Bowflex

[Fallon]

Anybody have experience with Bowflex machines? I just ordered the Bowflex Xtreme SE Home Gym. I really wanted to get some exercise equipment for my self and this looked pretty good.

http://img527.imageshack.us/img527/9681/bfxxtremeselargev1m5657nn3.jpg

[led37zep]

Well I'm not a doctor but according to the commercials it makes you extremely ripped and removes all body hair.

[Snacks]

I owned one of the original bowflex machines and my brother purchased the same model you just did. They suck. The tension bars (the things that bend/bow) are not even close to accurate. You will think you are lifting 100 lbs but because they suck you are actually lifting 75-80. My went in the trash years ago and my brother thought the new one would be great. But he hated so when he moved he let the new buyers keep it rather then try to sell it or move it.

Go get a gym membership or buy a cheap set of dumbells, you will be better off.

[LARPer]

That thing looks great. I can hang half of my clothes on it. My old exercise bike was useless as a closet.

[TeeBone]

It sucks.....If you want to work out at home, get some free weights (barbell and dumbbells) and maybe a TOTAL GYM. Those things are the best for stretching out and I am convinced that will help you with your workout with the weights.
You could always try a gym too.

[EffMeBoobs]

Shouldn't this be in the new Health and Fitness forum? Tsk tsk.

[TheGameHHH]

i've never owned one but i've heard nothing but awful things about them. i think you're much better off getting a gym membership or finding a local boxing gym and getting a membership there.

[sr71blackbird]

My friend got the bowflex for Christmas and hers is like a cross between a treadmill and a stair climber and she loves it and has been using it every night.

http://bowflexhomefitness.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/bowflex_treadclimber.jpg



I have an elliptical machine, but I use it as a coat rack!

[MadMatt]

I have heard mixed reviews. However, the biggest Pro is that you can do a lot of different exercises but the unit doesn't take up tons of space.

And to counter Snacks' point, it may not be an "accurate" weight measure but that is partially because it is a different kind of resistance. Since you are dealing with tension rods and pulleys rather than a single hunk of iron, it is difficult to create an exact 1-to-1 comparison.

My future sister-in-law is a physical therapist and has a Bowflex. It isn't the only thing she uses for exercise, but for her it is a great supplement.

When I was seriously lifting weights I did a lot of different stuff from free weights to machines to isometrics. It's really about doing what you can with what you have and keeping yourself motivated.

Overall, good luck!

[Fallon]

I wanted to get something for the home before I join a gym again. Got it set up so I can watch TV while I'm using it, so it's enjoyable. Lots of different exercises and I really wanted to build my arms up a bit more, my summer work entails moving A LOT of furniture.