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Bowflex verse Free Weights.

 
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Bowflex verse Free Weights. - 8/13/2004 5:42:37 PM   
WebPro

 

Posts: 315
Joined: 7/20/2004
Status: offline 		Bowflex verse Free Weights.

I have all free weights in my home gym.

Has anyone switch from free weights to Bowflex and seen a big improvement.

I thought it might be fun to have on to mix up my workouts by using it once a week.

I have also been a free weight over machine believer. Free weights utilize more stabilizer muscles giving you a better overall work. Bowflex seems to work stabilizer muscles somewhat.

_____________________________

I am not a doctor, nor do I pretend to be one on TV.
This is what I do, and it may not work for you.
Check with a physician before taking any fitness advice.
Post #: 1
RE: Bowflex verse Free Weights. - 8/17/2004 9:51:02 PM   
HealthNut

 

Posts: 292
Joined: 7/16/2004
Status: offline 		I have tried bowflex at a few stores but never bought one. They feel real awkward to me. Perhaps it just takes time to get used too. I personally would be very interested to hear any stories that others have to offer.

(in reply to WebPro)
Post #: 2
RE: Bowflex verse Free Weights. - 8/18/2004 5:38:34 PM   
WebPro

 

Posts: 315
Joined: 7/20/2004
Status: offline 		I know they feel akward, but that is why it interests me about it.

When I go to a gym that has an akward machine I usually get sore from hitting untrained muscle groups. You know when you get those sore spots that you never usually have, and it is a good pain because you know you worked it hard? That is what I am looking for.

I am thinking a once a week work out with a bowflex may do that.

If anyone out there owns one please let me know your thoughts.

_____________________________

I am not a doctor, nor do I pretend to be one on TV.
This is what I do, and it may not work for you.
Check with a physician before taking any fitness advice.

(in reply to HealthNut)
Post #: 3
RE: Bowflex verse Free Weights. - 8/18/2004 8:28:13 PM   
Guest
 Well I tried one at a store and I loved it I am thinking of ordering the xtreme 2 i felt the burn in muscles especially when doing the bench and flies the machine was smooth. And you do have to use those minor muscles. I run track and have been doing so since High School and have been for the last 4 yrs in college so I know about free weights and body weight exercises, I am telling I felt every muscle involved in the bench and flies working. Also tried the leg extension that felt good also. I thing it would be worth investment I have free weights at home and switch up between them and body weight exercises but that bowflex really felt good if you can try one before buying it do so. If you consider getting you may want to look into the xtreme 2 no cable changes. plus read reviews online there are many for it but a few against it. even had guys who were all free weights guys but when they tried the bowfles said they would never go back to free weights.

(in reply to WebPro)
  Post #: 4
RE: Bowflex verse Free Weights. - 8/19/2004 11:36:50 AM   
bodyconcept

 

Posts: 65
Joined: 7/14/2004
From: Scottsdale
Status: offline 		I believe one should use both fee weights in combination of a type of nautilus pulley system. Like the above guest said the pulley system can really work the minor muscles better in which is important so that you will get less injuries and as well stimulate the larger muscle to grow as well. I enjoy working with Free weights better, but they're making the pulley system very nice now days for example the "Free Motion" equipment in my GYM. Very smooth and gives you the ablilty to hit different angles and ranges. I recommend doing a work out 70% Free Weights and 30% Pulley.

< Message edited by bodyconcept -- 8/19/2004 11:37:35 AM >

(in reply to Guest)
Post #: 5
RE: Bowflex verse Free Weights. - 8/19/2004 7:52:32 PM   
Guest
 Hi I agree (the guest from before) I like change in my workouts and anything that gives me a challenge I like to try like I said I run track so I am always looking for something to help me out, plus like bruce lee said take what works and use it, toss what doesn't. I am about to order the xtreme 2 as a college student and working I need my workouts to be quick and effective so the thought of no cable changes sounds good. Also the fact that I don't need a spotter is good for me I only have a spotter when as school and training with the other guys, I have know one at home to help me out with my work outs so at home I have to play it safe in the amount I lift. I like a lot of variety so I don't think I will give up the free weights or body weight exercises for the bowflex but the fact that I felt muscles working that I do not when using free weights and body weight has got me sold. The weight I bench with weights is the weight I put on the bowflex by the fourth or fifth rep I was really feeling it the whole chest felt on fire, something I have not felt in awhile. But I would suggest you find out as much about the bowflex as possible before investing in one. I have wanted one for a long time but I like doing research before I buy anything and the amount of postive reviews on the bowflex out weigh the negatives plus the fact that I tried one helped to make me decide to buy one. Good luck.

(in reply to bodyconcept)
  Post #: 6
RE: Bowflex verse Free Weights. - 8/20/2004 6:35:36 PM   
WebPro

 

Posts: 315
Joined: 7/20/2004
Status: offline 		Yes, I like the idea also of trying for a new level without having a spotter.

It is hard to try to push a free weight bench that extra rep without a spotter, where a bowflex may let you do that.

_____________________________

I am not a doctor, nor do I pretend to be one on TV.
This is what I do, and it may not work for you.
Check with a physician before taking any fitness advice.

(in reply to Guest)
Post #: 7
RE: Bowflex verse Free Weights. - 8/21/2004 9:11:55 PM   
FitFan

 

Posts: 34
Joined: 8/3/2004
Status: offline 		I agree with bodyconcept, it is good to mix things up.

Yes, by using something like bowflex you can hit on some muscle groups in a new way, but eventually your body adapts doesn't it?

I do like the idea of a bowflex for the home, and then hit the free weights at the gym :)

FitFan

(in reply to WebPro)
Post #: 8
RE: Bowflex verse Free Weights. - 8/23/2004 7:48:34 AM   
WebPro

 

Posts: 315
Joined: 7/20/2004
Status: offline 		See that is just it. I have an entire free weight gym in my house. I don't have a gym to use any machines, so that is why I am looking to mix it up.

I just saw a schwinn bowflex for $799 at a sporting goods store. How much different is than the $1,500 bowflex extreme?

_____________________________

I am not a doctor, nor do I pretend to be one on TV.
This is what I do, and it may not work for you.
Check with a physician before taking any fitness advice.

(in reply to FitFan)
Post #: 9
RE: Bowflex verse Free Weights. - 8/23/2004 2:45:17 PM   
Guest
 Hi Guest again you can get that Schinn bowflex for a lot cheaper than that they have one for $499 and $599 I recently saw on at sportautorithy for $499 a hundred of they had a sale. But it seem that the number of exercises are limited and to be honest when I saw it it didn't look like it was worth $499 but I check out schwinn site didn't see anything saying you can add more weight to it. Also If you like fast workouts try the xtreme2 and try order from amazon.com no shipping to pay like on the bowflex website.

(in reply to WebPro)
  Post #: 10
RE: Bowflex verse Free Weights. - 8/23/2004 8:39:12 PM   
Guest
 P.S forgot to mention for $799 youi can the the bowflex sport which allows you to do more exercises than the Schwinn comp. If you are concerned about price check out the bowflex sport and compare it to the Schwinn comp. exercises etc...

(in reply to Guest)
  Post #: 11
RE: Bowflex verse Free Weights. - 8/25/2004 3:56:38 PM   
WebPro

 

Posts: 315
Joined: 7/20/2004
Status: offline 		I was looking on Ebay too, but the good ones with 410 pound are bringing a $1,000 used.

They seem to hold there resale value.

_____________________________

I am not a doctor, nor do I pretend to be one on TV.
This is what I do, and it may not work for you.
Check with a physician before taking any fitness advice.

(in reply to Guest)
Post #: 12
RE: Bowflex verse Free Weights. - 10/1/2004 10:01:04 PM   
Guest
 I purchased a bowflex. (Schwinn Comp Bowflex, Schwinn builds the frame and uses the bowflex power rods, not much difference in the schwinn at 599.00 verses some of the nautilus bowflex machines at almost 1200.00) I also have a membership at a very nice gym. After using the bowflex for a couple of weeks, I quit visiting the gym. I like to circuit train, and being able to do that in my home with one machine is great. Unlike the gym where you may have to wait in line to use a machine, I get to swap from one exercise to another and keep my heart rate up. On top of that, I know all that sweat on the seat is mine. I like my bowflex so much, I have asked my wife to remove my name from the gym membership. I told her she can keep the membership because she likes to tan and my kids like to swim there. My Schwinn Bowflex is not as "fancy" as the Nautilus Ultimate or Extreme II, but there are 65 exercises I can do on the machine with very little transition time. The cable pulley system is as smooth as butter milk. I used to play football in High School, and I have been a member of a gym for many years, and now that I am in my late 30's, I appreciate the feeling of a good sweat. I suppose free weights are probably more effective for building mass, but then I recall bouncing that heavy bar (250lbs) down on my chest when working out. I recall many days walking around with a sore chest because of it. I also remember a pain in my elbow when using free weights when I did not control the dumbell on the way down while doing bicep curls. I will add this, If you press 210lbs on the bowflex (what comes on a standard machine) verses 210 lbs on a bench using free weights, you will be surprised at the same stablizer mucles you will be using. You do have to get used to having a cable stretched over your arms during certain exercises.

IMHO if you are just looking for a machine to give you a good work out, burn off some LBS, and tone you up. then the bowflex is a good choice. If you are serious body builder looking to pack on inches of muscle, then stick with the free weights. You can gain inches with the bowflex, but free weights are the way to go if you want to look like Arnold. I will end with this, I did see an infomercial today where bowflex is venturing out into the free weight world with some sort of dial in dumbell.

(in reply to WebPro)
  Post #: 13
RE: Bowflex verse Free Weights. - 10/1/2004 10:09:59 PM   
Guest
 I own the schwinn comp. It is upgradable to 310 lbs. There are 65 exercises you can do with it like is. You can also order a leg press belt and do leg presses. It has the cardiac row, lat tower, leg extension, ect. It uses the same bowflex power rods as the more expensive nautilus machines. The pit fall, you may have to spend 1 minute changing your cable system if you move from the lower pulleys to the lat tower or if you want to use the leg extension. I am not trying to talk anyone out of buying a Nautilus Bowflex Extreme or Ultimate, if you have the money, go for it. I am just letting people know the Schwinn Comp is not a bad machine either and it is much cheaper. Truthfully, I have been pondering an Extreme II myself, because you don't have to switch pulleys.

(in reply to Guest)
  Post #: 14
Weider Crossbow Home Gym & Platinum Crossbow Review - 10/2/2004 3:27:20 PM   
Guest
 Everyone take a look at the Weider Crossbow Home Gym & Weider Platinum Crossbow Home Gyms. One of the better exercise home gym equipment I've ever seen and tested. If you can't get to the gym and do Free weights all the time and just have 20- 40 min a day to work out, these home gyms do work and are nice. For the price I would say it's a great buy.

I would like to hear what others say as well. I would also like to see if anyone else can post their workout routine so I can see what they do and what works best for them.

I've been a BodyConcept.com customer for years and have always had my products delivered fast ( within 2 - 3 days to my door). I have to say, Bodyconcept.com has the best service and online business I've ever used.

(in reply to Guest)
  Post #: 15
RE: Weider Crossbow Home Gym & Platinum Crossbow Review - 10/2/2004 3:35:04 PM   
Guest
 Did anyone ever stop to think why every company is trying to come out with something similar to the Bowflex. My guess is because it works. I am not saying that the others don't but they are always comparing themselves to Bowflex why? If Bowflex wasn't working I don't think they would compare themselve to them and try to sell their equipment at a reduced price compared to the Bowflex.

Just something I think people should consider.

(in reply to Guest)
  Post #: 16
RE: Weider Crossbow Home Gym & Platinum Crossbow Review - 10/2/2004 3:41:05 PM   
Guest
 Platinum Crossbow Home Gym only come with 125lbs for $950 and is motorized. If people are complaining about the 210lbs on Bowflex which is more than that. You might as well stick with Bowflex the sport starts at $800 and you know you can use it without having to worry about a motorized part breaking and stopping you from working out. Plus you can go up to 410lbs of resistance.

(in reply to Guest)
  Post #: 17
RE: Weider Crossbow Home Gym & Platinum Crossbow Review - 10/2/2004 3:45:34 PM   
Guest
 Sorry correction it comes with 340lbs digitally controlled. So something to consider is can you still work out if that digital stuff stops working. With the Bowflex you can because there is not digital stuff. All this digital stuff is only to make you consider them at a cheaper price because they are copying the Bowflex and would not be able to compete with them at the same price range.

(in reply to Guest)
  Post #: 18
RE: Bowflex verse Free Weights. - 2/8/2006 7:05:28 PM   
Guest
 what would everyone thing if someone was to make a free weight bench that would spot you at the same time. A business partner and I are in the process of trying to get one into the market. it will operate off of a footswitch, and when clicked it would take the weight off of you, and best of all you can control the speed, so if you need a little boost, you can click the switch just to give you an extra boost, then let off it and do the rest yourself. This would also be considerably cheap, at least cheaper than a bowflex. I know it sounds kinda confusing, but i was just wanting some input on whether anyone is interested in something like that.

(in reply to WebPro)
  Post #: 19
RE: Bowflex verse Free Weights. - 2/14/2006 7:23:16 AM   
Guest
 I made the mistake of switching from free weights to the bowflex machine and I'll tell you its not worth the money. I'm not saying the bowflex does not work but it does not work as good as free weights. I get a much better and more intense workout with free weights compared to bowflex. I will say that if you are looking to burn fat and tone up the bowflex is for you but if you are into strength training and mass building stick the weights.

(in reply to WebPro)
  Post #: 20
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