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• Who Knows About The Bow Flex Machine.

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Who Knows About The Bow Flex Machine.

ChanceDog Posts: 78 Joined: 2003/11/04	2003/11/12, 01:34 PM How many of you guys on here have had any use, or even a long-term relationship with the Bow Flex machine or a similar kind of widget. Curious to have any feed out what you all know if possible. Thanks a ton. Chance Dog
agamble Posts: 1,029 Joined: 2003/09/22	2003/11/12, 02:13 PM I've got one. I started out using it quite alot and really liked it. Still do for that matter, but have switched more to weights. I still use it since I'm still purchasing weight equipment. I wish I had done that to begin with but didn't know any better. I don't think the poundages are correct on the power rods but you can still increase resistance. It's pretty versatile, lots of exercises, don't need a spotter, takes up minimum floor space. Oh, and for some reason my wife will use it but is afraid of weights. Personally, I'm saving for a power rack, bench and some weights. I've also got my eye on my oldest son's room. When he leaves it would be perfect for working out.
fryer91 Posts: 441 Joined: 2003/09/29	2003/11/12, 02:21 PM I have used a Crossbow-Not to bad I suppose..Like agamble said, I don't think the poundages are correct on the power rods but you can still increase resistance. It's pretty versatile, lots of exercises, don't need a spotter, takes up minimum floor space. I also have a Total Gym, it is very smooth, and only uses up to 43% of your body weight. I still use it once week because it gives the muscles a whole different kind of burn. My wife loves it after she is done with the workout. During, is a different story!
ChanceDog Posts: 78 Joined: 2003/11/04	2003/11/12, 03:07 PM Thanks guys, I had seen an advertisement for either the bow flex or something very similar and I was impressed by the range it seemed to have. (as in the mechanism didn’t stop you from doing a full rep or beyond) I know you can add extra poundage to these machines so I’m not over concerned about the poundage being absolutely spot on. Have either of you found that over time the power bars lose there resistance, as in get over stretched, worn etc,etc? And finally for what reason have you gone back to free weights, as that’s what I’m using already. Its just a lot tidier to have one gizmo instead of lots of little gizmos rolling around the floor :o) -------------- All the best Warmly ChanceDog.
agamble Posts: 1,029 Joined: 2003/09/22	2003/11/12, 03:45 PM As far as the power bars losing their resistance- I haven't noticed that to any significance-yet, particularly on the larger ones. I would assume that this is bound to happen over time though. One thing I have noticed is that on the BF there are 5 lb rods, 10 lb rods, 30 lb rods, and 50 pound rods for each side. So if you wanted to do bicep curls at 50 lbs (according to BF) for each arm you could either use 2 10's and a 5 or 1 50lb power rod. When using the 50 lb rod there seems to be alot more resistance than when using the smaller rods together. To me the free weights seem to have a different feel and are more challenging. Also, I use dumbells so I can use a variety of motions. You are right about it being tidier. 2 minutes or less and it is up and out of the way. Pricey though.
fryer91 Posts: 441 Joined: 2003/09/29	2003/11/12, 04:43 PM As for the Crossbow; I didn't notice a change in the power bars. It gave me a great workout, unfortunately it left with my brother-in-law...I still use the Total Gym, and I would probably still be using the crossbow if I still could. Dumbells are probably my favorite pieces of equipment. They can be used in about every movement, and they seem to give me a better burn/pump then with the straight bars. It's all in what you like; they all have the positives and negatives. I like the variety of them all, but like I said, I like sets of dumbells the best.
ChanceDog Posts: 78 Joined: 2003/11/04	2003/11/12, 05:06 PM Agamble, One more thing.You say "As far as the power bars losing their resistance- I haven't noticed that to any significance-yet" How long have you had yours and how much do have you used it so far? Thanks to both of you. You have really answered the qeustions that could , or could not have stopped me from buying one. all the Breast ChanceDog
agamble Posts: 1,029 Joined: 2003/09/22	2003/11/12, 05:21 PM I've had it since last February and have used it pretty much (Between myself, my wife, and my son)every week an average of about 5 times per week.