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2004/02/14, 09:26 AM
I used to post here fairly regularly a while back, and I appreciated all the help and tips. I felt that this wasa good time for me to give back some advice.
I trained hard for over 15 years with free weights, with good, but not great results.
I'm 6'1", and 185.
I blew out my shoulder over the summer, and had to drastically cut back on most lifting activities. Once I healed, I knew I had a risk factor.
I bought a Bowflex with the leg extension and a lat tower. I figured that it would be safer, since I work out alone at home, and easier on my old (50 years) joints.
I didn't expect the results I got.
The change in my overall muscle definition surprised me. I'm ripped, defined, and lean. I went from a 34" waist to a 31" waist without a single change in my diet. I gained almost an inch in my arms. I've ben on the program for about 4 months now.
The feel of the power rods is so different from free weights, that it's hard to switch back. I feel like the muscles are being worked at a much deeper level. And, best of all, my shoulder feels great, and I don't run the risk of personal injury from slugging around the heavy dumbells.
I bought my unit used, at about half the cost of a comparable new machine. There's plenty of them out there. I strongly encourage anyone who is looking to set up a home gym to consider a Bow Flex.
Thanks for your time, and good luck with your training. I just want to let you know that the key to lifelong health is exercise and proper nutrition. I'm 50 years old, and besides looking much better than most guys my age, I know I feel better, and I can give back to my family the gift of a healthy and strong husband and father.
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2004/02/14, 09:41 AM
The Bowflex is a perfectly adequate apparatus to train on. Especially if you have issues such as you do, working out alone at home, prior injury, etc. Any workout worth its weight will produce results if followed. Good job, and keep us posted on your progress. Great news to hear, and be careful of the shoulder.
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If you don't stand for something, you will fall for anything....
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2004/02/14, 04:34 PM
I have a friend who wa thinking of buying one of those - thans for the input
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Reddy
All people smile in the same language
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2004/02/15, 01:19 PM
hey rickgarvia, how much did you pay for your bowflex? and who did you get it? i'm thinking of getting one.
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2004/02/15, 01:20 PM
sorry, i ment how did you get it?
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2004/02/15, 01:56 PM
I have a Crossbow - I think it is pretty good compared to the Bowflx. It's cheaper too.
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2004/02/16, 11:44 AM
I knew which model and accessories I wanted, which had a retail price of $1800.00 plus tax and shipping. I spent about 2 weeks watching the papers, and found the same one for $900.00. It was a pretty sweet deal. The gentleman who sold it to me had all the paperwork. I regestered the unit with Bowflex.
I have seen them on EBay too.
Yes, the retail price IS steep. The Weider Crossbow unit uses the same principle of the Bowflex power rods, and is a little cheaper on the retail level.
A recent edition of Consumer Reports rated the Bowflex higher, but I did try the Weider version in the store, and found it to be pretty decent. If you want to buy new, the Crossbow is almost 1/2 the price of the Bowflex.
I bought most of my fitness stuff used. There's a HUGE market of used stuff out there from people who want to get rid of unused equipment. Patience can save you a ton of money if you're willing to do a little research.
The Weider model is probably too new to have much available on the secondary market, but I'd keep looking if that's what you want.
I work my Bowflex pretty hard. It's stable, and well made. I've been benching about 160 with the power rods, and it feels great. They do sell a squat station for $150.00 through their website, which would be a decent option, but I'm still holding out on that. This option would also allow one to do a lying bench press, as opposed to the upright method on the standard unit. Right now, I'm maxing the power rods (310 pounds) with the seated squat, so at some point, I may purchase two more 50 pound rods.
I know I'm coming off as a saleman for Bowflex (sorry!) but I really am excited about the results and the overall safety of the machine.
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Quoting from enoc:
hey rickgarvia, how much did you pay for your bowflex? and who did you get it? i'm thinking of getting one.
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2004/02/16, 02:23 PM
THANKS A BUNCH RICKGARVIA. I'LL TRY TO GET ONE.
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2004/02/16, 04:54 PM
an FYI: There was a recall on some Bowflex machines. The lat tower had a tendency to break off on certain models. Ya might want to check in to it and get it taken care of. I believe they send you a "reinforcement bar."
Rock On
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2004/02/17, 06:05 AM
I have to say, it takes a while to put one together from scratch. The lat tower is attached with two large clamps, that have screw adjustments for tightening. If the screws aren't tightened properly, I can see where it would come down if you pull on it.
In my opinion, user error in assembly is the culprit. The recall part was sent to me within 2 weeks, and it simply reinforces the unit. It makes it idiot proof.
Still, even if you count the amount of people who didn't read their directions and assembled the unit wrong, thus injuring themselves, that number is far less than that of the people who have hurt themselves with free weights -- and nobody is recalling them to make them safer.
The recall wouldn't stop me from recommending Bowfelx to anyone.
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Quoting from bassczar:
an FYI: There was a recall on some Bowflex machines. The lat tower had a tendency to break off on certain models. Ya might want to check in to it and get it taken care of. I believe they send you a "reinforcement bar."
Rock On
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