Do any of you fine people know anyone, ever used one, has a cousin who knows a guy who has one?
Are they worth the money?
Do they give you a good workout?
I have hit a brick wall as far as my workout is concerned. I have very limited space and equipment. I was hoping you could give me some input before I shell out $1500.
No, the Bowflex sucks. My dad bought one and I use it sometimes.
It takes too long to change the resistance, and the exersizes. It doesn't come with enough resistance. Free weights are better. I heard that a model of the Bowflex was recalled because of the lat tower was breaking. If you really want a machine, go with the Weider Crossbow. It costs less and works better than the Bowflex. But you should get free weights.
Are we talking about the same machine?? I mean, you said it took too long to change resistance. It certainly took a lot less time than it took to walk around, pick up a plate, load the bar, pick up another place, load the other side of the bar -- several times, each depending on how many plates you wanted to load. With the bowflex, you just grab the rods and hook them in place. That takes no time at all.
Secondly, the top machine comes with 310 pounds of resistance. It's upgradeable to 410lbs. I believe that to be MORE than enough for most people's workouts. If not, go to a store that sells the Bowflex and try your hand at 410lbs. See what you think.
About the Crossbow: I have one. It's a fine machine as well. It uses the same principles. It also has a wider range of motion than some of the lower models of bowflex. It is upgradeable to 440lbs of resistance. It also uses rod technology.
As far as free weights go; No one is doubting that their great. But they have limits. For example, you'll need a lot of space to house the bench, bars and dumbbells, plates, etc. (to account for 410-440lbs of resistance. Then, you'll need a spotter to work out with (if you plan on doing any real strength training). Do you always plan on having a partner being there while you're working out? If so, and you have plenty of space, go with free weights. They give you a good workout.
If you DON'T have all the space and access to workout partners, at all hours of the day or evenings in which you plan on working out, AND you want to get the same decent workout, I'd recommend that you strongly consider getting either a Bowflex or Crossbow. If you go the bowflex route, get a higher end model. If you go the Crossbow route, stay with the standard model as opposed to the Platinum model.
Good luck with whatever you choose. If you have any questions, shoot me an email to: cruciblegym@yahoo.com
It always seems to take longer than free weights to me. Those 310 pounds of resistance don't seem to actually be 310 pounds. I think we can both agree that even at 410 pounds of resistance the legpress is useless. I thought everyone had enough space for free weights. They really don't take up that much. I guess not everyone can count on always having a spotter.
Thanks for the help. I think based on price and features I am going with the cross bow. I have 2 little boys also, I wouldn't want them playing with the free weights and I don't have a spotter. As for the finite amount of resistance available in the cross bow, it is definately more than what I have now!
