I did a search to see if there were any topics about the pros and cons of using a bowflex and I couldn't find anything, so I decdied to make my own. I've been planning to buy myself a bowflex for a while now, but I can't find any information that tells me whether its better, worse, or just as good as using free weights or other machines. Has anyone had experience with both a bowflex machine and free weights? If you do, could you tell me which way is best to go? Is the bowflex even worth it?
Are Bowflexes good machines?
#1
Posted 25 December 2005 - 05:48 PM
I did a search to see if there were any topics about the pros and cons of using a bowflex and I couldn't find anything, so I decdied to make my own. I've been planning to buy myself a bowflex for a while now, but I can't find any information that tells me whether its better, worse, or just as good as using free weights or other machines. Has anyone had experience with both a bowflex machine and free weights? If you do, could you tell me which way is best to go? Is the bowflex even worth it?
#2
Posted 25 December 2005 - 07:12 PM
If you're mostly concerned about aesthetics, on the other hand, it really depends on what you perceive as aesthetic. You can still go a sufficiently long way with the basics, as mentioned. But generally, for aesthetic purposes, you can achieve more at a health club, because free-weight training targets larger regions per exercise and aerobic machines or classes can help you maintain consistency, if you require psychological boosts, with your aerobic training, which you need to stay lean (to show muscles) if you're generally inactive.
Personally, I like to optimize and no longer utilize health clubs or machines but use dumbbells and tools such as a heart rate monitor. But if you're into any kind of competitive, physical sport or want to make your body a canvas, you'll likely benefit the most with a health club.
#3
Posted 25 December 2005 - 07:40 PM
#4
Posted 25 December 2005 - 07:58 PM
#5
Posted 25 December 2005 - 08:14 PM
However, if you are mainly interested in strength, a Bowflex can't compare to free weights, in my opinion. Dumbbells are going to be the best thing. You will incorporate more muscles into your lifts, as well as further your coordination ("mind-muscle connection"), which is a big part of overall strength.
#6
Posted 25 December 2005 - 08:22 PM
#7
Posted 25 December 2005 - 08:23 PM
#8
Posted 25 December 2005 - 08:32 PM
#9 Guest_da_sense_*
Posted 25 December 2005 - 08:51 PM
it's great for strenght (you can pump up strenght with bar easier but still these are also great), coordination and stabilisator (not sure of the english word) muscles
but dumbells can get pretty boring while machines are somewhat less boring so you might be motivated more with machine than dumbells
#10
Posted 25 December 2005 - 09:23 PM
I'd get a membership at some kind of health club. Free weights for most exercises are vastly superior.
#11
Posted 25 December 2005 - 11:16 PM
Free weights for most exercises are vastly superior.
Powerblock makes great adjustable dumbells and with a bench you have a good setup.
#12
Posted 25 December 2005 - 11:31 PM
#14
Posted 26 December 2005 - 01:16 AM
#15
Posted 26 December 2005 - 04:47 PM
I think the gym will be a good idea but I'm still too young to start driving so until then I want to just use the machines I can get. .
If you are too young to even start driving, I would not use either bowflex, dumbells or free weights. This may be a little too early for any of that stuff. Now you may be 15 and just under driving age, and could, in theory, do a gentle resistance training routine that will not hamper your growth. However, it sound like you will definitely not have access to supervision, hence I would say focus on bodyweight exercises and some other sport such as wrestling, Judo, athletics etc... that will give you still a lot of strenght and functional ability. Later on, when you find out that strength is the limiting factor in your success in these sports, you can add resistance training....
Sub7
#16
Posted 26 December 2005 - 11:11 PM
#17
Posted 27 December 2005 - 03:30 AM
athanatos, my reccomendation is to forego the machine in favor of an olympic weight set and get started with olympic lifting. It is extremely fun and addictive to do clean and jerks and snatches, also;I can provide you with studies proving it's effectiveness in reducing blood pressure, resting heart rate, injury, and enabling you to become more powerfull, flexible, and strong. There are only two machines I would reccomend, and they are both over 10K$ [:o] . If you would like more info, pm me.
Are you really suggesting that he do olympic lifts without any instruction? Don't get me wrong, olympic lifts are great, but it is enough to learn good form on simpler lifts.
#18
Posted 27 December 2005 - 04:31 AM
#19
Posted 27 December 2005 - 05:38 AM
Sub7
#20
Posted 27 December 2005 - 01:15 PM
Sorry if I missed it but has the thread starter revealed how old he is? This individual is not old enough to even drive and you are suggesting that he get a weight set and do Olympic lifts, and wihtout instruction nonetheless??? IMO not a very good idea...
Sub7
Agreed (for most people).
The one arm snatch is also very challenging, but not for the begginer.
I don't understand this comment (unless you're talking about one arm BARBELL snatch). One arm DB snatch is the only oly exercise I can really do at the moment (well OK high pulls too) and is fun and will kick your ass without much training:
http://www.stumptuou...icle.php?aid=82
scroll down to the third exercise
#21
Posted 27 December 2005 - 01:17 PM
#22
Posted 27 December 2005 - 05:38 PM
#23
Posted 27 December 2005 - 06:09 PM
sub7, a progressive training regimen starting with a barbell and leading to weights eventually is not that difficult, I have instructed my 60 year old out of shape mother to clean and jerk 60 lbs and snatch a 45lb barbell, a teenager is in much better shape to O lift wouldn't you agree? don't get me wrong I also reccomend weighted yoga, gymnastic movements, and martial arts; a chain is only as strong as its weakest link.
#24
Posted 28 December 2005 - 10:29 PM
Sub7
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