Bow flex home gym any good?
Equipment
So this last week my 14 year old son and I were heading home from school. Drove past a neighbors house and in the drive was a bowflex weight setup compete. He plays baseball and hockey, but no high school sponsored sports. So he is excited to have a workout system.
I have always been a free weights type. But it seems like a decent set up.
So for those with experience. What is good what is bad? Any cautionary tells?
Are you talking about the machine with flexible power rods? If so they are great for building strength and muscle. They are also much safer as there is no need for a spotter. I have used one for almost 20 years.
Very good piece of equipment.
I have a Bowflex Spiraflex. It has resistance plates rather than rods. You can work every body part from a wide range of angles. I absolutely love it.
Edit: the plates on my machine are Spiraflex, but the name of the machine is the Bowflex Revolution. Bowflex filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy a couple months ago. Just checked their website and it says all new sales are temporarily paused..
I have the rods system. Works great if you use it. I don’t think it’s for Mr. Universe, but especially for older and younger folks it is much easier and safter I think than free weights.
I’ve had one for many moons and it is a very good piece of equipment. I confess I don’t use it as often as I should but it really does a nice job.Good luck Lewis
Buy used. There are plenty.
It ALL works if you use it. There is the matter of the rods not hitting peak weight ’til you hit full draw, so to speak, but that’s really picking nits….
I bought one used. Anything Bowflex is built really really well. Works great, and incredibly low risk to injure. Use the manual that breaks down each exercise in small increments
I'm in the market for a total gym. It's a bummer to hear about them folding. Most of the new workout systems have this huge integrated screen. I just want something to lift with; I don't need a TV or a motivational speaker so I'd rather not pay for one.
Great product that’s well designed and has loads of different exercise options. ( with all accessories) You’re not gonna build amazing bulk but will tone up and build strength.
I've used a Bowflex and a Total Gym. They are both excellent products in my opinion depending on your fitness goals.
I've owned and use a Total Gym for about 10 years now and for me it's the more versatile and a better fit of the two
Good luck and stay safe.
I love mine, they are very safe and you can hit every muscle group. You won't get bulky with them but will gain strength and flexibility.
Idyll - buy a set of bowflex adjustable dumbbells (or "The Block" brand). You can do everything you need, and it takes up the space of about 3 cinder blocks in whatever space in the house you choose to put it.
If one wants a Bowflex, buy used, as others have said. It's fine. The key thing is —will you use it? If having a machine makes it more likely you will use it, then buy it. But if it's about just keeping strong/building a bit of muscle, staying safe and healthy, I'd err on the side of the adjustable dumbbells noted above.
hiking with a weighted pack, jumping rope, and a total gym (mentioned above) are good ways to work out for hunting, sports, and in general. the total gym is a great machine and does not take up much room. you can fold it up and put it away if you need to use the space for something else.
you can use the total gym as a bench with dumbbells and for sit ups, and also to stretch on an incline similar to a teeter but not completely vertical.
For limited space, they are by far the best option. For less injury and more form focused, they are superior to any machine or free weight. They are great machines for a home gym. Get all the attachments and hang the exercise poster. It’ll do so much you’ll need the poster to remember it.
That’s awesome! It sounds like your son is really excited about having a workout setup at home. I remember when I got my first set of weights—it opened up a whole new world for me. Bowflex can be a solid choice, especially for someone just starting out. It’s versatile and can help him focus on different muscle groups, which is great for his sports.
I’ve always been a free weights person too, but I appreciate how machines can guide your form. Just make sure he learns the proper techniques to avoid injury. Also, mixing it up with a boot camp workout can keep things fresh and fun. Those workouts are great for building strength and endurance, and the group vibe can be super motivating. Just encourage him to stay consistent and listen to his body.
I'm a sucker for free weights, but the best thing to get fitter is something you will use - and the bowflex can workout well. If it's there, it will be used! It's cheaper than buying a bunch of free weights in this case too. Good grab.
Anything is good if you use it- just like a gym membership.
I agree with Lost Arra, buy used- many are out there after Covid.
We lose muscle as we age...and supposedly after about 70 we cannot gain muscle, only maintain or lose it. I'm a little ways out from there but plan on starting from a higher muscle mass.
"Anything is good if you use it- just like a gym membership."
Agree 100%! Consistency is key!
"...and supposedly after about 70 we cannot gain muscle, only maintain or lose it."
That's not true.
I have a Bowflex Max Trainer M6. I use it during the winter or when weather is bad. It will kick your butt. I also bought a weight set from Costco. I like not having to drive to the gym.
Older folks absolutely can gain strength and muscle. Heck, some solid research from like 25-30 years ago already showed they could gain hundreds of percent in about 6 weeks - for strength. Mass is slower to come by as it is for all but youngish males.
But if you are over 50, 60, 70, 80, 90... and want to lift and get stronger... Do it, you will gain mass and strength, especially with adequate protein intake.
