bowflex vs

[mgmtech]

I am looking to buy a home gym weight equipment for christmas/new year. I haven't decided which one I want to buy. Bowflex Extreme 2 or the conventional free weight that sold at costco. Below are the links. I need some opinions from previous and existing owner. Does bowflex actually worked as advertised or free weight is more affective?



http://www.costco.ca/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=10312017&whse=BCCA&Ne=4000000&eCat=BCCA|111|2268|4603&N=4009298&Mo=5&pos=2&No=0&Nr=P_CatalogName:BCCA&cat=4603&Ns=P_Price|1||P_SignDesc1&lang=en-CA&Sp=C&ec=BCCA-EC10471-Cat2268&topnav=

http://www.bowflex.ca/bhg_microsite_ca/productinformation/ultimate2/prdcdovr~115000/Bowflex+Ultimate+2+Home+Gym.jsp

[Oldskool]

I've got a bowflex, and I'm not really a fan of it, to weight is inconsistant throughout its range. I also find that the weight is inaccurate, lifting 160 pound on the bowflex is more like lifting 130 or something.

But thats just my opinion.

[Drunkn_masta]

^^ I have a crossbow and found that the weight are definitely inaccurate. I prefer free weights. :dunno:

[Little Dragon]

Originally posted by Oldskool
I've got a bowflex, and I'm not really a fan of it, to weight is inconsistant throughout its range. I also find that the weight is inaccurate, lifting 160 pound on the bowflex is more like lifting 130 or something.



Thats because its a machine. It supports you more but it limits your body's natural movement and development of body muscles. Thats why if you can chest press 160lbs on the machine, it doesn't neccesarily mean you can press that much with a Barbell with free weights.

To the OP.
I'd say go for free weights if you have the space.
Your body's muscles will develop much better using free weights rather than a machine. You'll become stronger on free weights too.

[A790]

When I worked at Fitness Depot I used to sell a ton of Bowflexes (against my recommendations to my customers). Their advertising campaign was really spot on- those things FLEW out the doors.

However, they are not very effective in my opinion. There are other gyms out there around a similar price point that are much better. If you don't want to use free weights the next best thing is to get yourself a functional trainer like the Northern Lights model (http://www.fitnessdepot.ca/shop/stores/1/Northern-Lights-Functional-Trainer-P702C65.aspx) or the more expensive Pacific Fitness version (these are the two Fitness Depot carries, I'm sure there are others out there).

The big advantage that a functional trainer offers is more resistance (2 x 150lb stacks) and the ability to train your stabilizing and core muscles at the same time as the group you're targeting. Plus, you can add a bosu ball or medicine ball in there to make things more challenging.