Howdy all,
Doing a search of the forums I see that Bowflex's don't seem to be so popular around here. Too late to dissuade me from getting one, as I just bought one. question is, are the listed weights on the power rods anything close to accurate? 200 lbs worth of power rods on mine don't feel anything close to 200 lbs to me on various exercises. I bought it on ebay, and I'm just wondering if the power rods on mine have lost tension, or if they are that way even when they're new. I've worked out off and on for about 15 years with free weights and various machines, so I pretty much know what 200 lb ought to feel like.
Thanks!
Bowflex Q
Moderators: Boss Man, cassiegose
husband and I were also considering getting a Bowflex but after going to a fitness store we were told something that the company will not tell you.
The weight resistance doesn't reach the actual weight stated until you are at full extension. So if you are doing bench presses at say 150 lbs you are actually not pressing that weight until your arms are fully extended. Until that point it's only a fraction of the weight.
The guy at the fitness store suggested a functional trainer which uses stacked weights instead of bows so you get the full weight right off the start.
The weight resistance doesn't reach the actual weight stated until you are at full extension. So if you are doing bench presses at say 150 lbs you are actually not pressing that weight until your arms are fully extended. Until that point it's only a fraction of the weight.
The guy at the fitness store suggested a functional trainer which uses stacked weights instead of bows so you get the full weight right off the start.
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XQH000AD0001
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On the Bowflex, I was able to bench 210 total (105 each side). When I switched to the traditional equipment, I thought I was a big shot. 135 seemed so tough! I was ashamed and felt ripped off.
I remember hearing from a commercial that you will lose the 30 or so pounds after 6 weeks. There's a plan in the manual that comes with it of how to do that. Yes, you have to do cardio aside from working out with the Bowflex. On top of that, you can only consume 1000 calories/day. Yikes!
Also, (I have a 2002 model) When you start using the thicker power rods, the ends where the straps come out chip off due to increased weight and pressure.
I highly recommend not getting one.
I remember hearing from a commercial that you will lose the 30 or so pounds after 6 weeks. There's a plan in the manual that comes with it of how to do that. Yes, you have to do cardio aside from working out with the Bowflex. On top of that, you can only consume 1000 calories/day. Yikes!
Also, (I have a 2002 model) When you start using the thicker power rods, the ends where the straps come out chip off due to increased weight and pressure.
I highly recommend not getting one.
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woodshedder
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Thanks for the replies all.
swanso5, I've worked out at gyms (free weights and machines) and at home with free weights. I haven't worked out for the last 3 years though, and was wanting to get going again. I still have old weight bench and weights, but the bench is a cheapie, and so some exercises are hard to pull off (like incline bench). I wanted something compact, something that had a lat pull capability, and something which wouldn't kill me if I blacked out at the end of that last rep.
After first workout with the Bowflex, I do like it. I can see a Power Rod upgrade in near future though.
nsbmsk, it is certainly correct about the resistance increasing through a rep. I reckon that is a negative for some exercises (e.g., lat pull), although it might be OK for others where the latter part of a rep is typically easier (e.g. bench press).
XQH000AD0001, too late for me, I already got one. At least I got a pretty good deal on it.
swanso5, I've worked out at gyms (free weights and machines) and at home with free weights. I haven't worked out for the last 3 years though, and was wanting to get going again. I still have old weight bench and weights, but the bench is a cheapie, and so some exercises are hard to pull off (like incline bench). I wanted something compact, something that had a lat pull capability, and something which wouldn't kill me if I blacked out at the end of that last rep.
After first workout with the Bowflex, I do like it. I can see a Power Rod upgrade in near future though. nsbmsk, it is certainly correct about the resistance increasing through a rep. I reckon that is a negative for some exercises (e.g., lat pull), although it might be OK for others where the latter part of a rep is typically easier (e.g. bench press).
XQH000AD0001, too late for me, I already got one. At least I got a pretty good deal on it.
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woodshedder
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Arm scratching on the incline bench? That seems odd. The cables/hand grips are no prob on the incline bench for me. The flat bench or decline bench though is a different story. But the problem is gone if the handles are held vertically on flat or decline bench exercises.Young J wrote:bowflex sucks! i used it before at friends house and it was hard for me 2 use it and while i was doing the incline bench press on it the lil things u use 2 pull it wer scratching arms and cut them and i didnt even feel a work out
bowflex is the biggest waste of money
I used a Multigym once or twice, and you did Cable Bicep Curls lying on the floor. The Cable kept scuffing Bollocks. I was ill impressed. I stopped doing it before I severely chafed Genitalia.
Home Multigyms badly suck butt.
The person who owned it, apparently one time, put the S hook attaching the grip to the cable, on the wrong way round by accident, did some Curls, and the hook got caught in his Nose.
He had 60kg's, (132 lbs), caught in one Nostril. he had to pull the cable back, and wiggle his head to get free and avoid tearing his Nose
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Home Multigyms badly suck butt.
The person who owned it, apparently one time, put the S hook attaching the grip to the cable, on the wrong way round by accident, did some Curls, and the hook got caught in his Nose.
He had 60kg's, (132 lbs), caught in one Nostril. he had to pull the cable back, and wiggle his head to get free and avoid tearing his Nose
.I Love the Bowflex!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have been using the new Bowflex Revolution. It is amazing and easy to use. I used to have the other one with the cables and liked it but this is the most amazing piece of equipment and I highly recommend it.
I also have the Bowflex treadclimber. What a workout that is!!!!!!!
I also have the Bowflex treadclimber. What a workout that is!!!!!!!
I love the Bowflex!!!!!!!
The new Bowflex Revolution has arms that with easy movement can move in every direction for any part of the body. You can do so many different chest positions for example. It uses spiraflex technology. It comes with leg press, preacher curl , bench and straight reversable seats. You can sit in the seat facing one way and with ease pull up the back and place on other side of seat to face the other way. No big deal.
The best thing about it is the ease of using and changing exercises and parts. Nothing is heavy or hard to use.
I have had every home equipment out there and have never had anything like this. Anyone that comes to house including friend that bought the old Bowflex from me can not get over it.
Only bad thing is it comes in 7 huge boxes and took some time to put together but it was well worth it.
I stopped going to the gym and don't miss it at all.
I would recommend going to www.bowflexrevolution.com and checking out the video on it. It will explain it much better than I can.
Hope this helps.
The best thing about it is the ease of using and changing exercises and parts. Nothing is heavy or hard to use.
I have had every home equipment out there and have never had anything like this. Anyone that comes to house including friend that bought the old Bowflex from me can not get over it.
Only bad thing is it comes in 7 huge boxes and took some time to put together but it was well worth it.
I stopped going to the gym and don't miss it at all.
I would recommend going to www.bowflexrevolution.com and checking out the video on it. It will explain it much better than I can.
Hope this helps.
I do like dumbells too and do have some but you can do so many more exercises and on many other body parts with the Bowflex Revolution. It is as close to having all gym stations in one in your home.
Just opinion but I absolutely love it and use it 3 times a week. It is too bad they don't sell it in a store so people can try it out before deciding.
Just opinion but I absolutely love it and use it 3 times a week. It is too bad they don't sell it in a store so people can try it out before deciding.