got my bowflex

Omelet writes:

> In article ,
> Mike McNeil wrote:
>
>> After much consideration to join a gym or get something for home use, I
>> opted for purchasing a bowflex instead.
>>
>> It wasn't supposed to arrive for another 2-3 weeks, according to them on
>> initial purchase, but it arrived today via UPS. Only problem now is
>> clearing enough room in my spare room to hold this large thing ( sp? )
>> of a machine!
>
> I paid about 1/2 of bowflex cost for a simple bench and set of Olympic
> barbell weights and dumbells...
>
> but to each their own.

I tend to agree with Om. However, I have a buddy that has had pretty
good success with his Bowflex. If a fancy machine is what it takes to
get you to work with resistance, then you could do worse than a Bowflex.

Jason
 >> Stay informed about: got my bowflex 

I would be interested in hearing about the assembly and setup time......How
long does it take? How hard is it to put together?

"Mike McNeil" wrote in message

> After much consideration to join a gym or get something for home use, I
> opted for purchasing a bowflex instead.
>
> It wasn't supposed to arrive for another 2-3 weeks, according to them on
> initial purchase, but it arrived today via UPS. Only problem now is
> clearing enough room in my spare room to hold this large thing ( sp? ) of
> a machine!
 >> Stay informed about: got my bowflex 

"Mike McNeil" wrote in message

> After much consideration to join a gym or get something for home use, I
> opted for purchasing a bowflex instead.
>
> It wasn't supposed to arrive for another 2-3 weeks, according to them on
> initial purchase, but it arrived today via UPS. Only problem now is
> clearing enough room in my spare room to hold this large thing ( sp? ) of
> a machine!

NOW, use it, use it, use it.

Most people stop after and month or so. Set your mind that is IS YOUR WAY OF
LIFE.

Burr
 >> Stay informed about: got my bowflex 

In article ,
Jason Earl wrote:

> Omelet writes:
>
> > In article ,
> > Mike McNeil wrote:
> >
> >> After much consideration to join a gym or get something for home use, I
> >> opted for purchasing a bowflex instead.
> >>
> >> It wasn't supposed to arrive for another 2-3 weeks, according to them on
> >> initial purchase, but it arrived today via UPS. Only problem now is
> >> clearing enough room in my spare room to hold this large thing ( sp? )
> >> of a machine!
> >
> > I paid about 1/2 of bowflex cost for a simple bench and set of Olympic
> > barbell weights and dumbells...
> >
> > but to each their own.
>
> I tend to agree with Om. However, I have a buddy that has had pretty
> good success with his Bowflex. If a fancy machine is what it takes to
> get you to work with resistance, then you could do worse than a Bowflex.
>
> Jason

Very true... Like I said, to each their own.
Some people do well with universal gyms.

I just tend to LIKE free weights.

I'm going to talk to the Chiro' about going back to free weights after
the first of the year. I may do it anyway no matter what he says.

I miss them. If I hurt myself, I'll let him pick up the pieces...
--
Peace! Om

"Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them humanity cannot survive." -- Dalai Lama
 >> Stay informed about: got my bowflex 

I have had one now for about 2 years. It came in 8 boxes, with very good
instructions. You open one box, assemble the contents, then the next box
etc. Total assembly time took me about 6 hours. I lifted heavy for over
20 years and now I've changed my workout strategy more toward endurance
rather than size and strength. Lots of running, biking, and swimming.
When I use the bowflex I have about 20 different exercises I mix and
match depending on what I'm working that day. I lift for time rather
than reps. 5 minutes per set provides a satisfying muscle burn and post
workout pump. My advice with assembly is follow the instructions, don't
try to wing it. It is a bit more complex than an office desk.


Stephen Larivee wrote:
> I would be interested in hearing about the assembly and setup
> time......How long does it take? How hard is it to put together?
>
> "Mike McNeil" wrote in message
>
>> After much consideration to join a gym or get something for home use,
>> I opted for purchasing a bowflex instead.
>>
>> It wasn't supposed to arrive for another 2-3 weeks, according to them
>> on initial purchase, but it arrived today via UPS. Only problem now
>> is clearing enough room in my spare room to hold this large thing (
>> sp? ) of a machine!
>
 >> Stay informed about: got my bowflex 

I'm old school & as such prefer free weights as many do but!

For variety I [bout a year ago] bought a set of resistance bands,&
added them to my routines.
One big difference I've noticed is the constant tension of the
bands,.takes allot of the "momentum' out of a movement,.& for small
muscles,....is much easier on joints.

I'd like to try a Bow-Flex, but hate to spend that much [not knowing
if i'll like it] & my bedroom / gym is crowded now.
Ron
 >> Stay informed about: got my bowflex 

Bill Roberto,...sounds like you are an experienced lifter. And you
say you have had your B/Flex for two years. And changed / modified your
routine.

So tell us what difference you see,.feel & so on. Do you like
it?,..like it better?,..not so much? What?

Given your background I'd be interested in your opinion......Thanks,Ron
 >> Stay informed about: got my bowflex 

R P wrote:
> Bill Roberto,...sounds like you are an experienced lifter. And you
> say you have had your B/Flex for two years. And changed / modified your
> routine.
>
> So tell us what difference you see,.feel & so on. Do you like
> it?,..like it better?,..not so much? What?
>
> Given your background I'd be interested in your opinion......Thanks,Ron
>


My fitness goals have changed from lifting heavy weight to being able to
run/swim/bike for endurance. The bowflex is just another one of many
tools to that end. Push ups, pull ups, grips, dumbbells and a few other
pieces of apparatus give me a pretty wide variety of stuff to do on a
daily basis. I have worked out long enough to know that it doesn't
matter how you exhaust yourself physically, you still feel good when you
finish. It's something I need to do on a daily basis not only for
physical reasons but mentally as well.
 >> Stay informed about: got my bowflex 

"Jason Earl" wrote in message

> Omelet writes:
>
>> In article ,
>> Mike McNeil wrote:
>>
>>> After much consideration to join a gym or get something for home use, I
>>> opted for purchasing a bowflex instead.
>>>
>>> It wasn't supposed to arrive for another 2-3 weeks, according to them on
>>> initial purchase, but it arrived today via UPS. Only problem now is
>>> clearing enough room in my spare room to hold this large thing ( sp? )
>>> of a machine!
>>
>> I paid about 1/2 of bowflex cost for a simple bench and set of Olympic
>> barbell weights and dumbells...
>>
>> but to each their own.
>
> I tend to agree with Om. However, I have a buddy that has had pretty
> good success with his Bowflex. If a fancy machine is what it takes to
> get you to work with resistance, then you could do worse than a Bowflex.


yeah but not much worse
>
> Jason
 >> Stay informed about: got my bowflex 

to Jason,..you said "yeah but not much worse".....in regard to the
B/Flex.

What is it that you do not like?, have you used one?

I'm not looking for an argument here I'm just doing little
"research"?,..as I have been considering one myself.....Thanks,Ron
 >> Stay informed about: got my bowflex 

vn1500.RemoveThis@webtv.net (R P) writes:

> to Jason,..you said "yeah but not much worse".....in regard to
> the B/Flex.
>
> What is it that you do not like?, have you used one?
>
> I'm not looking for an argument here I'm just doing little
> "research"?,..as I have been considering one myself.....Thanks,Ron

I have used a Bowflex, but it has been a while.

The primary problem with the Bowflex (and other similar gizmos) is that
they are far more expensive than free weight systems. You can easily
get a power rack, a bench, and a pile of weight for what it costs for
even the most basic Bowflex model. I've got a power rack, two Olympic
bars, 850 lbs. of weight, adjustable dumbbells, a curl bar (I don't
really use this much any more), and a 54 pound kettlebell (this cost me
nearly $200 with shipping all by itself). All of my gear cost me less
than the $900 that the least expensive Bowflex costs, and free weights
are far more versatile than the Bowflex. Heck, most of the Bowflex
models don't even allow you to squat. The fanciest model will let you
do a leg press, but that's not really the same thing. You can
completely forget about trying explosive lifts like power cleans or
snatches.

For some folks, like the astronauts on the space station, a Bowflex
might be just the right machine, but I personally don't get it.

Jason
 >> Stay informed about: got my bowflex 

Jason, that's what I was looking for.

Due to arthritis & disc problems I basically don't squat any
more,[light sissy squats maybe]....& the leg press is something I am
interested in as well as the rowing feature.
And at approaching 60 'explosive' movements probably aren't the best
either.

I have a power cage & about 450+ pounds of free weight,..looking for
something easier on my joints.
About a year ago I bought & have been using resistance bands, {added
them in my routines} & they take allot of the momentum, & jerk out of a
movement. That is why I'm considering the B/Flex. I'd like to stick with
a program for as long as I can!

As far as price,..there are allot of them used,..'craigs-list" etc. In
the 300-600 dollar price range depending on model & features,so?.....

Thanks for the reply,....Ron
 >> Stay informed about: got my bowflex 

"R P"
>
> As far as price,..there are allot of them used,..'craigs-list" etc. In
> the 300-600 dollar price range depending on model & features,so?.....
>
> Thanks for the reply,....Ron
>
Hi Ron,
Ron, if you are going to use it then buy it!

I chose to use a little machine for pull downs, leg ext. and curls, and
rowing and I work that in with my free weight.

The little cost a lot less then a BowFlex but a used one may be just fine
if you can find one close so you can check it out first then bring it home
then do it.

Glad to see a 60 year old working out, I'm 66 and will be 67 the 24th.

We have a nice little group of Old School Bodybuilders at
http://lukamar.ca/os/index.php if you want to take a look. Seems like a nice
group.

Take care
Merry Christmas

Burr
 >> Stay informed about: got my bowflex