Cynthia8828
Cathlete
Just wondering if anyone here has a bowflex and if so, which one and how do you like it.
Thanks,
Cynthia
Thanks,
Cynthia
Bowflex help...
- Thread starter Cynthia8828
- Start date
I had a bowflex, but since I have been doing Cathe's tapes, have given it away. Mine had the lat pull down bar (which might be standard) and the leg extension. It worked OK, but I found that I don't think I really challenged myself on it. To me it is a lot easier and beneficial (I lost 10 pounds very quickly!) using Cathe's tapes. She provides the motivation and the entire workout, so I didn't have to come up with my own routines. I think they have come out with a new model. I got mine about 1 1/2 years ago.
Nancy
Nancy
Dear Cynthia:
We've had the XTL with lat pull-down bar for a few months. I have a bad back and couldn't work my back or legs much without it (no gym for 70 miles). I'm glad no one video-taped me putting it together, but so far it's holding up very well with almost daily use. Even the DH, who's admired Cathe for years but could never do the tape thing, loves it. I sometimes do parts of Cathe tapes (esp. S&H) on it when I can't provide my own motivation. I don't like it for abs or biceps, still do them pretty much on my own or with Cathe. It really works--DH is doing one of their prescribed workouts and the difference is noticeable. I've been able to increase my free weights and push-ups, etc. since using it. You'll probably find that what they say is twenty pounds feels like a lot less, but you quickly get used to that and adjust accordingly. It's easy to store, move, set up, etc. I've made up an oblique exercise and a front delt exercise for it and really like being able to vary my routine quite easily. For someone who's been injured a lot, I really like how safe it feels. Honestly, I haven't been paid to say any of this! Good luck deciding. Lat bar is extra, but IMHO a big plus.
--Ann
We've had the XTL with lat pull-down bar for a few months. I have a bad back and couldn't work my back or legs much without it (no gym for 70 miles). I'm glad no one video-taped me putting it together, but so far it's holding up very well with almost daily use. Even the DH, who's admired Cathe for years but could never do the tape thing, loves it. I sometimes do parts of Cathe tapes (esp. S&H) on it when I can't provide my own motivation. I don't like it for abs or biceps, still do them pretty much on my own or with Cathe. It really works--DH is doing one of their prescribed workouts and the difference is noticeable. I've been able to increase my free weights and push-ups, etc. since using it. You'll probably find that what they say is twenty pounds feels like a lot less, but you quickly get used to that and adjust accordingly. It's easy to store, move, set up, etc. I've made up an oblique exercise and a front delt exercise for it and really like being able to vary my routine quite easily. For someone who's been injured a lot, I really like how safe it feels. Honestly, I haven't been paid to say any of this! Good luck deciding. Lat bar is extra, but IMHO a big plus.
--Ann
H
honeybunch
Guest
If you have the means to get one, I think it's great to have a Bowflex to switch off with your tapes. Sometimes if you have very stubborn legs like me, you need the extra work that you can get only from machines.
Cynthia:
The routine I generally used with my Bowflex combined both cardio and strength. I also have a nordic trac, so I would do 5 minutes on the nordic trac as hard as I could push myself, then I switched to the Bowflex and worked one muscle group, then back to the nordic trac for 5 minutes, and so on until I had worked all of the muscle groups. I had originally bought the Bowflex for the leg extension/curls. I know this attachment is optional, but was worth it to work these muscles in a different way than you can doing standing leg work with weights. This attachment goes on the end of the bench and takes up a little more room than just the basic set-up. In order to fold it up to move it out of the way, you need to take off this attachment. The Bowflex also turns into a rowing machine, so you get the benefit of being able to use it as a cardio workout.
As I said before, I guess I never really pushed myself using it, so probably never took advantage of all its benefits. And it is a lot easier for me to use someone else's routines, instead of coming up with my own.
Nancy
The routine I generally used with my Bowflex combined both cardio and strength. I also have a nordic trac, so I would do 5 minutes on the nordic trac as hard as I could push myself, then I switched to the Bowflex and worked one muscle group, then back to the nordic trac for 5 minutes, and so on until I had worked all of the muscle groups. I had originally bought the Bowflex for the leg extension/curls. I know this attachment is optional, but was worth it to work these muscles in a different way than you can doing standing leg work with weights. This attachment goes on the end of the bench and takes up a little more room than just the basic set-up. In order to fold it up to move it out of the way, you need to take off this attachment. The Bowflex also turns into a rowing machine, so you get the benefit of being able to use it as a cardio workout.
As I said before, I guess I never really pushed myself using it, so probably never took advantage of all its benefits. And it is a lot easier for me to use someone else's routines, instead of coming up with my own.
Nancy
How easy or hard is it to change from exercise to exercise on a Bowflex. Does it take a lot of "taking apart and putting together"?
www.goldsgym.com came out with something that looks like the old Bowflex model but costs only between $500 - $600.
www.goldsgym.com came out with something that looks like the old Bowflex model but costs only between $500 - $600.
I found it very fast and easy to change exercizes. You are only changing cable hookups, so it's done fairly quickly. If you are using the leg extension attachment, you also need to change the seat, but this was also fast and easy.
I haven't seen the Golds Gym model, so can't tell you if it works just like the Bowflex or has all of the same features.
For example, does the seat adjust into an incline bench? Can it be turned into a rowing machine?
Nancy
I haven't seen the Golds Gym model, so can't tell you if it works just like the Bowflex or has all of the same features.
For example, does the seat adjust into an incline bench? Can it be turned into a rowing machine?
Nancy
[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON Jul-22-02 AT 04:01PM (Est)[/font][p]Hi All...
We bought a bowflex last Sept 2001....but have not used it much....only a few times....
Cause we have now invested in a bigger home gym.....
However we are looking to sell ours...its fully loaded...
Lat pull down....leg extension.....squat attachment.....etc...
We paid $2900.00 CDN....
And willing to sell for $1200.00 CDN....
We live near Toronto, Ontario...
Maple, Ontario to be exact....
If you are interested...let me know
Jenn
[email protected]
We bought a bowflex last Sept 2001....but have not used it much....only a few times....
Cause we have now invested in a bigger home gym.....
However we are looking to sell ours...its fully loaded...
Lat pull down....leg extension.....squat attachment.....etc...
We paid $2900.00 CDN....
And willing to sell for $1200.00 CDN....
We live near Toronto, Ontario...
Maple, Ontario to be exact....
If you are interested...let me know
Jenn
[email protected]
WD
Cathlete
I have had a bowflex now since March. I love it. It is quick to change the weight. There is not a lot to change unless you are using the squat attachment or extensiion attachment. I use mine in different ways. It has been good with the slow and heavy workout. I set up the squat attachment ahead of time . It allows me to go heavier with the squats as I can't get more than 70 lbs up on my shoulders.
Sue
Sue