Bowflex Tips

Want a Bowflex . . . which one to get? My husband and I are planning to buy a Bowflex - should we get a Bowflex Sport Plus Home Gym that I can get for a good price used, or is it ...

Bowflex Sport Home Gym Brand:BowflexFitness Type:Weight Training EquipmentSports Type:Personal FitnessWeight Training Equipment Type:Home Gyms • Weight Tra...

The reason is the Bowflex Sport. It has taken me many years (and several similar Bowflex machines) to get to the level I have currently attained; however, I must say that I believe, and have heard from others, that I have gained a better look and overall level of fitness through using the Bowflex line of machines than I would have with regular free weights. This is probably the lowest-grade Bowflex machine (and most affordable), but unless you are a real weightlifting beast or massive stallion and need 600 pounds of resistance for most exercises to become challenging, I have found that the Sport gets the job done and provides a great introduction to working out for first-timers and is also an adequate machine for everyday users who do not want to spend hours in the gym like myself. I like to be able to maintain my look from home and this machine has afforded me the possibility to do just that. Further, this machine will fit into most homes’ spare rooms and thus can even replace the cost of a gym membership for most individuals if used to its’ fullest capacity. This compact machine measures seven feet one inch in height, seven feet six inches in length and is merely three foot two inches wide. The machine can be folded and stored in many walk-in closets if the user would like to clear more space in their home-gym area. Bowflex currently offers the machine for $899, but it can be found for less at many online retailers.

I guess first things first here, as an informational caveat for the novice, this machine is not your standard type of work out machine, nor does it come with any free weights per se. It is a resistance training machine and comes with Power Rods which are simply that, rods that hook into cable pulleys within the machine and offer powerful levels of resistance in a controlled environment. This particular machine offers just over 200 pounds (210) of resistance upon purchase. Further, 200 extra pounds can eventually be added, if need be, for around $1 a pound in 100 pound increments. To be honest, I am a man of six feet three inches and two hundred pounds and I feel that the resistance provided is more than adequate for most exercises other than a select few for the chest, legs and buttocks, of which an extra 100 pounds or higher-grade Bowflex machine may be necessary. If you are a novice or casual user, my estimation is that the two-hundred ten pounds of resistance originally provided will be plenty in many cases.

I am a big proponent of safety when working out, and I firmly believe this particular machine (and the Bowflex line of machines in general) is among the safest with which to begin to work-out. Lifting weights can be dangerous in a traditional environment because, especially when using free-weights, movements are not controlled and many people believe they are the next Rocky Balboa and begin to lift more than they can/should thus causing muscles to strain or even tear. This machine formulates movements for you by using the pulleys and power rods and thus control can be seen. Further, it allows the user to adjust the pulleys to change the angle of resistance and possibly work separate muscle groups. Of course, many people will still try to lift more than they should, but the negative effects will generally not be as severe as that with free weights. I personally have played tennis for most of my life and have slight shoulder, back and elbow problems and I find that the Bowflex Sport does not irritate what ails me when used properly.

The Sport allows the user to exercise all major muscle groups from the shoulders to the legs. An instruction booklet was provided to me upon purchase which takes the user through the various exercises that are possible. It is important to note this machine seems to emphasize a back workout as it can also act as a rowing machine and contains a back workout tower. The machine further offers a lifetime warranty on the Power Rods (which are surprisingly sturdy) and a 5 year limited warranty on materials and workmanship. The company also guarantees that the user will boost their fitness level in 6 weeks or less. This guaranty is fairly vague and I do not know anyone who has tried to use it, but I do find Bowflex an easy and amicable company to deal with, so therefore I would expect them to deliver upon their word. Some more features as of this machine are as follows:

Over 60 gym-quality exercises

210 pounds of Power Rod� Resistance standard –upgradeable to 410 pounds

Lat tower with angled lat bar - build back and shoulder muscles quickly with this integrated tower

Lower pulley/squat station - use this station to do squats and build your glutes, hamstrings and quads

Leg extension/leg curl attachment - to develop strong, muscular legs

Adjustable seat with Polyurethane cushion

Sliding seat rail for aerobic rowing, leg presses and seated leg curls

Triple function hand-grip/ankle cuffs

Multiple cable/pulley positions - for custom workouts

Owner’s manual/fitness guide

Accessories are also available for purchase such as workout videos and a Pilates kit

All told, I really am satisfied with this, as well as all types of Bowflex machines. This machine is one of the lower-end Bowflex offerings; however, it has really helped me to look and feel great. I would recommend that advanced lifters try the Bowflex Ultimate which I will later review and that complete novices check out some similar and often cheaper offerings from Weider. This type of machine may take some getting used to by free weight lovers, but overall I feel that anyone would not be disappointed in the long run because of the safety benefits and all-in-one capabilities it provides.

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