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your opinion on bowflex equipment please

T

tanuaz

TUG Member
Joined
Jun 11, 2005
Messages
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Location
arizona
We are looking at a bowflex extreme for a gift and would like to know if they are worth the $ - we want to stay around $500 (this one will be $600) but not sure if for that price we will get something that will last or be a pain to use/store etc

Thanks for your help!
 
If they have a nice spot for it, then yes, it is worth every penny. Very simple to use and really is durable. I wish I had room for one.
 
We purchased ours at Costco last year. It is a very good machine, however you do need a permanent area where it will remain and have enough clearance to use the weights and leg extenders. It does take some time when you set-up your routines for changing positions and weight. It really is a full workout machine. The warranty on the Bowflex is excellent and they provide a good workout CD where you can keep track of your routines. We also have a large Octane Elliptical in the same room so between the two pieces of equipment, we do not require anything else.
 
It is a bit of trouble, but if space is limited, it will fold up small enough to slide under a bed (my model does at least). But the best feature is that it doesn't use conventional weights so doesn't weigh as much as conventional weight machines. It is a good sturdy machine that should serve for many years
 
It will be a tad bit frustrating at first learning to change the set-up for various exercises, but once you get a set of routines down and repeatedly do it it goes very smoothly. IMO if you are going to buy any type of equipment of the nature, the Bowflexx is by far the best option. Good luck!
 
Thank you! I got the specs on-line so will have to go home and measure her room - just wasn't sure if it was hype on TV (or if there is a better brand to consider) - we bought a woman's weight bench a few years ago and it tips over, so not real safe :( My brother has a weider that he thinks might be comparable ( I think they cost less), will try to get over and try his out, but this sale ends Saturday...
 
all the extra lil "bars" provide room for far more clothing to hang off it than regular exercise equipment!
 
tanuaz said:
Thank you! I got the specs on-line so will have to go home and measure her room - just wasn't sure if it was hype on TV (or if there is a better brand to consider) - we bought a woman's weight bench a few years ago and it tips over, so not real safe :( My brother has a weider that he thinks might be comparable ( I think they cost less), will try to get over and try his out, but this sale ends Saturday...
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Weider makes a good product as well, although I am not sure on their warranty policy and number of available different workouts. The one weider I have tried worked ok, but is in a different(lower) class than the Bowflex IMO. If $$$ is any issue at all, and the person using it is not a total fitness freak, the weider would work fine.
 
tanuaz said:
Thank you! I got the specs on-line so will have to go home and measure her room - just wasn't sure if it was hype on TV (or if there is a better brand to consider) - we bought a woman's weight bench a few years ago and it tips over, so not real safe :( My brother has a weider that he thinks might be comparable ( I think they cost less), will try to get over and try his out, but this sale ends Saturday...
Click to expand...

Nice thing is that you don't need a spotter for Bowflex. I work out alone.
 
I have warned her we are not buying her a clothes hanger :eek:

No, actually she did really well with her videos and free weights at home until she got sick and couldn't work out for a couple years, now that she can, she is really out of shape and wants to get in there and get back to where she was so I think it sounds like the bowflex will be worth the extra $. Now to find the space......
 
I would recommend a good treadmill instead, one that is quiet enough to go into your bedroom (conveniency helps your motivation to use it). I couch potato too much with TV and do get up and walk a half hour show once in a while instead of looking at its flashing light. :)

Other exercise machines (I also have a Health Rider and a bunch of others down the basement) are just too boring for me ... but going for a walk watching the Girls Next Door is kinda fun. My dog even uses it once in a while! However, neither of us use it enough.

Brian
 
TUG Improvements! said:
all the extra lil "bars" provide room for far more clothing to hang off it than regular exercise equipment!
Click to expand...

Maybe try one out at gym before you buy one or see above quote.
 
Maybe get a bullworker for $60.00 on ebay.
 
I agree with Ken. If you have to take out and put away equipment, that will get old really fast and probably won't be used. The out of sight out of mind theory.

Have you considered purchasing used equipment? Craigslist, ebay, classified ads. I've purchased several pieces of exercise equipment used that were in great shape for a good price. In the end, if it doesn't get used, you can probably sell it for what you purchased it for if you bought it used at a good price. People have great intentions and end of selling their "coat Hangers" which many times have rarely been used. Their loss could be your gain.
 
I bought a (barely) used unit for less than 30% of the original price. And it was assembled too! (Maybe that wore out the original owner!)

My unit has wheels and is movable (to keep my wife happy).

We both are inconsistent users. We'd be more consistent users it we weren't constantly going to timeshares!
 
Thanks for all the suggestions - definitely things to think about.

I have a treadmill she can use, we just felt the bowflex would be more of a total body workout.

We have a used sports equipment store here in town, but have never found anything but trash there so a little concerned about buying ebay etc.

I have told her she should wait and research/try some out first, but this is 50% off and the sale ends tomorrow and she is afraid she'll miss out.

We've decided once we set it up it will stay there so we don't have to worry about moving it.

Will have to look at a bullworker, not familiar with that.

Off to check out some of your suggestions and see what we come up with - thanks! Please keep them coming!
 
I'm one of those people that needs "separation" - while I do have some opportunity for working from home, I like going to an office and knowing I'm done when I leave. Same thing with working out - I like to Go Somewhere and that's Where I Do That. The workout videos at home are rarely used.

I belong to a fabulous health club that is on my way home from work and I love it. I know that gyms are not for everyone, and it can be a total crapshoot on finding one you like at a price you will pay at a facility that is well-maintained, but, the variety of activities I am offered is astounding.

Assuming your wife really wants to only work out at home, I would still suggest finding one of those trial memberships just to try out the different equipment to find out what she likes. It shouldn't be hard to find those trial memberships since it's the new year and they're looking for all those people who made resolutions.
 
geekette - we used to belong to a club and the results she gets at home are so much better - there is no longer one on her way home or anywhere near our house - she prefers "privacy" when she works out and the ability to do so whenever she has the time.....so home is the only option for her :rolleyes:

I think between the treadmill, free weights and bowflex she'll have everything covered - The Dr wants her to build muscle, not really concerned with weight right now, other than maintaining it. So just need to find the space to put it.

thx!
 
Anyone have any experience with old bowflexes? I've had one for about 10 years and it's been a great coat hanger. We've decided to try using it...but I'm concerned that the bows could snap and cause injury. I've looked and havent found any top listed concerns about this...I'm just paranoid (or maybe looking for a reason not to use it). Anyone know how realiable those bows are after sitting essentially unused for 10 years? Thanks for any info.
 
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Between my bowflex & treadmill, both kept in our bedroom, its a complete workout. There's so much to do with a bowflex you can always change your routine to keep it interesting.
 
We looked into buying a Bowflex, but opted for a piece of equipment called the Total Trainer. It's like the Total Gym that Chuck Norris hawks, but is built with better quality and for less then Total Gym. Everyone in our family uses it along with some of my sons' friends. The boys love it.
 
ladycody said:
Anyone have any experience with old bowflexes? I've had one for about 10 years and it's been a great coat hanger. We've decided to try using it...but I'm concerned that the bows could snap and cause injury. I've looked and havent found any top listed concerns about this...I'm just paranoid (or maybe looking for a reason not to use it). Anyone know how realiable those bows are after sitting essentially unused for 10 years? Thanks for any info.
Click to expand...

I've got an "old" Bowlfex. Around 9-10 years old, IIRC. It's gone thru periods of heavy usage and some periods of not-so-heavy usage :( . I just used it this week. I don't think you need be concerned about rod breakage. The rods on mine are still very pliable.
 
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