Are they worth it? I am in need of a home gym as the only gym around me closed down (small town) and im considering this as an option, whats everyones opinion on them?
A “good” bowflex setup is going to cost you more than weights, a couple bars and a power rack will… And free weights are better.
That last sentence is just my opinion, though.
I second the opinion that a power rack and free weight is a cheaper and better option.
I bought a basic set up of rack, adjustable bench, heavy duty mat and 500lb olympic bar and weights for about 800$ delivered to my door.
Have used it in a few apartments and houses and all the floors held up fine even with the bar fully loaded and my 210 lbs added on.
A bow flex would be nice to have in addition to a rack and free weights but if I had to use only one it would definitely be the rack.
OUTSTANDING marketing that has allowed them to survive and thrive over the years.
Limited Space? Apartment?
Much better than sitting on your ass, eating Twinkies and doing nothing.
However (as has been brought out in the past)…almost ALL the models used over the years in their ads built their physiques with Free Weights and close attention to diet…
Mufasa
Free weights are superior, don’t get fooled. With a squat rack or power cage and a set of weights you can do all the basics. Ebay and craigslist have used equipment at great prices if you’re willing to dig and be patient.
The Bowflex was featured in Kung Pow! Enter the Fist. That movie made me laugh. This is hardly a thoughtful criterion for an argument, though. I’d say go with the Power Rack, as well.
[quote]pushharder wrote:
Mufasa wrote:
…almost ALL the models used over the years in their ads built their physiques with Free Weights and close attention to diet…
Mufasa
“Almost”?[/quote]
LOL!
I stand corrected, Push!
(Excellent marketing over the years, though; with some of the best Fitness Models in the business…)
Mufasa
I think Wendler says it best:
Question on EliteFTS:
7/25/2007 12:06:22 PM - Gary H So maybe you guys need a good laugh so here goes. I’ve come to a point in my life where it is hard to get into the gym due to work, family, ect, ect…I don’t life heavy much anymore due to a few injuries and such. I was wondering if I could get an opion on what you guy’s think about the Boflex. I was thinking about getting one, and wanted to know if its good enough to build muscle and strength. PS: I know you won’t be able to squat a ton by using it!
Wendlers reply:
Gary,
I don’t even know what to say to this question.
You know. The readers know. I know.
We all know the answer to this question.
This is all you need:
Power Rack
Great Bar
Weights
Bench to put in power rack
Place to pull off of the ground
That’s it.
So according to the Bowflex website (I have it bookmarked) here is the payments for the Bowflex.
Payments as low as
$35/month
or $2,299
Now let’s do some comparing:
EFS 2x2 Power Rack w/ chin bar - $734
Dumbbell flat bench - 215
Texas Power Bar - $245
500lbs of weights - $270
Right now we are looking at $1464 before shipping. Get some plywood to bolt the rack down to, and some accessory stuff (wraps, chalk, some bands to do accessory work with etc.) and you are good to go.
I’m not whoring myself out too much because I would MUCH rather you get any kind of rack then a Bowflex. You gotta keep training alive. And Bowflex isn’t going to do this.