Bowflex vs. free weights

[Nooklear]

Hey everyone. I was wondering what all of your opinions on the bowflex are. I have one, and I really like it for certain exercises, especially chest flys and tricep push-downs. Its also nice for seated rows and lat pulldowns.

Whenever I use dumbells for chest flys, I don't get as much of a burn as when I use the bowflex. Should I stick with the bowflex or should I use dumbells? I always hear people saying that free weights are the best. What do you all think?

[Patrick_Bateman]

Bowflex is the greatest invention of the last 400 years, if you want to get huge and ripped forget about free weights, diet and steroids.....all you need is bowflex.

[krenalor]

I got a smith machine, another full body machine, and a weight bench for less then the bowflex. Depends if you have the room I think, the bowflex hardly takes up any room. My stuff takes up an entire room but is $700.00 cheaper.

[TrainedMind]

Bowflex is limited: forget what bateman said. I don't know if he gets paid for saying that but that is totally out of line *turns whining off*
Free weights gives you the best workout and you will never benefit the same with using bowflex. The only reason you don't get the same burn with free weights is that you are not using enough weights to do your exercises. try using 80 pounds and you'll see what I mean..goodluck

[Cros054]

Greatest invention in the last 400 years? Don't think so. If your not getting the same burn, make sure your form is right and you are giving yourself enough weight.

[Nooklear]

K. Thanks everyone. I'll try upping the weight and checking my form when I'm doing those chest flys. I still have to use the bowflex for tricep push downs and my lat pull downs though. I don't have anything else to do it with.

[Hockey]

Originally Posted by Nooklear

Hey everyone. I was wondering what all of your opinions on the bowflex are. I have one, and I really like it for certain exercises, especially chest flys and tricep push-downs. Its also nice for seated rows and lat pulldowns.

Whenever I use dumbells for chest flys, I don't get as much of a burn as when I use the bowflex. Should I stick with the bowflex or should I use dumbells? I always hear people saying that free weights are the best. What do you all think?

It's obvious...free weights stimulate more muscle...

Doing flys with free weights...not only are you trying to arc them togather in a synchronized fashion...but you must also prevent the weights from becoming top or bottom heavy (falling behind your head or on your balls - excellent insentive IMHO).

In the case of flys...free weights require you to use muscles to both perform the motion laterally and prevent the dumbells from moving longitudinally (not sure if thats correct term but you get the idea).

Systems like bowflex simply don't give you that edge...

Your likely getting more of burn from your bowflex simply because you can physically apply more resistance to your chest...

25 pounds resistance on a system is easier than 25 free weights...

If you simply can't press 25Lbs free weight and say only 10Lbs...but on your system you can press 25 Lbs...it's possible your stressing your muscles more right now on your system...or it's possible it's completely psychosomatic

Systems are a great way of developing asymmetric muscles...dumb bells are best...for instance...I injured my right should years ago...so when I bench press with a bar or system...I have a tendancy to assist my right side by pushing more with my left...now there is a noticable difference between my right side and left...

Always go free weight if you can...not to say systems aren't good...but for things you "can" do free weight...do it free weight!!!

Cheers

[strathmeyer]

Just want to point out that the Bowflex is consistantly rated badly among exercise equipment. I've never used one, or a machine like it, but I encourage people to check Consumer Reports before buying TV-marketed exercise equipment.

[Nooklear]

Originally Posted by strathmeyer

Just want to point out that the Bowflex is consistantly rated badly among exercise equipment. I've never used one, or a machine like it, but I encourage people to check Consumer Reports before buying TV-marketed exercise equipment.

Yeah, but the thing is that my step father already bought one a few years ago. So I might as well use it if I already have it. Especially since I have a limited selection of equipment.

[superroger]

Originally Posted by Patrick_Bateman

Bowflex is the greatest invention of the last 400 years, if you want to get huge and ripped forget about free weights, diet and steroids.....all you need is bowflex.

Thats the stupidest thing Ive heard in the last 400 years.

[robinson28]

I agree.Especially when everyone knows the Thigh Master is the greatest exercise invention of all time.

[Mighty Mouse]

bowflex is retarded.

my trainers buddy wanted him to come test his new bowflex so badly...he finally did and broke it. He's a strong summnabittch

[Patrick_Bateman]

Proof that BowFlex is the greatest exercise equipmenmt ever created.



http://www.ironmagazineforums.com/sh...ad.php?t=61598

[Freek]

With the Bowflex, the first 3 to 6 inches of motion do not place the same amount of load as the last 3 to 6 inches due to the nature of the bow. This is not good since muscle growth is maximized when the maximum load is applied while the muscle is being stretched (ie with bench press at the bottom of the press.)

That being said, the bowflex is better than nothing. I would incorperate free weights with the bowflex to maximize growth. But don't let it stop your workouts.

Cheers.

[loveandwar44]

Any idiot will see that bowfelx is crap. Get a gym membership.

[Nooklear]

Originally Posted by loveandwar44

Any idiot will see that bowfelx is crap. Get a gym membership.

Wish I could...but I'm sorta stuck at home and tight on cash. The bowflex was purchased by my step father a while back, and nobody but me uses it. I really only use it for exercises that I would need a machine for. Lat pulldowns, tricep pushdowns, seated rows, etc...

[Mad120987]

its better than nothign but if you can use freeweights, take advantage of them.

[superroger]

Originally Posted by Nooklear

Wish I could...but I'm sorta stuck at home and tight on cash. The bowflex was purchased by my step father a while back, and nobody but me uses it. I really only use it for exercises that I would need a machine for. Lat pulldowns, tricep pushdowns, seated rows, etc...

Like Freek said earlier if its the only thing you have, its better than nothing. But don't listen to that idiot bateman. If it was that great every pro bodybuilder would use it, and last time i checked NOBODY does. I have mine collecting dust in the garage. I only used it for about 2 months when i was new at this sport. (worst investment ever)

[RRAdam]

No comparison - if i had limited space, I might.... No, on second thought I would rather just pay an outrageous amount of money for a "health club" membership that at least has free weights. I could see myself breaking a bowflex - The thing would have to be bolted to the ground.

[vassille]

Originally Posted by Cros054

Greatest invention in the last 400 years? Don't think so. If your not getting the same burn, make sure your form is right and you are giving yourself enough weight.

He said it sarcasticly fellows!