renodebbie3
Cathlete
Do you use a machine like bowflex or free weights for weight training? I am thinking of getting a bowflex does anyone use one now?
Thanks for any input.
Thanks for any input.
bowflex vs. free weights
- Thread starter renodebbie3
- Start date
tricia
Cathlete
Debbie,
I don't have a Bowflex, but my In-Laws do, so I've used it before. I go back and forth about wanting one of these (actually, now I want the Weider Crossbow -only $500.00 instead of $1500.00+). My DH told me he recently read in one of his magazines (M&F or Men's Health, I think) that a Bowflex is great for maintaining tone and fitness. However; if you want to increase muscle strength or seriously train with weights that Free weights are better. (We actually went out this past weekend and got the complete free weight set up.)
I hope that helps a little! I guess I want it both ways........
I don't have a Bowflex, but my In-Laws do, so I've used it before. I go back and forth about wanting one of these (actually, now I want the Weider Crossbow -only $500.00 instead of $1500.00+). My DH told me he recently read in one of his magazines (M&F or Men's Health, I think) that a Bowflex is great for maintaining tone and fitness. However; if you want to increase muscle strength or seriously train with weights that Free weights are better. (We actually went out this past weekend and got the complete free weight set up.)
I hope that helps a little! I guess I want it both ways........
I have a Bowflex because after back surgery I needed a way to work legs, back, and other things without putting too much strain on my back. I love it for those things, but I would not find it necessary at all without my injury. It is well made, convenient, safe, and very versatile. When I do Cathe workouts, I use it for squats, rows of all angles (it's the only way I've found to do lat pull-downs in the home), and sometimes triceps push-downs in place of dips.
--Ann
--Ann
eminenz2
Cathlete
Ann -
TO do the squats, did you have to buy the squat attachment separately or does one of the models already come "squat-ready"?
My husband has really been wanting a bowflex - but we just don't have the room in our teeny townhouse, even though it does fold up (the bowflex, not the TH - haha).
Thanks,
Susan G.
TO do the squats, did you have to buy the squat attachment separately or does one of the models already come "squat-ready"?
My husband has really been wanting a bowflex - but we just don't have the room in our teeny townhouse, even though it does fold up (the bowflex, not the TH - haha).
Thanks,
Susan G.
WD
Cathlete
I have a Bowflex and love it. I am wanting to add resistance to mine. I only have the one that goes to 210 lbs. It really depends on what I am doing. Leg Extensions and curls are fine. I do 120 lb leg extensions and 80lb hamstring curls, I do leg presses and the calf raises that I use all of the weight for and do not find it challenging enough at 210 lbs. I use it with Cathe's Slow and Heavy workout and do the squats with it at 140 lbs.. I do 70 lbs with a barbell. I think different equipment seems different. I think a barbell feels different than dumbbells. I feel it really helps me to work harder than when I have to lift a barbell over my head.
Diane Sue
Diane Sue
Since I can't do the squatting motion anymore (weight on back, standing) I replicate the motion on the bowflex with "leg press" which is a move you can do as long as you have a model with the sliding bench seat.
I think the squat bar that you can get is additional to the basic set up. Like WD I have maxed out the leg press with the basic weights and plan to upgrade to get more resistance. I'm not sure how the actual squat bar works.
I had a good experience with the sales person on the phone when I was deciding which model to buy...no pushiness, just good information. You might try calling them. Good luck.
--Ann
I think the squat bar that you can get is additional to the basic set up. Like WD I have maxed out the leg press with the basic weights and plan to upgrade to get more resistance. I'm not sure how the actual squat bar works.
I had a good experience with the sales person on the phone when I was deciding which model to buy...no pushiness, just good information. You might try calling them. Good luck.
--Ann
tricia
Cathlete
Hi Diane Sue,
I just wanted to note that my Father in Law (Does that make him my DFL?) - anyway, he uses the Bowflex pretty regularly. When he spent the week with us, he went with my DH to the gym. Going on the weights he used with the Bowflex, he loaded up the machine - and couldn't budge the weight! (I think there was a little competitive nature coming out, he was trying to show off for his son, you know?)
Just wanted to say that there are others who've experienced just what you're talking about as far as different equipment/different results.
I still want one, just for the option of that variety! I know it would be great with some of Cathe's weight workouts (Like S&H).
Maybe someday............
I just wanted to note that my Father in Law (Does that make him my DFL?) - anyway, he uses the Bowflex pretty regularly. When he spent the week with us, he went with my DH to the gym. Going on the weights he used with the Bowflex, he loaded up the machine - and couldn't budge the weight! (I think there was a little competitive nature coming out, he was trying to show off for his son, you know?)
Just wanted to say that there are others who've experienced just what you're talking about as far as different equipment/different results.
I still want one, just for the option of that variety! I know it would be great with some of Cathe's weight workouts (Like S&H).
Maybe someday............