Crossbow vs. inexpensive multi-gym

[Humanhair]

I have been thinking about getting a Crossbow and I've read dozens of reviews (including a few opinions from people on this site). But the thing I don't really get is why buy a Crossbow for $499 when you can buy a universal-type multi-gym with weights for about the same money? Is it because the crossbow is lighter and can be stored away, whereas the weight machine is too heavy to do that? Is there any other kind of advantage to the crossbow, for example, any advantage to resistance training (like that it stretches your muscles or something?) over weights? I am just really trying to figure out where to put my money and I do fear that the crossbow might fall out of fashion, whereas the universal is the classic, tried-and-true piece of equipment. However, if people really like their crossbow, why do they like it over a weight machine? Thanks for any feedback!
Caroline

 

[kathryn]

The advantages of the Crossbow (given that both machines are about the same quality) would be adaptability of movement to fit you. WIth cable systems like the crossbow, you can get into your own groove as far as what movement pattern works best for you (for example, what track works best on your shoulders when you do overhead presses). With a multigym, many of the movements are locked into a specific pattern, which may not fit you, especially if you're a woman (I think they make most gym equipment to better fit men).

Taking the same overhead press example, the bar that you press up follows a set track, that you can't change. It may make you press your arms too far backward. Also, when I do overhead presses, I always use dumbbells and have my palms either fully facing in, or at least angled somewhat inward, otherwise I have impingement problems. I could do it "my way" on the Crossbow, but not on the multi gym.

Another reason people might prefer the Crossbow is that the resistance comes from the bending of the "bows", rather than a stack of weight plates. This would make the Crossbow lighter and moveable, whereas the multigym would pretty much just have to stay where you put it.

Edited to add: I see that you refer to the Crossbow as "resistance trainïng" vs weight training. Actually, using weights is a form of resistance training (as are bands, isometrics, etc.). It's just that different types of resistance are used.