Is the investment in a Bowflex really worth it? Anyone have other home gym recommendations?
IronMaster makes much better adjustable free weights than Bowflex. They are expensive - but much higher quality and they have a lifetime warranty.
The IronMaster home gym system is incredibly well designed. The bench converts to support dips bars, pull-ups, inverted cruches etc.
Bowflex doesn't use solid metal like at a gym because they are trying to cut costs. Ironmaster is gym-quality.
19 Answers
Personally I dont think so. The reason i say this is because it seems everyone that ive know that has purchased one was all for it for it for the first month then after that it just sat and collected dust. Id say you would be better off getting a gym membership.
I second the bodyweight exercises.
Get a pull up bar (like the Perfect Pullup) so you can take it out of the doorway when you aren't using it. Doing pullups lets you lift more weight than you could at the gym (because it is your own body) and you'll always be in the right form.
Leave the thing in the doorway and tell yourself you need to do as many as you can each time you walk under it. You'll be amazed at your results within a week (assuming you start at 0).
No investment in home gym is ever worth it - as noted - you play with it a month & then forget it.
That said - use low-cost investments like hand-weights, exercise dvds etc.
My personal favorite is Wii Fit & Balance ball (the secret to great abs is balance & variety of exercises)
I would not invest in the Bowflex at all. if you want to spend any amount of many I would recommend purchasing the p90x dvd's. They are affordable and you will see results if you are willing to do the work. I am not a salesperson but have personally done the workouts and it is serious.
good luck
I found a bowflex somebody was tossing away -- perfect condition, and I STILL don't use it. I collects dust outside, meanwhile, I have a pull up bar i use every day and a few dumbbells. This is great for at home, and will keep you fit and strong, though if you want serious results, youll end up needing a gym membership.
The only reason home gym systems work in the short term is the guilt of purchasing the "all-in-one." Even though you don't enjoy it, you have to somehow justify the absurd purchase you just made.
I've found that old fashioned push-ups and sit-ups do a lot more than you would think. I've almost become addicted to doing push-ups at work.
After a week of doing each activity regularly, you'll be able to knock down 30 push-ups and 60 sit-ups in one go. Rinse and repeat 4 or 5 times a day and you'll be amazed.
The problem with home gym systems, Bowflex included, is you won't get enough variety in your work out. Nothing beats going to the gym but for days you can't I would suggest getting a set of dumbbells to lift and doing bodyweight exercises.