I'm a college-age male who wants to start working out for the first time. Is Bowflex good for gaining muscle or should I stick with a conventional gym
808356
This particular machine is probably a bit light. if you start lifting seriously, you will probably outgrow this in a year. I would either get a Bowflex that allows adding rods, or go with free weights.
808357
Hi Ryan ....I personally prefer the bowflex...ten years we stored one of our kids bowflex so I started using it.....three years later he took it...I really missed it as it toned muscles and strengthened them....since then we've had the total gym and have done crossfit.....went back to the bowflex and am very happy we did.....the combination of the power rods (210lbs) gives me all the resistance I need for muscle strength and toning .....I also like the idea that I can exercise on my time....I would recommend this for building muscles and toning...HAPPY EXERCISING!
808358
All I can tell you is that I wish I had access to a Bowflex when I was 20. Dealing with weights is noisy and dangerous. I used a first generation Bowflex for more than 15 years as a "maintainer". My sons have their own and would support my saying. It is complete even for Abdominals. I decided to replace it - not it was needed- and for one 3rd of the price of my first one I got more. My Blowflex is in my screen porch all year long . It did not suffer being outside.
808359
The bo flex will help greatly with gaining muscle and can help with some mass gains. Keep in mind 2 things...the difference between muscle and mass as well as sticking to a good routine. Also, this machine does allow for heavier rods to be added later. The base rods can be attached to do up to 100 lbs a side. The heavier rods, if I remember correctly, allow up to 300 lbs a side and are relatively inexpensive.
808360
Well if you're like me and you attend school and work and most likely don't have much time to visit a gym, then I think the Bowflex home-gym will sufficeI like that it uses a resistance mechanism as opposed to just dead weight lifting.Keep in mind you'll need a partner to assemble the machine.Hope that helps man.
808361
Whatever floats your boat Ryan, be at the gym or at your dorm. Living here in Upstate NY, winters are sometimes not conducive to driving 5 miles to a health center, since we live in the country. Therefore this Home Gym suits our needs, especially during those wintery times. Good luck.
2264394
I use it without supplements and it works fine for me. You will need heavier dumbbells and a bench or a stability ball. But if that is all you have at the moment OR depending on your strength level, it may be fine to start.
2231882
Hi Nathan, I'm 5'6". Positioning yourself properly will help. Starting with lower weight and working up from there will also help. The real advantage of this equipment is that, used properly, it stretches your muscles and joints AND that it engages your core and many support muscles with each exercise. You get a better workout in less time. Make sure you position yourself properly, are doing the exercises correctly and don't use more weight than you are comfortable with. Better to do more reps so that you also get an aerobic workout.
1940683
Yes and no. I don't think that's the answer you were looking for so I'll explain. I changed from weight lifting to the rack for a couple reasons, one being a health issue, degenerative disc in my back which greatly limits the amount I'm able to lift. When I changed to the rack I didn't expect what I got. I had noticeable gains in my arms, chest and back. Legs not so much. If you stick to the schedule and routine you will absolutely get results but you're limited to the results you'll get. The rack only weighs so much, even if you get the additional weights. If you wanna look like Arnold then you wanna stick with the gym and the weights. If you wanna build a little muscle, burn fat and get toned then the rack is more than worth the money you'll pay to get it. That's just my opinion but I stand by the rack. Ive had mine for over a year and still use it to this day. Hope this helps!
1642109
Yes when it came down to using them I had to drop down a little in weight do to my body activating different muscles I've haven't really used for stability, bench pressing with them are must!! Over all they've worked very well with any type of bars but I've have best success with barbells and dumbbells. The Gripz are made from pretty durable rubber. I won't recommend using during deadlifts. Also when it came to using easy-curl bars it's a awkward grip I'm not to comfortable with. I personally have not used anything else for forearm strengthening. But I can recommend the manta ray for helping out squats and lunges. Hopes this May help out. Yes when it came down to using them I had to drop down a little in weight do to my body activating different muscles I've haven't really used for stability, bench pressing with them are must!! Over all they've worked very well with any type of bars but I've have best success with barbells and dumbbells. The Gripz are made from pretty durable rubber. I won't recommend using during deadlifts. Also when it came to using easy-curl bars it's a awkward grip I'm not to comfortable with. I personally have not used anything else for forearm strengthening. But I can recommend the manta ray for... » Read More Yes when it came down to using them I had to drop down a little in weight do to my body activating different muscles I've haven't really used for stability, bench pressing with them are must!! Over all they've worked very well with any type of bars but I've have best success with barbells and dumbbells. The Gripz are made from pretty durable rubber. I won't recommend using during deadlifts. Also when it came to using easy-curl bars it's a awkward grip I'm not to comfortable with. I personally have not used anything else for forearm strengthening. But I can recommend the manta ray for helping out squats and lunges. Hopes this May help out. « Show Less
590088
You could use bands but I think the dumbbells are a better workout. 2 sets of two different weights would be a good start and then more later as you get stronger. As far as how heavy?, that's up to your current strength level but starting lighter is smarter as you are required to use them and focus on balance at the same time. I recommend a chin up bar but it does not need to be fancy. I also recommend the medicine balls. I bought an 8# and 10# ball which has its advantages and disadvantages. I have 2 different weights to use with the different exercises but when you have to use them both, the two sizes make it asymmetrical but still workable. I may buy another one of each since 4 balls come in handy for the later workouts. I really enjoy rolling out the muscle groups and think a foam roller is important but it does not need to be expensive. Cheap ones may get flattened after a short while so I wouldn't get too cheap with this item. Hope this helps.
1371425
Thanks, A. Gil..I was skeptical about buying this product at first, but your post has helped me to select the right unit, which will be the "basic" model. I do a lot of Crossfit style workouts, and this will definitely add to the intensity and variety.
1213520
the thing about the suspension straps they require you to incorporate a lot of assistant muscles to aid with the exercises I wouldnt recommend that for someone just starting to get back into working out maybe once you've been working out and you wanted to find the yourself further in your workouts and you need help with muscles that will stabilize your core and other routines a little bit more profoundly
818150
I think so but to be certain go to a local fitness center and try one out first!
1355787
Possibly, though I'd just use free weights if building muscle is you objective, take a look at the various interlocked dumbbell sets, pricey but will last a life time - just my opinion.
1801011
Flat/Decline Bench Press, Squat, Calf raises,....there are tons of options.That being said, do NOT drop these weights like you'd do with solid iron dumbbells.
1988443
I am not a fitness expert, but I use this in moderate amounts when I'm building up and in light amount when I'm not to prevent loss of mass. I am 57 years old, never in sports or military, and was told I could not build muscles at my age. But proved that to be very wrong, as I built my left arm from almost nothing - to being larger and stronger than my right arm (which also grew, but received less work due to shoulder injury). As my left bicep was so small, I am sure I did not just invigorate the existing tissue. I also make my own protein bars with whey and take CLA.
1064346
The one thing that is stressed in the manual is that u can't be over 300 hundred lds!!!!! Why don't u call Bowflex and ask yourself.
1749672
Big upgrades. A lot more exercises, and Bowflex Xtreme 2 is the no-change cable pulley system. This allows the user to change from several different exercises without interrupting the workout to adjust or re-route pulleys. The no-change cable feature not only saves time, but prevents too long of a rest between movement. They made big improvements over the se. In my opinion it's worth spending the couple hundred for the 2se. I own the 2se and love it and so much better over the previous as I owned that as well.
1308168
Hello. I am looking to gain some serious muscle and weight. I am 5'11" 160lbs. I am wanting to be around 200lbs within a reachable time frame. I know it doesn't happen over night. I was thinking the Bowflex Motivator would be a good choice. What do you think Lynne? Any advice on what foods to eat or supplements to further speed the process up? ThanksAaron
1214942
Get the Elite version of this bar--it comes with a crossbar that keeps the pull-up bar stable. If u have that version but want to stabilize it more, use a couple 40+ lb dumb bells on the bottom bars to weigh it down. Works great for me and I'm a 220 pound 6'2" dude.
1485089
yes. either bands or free weights. i find weights easier than the bands to use. you can start with something relatively light and buy more as you get stronger.