FREE WEIGHT LIFTER CONSIDERING BOWFLEX

<[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

2 weeks ago I tore my pec. It was a complete tear of the pec tendon
from the humerous bone in my right arm. Had surgery done 1 week ago to
put the tendon back on the bone and I'm looking at some long recovery
time.

I have lifted free weight for the past 10 years and have gotten to 205
at 6 ft, and my bench has gone to 345 (tore pec doing reps at 315).
Needless to say this injury sucked and it is making me rething things.
At 31 I don't want to risk another injury like this and was thinking
about getting a bowflex because I like to work out at home and I'm
pretty certain my days for getting "bigger" are over.

I'm just wondering if anyone else has made the free weight to bowflex
transition and liked it. WAs thinking of getting the Ultimate with all
the [censored]. I'll definitely keep my 90lb powerblock set.

aaron

Bowflex has become a generic name for machines - the Bowflex principle of
using resistance rods is one problem - if you prefer to use a machine - why
not choose the type that uses weights i.e. a weight stack the same as you
would find in health clubs i.e. Cybex etc?

<[email hidden]> wrote in message news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

2 weeks ago I tore my pec. It was a complete tear of the pec tendon
from the humerous bone in my right arm. Had surgery done 1 week ago to
put the tendon back on the bone and I'm looking at some long recovery
time.

I have lifted free weight for the past 10 years and have gotten to 205
at 6 ft, and my bench has gone to 345 (tore pec doing reps at 315).
Needless to say this injury sucked and it is making me rething things.
At 31 I don't want to risk another injury like this and was thinking
about getting a bowflex because I like to work out at home and I'm
pretty certain my days for getting "bigger" are over.

I'm just wondering if anyone else has made the free weight to bowflex
transition and liked it. WAs thinking of getting the Ultimate with all
the [censored]. I'll definitely keep my 90lb powerblock set.

aaron

Uh - how is a Bowflex - or any other machine - going to prevent this
type of injury? I mean, you don't really think that your tendon (or
ligament or muscle) will say to itself "freeweights - I guess it is time
for an injury" or "Ah - a Bowflex - no need for a tear," do you?

Art

What I am saying is that free weights can put you in a predicament for
injury when dealing with heavy poundages. I am only asking if there
are those who transitioned to Bowflex and liked it. I am no longer
interested in putting up 315+ on the bench or squattin 350. I want to
know if anyone is happy using the bowflex to work out the body and
maintain muscle mass.

I normally workout at home and take up a good portion of my basement
with the free weights. I am interested in the bowflex due to its size
and supposed versatility. I am quite aware that freeweights are
superior for size and strength. Again, just wondering if anyone who
has used freeweights in the past like me has had desirable results with
bowflex. If you do not have experiece with this machine, then don't
reply

<[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

What I am saying is that free weights can put you in a predicament for
injury when dealing with heavy poundages. I am only asking if there
are those who transitioned to Bowflex and liked it. I am no longer
interested in putting up 315+ on the bench or squattin 350. I want to
know if anyone is happy using the bowflex to work out the body and
maintain muscle mass.

I normally workout at home and take up a good portion of my basement
with the free weights. I am interested in the bowflex due to its size
and supposed versatility. I am quite aware that freeweights are
superior for size and strength. Again, just wondering if anyone who
has used freeweights in the past like me has had desirable results with
bowflex. If you do not have experiece with this machine, then don't
reply

Yes, I injured myself with free weights and bought a Bowflex because I was
no longer interested in strength gains and I was smitten by the Bowflex
models. I have never been happier - you should buy one.

Happy now?

"Jim Ranieri" <nah,> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

<[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

What I am saying is that free weights can put you in a predicament for
injury when dealing with heavy poundages. I am only asking if there
are those who transitioned to Bowflex and liked it. I am no longer
interested in putting up 315+ on the bench or squattin 350. I want to
know if anyone is happy using the bowflex to work out the body and
maintain muscle mass.

I normally workout at home and take up a good portion of my basement
with the free weights. I am interested in the bowflex due to its size
and supposed versatility. I am quite aware that freeweights are
superior for size and strength. Again, just wondering if anyone who
has used freeweights in the past like me has had desirable results with
bowflex. If you do not have experiece with this machine, then don't
reply

Yes, I injured myself with free weights and bought a Bowflex because I was
no longer interested in strength gains and I was smitten by the Bowflex
models. I have never been happier - you should buy one.

Jim. before I make the jump, how are the blowflex models??

"Lee Michaels" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

"Jim Ranieri" <nah,> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

<[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

What I am saying is that free weights can put you in a predicament for
injury when dealing with heavy poundages. I am only asking if there
are those who transitioned to Bowflex and liked it. I am no longer
interested in putting up 315+ on the bench or squattin 350. I want to
know if anyone is happy using the bowflex to work out the body and
maintain muscle mass.

I normally workout at home and take up a good portion of my basement
with the free weights. I am interested in the bowflex due to its size
and supposed versatility. I am quite aware that freeweights are
superior for size and strength. Again, just wondering if anyone who
has used freeweights in the past like me has had desirable results with
bowflex. If you do not have experiece with this machine, then don't
reply

Yes, I injured myself with free weights and bought a Bowflex because I

was

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

no longer interested in strength gains and I was smitten by the Bowflex
models. I have never been happier - you should buy one.

Jim. before I make the jump, how are the blowflex models??

Lee, I can't promise Bowflex will do for you what it's done for me - but I
can promise that you'll get out what you're willing to put in. So call now,
what do you have to lose? Except a bunch of money and any real hope of
making strength gains?

<[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

What I am saying is that free weights can put you in a predicament for
injury when dealing with heavy poundages. I am only asking if there
are those who transitioned to Bowflex and liked it. I am no longer
interested in putting up 315+ on the bench or squattin 350. I want to
know if anyone is happy using the bowflex to work out the body and
maintain muscle mass.

I normally workout at home and take up a good portion of my basement
with the free weights. I am interested in the bowflex due to its size
and supposed versatility.

What could be more versatile than dumbbells and a rack? With dumbbells you
can lift less weight and still benefit from the additional muscles recruited
as stabilizers. Since you are already familiar with free weights and form,
why not just cut the weight and use dumbbells?

<[email hidden]> wrote in message news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

What I am saying is that free weights can put you in a predicament for
injury when dealing with heavy poundages.

And I am asking why you think that Bowflex (or any other machine) won't.

Quoted message said:

I am only asking if there
are those who transitioned to Bowflex and liked it. I am no longer
interested in putting up 315+ on the bench or squattin 350.

So cut down on the weight.

Quoted message said:

I want to
know if anyone is happy using the bowflex to work out the body and
maintain muscle mass.

I'm sure that there is someone somewhere who is happy using the bowflex,
but this isn't one of the better places to find him/her/them.

Quoted message said:

I normally workout at home and take up a good portion of my basement
with the free weights. I am interested in the bowflex due to its size
and supposed versatility. I am quite aware that freeweights are
superior for size and strength.

You don't seem too much for answering questions, but I'll give it another
try:

1) What can you do with a Bowflex that you can't do with free weights?
2) What is there about a Bowflex that will prevent you from hurting
yourself?

If you've thought about those questions, here are the important ones:

1) It sounds like you've already got the necessary free weights. What do
you gain by spending additional money on the Bowflex?
2) If your concern is hurting yourself by using too much weight, then
why don't you put your ego in check, and lift less weight? You can lift
too much weight with a Bowflex, too.

Quoted message said:

Again, just wondering if anyone who
has used freeweights in the past like me has had desirable results with
bowflex. If you do not have experiece with this machine, then don't
reply

Art

On Mon, 28 Feb 2005 00:16:32 GMT, "David" <[email hidden]>

Quoted message said:

<[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

2 weeks ago I tore my pec. It was a complete tear of the pec tendon
from the humerous bone in my right arm. Had surgery done 1 week ago to
put the tendon back on the bone and I'm looking at some long recovery
time.

I have lifted free weight for the past 10 years and have gotten to 205
at 6 ft, and my bench has gone to 345 (tore pec doing reps at 315).
Needless to say this injury sucked and it is making me rething things.
At 31 I don't want to risk another injury like this and was thinking
about getting a bowflex because I like to work out at home and I'm
pretty certain my days for getting "bigger" are over.

I'm just wondering if anyone else has made the free weight to bowflex
transition and liked it. WAs thinking of getting the Ultimate with all
the [censored]. I'll definitely keep my 90lb powerblock set.

aaron

Bowflex has become a generic name for machines - the Bowflex principle of
using resistance rods is one problem - if you prefer to use a machine - why
not choose the type that uses weights i.e. a weight stack the same as you
would find in health clubs i.e. Cybex etc?

The Bowflex does require you to stabilize the weight (or resistance)
since the hands are free to move in all directions.
Weight stack resistance machines usually take up more room and weigh a
lot more.
Frankly, I coming around to thinking that the bowflex is just fine for
someone with no specific goals other than being in shape.
--
Bob Mann
Help save trees. Wipe your ass with an owl.

"Frankly, I coming around to thinking that the bowflex is just fine for

someone with no specific goals other than being in shape."

Kind of what I was thinking in the first place. I hant even used one
yet but plan on trying one when my pec heals. If I dont like it i was
also considering getting a cage system and yes "letting my ego go" and
lifting lighter weight.

"Bob Mann" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

On Mon, 28 Feb 2005 00:16:32 GMT, "David" <[email hidden]>

Quoted message said:

<[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

2 weeks ago I tore my pec. It was a complete tear of the pec tendon
from the humerous bone in my right arm. Had surgery done 1 week ago to
put the tendon back on the bone and I'm looking at some long recovery
time.

I have lifted free weight for the past 10 years and have gotten to 205
at 6 ft, and my bench has gone to 345 (tore pec doing reps at 315).
Needless to say this injury sucked and it is making me rething things.
At 31 I don't want to risk another injury like this and was thinking
about getting a bowflex because I like to work out at home and I'm
pretty certain my days for getting "bigger" are over.

I'm just wondering if anyone else has made the free weight to bowflex
transition and liked it. WAs thinking of getting the Ultimate with all
the [censored]. I'll definitely keep my 90lb powerblock set.

aaron

Bowflex has become a generic name for machines - the Bowflex principle of
using resistance rods is one problem - if you prefer to use a machine -

why

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

not choose the type that uses weights i.e. a weight stack the same as you
would find in health clubs i.e. Cybex etc?

The Bowflex does require you to stabilize the weight (or resistance)
since the hands are free to move in all directions.
Weight stack resistance machines usually take up more room and weigh a
lot more.
Frankly, I coming around to thinking that the bowflex is just fine for
someone with no specific goals other than being in shape.

I've never used it so can't comment on the biomechanics - my main beef with
the rod resistance is that it is not possible to increment properly i.e. you
can't add say 3 lbs or even know from day to day what poundage you are
working with. You can't set goals properly and say you want to add 5 lbs per
week it is impossible to do. The rods will vary in resistance from day to
day depending on wear and humidity etc. Machines using weights don;t take
up any more room - why do you say that?
Sure they weigh more but so what? How often will you want to move a home
gym? I wonder what the lowest resistance is i.e. for doing adductor,
abductor work on the low pulley (if it has a low pulley) - i.e. if it offers
that exercise I bet you anything it will be impossible to achieve a low
enough resistance to do 12 reps for the average bear

Quoted message said:

--
Bob Mann
Help save trees. Wipe your ass with an owl.

*A* said:

"Frankly, I coming around to thinking that the bowflex is just fine for

someone with no specific goals other than being in shape."

Kind of what I was thinking in the first place. I hant even used one
yet but plan on trying one when my pec heals. If I dont like it i was
also considering getting a cage system and yes "letting my ego go" and
lifting lighter weight.

I have a cage and free weights and I have been a reasonably
competitive powerlifter but shoulder and knee operations in successive
years have severely reduced the things I can do.
To round out my system I need pulleys, dumbbells etc and I neither
have the room nor the extra money.
I would prefer to sell my existing stuff and either join a gym again
or get something along the lines of a bowflex.
I love free weights but right now I would rather just be in shape.
I have someone who would like to buy my equipment for his school.
--
Bob Mann
Help save trees. Wipe your ass with an owl.

On Mon, 28 Feb 2005 06:21:35 GMT, "David" <[email hidden]>

Quoted message said:

"Bob Mann" <[email hidden]> wrote in message

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

The Bowflex does require you to stabilize the weight (or resistance)
since the hands are free to move in all directions.
Weight stack resistance machines usually take up more room and weigh a
lot more.
Frankly, I coming around to thinking that the bowflex is just fine for
someone with no specific goals other than being in shape.

I've never used it so can't comment on the biomechanics - my main beef with
the rod resistance is that it is not possible to increment properly i.e. you
can't add say 3 lbs or even know from day to day what poundage you are
working with. You can't set goals properly and say you want to add 5 lbs per
week it is impossible to do. The rods will vary in resistance from day to
day depending on wear and humidity etc. Machines using weights don;t take
up any more room - why do you say that?
Sure they weigh more but so what? How often will you want to move a home
gym? I wonder what the lowest resistance is i.e. for doing adductor,
abductor work on the low pulley (if it has a low pulley) - i.e. if it offers
that exercise I bet you anything it will be impossible to achieve a low
enough resistance to do 12 reps for the average bear

I haven't used one myself but the handles are on the end of a cable
and pully so there is a fair amount of stabilization required.

The only weight stack set ups which can do all that the bowflex does
take up a lot more room and usually cost more as well since they work
off multiple stacks.

The increments are 5 lbs at a time, the same as a barbell.

The bowflex isn't perfect but the rods are guaranteed and can be
replaced if they don't perform properly.

I wouldn't say it was the best for everyone but it is a suitable
resistance training machine for those withgeneral fitness goals.
There should be some used ones around for about half the price of new
as well.
--
Bob Mann
Help save trees. Wipe your ass with an owl.

I appreciate the responses. I am definitely an avid freeweight fan and
was curious. Guess I wont know until I try one myself.

*A* said:

I appreciate the responses. I am definitely an avid freeweight fan and
was curious. Guess I wont know until I try one myself.

It would be nice if you could arrange a trial period.
--
Bob Mann
Help save trees. Wipe your ass with an owl.

email hidden said:

What I am saying is that free weights can put you in a predicament for
injury when dealing with heavy poundages. I am only asking if there
are those who transitioned to Bowflex and liked it. I am no longer
interested in putting up 315+ on the bench or squattin 350. I want to
know if anyone is happy using the bowflex to work out the body and
maintain muscle mass.

I normally workout at home and take up a good portion of my basement
with the free weights. I am interested in the bowflex due to its size
and supposed versatility. I am quite aware that freeweights are
superior for size and strength. Again, just wondering if anyone who
has used freeweights in the past like me has had desirable results with
bowflex. If you do not have experiece with this machine, then don't
reply

I have never used, or even seen, a Bowflex. I am, however, interested
in the principle of progressive variable resistance, such as you get
using resistance bands or cables. I gather Bowflex's "power rods"
operate on the same general principle. (I'd be interested to learn
what the distinctions are between "power rods" and resistance cables
in terms of a force-deflection index or the increase in resistance
(force, lbs) over distance.

If you have never used bands or cables that offer serious resistance,
I encourage you to try these things. I'm not talking about TheraBands
used for rehab.

Use them by themselves or attach them to barbells.

I suggest that you consider a low-cost alternative to the Bowflex
before, or possibly instead of, buying one. Check out the different
cable products at www.lifelineusa.com ,
http://www.ironwoodyfitness.com/Fitness_Bands/fitness_bands.html
and http://www.jumpstretch.com/

You could save a lot of money by using resistance cables and the
90 lb PowerBlock set you already own.

If you are considering becoming a "rubber band man," check out these
sites:

http://flashpages.prodigy.net/lreid/cable%20article.htm

http://www.t-nation.com/readTopic.do;jsessionid=BA5C850495F3CEE81D7B4CE284507FE0.titan?id=532052
or
http://makeashorterlink.com/?F25B1626A

http://www.t-nation.com/readTopic.do;jsessionid=CCEA58B9EB0CA58468A2E36D5F0344B1.titan?id=537672
or
http://makeashorterlink.com/?G5FB2339A

http://www.mikemahler.com/store/bodyweight.htm

http://www.lifelineusa.com/products.cfm?cd=251&categoryid=4&productid=12
or
http://makeashorterlink.com/?N20C6139A

http://www.lifelineusa.com/products.cfm?cd=251&categoryid=2&productid=6
or
http://makeashorterlink.com/?H11C5139A

"Bob Mann" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

*A* said:

I appreciate the responses. I am definitely an avid freeweight fan and
was curious. Guess I wont know until I try one myself.

It would be nice if you could arrange a trial period.
--
Bob Mann
Help save trees. Wipe your ass with an owl.

I've seen them set up in Price Club (which no longer carries skim milk, BTW)

ATP* said:

"Bob Mann" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

*A* said:

I appreciate the responses. I am definitely an avid freeweight fan and
was curious. Guess I wont know until I try one myself.

It would be nice if you could arrange a trial period.
--
Bob Mann
Help save trees. Wipe your ass with an owl.

I've seen them set up in Price Club (which no longer carries skim milk, BTW)

I wasn't paying attention but I think Costco had them as well
--
Bob Mann
Help save trees. Wipe your ass with an owl.

I had the chance to see a bowflex (sport) yesterday and mess with it a
little. First impression, not impressed. Not sure if the Ultimate is
much different. Despite being out one arm, I was able to mess with the
lat pull down feature and loaded up with 160 lbs was a joke. with 1
arm I was able to pull down pretty far granted I didnt reach the bottom
where the most resistance is at. I'm not boasting that I'm a strong
guy but I am used to benching 225 up through 290 on a given workout and
squats usually in the same range with free weights. I'm not sure this
machine would benefit anyone with a little strength? Maybe for some
arm curls or something,

Strongly considering getting rid of my olympic bench and lat pull down
and getting a power rack. Oh yeah, I will save about $800 over the
bowflex ultimate which is $1800