I told my husband I wasn't sure that I wanted to buy a bag with the money I was saving because I really didn't know what I wanted to get. I told him I was considering a new elliptical and he mentioned that maybe I should get a bowflex, since I say I want one every time I see the commercial. He's right, I guess I just forgot that I wanted one
I think I would use it a lot and having one would pretty much eliminate my need for any sort of gym membership. I hate lifting at the gym anyway because....well, I don't really know why. I guess I just feel dumb.
Does anyone have a bowflex or any experience with them? I haven't done a lot of research yet so I don't even know which one I would want to get. Do you think that I'll benefit more from the Bowflex than from just using free weights? I love working out and after I have the baby I'm going to do marathon training. I also really need to increase my strength and i'd love to have more muscle definition. Any advice/recs are appreciated. Thanks!
personally, i find them to be SUPER space consuming. they are just soo bulky. i tried it and granted, it was just playing around, not for real, but it was super hard. have you considered a rowing machine or the total gym instead? the total gym is my weakness. everytime i see it on an infomercial i want it. also, since you can add pilates attatchments it doubles as a reformer. i can vouch for the durability....my parents had that old bulky silver model till just a couple years ago, and my dad still used it. just my $.02
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shopgirl82, I forgot about the total gym! Thanks for reminding me. I looked into them and there seems to be like a billion models so I'll have to do some research. The most expensive one was about $1700 which is more than I want to spend but I'm sure I'd be fine with a lower end model.
You're right about the Bowflex ones being huge. Right now I'm not that concerned with space because I have a big basement but if we move somewhere without a basement I'd probably have nowhere to put the thing. I think I'm going to look into Nordic Track; they seem to have a lot of options and I live fairly close to a store.
I looked into them and there seems to be like a billion models so I'll have to do some research. The most expensive one was about $1700 which is more than I want to spend but I'm sure I'd be fine with a lower end model. My BF got one for Christmas a few years ago. The model he has is the Total Gym XL and I don't remember how much it is, but I believe it's a middle of the road model. He likes it a lot but would always manage to forget to excercise...this has nothing to do with the integrity of the machine. The machine is pretty challenging at the upper levels. I think it would serve your purposes well and since you don't enjoy the gym environment, you'd really enjoy it.
I have no personal experience with either of these, but I am betting you can get one at least half price by looking on craigslist, in the paper, etc. We got an elliptical & treadmill for $20 each at garage sales. SOOOOO much cheaper. Just FWIW
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My parents have a Bowflex in their garage. I've used it before, but it was kind of annoying having to change the weights all the time (compared to freeweights or having a huge gym with tons of different machines). It does offer a lot of activities in one machine though.
I've never seen that Total Gym thing, so I can't compare it.
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Oooh, thanks for the suggestion laken1. I hadn't thought of checking classified and stuff. I should probably check out the Play it Again Sports store too. You got a great deal on your home equipment!
I think I really like this Nordic Track one. I love that the resistance level is electronic so you don't have to mess around with bands or anything. It also counts sets and reps, which is perfect for me because I usually zone out and lose count. I'm going to go to the store tonight to see if they have one I can check out.