Bowflex machines

[chippper]

I was thinking of getting a bowflex machine. Anyone use these or have any reviews that they could offer me?

[big_swede]

Never used one but looked at some pictures and got the idea. Off topic, but whats your goal with training?

[Off Road]

If you just want to exercise and feel good, I guess a Bowflex could get the job done.
If you want real strength and muscle, money would be better spent on proper equipment.

[ricka182]

For the money you'd spend on a Bowflex with the extra rods to hit over 300#s, you can get a nice bench with incline/decline, bar with weights, maybe a couple dumbells too. Definitely recco real weigths over any machine..

[glwanabe]

I've used one and would not waste my money.

[5kgLifter]

I've read issues concerning the rods and the loads, 60lbs may not relate to 60lbs but to 20lbs etc which means you think you're stronger than you are when in reality it isn't the case.

Then there have been problems with some rods not being the same in terms of load capacity to a rod that has previously been used of the same "strength" and so forth.

At least with a barbell and plates, you know exactly what you're getting, even if you have to weigh them yourself. And, I don't think you could do things like a Farmer's Walk with a Bowflex.

[Off Road]

Originally Posted by 5kgLifter

I don't think you could do things like a Farmer's Walk with a Bowflex.

But you could strap a chain to it and pull it like a sled, which may be better than actually using the dang thing.