Bowflex for training

[brok]

I can lift much more weight on a bowflex than I can using free weights. The reason is that my smaller muscles are not taxed and my CNS doesn't have to worry about balancing the weight.

That's funny, a friend who lifts with free weights on a regular basis put on his usual weight for an inclined bench press and could not lift as much on the bowflex as he does with his free weights -

Obviously, you like your bowflex and that's fine. I just don't want a newcomer to think that it is superior over regular free weights, because it isn't.

And I don't want them to think that lifting with a bowflex is not beneficial, because it is. I realize there are applications where free weights are superior - but a bowflex provides a quality workout for the average individual trying to include strength training exercises as part of a well-rounded exercise program. The determination between using free weights and a bowflex depends a lot on your personal goals and desired outcomes.

As you mention, bowflex is adding a line of free weights. I believe the addition of free weights in the bowflex line is targeting a different group of lifters with a different set of goals. They have not abandoned the bowflex home gyms- they have upgrade them, but not agandoned them.

bikerhen, you should definitely go to the bowflex website to request a copy of the fitness guide that explains each exercise and the targeted muscle groups. It is important that you understand how to properly perform each exercise. There are very definite techniques and cues to follow for each exercise. Also included are variety sample workouts for different goals. Good Luck. And just for the record, I have been lifting for 20+ years and have used varying combinations of free weights, nautilus, medicine balls, and the bowflex. I mearly offer my opinion of the bowflex as a viable option for strength training.