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.

[Raindrop]

I own my own business which is in-home personal training although I also have worked in a gym setting in the past and I can see the points of both free weights and a fixed machine such as the bowflex.

Actually, in the beginning stages of exericise, if you aren't going to hire a professional (gotta stick those plugs in ), it's often better to start with a fixed plane machine simply because starting with free weights and functional fitness movements, without assessments will probably cause you to use the same improper muscular movements that you use in your everyday life. I have watched way too many people who have muscular imbalances try to do free weight programs that exacerbate any "issues" they have which result in injury.

If you feel pretty confident that you currently don't suffer any pains that probably result from muscular imbalances, and you have a good knowledge of how to move weight in a plane that will strengthen the areas you need strengthening...then go immediately to free weights. Otherwise, machines that keep you in a fairly reasonable plane of motion might be your option. (I like Bowflex simply because they force the client to use their core and stabilizing muscles because of the action of the "rods")*

I stress the fact that most people today (even us cyclists) work at professions that cause us to stay seated, in a forward protracted position, and then we drive home, in the same position, and then we ride our bikes, in the same forward protracted position, and watch tv in the same position....well, it causes some faulty movement patterns. So, sometimes it's worth it to seek professional advice, and other times, to use a machine that won't add to any issues you may already have.

*No, I don't work for Bowflex, but I have used their equipment...free weights included and I think they're excellent.