I need your recommendations everybody. I'm a Zone-dieter who also works out 5-6 days a week aerobically -- specifically Nordic Track ski machine. Got that down and I'm aerobically fit. However, my body fat % is still too high and, in patricular, my upper body is NOT tone....even though I'm pretty aggressive on the Nordic track upper body settings and I use some dumbells and a bodybow for 10 minutes before and after each Nordic Track workout. I'm convinced that I need to get into some serious weight training and I'd like to do this stuff at home. Whenever I have to go to the gym (when I travel), I use weight machines and I can tell it makes a difference. So, I've decided to invest in some type of machine for home weight training. Can anyone tell me their experiences with the Bowflex? Pros and cons? (Full disclosure: I'm looking around but considering getting a Bowflex Ultimate, but before I unload a couple grand I wanted to ask around.) Also, any other universal machines people can recommend that do a good job, don't take up a lot of space, and don't use free weights?

[quote:0e1c6cf338] Can anyone tell me their experiences with the Bowflex? Pros and cons? (Full disclosure: I'm looking around but considering getting a Bowflex Ultimate, but before I unload a couple grand I wanted to ask around.) Also, any other universal machines people can recommend that do a good job, don't take up a lot of space, and don't use free weights?[/quote:0e1c6cf338] I have always been leery of bowflex because it seemed to me the resistance-curve would be off, but I am considering their new Ultimate XLT which I have seen some favorable reviews on from people who know what they are talking about--there is a review of it on www.i-a-r-t.com. Brian Gates--you still lurking?? Any thoughts?

I just posted a reply on another thread where you asked this, but I have a bowflex and feel it is a very good product. I am a female so bulking up is not my goal, but if you use slow movements you get a lot of good work on both directions of the lift. It took me about 2 weeks to get my routine down so I wasn't spending half my time figuring things out, i have had mine several years and it is still in great condition. It DOES take up quite a bit of room and is not all that convenient to "fold up" and slide under the bed like they show on TV.

Spend 20 bucks on Bill Pearl's "Getting Stronger" or 25 bucks for his weight training video at billpearl.com. Spend a total of 80 bucks for 2 sets of weights with barbells and dumbbells. Spend 50 bucks on the simplest el cheapo bench. And send the rest of the money to me! -C.

[quote:0f27a54ca2="cduane"]Spend 20 bucks on Bill Pearl's "Getting Stronger" or 25 bucks for his weight training video at billpearl.com. Spend a total of 80 bucks for 2 sets of weights with barbells and dumbbells. Spend 50 bucks on the simplest el cheapo bench. And send the rest of the money to me! -C.[/quote:0f27a54ca2] Will do. :) Actually, I already have dumbells that I use. Seriously, I'm usually the "economy" guy when it comes to many things, but I workout alone and using free weights and a bench is not an option for me. Besides, I'm trying to get something lightweight that does a barrage of weight training exercises. Right now, it looks like I need to check out the Crossbow in addition to the Bowflex. Also, my wife works out at the gym but is looking for a one-stop piece of weight training equipment for the days when she wants to work out at home. She does a lot of leg exercises, so whatever I get is going to have to have leg based exercises.

OK, I've got this narrowed down to Bowflex, a less expensive Schwinn model they sell at Dick's Sporting Goods that uses Bowflex power rods, and competitive model called a Crossbow. The models I'm looking at are all at Dick's within a couple hundred bucks of one another. Anybody have any experiences or judgements on these?

Thanks for all the recommendations. I've checked them all out. I've decided on a Schwinn Comp which uses Bowflex power rods. This thing easily folds up into a small area and seems to be made sturdier than some actual Bowflex models. I tried this thing out....smooth. And, inexpensive. Though, I don't think the weight can be upgraded. Has anybody here maxed out the 210 lb. Bowflex resistance and needed to upgrade to 300? That's the only consideration for me now. The Bowflex models appear to be upgradeable to 300 whereas the Schwinn models don't report to have that upgradeability. [url]http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/p...;/url]

[quote:ac6cd9f612="samchar"]Thanks for all the recommendations. I've checked them all out. I've decided on a Schwinn Comp which uses Bowflex power rods. This thing easily folds up into a small area and seems to be made sturdier than some actual Bowflex models. I tried this thing out....smooth. And, inexpensive. Though, I don't think the weight can be upgraded. Has anybody here maxed out the 210 lb. Bowflex resistance and needed to upgrade to 300? That's the only consideration for me now. The Bowflex models appear to be upgradeable to 300 whereas the Schwinn models don't report to have that upgradeability. [/quote:ac6cd9f612] [size=18:ac6cd9f612]You might want to consider a "BODY SOLID" home gymn, a cheaper alternative to BowFlex. Also smaller footprint area needed to set up. PLUS, Body Solid is well-known for solid construction and offers "LifeTime" warranty. . Consider, also, Band-Flex, a $280 Bow-Flex like machine, using bands, and their bands are much cheaper to replace than Bow-Flex. . There is a Home Gymn Review website you can use for research: http://www.home-gym-review.com/index.htm [/size:ac6cd9f612]. ~jdp

[quote:795de2d2c3="jaydpiii"]You might want to consider a "BODY SOLID" home gymn, a cheaper alternative to BowFlex. Also smaller footprint area needed to set up. PLUS, Body Solid is well-known for solid construction and offers "LifeTime" warranty. . Consider, also, Band-Flex, a $280 Bow-Flex like machine, using bands, and their bands are much cheaper to replace than Bow-Flex. [/size]. ~jdp[/quote:795de2d2c3] jdp, thanks for the reminder. Yeah, I saw your post from another thread. I did some reading and checked out that site too. Much appreciated. After lots of research, I ended up going with the Schwinn Comp. with Bowflex rods. At $599, it was MUCH less expensive than comparable models by Bowflex (same price as Crossbow) and I was extremely happy with its performance when I was shopping. This particular Schwinn model is built like iron, great welds, etc. So, same smooth resistance technology, better machine (IMHO), better price, slightly different brand...from same parent company. The Schwinn machine warranty is 5 years and the Bowflex PowerRods still come with lifetime replacement warranty -- from Bowflex. And, I saved all shipping costs since I drove away from the store with it. It took me about three dedicated hours to assemble it -- and I'm "structurally challenged". (Translation: All parts well described, instructions perfect, it was a piece of cake.) It does have a pretty sizeable footprint, no doubt, though it fairly easily rolls into a corner for storage. It's in my home office, so no big deal aestetically. No lat pulldown "bar" (individual pull downs instead), so it folds up brilliantly with no disconnects. The thing is tough as iron. Very sturdy. And, it performs well.....very smooth and steady resistance. Nice smooth rowing feature for cardio in addition to the full body strength training. (I've always favored cross-country ski simulation over rowing simulation, but this might help me mix rowing into some of my workouts.) So far, I love it. Just getting into the regimen. I'll post back here in the future if any regrets. (By the way, for anyone interested now or in the future...even though Bowflex (direct) told me that the Schwinn model it is not "upgradable" from 210 lbs. like a Bowflex direct model, Dick's Sporting Goods and Schwinn both tell me that this model is upgradeable to 300 lbs. from the 210 lb. resistance that is standard....by ordering a $100 upgrade kit from Bowflex. And, there are slots on the Power Rod assembly for two more 50 lb. resistance rods. After getting started, I realized that 210 is enough to kick my butt for the forseeable future. I'm in good cardio shape, but it's obvious from my first workouts on this thing that I have a LONG way to go with weight training. Looking forward to the journey.)

[quote="Scott"][quote:45d75364fd] I have always been leery of bowflex because it seemed to me the resistance-curve would be off, but I am considering their new Ultimate XLT which I have seen some favorable reviews on from people who know what they are talking about--there is a review of it on www.i-a-r-t.com. Brian Gates--you still lurking?? Any thoughts?[/quote:45d75364fd] Since the Bowflex is simple cable-pulley system, you are correct that the resistance curve will be off. In fact it will be somewhat similar to lifting free weights, providing resistance in only in a single direction - that directly opposite of the cable relative to the pulley. The cable's direction does change throughout a movement arc (unlike gravity's pull on a free weight), but it certainly doesn't approximate the strength curve. Resistance curves really aren't the end of the world, though, and you can certainly get good results without having an ideal resistance curve if you use movements that displace the resistance in a single direction. I think you can get fairly good results with the Bowflex.. after all, resistance is resistance. I do expect that there are a few particular disadvantages: cables are even less stable than free weights, so the movements will be more difficult to control. Furthermore, certain exercises like the knee extension and leg curl probably suck (due to the resistance curve), but you can do farily good squats and leg presses instead. Bottom line- it's not a complete line of MedX equipment, but then again you don't need as much to get results

Update: I've been using the bowflex for only about two weeks now....every other day. So, I'm alternating days between bowflex strength training and basic cardio on the nordic track. I can tell a big difference on muscle tone and....well, for some reason, even my skin seems to be healthier, more tone. I notice the most difference in my chest and arms, but also my obliques....and, man, does my abs and obliques need work! Feel even better, though I've been a little sore the mornings after some of the workouts. I've steadily increased the resistance, as directed, to reach my max limit at 12 repetitions of any given exercise. I go through the set of 12 repetitions twice and it takes me about 25 minutes with all the changes to the resistance. This is my routine I've developed: leg extension, resisted abdominal crunch, resisted oblique crunch, reverse crunch, narrow pulldown, bench press, chest fly, lying tricips pullover, seated lat row, seated back extension, standing shoulder raise, standing biceps curl. It's an enjoyable workout. I'm ordering a pair of the rowing shoe harnesses so I can incorporate a limited cardio (rowing) component into the 25 minute workout. I'll still be done in about 35 minutes. You can't beat that. This is taking the fitness thing to a whole new level with the Zone dietary approach also in place. I'm on a mission.

I have to report back on progress. 1. My weight loss plateau has eased and I've taken off a couple more pounds since I started. I'm still doing cardio (nordic track ski machine) about twice a week, but I'm mainly focused on weight/strength training 3-4 times a week now. The difference in muscle and skin tone is amazing. Clothes are fitting even better yet. I may be switching down another waist size on slacks soon. (I was a tight 38 inch waist slacks three years ago, the Zone took me to a loose 36, now with the weight training and the last couple pounds of loss and added muscle tone, some of my slacks are 34 inch.) 2. Progress in terms of strength on a few exercises in less than one month, based on being able to complete 12 repetitions of each exercise:. ( I've increased resistance gradually over the last few weeks.) Bench Press: Started at 110. Now, I'm at 160. Standing Bicep Curl: Started at 60. Now, I'm at 120. Leg Extension: Started at 80. Now, I'm at 160. Lower Back Extenstion: Started at 120. Now, I'm at 190. Now admitedly, there are 2 exercises where my strength has actually NOT increased much at all since I started (standing shoulder lateral raise, lying triceps extension). I've got the workout down to 13 exercises which cover all muscle groups...that I do 2 sets of 12 repetitions. And, I do about 5 minutes of aerobic rowing at the beginning and ending of the workout. In total, it takes about an hour.

Wow!! You weren't kidding when you said you were on a mission! Have the gains continued? THAT would be amazing. Congratulations!