The Bowflex has taken over television with its constant commercial air time. These commercials depict modern titans manhandling enormous weights, implying you will be capable of such a feat upon purchasing this amazing product. The fact remains that the amount of muscle you gain is entirely dependent on how hard you work and how you eat. But is the Bowflex really the best way to pump iron?

The Bowflex is generally a good way to exercise, as it can cover your major muscle groups and delivers a solid workout. The question is, does the Bowflex beat out your traditional weights? My belief is that it does not. Just like gym machines tend not to work you out as well as free weights, one multi-purpose machine does not work you out as well as both machines or free weights. To someone who is simply looking to tone up a bit and maybe put on a few pounds of muscle, the Bowflex works.

If you want to bulk up majorly and tone your body to perfection, you will have to look somewhere other than the Bowflex. There are little muscles that are worked out by variation. When you dumbbell press, for example, you may work out your shoulders in a unique way when your arms move off to the side a bit. The Bowflex resists these natural movements that are important to developing overall strength and isolation. These muscles may not be important when you are working out on the Bowflex, but the higher weight you lift, the more muscles you will need to be toned and ready to help.

The Bowflex's major selling point is its convenient. I will not argue against that. You can store it in many places and it is like having a bare necessities gym in your home. The fact is, if you will not go to a gym and work out, a Bowflex is a good choice, because working out on a Bowflex is so much better than not working out at all. The Bowflex is a great machine for people who are not zealous about their workouts and or do not have time to do the proper time at a gym, or even those not willing to make the commute.

I have heard some negative things about the Bowflex breaking quickly and the customer service being difficult to reach. I have heard of some of the machines rusting and not being replaced by customer service resulting in very angry customers. I have also heard reports that of many people's Bowflex machines work years after they were last used.

The main problem with the Bowflex is that it has inferior workouts for legs. The maximum weight on legs is very low and it is uncomfortable to work them out. If you are a tall person the legs are especially uncomfortable. Some of the pulling exercises are also uncomfortable. I have found that the best workouts are for chest and triceps.

The Bowflex is a nice machine, but it only works for some people. I have found most people who are serious about lifting would rather go to a gym and get an overall better workout. Many people would opt for convenience rather than quality which I have no problem with. Whatever will get you in better shape is the best path to choose. Happy lifting everyone!

Learn more about this author, Kevin Osheer.
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