"Bowflex"

Information and Review

Bowflex is an all-in-one home exercise machine which allows its user to isolate each of the body's muscle groups. It is more similar to what you find at a gym than other home exercise machines. Instead of iron weights that lift, Bowflex uses arms or "bows" that bend in arcs. The theory is that the bows maintain a smoother resistance than iron or free weights. There are several different Bowflex machines to chose from starting at around $1000 and going as high as $1600. The more expensive machines include a sliding seat that enables the user to do cardio-rowing exercises.

Home exercise machines are good because they are convenient and perhaps less expensive in the long-term if you don't mind paying $1000 upfront or financing such an amount. You avoid a commute to a health club and the potential embarrassment of working out in front of others when you are overweight and out of shape.

Home exercise machines like Bowflex are bad because they are expensive and offer less options than a health club. Your local health club will have personal trainers, free weights, a variety of cardio-machines, aerobics classes, and possibly a pool or a basketball court. Bowflex may protect you from embarrassment, but that pressure can be a powerful factor in maintaining your motivation.

The biggest problem with Bow Flex, home exercise machines, and health club-style workouts in general, is that they are pure exercise. Most people lose their motivation in time. For weight loss and general fitness we are much bigger fans of lifestyle exercise activities such as tennis, hiking, walking, cycling, dancing, climbing, etcetera... These are the type of activities that you don't think of as exercise and sustain themselves in the long-term. Add a basic food program or one of the simple and inexpensive online programs for structure and support, and you have the best possible option for success.