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tommyteele
New Member
| Joined: | 17 July 2005 |
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| Posts: | 1 |
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Posted: 18 July 2005 01:36 am |
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we have a 1.5 bedroom apartment and are thinking about buying a bowflex based on the postive things we've been hearing.
anyone have any experience with these machines?
Tommy
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silence01
New Member
| Joined: | 18 July 2005 |
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| Posts: | 5 |
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Posted: 18 July 2005 08:44 pm |
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| I purchased a platinum xp600 bowflex about 6 months ago and love it. It has an electronic wight system and only one long bar on the back of the machine. Pretty good for a small room. Hope this helps your decision!
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FitnessFre
New Member
| Joined: | 18 July 2005 |
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| Posts: | 1 |
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Posted: 19 July 2005 05:19 am |
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however, Tommy, be sure to do your research, be sure to get a system that fits YOUR needs.
we have a bowflex that is good for our in-apartment situation where free weights wouldn't work (plus my live-in girlfriend can't use free weights).
if you got the big bucks b-flex has a brand new model coming out this fall i believe.
Fre
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Green Apple
Member
| Joined: | 19 October 2005 |
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| Posts: | 33 |
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Posted: 25 October 2005 08:36 pm |
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| I have used a BowFlex and it's good because it is an all in one machine. Free weights give you a little bit more range of motion but as you get stronger you'll have to buy more weights which can be costly.
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NevD
New Member
| Joined: | 26 October 2005 |
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| Posts: | 1536 |
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Posted: 26 October 2005 11:05 pm |
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Not sure that I agree with the comment about having to buy heavier weights if you use dumbells etc.
I use a very restricted set of tools in my apartment (quite compact). Two dumbells, with a total of 30 pounds in weights, a Swiss ball and a set of pressup handles, so I don't strain my wrists.
I teach an intensity program, where you exhaust the muscles without using heavy weights. I used to have much more weights equipment, but got rid of it and devised programs to do without it.
Depends what you're trying to achieve, I suppose. I don't want to be Arnie - I just want to look as good as I can while living a normal life.
I eat 6 times a day, exercise for less than 10 minutes a day, 6 days a week and find that easy to keep up.
I used to be around 187 pounds and 25% body fat, and am now 145 pounds, 10% body fat. All the stuff I lost on my program was fat, thank the Lord!
But I used only the equipment I described above. Using the right methods, it can be done. I don't know what a Bowflex costs, but my kit cost me around $25. I'm betting that's a bit less than a Bowflex...
Heave ho, y'all...
NevD 
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Scribbler
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 8 March 2006 07:42 am |
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NevD -
Might I bother you for your free weight program? Or could you point me to a post/site explaining it? A nicely informative website on how to develop a personal exercise program would be fantastic, if you (or anyone else, of course) know of one, in addition or in lieu of typing up a speech. :)
Space/funds have prevented me from buying a Bowflex or anything similar (perhaps fortunately). However, I have some fairly lightweight weights that could be perfectly adequate, if only I knew the right things to do with them.
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Peter
Founder, caloriesperhour.com
| Joined: | 24 May 2005 |
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| Posts: | 4179 |
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Posted: 8 March 2006 10:04 am |
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What is your goal or purpose for using weights? That will make a big difference in suggesting a program.
To lose weight? Simply tone up a bit? Or look muscular?
Peter
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Scribbler
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 8 March 2006 04:22 pm |
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As NevD said, I just want to look as good as I can while living a normal life. :) Even though my fiance says I make a comfy pillow, I am rather fed up with all this extra padding.
So, starting pretty much from ground zero, how can I utilize the equipment that appears to have migrated into my apartment as well as a treadmill to maximum effect in an efficient manner to slim down and build lean muscle? I'm changing what I eat, but I know that's not enough.
I suppose I should make a new thread, but I was mostly just replying to NevD's post... If this info is already elsewhere in the forum, Peter, apologies and feel free to link me. :) I haven't yet had a chance to read the entirety of this fairly large forum. ;)
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Peter
Founder, caloriesperhour.com
| Joined: | 24 May 2005 |
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| Posts: | 4179 |
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Posted: 9 March 2006 10:52 am |
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I'd suggest doing something for cardio (start small!)... walking, treadmill, whatever. You should enjoy it, and SLOWLY work up.
I use a treadmill, only walking, but on an incline. And that takes care of my leg muscles, too. Then I work with weights for my shoulders, triceps, biceps and chest which pretty much covers the upper body.
You'll need to get a book or someone to show you how to get started. Form is very important.
Always start out slow and if you get sore... you're going to fast. "No pain no gain" is TOTAL nonsense.
Peter
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NevD
New Member
| Joined: | 26 October 2005 |
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| Posts: | 1536 |
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Posted: 10 March 2006 11:08 pm |
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Hyacinth -
As well as Peter's suggestion about cardio, I'd alternate with some weights, just because it offers so many benefits...
Cardio 3 times and weights 3 times on alternate days would be good.
Re. the weights program: all you need is some water-filled bottles that are heavy enough for your present body strength.
I work out only 1 or two muscle groups per session, for either 10 or 20 minutes, but I keep it fairly intense (no resting between sets).
As an instance, for arms I do standard and hammer curls, plus some triceps kickbacks. Work at one exercise till you're really tired, then change (biceps to triceps) and change again when you're tired at that one. It's nothing special, but it does concentrate the time expended - and the body knows it's worked for a living!
PM me if you need more detail.
Last edited on 10 March 2006 11:09 pm by NevD
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Scribbler
Distinguished Member
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Posted: 14 March 2006 05:10 pm |
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Using the terms you mentioned, NevD, I did a quick google search and came up with this page:
netfit.co.uk/beginners-weight-web.htm
It seems informative (now I know how to do a 'hammer curl' ;)) and pretty much echoes everything you and Peter mentioned. I guess I'll start with 3 lb weights tonight. My only concern, then, would be my wrists -- I'm still getting over tendonitis in my right wrist. I have a wrist brace, but does anyone have any other suggestions?
-- Edited to comply with Terms of Use
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NevD
New Member
| Joined: | 26 October 2005 |
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| Posts: | 1536 |
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Posted: 14 March 2006 05:42 pm |
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I'd have thought if you stick to hammer curls, it wouldn't annoy your tendinitis - but I'm guessing, so check with your doc.
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