While the price is most likely the most common
complaint, let's take a look at the alternatives...
The first alternative is a weight bench and
dumbbells, which cost a fraction of the Bowflex, but require
a certain amount of supervision. If you're new to using free
weights, they can be dangerous when used alone. Most experienced
weight lifters will agree that it's difficult to push yourself,
safley, without somone to spot you. It may also be difficult
to work certain muscle groups, such as your lats (back), with
free weights alone.
Another alternative is a gym membership. It
is possible to get a 2 year membership for the same price
as the bowflex, depending on the gym and depending on the
bowflex model. The challenge here is that most people that
sign up for a gym won't use the facilities as often as they
think they will... not enough to justify the membership fees
anyway. Despite everyone's best intentions, it is much easier
to work out at home, than to force yourself to a gym at then
end of a hard and busy work day.
So, if your only alternative is the gym, then
the bowflex, at $1000.00 is not such a bad deal. Especially
for the ease of use, safety, and wide variety of exercises.
It offers a better alternative to dumbbells for many people.
There is, however, another alternative that we'll get to in
a moment... one that is lower in cost yet still similar to
the Bowflex.
Despite the critism of cost, the feedback on
the Bowflex has been very positive. What makes it a favorite
amongst its users is the ability to switch exercises and resistance
quickly and easily. Many of the independant reviews are received
from bowflex owners who have had them for several years and
are still using them regularly. Would the same religiousness
of use have been the same with free weights or a gym membership?
Another favorite feature of the Bowflex is
the array of exercises available, which eliminate the need
for any additional fitness equipment. Unlike other home gyms,
the Bowflex presents enough resistance to provide an intensive
work out for even the most advanced users.
In comparison to other resistance machines and
in home gyms, overall, is the unnatural motion of movement
when doing certain exercises. Whereas these machines require
that you accommodate them, free weights will fit around its
user. It's a great positive to hear that the Bowflex has the
same level of comfort as free weights, along with the safety
and stability of a resistance machine.
Bandflex... An Affordable Alternative to
the Bowflex
The Bandflex offers the same level of resistance,
but uses bungee cables rather than the conventional weight
stack. It beats the Bowflex on our Top 5 list, only because
it's about a third of the price, at $300.00.
Retail stores and TV offers currently sell
the Bandflex for about $300.00, however, as of January 15,
2003, you can buy it on line for $250.00 at YouCanSave.com,
which is one of the most well known on line merchants for
"as seen on TV" and infomercial products...
Click
here for more details of the Bandflex at YouCanSave
