Jo Gives Readers Information on the Bowflex Brand
Feb 11 '06
The Bottom Line Remember you have to do some twisting but the Bowflex machines are quite versatile and works every muscle group.
Jo,
I am 54 years old… and over the last 5 years or so… started to get out of shape. I used to be in excellent shape (including lifting weights many years ago).
I hurt my back about 15 years ago and since then… have pretty much babied it…. Now I am paying.. because I am constantly hurting my lower back. I now have a stomach to lose (I understand that can’t be helping my back)… and some overall weight (I am 6’ 1” tall, big boned, broad shouldered, and weigh 240 lbs).
I want to get back in shape…. Loose my stomach and stop hurting my back (get down to about 200 lbs).
Is the BowFlex Sport the right machine for me to get back in shape and loose my stomach (and strengthen my back lower muscles)?
I would love to hear your opinion.
Jo's Answer:
Hi, I think the Bowflex might be the right machine for you. I hesitate because you really need some good cardio in your program. Though the Bowflex has the rowing option I find that many people don't use it. They feel it doesn't give them a good enough workout. I'm also concerned about your back and using the machine in general. Though it isn't complicated it requires some twisting. Depending on the state of your back it might be taxing for you.
The first thing you have to do is cut anything white out of your diet. I'm not a nutritionist but all the working out in the world won't help if you are having a couple of donuts a day.
I would like to see you get a piece of cardio equipment. It doesn't matter what you choose. Choose whatever type you will stay with. You might like the options elliptical machines give you. I would stay away from a rower because of your back. Since the Bowflex has the rower again this might not be the right machine for you.
I do think the Bowflex Sport is the right machine for the beginner. If you can try one out perhaps even talk to someone in a reputable store you might feel that you think the rower part of the Bowflex doesn't bother your back. Remember though that five minutes in the store isn't the same as 45 minutes of rowing at home.
Good luck. Let me know how it goes and if you have any other questions. jo
Dear Jo,
I recently purchased the Sport and read your review at Epinions.com. I am curious though. Have you found a good exercise on the Sport that will allow you to workout your hamstring or calves. Thank you for your time.
Jo's Answer:
Hi Eric: Sure there are several. You can do a leg curl which is very easy. Your manual should show you how but I will explain. You will lie down with your ankles around the rollers just like a hamstring curl at the gym. Pull up with your ankles and tighten your hamstrings on the way up.
You can also do leg presses which work the entire leg (vs. the hamstring curl which is an isolating movement). Leg presses are an easy move to learn but don't do more weight than you can handle. You can do deadlifts. These primarily work your hamstrings. They do not work your back in spite of what some people think. If they bother your back do not do them. Remember it is crucial to keep your back straight as you bend over. Bend just enough so that your spine is parallel to the floor. I suggest keeping your knees soft. Squats and lunges can also be done. You'll do a squat with the weight on your shoulder and bend as if you are sitting in a chair. A lunge is done by bending one leg which is the leg you are working. You will come down feeling this especially in your quadricep. Both the squat and lunge are terrific for your legs.
Hope this helps. Let me know how you make out. jo
All my fitness equipment reviews can be found here.
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