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Dear Jo: Will the Bowflex Sport work my abs? Exercise and Food: How and WhenMay 21 '06 Write an essay on this topic.
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The Bottom Line You can do the same exercises on the Bowflex machines that you do elsewhere. There is software but you'll pay for it. Exercise when you can and eat well.
Hi Jo,I came across a review you did on epinions re the Bowflex Sport. You certainly seem to know what you are talking about and have a really interesting profile. I had a couple questions if you have time to answer them. I have been looking at all the Bowflex machines and trying to pick the best for the money. I started out looking the Ultimate 2 but am thinking I might be able to get most of what I need with the Sport model. I am 42 y/o, 175 & 5" 11" and in pretty good shape despite only sporadic exercise during the last few years. I mainly want to tighten my abs and bulk up my arms. My questions are: 1) Do you think the Sport is a good machine to start with and one that will hold me for awhile? 2) Will it help with ab work? 3) Is there any place to go to get good workout routines specifically geared for Bowflex. It seems like that is a common issue I've seen in various customer reviews. Thanks very much! XXXXX Jo's response: Any exercise program that you would do with any machine would be the same for the Bowflex. It is no different. Here is a link to the exercises that Bowflex claims (true) can be done http://www.bowflex.com/why/YStrength_Ex.asp If you don't know how to do any of them just e-mail me or type it into your browser and you should get an explanation. I can't attest to this site or software but you may want to take a look. It is geared toward Bowflex users though the exercises are the same and it seems you have to buy something. jo Follow up question: Thanks very much for your feedback - I really appreciate it. The page you referenced definitely addresses ab exercises so that should work. I had noticed on the Ultimate 2 that they actually had an "Ultimate 2 Ab Attachment" which attaches to the machine. But if I can integrate ab exercises into a workout using the Sport model for $1500+ less that sounds like the way to go. In the past I used the Ab Lounge and wasn't crazy about that. I can always supplement with plain old sit-ups. I also have a treadmill which I have used and would add that to the mix again. My diet could use some improvement and will be the next area to address. I know it's probably a matter of preference (and scheduling) but do you think it is better to work out in the morning or evenings? Also is there any advantage to working out before eating or is it better to eat, wait awhile then exercise? Thanks again, XXXX Jo's response: AHHH the questions of the century about when to work out. Ask two personal trainers and you'll get two different answers. The answer most of us give is to work out when you can:) If timing is right in the morning then go for it. Now on the other hand I recently read a study that said we burn more calories when we work out in the afternoon. That was a study published after one that says the opposite which is why we say to work out when you have time and the most energy. It's great if the two coincide! Working out in the afternoon makes sense because our metabolisms are already in gear; our heart rates have been up, etc. However some say it is better to work out in the a.m. after a night's sleep when your metabolism is slower because your body has to work harder to get it in gear. Personally I work out in the a.m. and always have because of 1. timing and 2. I have lots more energy - just a morning person type. Ok food. Well some say to eat on an empty stomach; that you don't want food in your body to slow you down; others say you need to have food in your body so your metabolism has been kick started. I never ate in the morning. I'm just not an early eater. However since I've changed my workout program I am now eating in the morning and giving myself an hour before eating and working out. I have seen a significant weight loss eating first and increasing my cardio workouts. I eat as soon as I come home from the gym or bring a shake with me. (Egg whites and whole wheat toast make a good combo if you are home). Before working out I recommend something like a banana and yogurt. I often have a grain with rice protein, raisins and nuts. Nothing too heavy but enough to give you carbs to get going. Hope this helps! Let me know how you make out. jo From the reader: Ok I think I'm getting it figured out. Thanks Jo - you've been a great help!  |
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