I realize a few years back, the Bowflex was rated as the top home gym by Men's Fitness Magazine. So why NOT recommend the Bowflex? Here's why.

For me, the novelty of the having a Bowflex wore off after about six months. Overall, the Bowflex performs in about every way the commercial claims it does. The thing about the Bowflex is that it ONLY provides resistance strength training.

If you can imagine taking a big rubberband, or a big piece of surgical tubing, and using that to get your workout, then that's what you can expect from the Bowflex. It has the same feeling. My concern is that people who are used to weight training with free weights (or even if they're not)will be disappointed with what the Bowflex provides. I am.

If you're looking for a home gym, and if you want to get fit, my recommendation is to purchase a solid bench and a series of dumbells that range in appropriate weights according to your personal fitness level. I've priced it, and you CAN purchase a bench and dumbells for about half the price of a Bowflex ($999).

But the Bowflex is THE "in" thing, right? We all know how important it is to keep up with the Jones's. Let me tell you that since I bought my Bowflex two years ago, I've certainly noticed an increase in Bowflex commercials on TV. I can only assume that means the Bowflex company in Vancouver, WA, is doing well financially. Why? I think it's those darn models. In short, good advertising.

I'd argue with anyone out there that the models you see in the Bowflex commercials "didn't get the bodies they have by using a Bowflex." Maybe I'm wrong, but I highly doubt it.

That's not to say that someone can't maintain a solid fitness program by using the Bowflex, because you certainly can. Overall, the Bowflex is probably useful for people just beginning a fitness program, or people looking for general fitness and muscle maintenance. But is that worth $999? I say no.

The six-week challenge to fat loss the Bowflex is accompanied by is very challenging. It advises an extremely simple workout program and a strict six-week diet. The diet appears safe, although I'd DEFINITELY recommend seeing your physician before starting it. It's a pretty low calorie diet, about 1,200 calories for women and 1,500 calories for men. Folks, that's not a lot of food! But it does require you to drink a lot of water, which is good, but because it's so much, it can be difficult for the practical working man or woman to achieve on a daily basis.

I tried to follow the fitness/diet program, but didn't have much success, mostly because of the minimal amount of calories I was allowed to take in. I guess I couldn't hack it. However, I did show the program to an exercise physiologist afterward, and his comment to me was that there were more convenient and exciting ways to lose weight and gain muscle.

Last but not least, probably the most disappointing thing about my Bowflex is the amount of periodic maintenance it has required. The screws and bolts on the unit require continual upkeep, especially on the seat/bench; and the seat squeaks something horrible. So, if you purchase a Bowflex, make sure you also buy a can of WD-40, especially if you plan on using the rowing feature.

In conclusion, definitely consider the pros and cons before buying a Bowflex. I highly recommend you know what your personal fitness goals are BEFORE making such a purchase, and keep in mind what I mentioned above. Economical or not, $999 is still a chunk of change when it comes to investing in a product that may or may not meet your expectations.


Recommended: No