Why in the world would I go against the grain and not recommend one of the most highly rated items on epinions? Well, the answer involves a number of variables, beginning with the fact that I am a consumer who scrutinizes everything and probably holds higher standards than most- for better or worse.

I purchased the Bowflex machine about three months ago after spending countless hours in the gym. I was tired of the $45 monthly charge and the hassle of getting in the car, changing, and then going to the gym (In no particular order). So, I figured why not give the home workout "be all and end all" machine a try.

At first, I was very pleased with my purchase. I found that my workouts were longer for the simple reason that I no longer had to worry about getting to the gym. I was also never pushed by someone who just had to use the piece of equipment that I was using at a certain time. Finally, I could read, watch TV, go to the bathroom while resting. Hey, all good to this point.

After about a month, the novelty had worn off. I found that I was suddenly spending less and less time with the "wonder" machine. My main source of boredom was rather simple; I no longer had beautiful women and people wearing spandex who had no business in doing so to ogle. I no longer had friends to discuss these facts and other things with. Finally, despite the versitality of the Bowflex, I was becoming bored with the workout.

Now do not get me wrong, there are a number of things that I really liked about the machine. So, here we go with the positives:

* Flexibility- the machine is set up so that you can get a full body workout. In other words, there are numerous moving parts that allow for different types of exercise.

* Ease of Use- the Bowflex is relatively easy to use. I would say that it takes awhile getting used to the various different exercise options.

* Effectiveness- the machine definitely provides a good workout. You will feel the same burn that you feel after a good workout in the gym.

* Guide Book- a guide book lets you troubleshoot, learn new workouts, and teach you how to get started.

* Warranty- the Bowflex provides a five year limited warranty on all parts.

Well, I would agree with you that all of this sounds quite enticing, but there are other options that do not cost $1000 and that is where I really went wrong with the Bowflex.

One of my arguments against purchasing the Bowflex would be that the gym is not that bad. At $45/month you will get about two years out of your gym membership before you equal the $1000 cost of a Bowflex. My point is that you might want to be sure that you are going to be the workout fiend that you currently are, two years down the road. For some this is an easy answer, but for others it is not so easy.

Another option that costs even less money is to purchase a few pieces of equipment. A barbell set and bench will set you back $200 or so and an exercise bike can had for as little as $100. I know that sounds very cheap, but without all of the bells and whistles that the manufactures so love, you can find a bike that provides speed and distance on the cheap. Do you really need to know all the other stuff?

For $300- $500 you can have all of the workout equipment that people had a decade ago. Is that so bad? The way I understand it, the country is getting fatter and- while I doubt this has anything to do with better equipment- anyone with any experience in a gym will tell you that free weights are the best way to go.

Finally, I have had a few maintenance problems. There is one screw that will not stay regardless of what I do. The sliding bench is often quite a difficult slide. Additionally, one thing to consider is that dusting the machine can take about a week.

In summary, the Bowflex is a great workout machine for a particular group of people. I would stay away from it if you are not sure you will be spending a lot of time working out in three years. I would also be wary of the machine if you find that you get bored easily and do not mind spending a few hundred dollars less on more dated equipment. Otherwise, the Bowflex is not a bad piece of equipment.


Recommended: No