Soloflex, effective and worthwhile purchase
Written: Jun 28 '06 (Updated Jun 06 '09)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Sensible, efficient and targeted
Cons: Extremely Pricey to replace weight straps.
The Bottom Line: At the price, I got a bargain...After the workout, I got a steal.
Update 06-06-09: being gouged on replacement parts pricing will force me into no longer using the equipment.
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| elmor_fudwel's Full Review: Soloflex |
I'm writing as I purchased a used Soloflex several weeks ago. I'd like to add my thoughts of this useful piece of equipment so that others can make thoughtful decisions.
I won't be going over what all comes with the system as that info is available elsewhere. Nor, will this review explain how the bands and mechanism work. So please hang in there through the following background to learn why I like this device.
-Background-
I've had the opportunity to work out at regular gyms and appreciated what free weights helped me achieve. However, I did go through working out too often and became sore and tired of the process. I also began to realize that my joints were hurting much more. I'm a little older now and wanted something less stressful on my joints.
Checking out eBay, I found a decent Soloflex. Scratches and such were fine as long as the equipment functioned properly. Besides, for what I'd paid for the equipment I could not even purchase a one months gym membership.
-Results-
After three weeks of use, my body feels great. I noticed after a particular long workout the other day how my muscles felt warm. The warm feeling was invigorating and surprising. I felt good without being overly taxed or tired as I felt with free weights. This time around I noticed the difference in the workouts. The workout with a Soloflex allows control and works the muscles gently.
Satisfied, I am back into my workout and doing it for improvement. I'm not putting as much strain on my body as I had in free weights. This is not to say that I'm not getting a workout. I'm getting one with a different device and what I feel for me are healthier results.
-Likes & Dislikes-
•I like the weight straps as opposed to free weights. They’re lightweight and easy to move and store.
•The machine requires different adjustments for the different exercises. A previous reviewer mentioned keeping a sheet to note the different pin settings. This is a great idea and makes the adjustments painless. By the time the adjustments are made, a quick sip of water, you’re ready for your next exercise.
•Reading their workout guide, a day’s program can be accomplished in 30-45 minutes. This is great because it creates a sense of accomplishment and gets the job done.
•The leg and butterfly attachment is cumbersome to attach and store. I have not worked with them as much as my focus is upper body. When I have used it, I get the same controlled workout as the bar provides.
In Closing
After working out with free weights for the past fifteen years, I look back and think that I could have done this much sooner. The $1200 or so for a brand new one is a little hard to stomach.
My recommendation is to find an inexpensive one, work out, and if you don't like it, donate it or sell it on eBay. There seems to be a market for used ones. For me, I am happy with the results that I'm starting to see and feel after three weeks of use. Shelve the "No Pain, No Gain" mantra. It's great to be working out again.
Sensible Performance, Positive Results.
02-21-08 UPDATE:
I have been using the Soloflex consistently since this past summer 2007 and am impressed with the results that I have gotten. Not only have I lost 25 pounds, the attention that I am getting when I wear a tank top is very flattering.
I chose to work up my own routine that I felt would help me accomplish my results. By working out just three days a week, for 45 minutes, I toned up extremely well. It shows that I take care of my body by the results that I got. I am not going for the over-muscled look, and my results are really flattering.
One thing that I worked on was my stomach. Performing the Roman Chair, I have developed a noticeable six pack. Though it shows up underneath my skin, it is not overly developed such that it looks rock hard. I am quite happy with the form showing through. I never imagined that I'd have a six pack.
Secondly, I worked diligently on my arms which never seem to hold any workout effects. I can see my biceps and triceps from the various exercises that I set up for myself.
Again, my goal is not to look like the guys on the front page of muscle mags. I just don't have the desire to express myself in that way. What I have attained has gotten me lots of flattering looks and compliments.
Thirdly, my self esteem has improved since losing the extra weight. I am 48 yrs old and had made my way up to 194 with a 36 growing to a 38 inch waist. I am so proud that I can now wear 33 to 34 waist jeans, and a comment that I got was that I look "HOT!" I found a picture of me from April 2007, and I am amazed at the difference between then and now. Back then I looked bloated and just plain out of shape. Now, I can turn sideways, look in the mirror, and enjoy that reflection.
06-06-09 Update:
After three years of frequent use, several of the weight straps are failing. I am disappointed that the Soloflex Website appears to be possibly gouging customers. The replacement costs for weight straps is questionable, in my opinion.
I continue to enjoy using the Soloflex equipment. I am disappointed that to replace the 25lb. straps the current cost is U.S. $57.00 for a pair, as an example.
I am researching other solutions such as Ebay to look for parts. Though the quality of purchasing used equipment may put me in the same position in the future.
Due to the replacement costs, which I did not reflect in my original review, I am lowering the star rating. The power of voting with where I take my business will hopefully catch some attention at Soloflex.
The business choices by Soloflex could make them irrelevant in the home gym market if not already. From what I know, they have stopped manufacturing the machine itself and sell only the parts.
An analogy is much like that for the computer printer market, replacement ink cartridges are where the firms make their money.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
elmor_fudwel
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Reviews written: 5
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