Bowflex Reviews, Comparisons, and Tips

While going to the gym is highly beneficial for everyone, it isn’t necessarily the most convenient way to stay fit and healthy. Gym membership fees can skyrocket, the time it takes to get there may be inconvenient and costly and once you do get to the gym, you may have to wait for your turn to use the equipment.  Apart from the hassles and cost, going to and being in the gym can certainly take up time and when you don’t have that luxury, it simply is unwise to try to force and squeeze it into your schedule.  In comes home gym.  Setting up one could just be the solution for you.

You may have heard it being said before that going to the gym is more motivating than working out on your own but I personally think it isn’t true for all.  This is especially true when you consider the way fitness industries and companies are rounding up every nook and corner to come up with innovation for home gym equipment.  Newest models of home gyms breaking into the market feature ways to get you more engaged and to stay and get more motivated. Goals and games are just some of these features.

Whether or not you are into these new thrills or just really aim to get some fitness work done, there’s no question that the best place to do so when you’re pressed for time or budget is by setting up your own home gym.  It is convenient and can be inexpensive if you wise up before you actually buy an equipment or two for your home gym.

When setting up your own home gym, three of the most important things you should consider are your budget, your space and your fitness needs.  Not necessarily in that order.  With a ceiling for how much you are willing to spend, you will know which products to consider and which are out of the question.  A smaller space means you need to choose something compact or if at all possible, foldable equipment.  In terms of fitness needs, you need to evaluate first on whether or not you are after some cardiovascular workout, just toning, real muscle building, or a mix of these.  Once you’ve got that figured out, you should be able to shortlist the many equipment available for you.

This article should be able to help you learn a few things about:

• Choosing the right home equipment for you, whether you should get an all-in-one system, a cardio machine or both.
• All-in-one home gym systems, what they are, what they can or cannot do and how much they cost.
• The different kinds of cardio machines available (elliptical trainers, treadmills and treadclimbers), what each kind can do and what they cannot and how much they cost.
• Choose which all-in-one system and/or cardio machine works best for you in terms of need, budget and space.
• How you can score the best deals when purchasing a home gym equipment.

All-In-One Home Gyms: Weider, Body Solid, and Bowflex

All-in-one systems are a great way to bring the gym into your home.  They allow you to tone up or build muscles minus the travel time to get to the gym, the waiting time to use the equipment there and the bulk and clutter free weights and workout benches .  They’re compact, there are plenty of sizes and mechanisms to choose from and, lastly, they pretty much cost just as much as a gym membership or even less.

Home gyms have their limitations though and three of the more prominent ones are (1) most all-in-one systems or home gyms are purely for strength training alone and not for cardio except perhaps for the occasional units that include a rowing station like Bowflex.  In any case, when you get an all-in-one home gym, you don’t expect to do cardio with it.  (2) You can’t expect to build huge muscles with home gyms because most models have very limited resistance.  You have to be willing to shell out more money, provide more space or both to be able to do extreme muscle building with a home gym.  (3)The more compact ones make use of rods or bands for resistance and some people find that hard to get used to.

3 Reasons I Like Bowflex Home Gyms

There are plenty of reasons why people love Bowflex’s home fitness systems but my top three:

1. There is a wide range of price for every entry level from cheap models for beginners to pricey models for fitness buffs.  The models boasts of resistance that run from 210 to 400+ lbs.

2. The resistance is different from conventional weight, but that’s not a bad thing. The weight is consistent through out the movement, which will help prevent injury and promote an overall better strength.

3. Excellent support and training. Customer support is great and the manufacturer will deliver parts if broken.

A Look at Weider Home Fitness Equipment

For beginners and for those who are under a limited budget, Weider provides some of the most affordable entry-level home gyms in the market.  For as little as $100, you can avail of some pretty good equipment for toning like its Door Gym.  But the price usually comes with a payoff and in the case of the Door Gym, your door should be sturdy enough. The equipment is usually better installed from the outside too because of the additional support the door framing provides.  In any case, it is a good option if budget is your main concern.  But don’t expect much in terms of resistance, more exercises, warranty or quality.

Basically, what you would get from the Weider’s offerings are toning and not some serious muscle building.  Weider’s home fitness equipment mostly make use of body weight resistance with the highest additional resistance you can expect to hit only 240 lbs which you can get from the their most expensive offering, the Max Weight System.  While the brand’s home gym models may not exactly be true value for ones money, Weider Home Fitness Equipment are, in two words, “good enough” for any beginner to get started with when trying to get out of a gym membership and doing some toning at home.  You might need to look for exercise guides though because Weider usually do not include a handbook in their home gyms.  Check out these reviews from users of some of Weider more popular systems: the Weider X-Factor Plus Gym and the Weider Total Body Works 5000 Gym.

The Body Solid Gym Selection

Two of the biggest advantages of Body Solid home gyms among all other exercise systems are perhaps their excellent warranty and crazy sturdy build.  Other than that, the brand doesn’t provide much innovation but if you’re not into the frills to begin with, it could probably provide the best equipment for you.

Body Solid home gyms make use of stacked weights so you can be sure you’re getting a familiar gym feel compared to the bands or rods of most home gyms.  This does, however, also mean that you will not be able to move your exercise equipment around or tow it away for easy storage.  The brand’s units’ price range starts at a high $800 dollars and can reach to a little under $2,000. But you will get what you pay for and in the case of Body Solid, you will usually get a lifetime warranty (not that you would ever need it because like I said earlier, it has a crazy sturdy, solid build).

In terms of resistance, Body Solid home gyms only provide to as much as 210 lbs of resistance for the higher-end ones and just around 160 lbs for the lower-end models.  As far as I know, these aren’t upgradeable. If you’re thinking of bulking up to more than what any of these models provide, you might want to get a different brand of home gym.  In any case, Body Solid has pretty solid ratings in review sites although most often complain of assembly issues due to outdated guides.  Here are some of the more helpful reviews from users who say that they are “very satisfied with new Home Gym” and that Body Solid is a “great small home gym”.

Getting the Best Deal: Buy Used All-In-One Workout Machines

You can get the best deal by buying your home fitness equipment second-hand. Because many people buy their equipment and only end up using it for a couple months, then lose motivation, the equipment is often near-new.

Cardio Home Fitness Equipment: Ellipticals, Treadclimbers, and Treadmills

If you’re thinking of setting up your own home gym, you simply can’t do away without a cardio machine.  While you can do some dancing at home (which is what I did before I got a my own unit) or you can run outdoors, cardio machines have the advantage of being able to give you more intensity and allowing you to easily do interval training which is the best way to burn fat.  You also get to watch your progress as you go along through the built-in monitors. The more advanced ones can even provide you with various programs or goals to keep you motivated.  In fact you can even get some toning done with some machines; a rare feature to find but it is definitely included in some.  There are different types of cardio machine; there’s always something for everyone and no doubt there’s something that’s just right for you.

Treadclimbers

Treadclimbers are cardio machines that put together the mechanisms of a stair climber, an elliptical and a treadmill.  A treadclimber features two treadles that move up and down imitating the action of a stairclimber.  Each treadle carries a moving belt that mimics the function of a treadmill.  The combination of movements along with the soft padding of the treadles akin the treadclimber to an elliptical where you can get a low-impact, high-intensity workout.  You can work your muscles or tone through treadclimbers and not just do pure cardio.  However, these machines have limited speeds with most approximating at 4mph.  Treadclimbers are perhaps the most expensive cardio machines available to date with prices ranging from a grand for lower-end models to a little over $3,000 for brand new, home grade, high-end units.

Ellipticals

Ellipticals or elliptical trainers are low-impact, high-intensity cardio machines.  They are specifically designed for people who cannot withstand or would prefer to reduce impact on the knee joints caused by jogging or running.  Its main mechanism involves two foot pedals that are attached to a mechanical motor or drive system which functions as a control system for the intensity of your workout. The controls for the motor or intensity of the machine are connected to a dashboard and with a touch of a button you can make your workout either easier or harder.

You simply step on the pedals and use your leg to power or start the elliptical.  Leg power will drive the pedals to glide up and down and you do not need to lift your foot.  The movement mimics the natural movement of the legs when running, walking, jogging or climbing stairs ( at least that is how it should work ideally) but you won’t be lifting your feet as you would with a treadclimber or treadmill.  How natural a movement you are going to experience depends on the make of your elliptical so choosing a good one is of the essence.  Most elliptical trainers also allow you to work your upper body through the grip or handles that you can use to power the machines as well. Toning can also be a part of ellipticals if you find the right one.

Good, durable and reliable elliptical trainers usually sit within the $600.00 price range and above.  A feature-laden and commercial grade one can run to as much as $6,000.00.  I’ve seen a few brand new ones that cost just below$100 but these are usually mini trainers or elliptical-like trainers.

Treadmills

A treadmill can be defined simply as a cardio machine that allows you to run, walk or jog in place.  This works through a conveyor belt that moves either through manual or electric power.  Manual treadmills stay stationary unless you start stepping on the belt and walking or running on it.  These treadmills are often smaller and portable and sensibly a better choice for home use.  Although, currently there are plenty of electric powered ones that are as portable in the market that is affordable and provide better motivational goals or programs.

Electric-powered treadmills have better features with programs that allow you to do interval training through varying inclines and treadmill speeds that can be manually entered into the dashboard or imbedded in the machine’s built-in programs.  Treadmills have been around for a long time and are very reliable especially if yours come with a good name.  Dependable treadmills that can withstand regular use stand cost about $1,000.00.  If you’re using it with someone else who also regularly uses it for running, you have to start looking at a $1,500-$2,000 price tag. For state-of-the-art treadmills, the price can go to as high as around $8,000.00

Getting in shape is as easy as literally stepping out and walking or running.  But sometimes the weather can get unpredictable; the path can get uncertain; your feet hit the floor and you feel a jolt that is just very uncomfortable, probably from taking too long a break from exercising; you don’t really like having people look at you when you are all sweating and breathy; or you could simply be just afraid of dogs or stray people you would prefer not to ever run into.  Before you know it, you find yourself wishing you could just do your running at home but, of course, jogging in place simply won’t cut it.  In all accounts, I speak from experience and I honestly believe no one could have been more grateful about the invention of the treadmill as I was.

Time has passed and companies have gotten better at making these treadmills too, giving you inclines nowadays, really comfortable paddings to run on. Heck, in the Bowflex treadmill, you even get a little breeze now, mimicking the breeze you get from running.  This is what never fails to amaze me with Bowflex and I’m not speaking from a promotional standpoint but as a consumer and someone who is really keen about doing her cardios on a daily, and if at all possible, convenient basis.

The Bowflex treadmill covers everything you would want a treadmill to have.  The 7 series in particular impressively leaves no stone unturned.  All the concerns I mentioned early on, the Bowflex treadmill has hit hard and good with its very well-thought out features.  Well, by its very nature, a treadmill for being a treadmill is a convenience in and of itself. It helps you run in a place you couldn’t have possibly done so without it. That of course gets a point from me.  The Bowflex treadmill (and from hereon when I mention Bowflex treadmill I will always be referring to the 7 series) goes beyond that, adding the following gadgets and really convenient features (and I won’t be listing all, just some of my favorites):

A massive running surface that’s padded with what Bowflex calls a “Strike Zone” deck cushioning.  It serves to give you both a soft landing and a firm lift off. Now, personally, all I really care about are soft landings than lift offs.  Although I love running outside (when it is quiet and there aren’t a lot of people looking), sometimes when I decide to couch it out for far too long, I instantly feel like my knee joints are going to shatter.  This Strike Zone cushioning really gets me back into shape and helps me get into marathon-ready condition for when I’m ready to give it a go outside.

This is where their incline feature steps in too.  It’s quick and very convenient to use.  I especially love the programs that go with the Series 7  (technically it’s just 13 programs as opposed to the 15 they advertise because the two slots are provided for your customization).

The 13 programs include: manual, cardio, running, fat burn, speed interval jogger, hill intervals, 5K run with 12 intervals, heart strength/recovery test, calorie goal, distance goal, fat burn heart rate calculation, cardio heart rate calculation, body mass index (BMI) test.  I’m fond of the fat burn and the speed interval jogger and dabble occasionally with my own customizations.  It kills off the boredom and the monotony and also surprises the body, making it more efficient when you change your routine up every now and then, including your cardio program.

I’m also a big fan of the Bowflex treadmill’s telemetric heart monitor. Although there’s also a heart monitor on the grips, I do not use that at all.  I’m not the gripping kind and you shouldn’t be too.  Gripping just completely distorts the natural balance in your body.  Just my two cents.  Anyway, the telemetric heart monitor already comes with a chest strap (that is plus hundreds of points on the scoreboard) so you don’t have to look for one to use it with.  Just remember to moisten the areas where it should touch your skin to ensure a really good reading.  The reading goes out to the display; I find that quite savvy.

Other features you would be probably more interested in are detailed as follows:

• It runs on a 3.0 horsepower motor.
• It’s speed range is 0.5-11 miles per hour/0.8-17.7 kilometers per hour and incline range is at 0-12%.
• The display is an LCD with skylight backlit and around it are quick incline and quick-speed keys to change settings easily.
• Its maximum user weight is 300 pounds/136 kilograms.
• Its running area measures 20 x 60 inches or 51 by 152 centimeters and under it is a two-ply belt and rollers that measure 2.5 inches or 6.4 centimeters.
• Bonus features are three-speed fan (don’t expect much from it) and two bottle or cup holders.

Dimensions are at  83 by 35 by 55.25 inches/211 by 89 by 140 centimeters.  Folded, it is 40.87 by 35 by 65.5 inches or 104 by 89 by 166 centimeters.  It is heavy at 298 pounds or 135 kilograms

In terms of mobility, the Bowflex treadmill doesn’t really have much to boast of.  But you’re getting a sturdy build, I think that is definitely worth the trade off.  You just don’t want to move it around so be sure that when you get one for your home, you put it in its most ideal place. In summary, the Bowflex treadmill is a steal for its price.  It’s not exactly very affordable but in terms of product features, there’s no wonder why it is (and it truly deserves) its “best-selling treadmill” title.

More Details on This Treadmill

For its price, it may quite possibly be the best buy out there. Understand that you can easily find commercial models offered by their competitors that sell for up to three times as much as the Series 7 sells for.

Even so, with a 3 horsepower motor that puts out a top speed of 11 mph, the Bowflex series 7 is no light weight machine by any means. Also before you get all excited about a far more expensive machine that delivers more mph, do go test yourself beside a vehicle. What you'll inevitably find is that 11 mph is a pretty good clip. It's adequate speed.

Also with so many features being offered on not just this machine but all of its competitors, it can be a little overwhelming. So just what are the features that you're more likely to make regular use of and which ones can be filed in the “whistles and bells” category? As it turns out the Bowlfex Series 7 has all the features that I like.

For instance, Strike Zone shock absorption technology is “a must” as far as I'm concerned. It just makes for a far more comfortable workout and over the long run you can't discount the lessened wear on the feet and lower joint of the legs and ankles. Then there's the calorie counting feature that I use every time. I love it! I can keep precise track of every calorie that I burn on my treadmill.

It comes with a 15 year warranty on the frame, 2 year warranty on parts and one year on labor. Now I've had mine for three years now and it hasn't given me a lick of trouble. Even so, I do wonder sometimes why Bowflex can't up their warranties a bit. Thats really my only gripe I have about my Series 7.

Stamina InStride Electronic Stepper List Price: $90.00 Sale Price: $59.95 You save: $30.05 (33%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 3-4 business days

It has really only been in the past decade or so that the technology in fitness machines of all types has gone through their most notable advancements. This doesn't mean that there weren't fitness machines prior to that because there were lots of them. It just means that in more recent times they have become more advanced in their functions and features and also frankly, more durable.

An Amazingly Broad Range of Prices

The stair stepper is a fine example of this. For example to begin with the range in all the various makes and models is absolutely incredible now. It's not just the number of types, but the price range as well. For instance, you can now find a simple working mini stair stepper being sold at WallMart with a price tag in the area of $50.

The Inexpensive Mini Stair Stepper

The $5,000 StairMaster By StepMill

Then the very top model currently on the market is the StepMill, made by StairMaster and it features a a price tag of a little over $5,000. Of course there are many more types and models in between these two extremes in prices but it just goes to show the incredibly broad range in diversity that's out there on what is in effect the same machine.

So Just what Defines a Stair Stepper?

Well almost the same machine. This is because in truth, what actually defines a stair stepper isn't in the machines themselves but rather the stair stepping motions that you're legs are doing when using them. In the end, this is why there is such diversity in price, form and feature functions in this one particular category of fitness machine.

The StepMill By StairMaster

Do You Really Need a Stair Stepper Downstairs?

This is also a great time to point out one other very important fact that you may want to consider. This is that given that the stair stepper is so singular in its functions. That is that it will really only allow you to do stair stepping exercises. If you have a set of stairs available in or near your home, you may want to consider that you're money may be better invested elsewhere.

Perhaps Other Types of Fitness Gear?

After all, do bear in mind that the machine is going to take up space and if you have nice set of stairs already, why not consider making better use of that space and money on perhaps something like a compact weight resistance machine or a treadmill for instance?