Sat, Nov-19-05, 21:50
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Registered Member
Posts: 74
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Plan: Combination
Stats: 235/160/150
BF:
Progress: 88%
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Bowflex Powerpro Owner
I would recommend the Bowflex as an excellent piece of equipment. I am not sure what machine you are referring to, but I have an old Powerpro that is about 12 years old. I use it pretty regularly and can tell you they hold up well and give you a good work-out. The previous poster is correct about the fact that they can spring back. However, I don't feel this is any more dangerous than a weight stack, which you can get a body part caught in; or free weights which could be dropped. With any piece of equipment in which you get a good work-out there is some inherit danger. As long as you are careful and take the necessary precautions you should be fine.
Depending on your strength level, you may need to consider how much weight you need. My Bowflex has 410 pounds of resistance. At my size, that is more than enough for my upper body. For my legs, it really isn't enough for a challenging Leg Press. I do single leg presses (one leg at a time) and that is plenty enough challenge. The weight you need will depend on your size on strength. Adding additional power-rods is fairly easy, so don't worry it you start with a base machine and then have to add some weight.
The aerobic rowing feature on the machine isn't that great. However, overall I find the Bowflex to be a great machine. It holds up well and gives you a good work-out. You can also do over 60 exercises on the machine.
The variety of exercises may confuse first-time users. There may be too many options. For overall conditioning I would make sure to include a Bench Press, Row, and Leg Press. Those three exercises work most major muscles in your body. From there add exercises that will help round out the body parts your want to work on most.
Brett
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