Why so much hate towards the bowflex?

Question

I've run across numerous posts just blasting the bowflex, its capabilities and those who use them. One of the most common arguments the free weight crowd make is that one cannot build muscle using these machines and only free weights are capable of increasing muscle mass. I've used both and made measurable gains with both which for me lays to rest the capabilities of the machine. I've witnessed plenty of indiviuals in my rec center bouncing their way thru bench presses and swinging thier way through curls and not making ANY gains in two years to believe its NOT about what you are using but really about the the level of effort that is put into one's routine.

Answer 1

I agree with you, I have one at home and I love it.

Answer 2

I have not run across any of such postings, either for or against the machine. I think ANYTHING you do for your health is good. One thing we can't figure in is what these folks do after they LEAVE your rec center. They could work out 8 hours/day on various equipment - but, if they go immediately to their favorite fast food outlet and have two dozen wings and a pitcher of beer after every work-out - it won't matter much, will it? What I AM sick of is the bowflex commercials. Enough, already... Just because some former minor celebrity is making a minor amount of money for plugging these over-priced pieces of metal and plastic doesn't make them worth the exhorbitant amount of money some desperate people are willing to pay for them. If anything - it should be illegal to take advantage of these folks. Okay - I'll get off my soap box now and take the dog out for a walk - or maybe not - it's raining...

Answer 3

People don't like change and don't like to be told that what they are doing is wrong or that there might be a better way. my only problem with Bowflex is the price, way to high.

Answer 4

I knew a guy who got his eye whacked out of his head when he didn't engage the rods correctly.