bowflex vs power rack

[JOKER47]

basically.

Thanks for the insight, i think im gonna try out the adjustable bench and dumbells first, also, what about those like huge full workout machines? price isnt really a problem, btw.

Still not worth the money, IMO.

Before blowing any large amount of money on some equipment, go the cheaper route and see if you stick with it. A couple years later if you still want one, at least you know you will use it.


Joker

 

[dave-inator]

you can do abs exercises with the adjustable bench + dumbells right?

(again, completely new at this)

 

[louden_swain]

you can do abs exercises with the adjustable bench + dumbells right?

(again, completely new at this)

you don't even need a bench to perform ab exercises.

 

[gonelifting]

try joining a gym for 3 months. You may not like it. save your money and the space in your house. There are less expensive clothes hangers than a bowflex and power rack.

If you can afford it (like you said) hook up with a personal trainer. IF YOU DO IT RIGHT from the beginning. You`ll be pleased with the results. I think that`s a big reason people stop working out. They don`t see progress. good luck

 

[circusgirl]

BTW there are some good threads on here for new lifters. I've found this site very useful.

 

[SlavikHavik]

BowFlex Vs Power Rack... haha

im not even sure theres a debate.

and fyi. there is no such thing as "casual lifting" that will yeild any benefit.

if your like most newbies and your thinking "i just want to look like the guys on mens health, i dont want to be too big"

IF that is you. Then i gotta ask, do you think your super man? It takes years to get that big. to even get a fraction of that size. especially as a natural.
Getting to the mens health level takes a serious level of commitment. if you want to look like that then you really have to put some effort into it.

and bow flex will not help you accomplish those ends.

get a power rack. you might get somewhere with it.

 

[dave-inator]

when i say casual i dont mean lazy lifting, and i am certainly planning on putting in alot of effort, casual i meant like 3 times a week 30-40 minutes per workout sort of thing.

what can i do with
2x 3 lb dumbell
2x 5lb dumbell
2x 10lb dumbell
8lb medicine ball
swiss ball

and a floor?

 

[Backlash]

Ab stuff, maybe some rotator cuff or wrist work if they're weak. You need some heavier weights bro!

 

[SlavikHavik]

You can forget about them. thats probably your best bet. youd be better off doing some serious calisthetic movements then using 3lb dumbells.

im a gymnast, so if you want some help putting together a bodyweight training program id be glad to help.

to give you some ideas

Consider
Deep explosive pushups... explode up as fast as possible. Can you do more than 15? put on a backpack and fill it with stuff untill you can only do 5-10 and then work your way back up

Chin ups... slow negatives are best with these.

And if you got a chin bar you could hang off of it with your feet and do inverted sit ups. or leg raises.

Also consider working on your flexibility around your trunk, and hamstrings. if you can fold yourself up in two you have accsess to the greatest abdominal exercises known to man. 99.999% of people dont have the option of doing these simply because they dont put the effort into gaining the flexibility.

how about some tricep dips between chairs, again with the backpack full of weight

handstand pushups against the wall

Try this one for your shoulders, abs, wrists. Put your feet on a chair, and support yourself with your arms straight, and then lean forward as much as possible, try and get your center of gravity (usually your waist) overtop of your wrists. and hold for 5 seconds, repeat ten times for three sets.

Theres hundreds more but those are the simple ones.

but really man, get a power rack.

whatever you want to achieve thats your best way to do it.

 

[PancakeFiend]

well you said money was no option, but as your fitness improves you'll want to use heavier weight, and it's much easier and cheaper to buy plates for a power rack. Also i heard the engineering for bowflex is a bit shoddy and breaks down every once in a while, whereas a decent power rack is basically metal weilded together. Also I think power rack puts you in a more "natural" position when you lift. Some people have complained that various attachements and positions for exercises feel strange on the bowflex. So basically a power rack, olympic bar, plates, and perhaps adjustable dumbells would be money and time well spent.