Any soloflex owners out there?

[AMClvsMKY]

My DH & I are looking into getting a soloflex on Ebay for around $500 and we are wondering if anyone can give opinions. Are they worth the money, do they work ( assuming we actually use it on a regular basis, of course ). We also have 2 DS's, 13 & 9 years old, and we would like for them to use it also. Would they be able to get any benefit from the machine?

Thanks for any opinions you can give us, good or bad.

 

[Goofyposter]

IMHO....yer'd be alot better off buying sum dumbells and a bench

 

[Tina]

Yes. DH and I bought one on Ebay about a month ago. Look for someone local to you to avoid shipping costs. We drove about an hour (each way) to pick ours up and paid cash. We paid $325 for a 7 year old system with all attachments. Be sure to visit the website and look at what comes with the machine to ensure you get all the parts. We discovered after a few days that we were missing a few small parts, but easily ordered them from the website. Check the flexibility of the weight bands and make sure they are not too stretched out. You can buy a whole new box, but it will cost between $200-$300. We love our Soloflex. We don't have any teenagers, so I don't really know about your kids using it. I imagine they would enjoy it. The only problem they may have is in changing the attachments for different exercises. Some parts are fairly heavy. I've been able to change everything myself, but sometimes it can be a struggle. I count it as part of my workout! I recommend asking others you know and find someone who already owns one. Ask them if you can try it out. We did that and found a neighbor who had one. We spent about an hour with him, learning about the different things you can do, and decided it was right for us.

We also considered a weight bench, as Goofyposter suggested, but we like the ability to work more than our upper body. We also can't always work out together, so we wouldn't have a spotter.

We also considered the Bowflex, which many say is better, but its also MUCH more expensive - even on Ebay.

Whatever you decide, good luck to you.

 

[Tina]

One more thing I'd like to add:

When we were contemplating our purchase last month, I did a lot of research online and came across the following page: http://www.pinnaclecda.com/Health-Fitness/equipment.htm

This article was what finally convinced us to make the purchase.

 

[Tiptx4]

I just purchased one used for $200 with all the attachments included in very good shape. Look for a used one as they are very expensive new and there are plenty of used ones out there just as god as a new one. Best if you can see the one you want to buy in person as shipping can be very expensive plus you would want to inspect the rubber bands as they will wear over time. This is my 2nd one as I bought a new one over 20 years ago and wished I never would have sold it but due to certain circumstances I had too. This is the machine that started the in home fitness craze. I'm happy with mine.

 

[DLgal]

It's a personal choice either way, but my opinion is that these are a waste of money. The best way to build strength is to use your own bodyweight for strength training. You will end up functionally strong, not just with vanity muscles. Look to how the military trains. They don't use machines. Pushups, pull ups, mountain climbers, planks, tricep dips, lunges. That's all you need, and it's free. My husband is a career Marine and the only equipment he owns is a pullup bar and a set of 25lb free weights that he uses to keep his upper back/shoulders strong.

I would also not recommend having a 9 year old use weight machines. Kids should only engage in bodyweight exercises until they are around 13 or you can cause stunted growth and injury. Most kids don't have the discipline or ability to use proper form, and lifting heavy weights can lead to premature growth plate fusion. Ask your kid's doctor before you start a weight program, especially if they are on the small side for their ages.

A set of free weights and a bench is a much better investment.

 

[Tiptx4]

I agree as that is why I said you can buy a used one that is just as good as a new one. New they are way overpriced. Free weight is best no doubt as I'm just trying to stay in good health as I'm 64 and just like owning something that has stood the test of time. I also owned a Nordictrack Pro plus skier over 20 plus years that I bought in great condition used and a Concept 2 Model E rower new. I'm a veteran as I did serve in the Army as an U.S. Army Airborne Ranger with 2 enlistments before deciding it was time to get out on my own. I feel that for what I paid I'm happy with my purchase as I get good use out of all 3.

 

[ShirikiUtundu]

I just purchased one used for $200 with all the attachments included in very good shape. Look for a used one as they are very expensive new and there are plenty of used ones out there just as god as a new one. Best if you can see the one you want to buy in person as shipping can be very expensive plus you would want to inspect the rubber bands as they will wear over time. This is my 2nd one as I bought a new one over 20 years ago and wished I never would have sold it but due to certain circumstances I had too. This is the machine that started the in home fitness craze. I'm happy with mine.

Something tells me the OP is no longer in the market for a soloflex.

I would also not recommend having a 9 year old use weight machines. Kids should only engage in bodyweight exercises until they are around 13 or you can cause stunted growth and injury. Most kids don't have the discipline or ability to use proper form, and lifting heavy weights can lead to premature growth plate fusion. Ask your kid's doctor before you start a weight program, especially if they are on the small side for their ages.

Well then good news! They are 26 and 30!

 

[DLgal]

LOL. These stupid zombie threads...they always get me!