Bowflex vs. Total Gym

[Itsanalias]

As summer approached, I canceled our membership to the gym (t-ball, softball, outdoor events, bbq's, etc. starting). There's just not enough time to do everything, especially load up in the vehicle and head to the gym everyday for an hour or two. We have decided to buy a home gym, but need some advice. I've heard that the Bowflex gives a great workout and gets results. I've also heard great things about the Total Gym (the workout apparatus that Chuck Norris and Christie Brinkley pimp on an infomercial).

Does anyone own either (both?)? Any information you could provide is appreciated.

 

[mamajoan]

Hi.. I have not used a bowflex.. however it does seem to be a good piece of strengthening equipment.

Total gym... is actually an older piece of equipment that they have dusted off and brought back.We used it in one of the Physical Therapy out patient clinics where I was employed many moons ago. It is a good piece of equipment if you are flexible. You MUST be able to get up and down off of the floor/incline board repeatedly in one workout session. Resistance is increased or decreased by the raising or lowering of the incline bench. There are no exact measurements of resistance.. as with free weights. It is easy to Overdo it on the total gym.... it seems easy at first... which is good to encourage beginners, but can be a pitfall if you do excessive repetitions. As for Ms. Brinkley's claims that it is AEROBIC exercise... well.. you have to be doing alot of reps VERY VERY QUICKLY.. and even at that it is NOT comparable to walking, running, biking or even jazzercise. jmho.....

It is convienent and can take up much less space than something like the bowflex. I had good luck with incorporating the Total Gym into strengthening exercise routines for patients.

Hope this helps.... remember it is jmho....
Joan

 

[MICKEY88]

check this site out,..this machine looks pretty good,,I'm planning on getting it shortly...

http://healthfxamerica.com/hf03.htm?source=overture