Judge,
We're about the same age... if you know that you won't got to the gym then get the Bowflex.... anything is better than nothing. I know you're not wanting to add size so if you do the 3 sets, 12 reps you will tone up. If you need any advice give me a shout. But I do have to tell you that 12oz curls are over rated as far as cardio goes. :105084828
We're about the same age... if you know that you won't got to the gym then get the Bowflex.... anything is better than nothing. I know you're not wanting to add size so if you do the 3 sets, 12 reps you will tone up. If you need any advice give me a shout. But I do have to tell you that 12oz curls are over rated as far as cardio goes. :105084828
Judge I have one, and I REALLY like it. I've always been a free weights guy. If you are trying to strictly "bulk" up, it may not be ideal for you. However it will get you started into a bulk phase. I didn't hit the gym for 3 years, bought the bowflex, lost nearly all fat I had gained in said time and bulked up pretty good. But it will only bring you to a certain point, you can and will gain mass it just won't make you huge.
It's a great machine, as far as not providing balance, that's BS. You will see when you first start using it, it will take you time to flow through bench motions smoothly just like free-weights. Actuall it's the closest thing to free you'll get as far as balance, the nautilus equip doesn't even compare.
Buy one man, you'll love it. If you don't, I'll take it off your hands, I have the older version and have been contemplating buying the new. The biggest problem is getting yoursefl on the thing at home, I haven't worked out in months, glad i saw this post. Starting tomorrow,,,,,,,,,well maybe.....lol
It's a great machine, as far as not providing balance, that's BS. You will see when you first start using it, it will take you time to flow through bench motions smoothly just like free-weights. Actuall it's the closest thing to free you'll get as far as balance, the nautilus equip doesn't even compare.
Buy one man, you'll love it. If you don't, I'll take it off your hands, I have the older version and have been contemplating buying the new. The biggest problem is getting yoursefl on the thing at home, I haven't worked out in months, glad i saw this post. Starting tomorrow,,,,,,,,,well maybe.....lol
You said if you want to shed excess fat, you "MUST do cardio." That statement is not true. Steady state cardio impedes muscle gains - aka the interference effect. As you probably know, increased muscle mass raises metabolism and the number of calories burned at rest throughout the day. Fat loss can absolutely be attained through resistance training only. I am not saying doing cardio will prohibit fat loss. I am saying that it is not a "MUST" in any sense to achieve fat loss at ANY bodyfat level.bombay24 said:
If you are concerned about overall heart health, lower cholesterol, and increased maximal aerobic capacity, then aerobic training can be a plus - a big plus at that. But for fat loss - not necessary.
In fact, aerobic training - specifically steady state cardio - is never needed. A good resistance program combined with periodic high intensity interval training (HIIT) is ideal. I would agree that a concurrent program with "some" cardio (depending on your definition) combined with weights can lead to a solid program, but cardio is not a must.
>>> Starving yourself in order to lose weight just isnt healthy.
Umm, I never said it was. Usually a person greatly UNDEREATS when they attempt to lose weight. I'd suggest a minimum of 2000 calories for most people (men), but usually quite more than that should be taken in.
Again, steady state cardio is NEVER needed and can actually hurt your progress. HIIT is more efficient, more effective, and less prone to overuse injuries. I do cardio myself. I do mostly intervals, but I do some longer road work once a week. I believe in the health benefits and generally just like to do it. My only point was that your statement of cardio being a "MUST" is wrong. I know plenty of my clients have achieved fantastic results doing ONLY resistance training. If I dig further, I could find more "expert" studies and anecdotal evidence, but you can use a search as well as I can.
As for putting it out there, I would GUESS I am somewhere in the range of 25% fat and just today, a hair under 260 pounds. I am proud of it. Last year I was hovering at 40% fat and sitting above 340 pounds. I know a thing or two about fat loss. In fact, I enjoyed the journey so much I quit my job as an attorney and am pursuing personal training as a career. No one will listen to a fat trainer, so I am a work still in progress. As for MY credentials, I am now a personal trainer and have a CSCS, the gold standard of certifications.
I am currently setting up clinics and sports camps for kids and trying to work with afterschool programs to get kids moving at an earlier age. This has become my true love.
I didn't mean to come across as I did. As I know you'll agree, there is simply too much misinformation out there (and even in this thread) and it is hurting everyone (take the food pyramid for example).
And by the way... get off the machines and get into the free weights. Bowflex is probably a decent system, but it simply isn't as good as free weights - as a lot of people have said above.
Curiously, can you deadlift and squat using a bowflex? If not, you are missing out on probably the best two exercises one can have in a program.
Curiously, can you deadlift and squat using a bowflex? If not, you are missing out on probably the best two exercises one can have in a program.
Judge, the advantage of bowflex and other similar equipment is that it's easier on the joints than free weights. I train at a Gold's and use machines and cables almost exclusively and I'm in as good as shape as ever, and not getting nagging injuries. When you reach age 35, NOT getting injured becomes a priority in training. Let those young guys throw the barbells around.
This is the type of misinformation I was referring to in my post above. This is just poor advice. Machines lock you in a range of motion, which end up doing two things. One, it prevents you from developing supporting and stabilizing muscles which will severly hurt you in other lifts and general peformance. Two, it keeps your muscles from moving naturally and can cause injury. An example would be doing squats with a Smith machine. This machine does not provide the right range of motion and can actually CAUSE more injury as a result.American said:
You can't find a machine that will replicate a squat better than an actual barbell across the shoulders. And there is no better exercise in the gym for any goal (fatloss, strength, muscle hypertrophy, sports performance, etc.). Stick to free weights.
Free weights are not just for muscleheads or young guys. It is a good training protocol for all ages, including seniors.
I absolutely agree with you on the free weights and with deadlifts and squats. Those are definitely two core exercises that one should implement in their weight training program. On my statement earlier, I should have said cardio is a must for MAX fat loss. I dont believe that you will burn much muscle at all as long as you stay within your target heart rate for a reasonable amount of time. I commend you on your fat loss. I was at around 20% almost a year ago now and got down to 7% right around the summer, however that's about to change as I'm beginning to implement a diet and training program that will help me gain mass with minimal fat. I do know that I will gain some fat, but it should go pretty smooth and I should be able to cut that fat within a month or two after I end my mass program.
Judge,
If you are into modern art, the BOWflex would be a nice addition. I have seen it displayed in many of my out-of-shape friend's houses. I just wish they would dust it off more often.
Good luck with your search for a nice piece of art.
P.S. IT goes well with the treadmill converted into clothes hanger piece.
If you are into modern art, the BOWflex would be a nice addition. I have seen it displayed in many of my out-of-shape friend's houses. I just wish they would dust it off more often.
Good luck with your search for a nice piece of art.
P.S. IT goes well with the treadmill converted into clothes hanger piece.
I agree. I belong to Gold's and I'm having a blast in there. However, Judge wants to stay at home and do something there. Bowflex is a decent product if that's what you want to do. Just think of the shape we'd all be in if we did a few sets while watching all this sports on TV. Having exercise equipment in your TV room isn't a bad idea at all (now that I think of it).
