Question

The Bowflex machine is pretty expensive. It has the Bowflex spiral (Bowflex Revolution) the Bowflex with power rods (known as the Bowflex Ultimate 2) plus different attachments to choose from. I want to gain muscle size, strength, and endurance.

I have been working out at the gym, but I have been hearing about this Bowflex home gym. I was told that if I combine this with exercising at the the gym as well, I would get great results. The main reason I ask is because I hear that Bowflex will give much more results and you never get tired of it as other home gyms. I am willing to make the investment if it is well worth it. The Bowflex Ultimate 2 home gym is said to be the best home gym they offer, that's great if it is known for excellent results. Would appreciate some input and true expertise on this…….THANKS.

Answer

If you've read any of my website I'm a fan of the Bowlex Home gyms. Both the Bowflex Revolution and the Bowflex Ultimate 2 home gym are good machines that will give you a great workout if put in the effort and train smart.

In your question you say, "I was told that if I combine this (working out on the Bowflex) with exercising at the the gym as well, I would get great results."

It sounds like the person who told you this owns part of the gym and doesn't want you to quit your membership. When you train with resistance on the Bodyflex Revolution, the Ultimate 2 or with machines or free weights at the gym, your body won't know the difference.

The only thing that really matters is keeping constant tension on a muscle through a full range of motion. It's true that weight training on some machines isn't as productive as free weights because of the fixed range of motion (i.e. most health club machines, and yes even the really expensive ones) but the new home gyms like Bowflex Revolution, the Bodycraft Xpress Pro, Life Fitness G5 and Hoist V2 are all based on free range of motion exercises with cable attachments that work your muscle through a full range of motion that includes the stabilizers as well.

You say that you want to "gain muscle size, strength and endurance when you train" and to do that you need to vary the amount of weight and reps of your exercises. It's near impossible to train for endurance and size at the same time - focus on one or the other - lighter weights and high reps for endurance and medium heavy weights for moderate reps (8-12) is best for size gains.

For your purposes it sounds like you may get more use out of the Bowflex Ultimate 2 because it has more options that are geared toward body building than the Bowflex Revolution does. Which ever gym you decide to buy, get yourself on a good exercise and nutrition program - or better yet invest a few bucks with a personal trainer and have them show you how to train for the goals you're looking to accomplish. It will be money well spent.