Is Bowflex exercise equipment all that its cracked up to be?  They run a string of commercials that seem to play non-stop on half the channels on TV, and by the way they market it, regular use of Bowflex equipment will keep you healthy and looking young forever.  If you’re in the market for exercise or strength training equipment, you’re probably wondering what Bowflex exercise equipment is all about and if its even half as good as it sounds on their ads.

I’m not an exercise expert, but I am definitely a fan of keeping in shape.  I have been lifting weights for over 25 years, and have been a runner for over 15 years. I believe that both of these activities have been a huge factor in keeping my blood pressure and cholesterol low (with right amount of HDL). Doctors and health professionals agree that a combination of aerobic and anaerobic (strength training) exercises works better in improving cholesterol, blood pressure, and boosting metabolism than either one by itself.  Aerobic exercise is simple; put on some decent shoes, stretch for a few minutes and go for a run.  But strength training is more complicated.

When I first started to work out – 25 years ago, I purchased a Bowflex machine. It was not as “high tech” as the machines being sold today. This machine was basically a bench with a bar that was attached to a frame by various sizes of “bands” – think of large rubber bands. This worked great in the beginning as it was convenient, but after a while found that the variety of exercises I could do was limited. Additionally, I found later that although there is a convenience factor to working out at home, I enjoyed the camaraderie and hi-jinks of the gym.

When weighing the decision of purchasing a home gym like Bowflex, or joining a fitness club, there are many factors to consider:

• Cost of ongoing club membership versus the one-time cost of a machine;
• Convenience of having a machine at home versus driving to the gym;
• How often you work out;
• Your experience level;
• How important strength training is in your exercise routine;
• Preference of machines versus free weights;
• Do you have space at home (in the case of a Bowflex, the space requirement is low);
• Personality type – do you like the social aspect of a fitness club, or do you prefer to just get down to business without the distractions of other people (not that you can’t just get down to business at the gym);
• How you are motivated – will you be more or less likely to get up and get out of the house to workout, or will having a gym at home and always available make it easier to procrastinate working out;
• Does having access to cardio equipment have any value, or are you the run outdoors type.

For a while I did both – had a memebership, but also had a room in the basement with equipment (I had added to the my old Bowflex before I sold everything – before we moved again!). At the end of the day, there are plenty of options available, in terms of what kind of clubs to join, what kind of home gym equipment to purchase, and price point. So, no more excuses, your good health depends on it.