Bowflex

[gs300tx]

I am not sure if this has already been covered, but would something like the bowflex be considered an isometric type workout since there are no weights involved?

[MikeNY]

I've got a Total Gym type machine, when I broke my leg and ankle, they used a Total Gym for my rehab at Physical Therapy, and I needed mine at home for daily exercises they prescriped, it was invaluable for that. It uses your body weight, the angle you set the machine dictates the amount of your weight used. It does all the exercises the Bowflex does and without changing the settings all the time. I've got the Total Gym Workout Manual and the Manual that came with mine.

[kelbiz]

Some of the machines out there are designed to give someone a great workout without weights. Most require no spotter, another weightlifting drawback. Do they work? Hey, as long as someone does something as far as exercise, they will reap some benefits.
In many cases, the cost of the machines put them out of the reach of many people. Another minus is where do you store it? Do you really think you will slide it under the bed after each and every workout? (That may be counted as part of the workout) More often than not, they just take up space.
Do you have the money and the space for such an investment? If you do, I will be the last person to knock it. I've used weights and machines and have gotten great results. I won't get on a soap box and blast anyone who makes that choice.
However, I feel I have achieved even greater results by using the methods taught by Charles Atlas and John Peterson. How can I say that?
Consider this: I've done push-ups and squats in my cabin while cruising the Caribbean, DVR's and DSR's in my office, Isometrics while waiting for and riding on the train. I am never without a place or a means to work out. No drive to the gym (save gas), no time away from the family and no room dedicated to exercise equipment. As with anything, you have to see if your investment will pay off.
If you can get the same results without machines, well do the math.
John makes an excellent point in PYTP when discussing Herschel Walker. He can no doubt afford any type of gym equipment or can buy a gym for that matter. Yet he still does his high volume push-ups and sit-ups each and every day. It's not always about the money, there are things more valuable.

Jack

[kenpopaul]

I too have a totalGym and use mine using John's methods. That is, I do certain exercises but slowly and using tension whilst 'thinking into the muscle' - it gives me a greater workout than just using the totalgym alone.

I also use isometric holds at 3 different points of the exercises too.

That's what I love about John's techniques, they acn be applied to anything, for example I often do my martial arts techniques slowly using tension - this creates the kind of power and strength that I need in that technique.

K-Paul

[blackbelt]

would something like the bowflex be considered an isometric type workout since there are no weights involved?

In a word, the answer to your no.

Let me clarify that isometrics by definition have NO movement. When performing isometrics you either use your own body, or external objects (walls, doorways, apparatus) to keep the muscle being worked from moving.

But, as far as your since there are no weights involved? comment is concerned, maybe instead of focusing on the term “weights”, we should think in terms of “external resistance”.


I can’t/won’t say anything BAD about the BowFlex. My brother owned one 10+ years ago, and I used it to get into good shape. It at least used to be a good solid piece of equipment. The advantages of it over weights are:

1) lack of weights (something heavy to drop on yourself)
2) smooth, fluid movement (can be duplicated with cables)
3) a descent amount of resistance contained within a relatively small area

Even after stating the pros of the BowFlex over “weights”, I personally always wanted to find a way to eliminate the excuse for not working out. For me, that meant finding a way to add resistance to the muscles without requiring equipment.

Introduce Transformetrics :)

[gruntbrain]

A Bowflex could be used to perform "live" isometrics: position enough rods to create a static contraction; this type of iso is usually done with resistance bands. In any case, the pushback you receive gives you some feedback to your isometric efforts

[MikeNY]

Some of the machines out there are designed to give someone a great workout without weights. Most require no spotter, another weightlifting drawback. Do they work? Hey, as long as someone does something as far as exercise, they will reap some benefits.
In many cases, the cost of the machines put them out of the reach of many people. Another minus is where do you store it? Do you really think you will slide it under the bed after each and every workout? (That may be counted as part of the workout) More often than not, they just take up space.
Do you have the money and the space for such an investment? If you do, I will be the last person to knock it. I've used weights and machines and have gotten great results. I won't get on a soap box and blast anyone who makes that choice.
However, I feel I have achieved even greater results by using the methods taught by Charles Atlas and John Peterson. How can I say that?
Consider this: I've done push-ups and squats in my cabin while cruising the Caribbean, DVR's and DSR's in my office, Isometrics while waiting for and riding on the train. I am never without a place or a means to work out. No drive to the gym (save gas), no time away from the family and no room dedicated to exercise equipment. As with anything, you have to see if your investment will pay off.
If you can get the same results without machines, well do the math.
John makes an excellent point in PYTP when discussing Herschel Walker. He can no doubt afford any type of gym equipment or can buy a gym for that matter. Yet he still does his high volume push-ups and sit-ups each and every day. It's not always about the money, there are things more valuable.

Jack

Great Post! Same for you blackbelt and kenpoPaul! Kenpo Royce and I was talking using DVR with Chest Expander (AKA stand pulling) Exercises and they seem to have the same results without the Chest Expander as with; I own a Whitely Gym and will keep it, as well as the total gym. I use Transformetrics myself and find it hits all the right points. Knepopaul great idea using John's taching on a total gym!! A total Gym is large and can not be slide under a bed. I own a Body Bow, small, light, portable and cheap and that little item can also duplicate a Bow Flex and give you tension exercises without weight. I'm into tension Exercises and in my experience they work as well or better than weights. I did own a set of weights and stopped uisng them, still owned them and put them in the back of a closet, and gave them away in 2000.

[gruntbrain]

Suspend some rope handles & use your own bodyweight for resistance; think poorman's Bowflex or Total Gym

[MikeNY]

gruntbrain some rope and handles and you replace a chest expander/strand pulling. Cheap, light, portable gym.