Trying to get into shape is a big life decision that requires a lot of dedication and knowledge to do. Unfortunately, there’s so much information and ideas circulating that it can be hard to distinguish what is true or not. This makes decisions over equipment like Bowflex nerve-racking.
If one is looking to achieve a muscular and lean, or “ripped,” physique, Bowflex can help the process. However, it needs to be mixed in with other exercises and a sufficient plan for nutrition.
Since Bowflex can be a heavy investment, you’ll want to be sure that getting it will be worth the cost and aid you in your fitness goals. Read on to better understand what Bowflex can do and cannot do for you.
What Does Bowflex Do?
If you’re unfamiliar, Bowflex machines operate on a system of pulleys and cables, working as a sort of resistance training. These machines allow for different movements and positions, making them thought to be an all-in-one piece of fitness equipment.
For additional costs, attachments to your Bowflex machine can add movements and weight for more resistance if needed. On the whole, Bowflex is meant to be for those that don’t have the time to go to the gym and need to get a workout at home. This is a fair concept, but comes with its disadvantages.
What Bowflex Cannot Do
When it comes to depth and standards of athleticism, Bowflex falls short of conventional weightlifting. While Bowflex workouts are generally safe and can isolate muscles, it is certainly lacking when it comes to making gains in strength and performance.
Lifting with free weights typically requires multiple muscle groups to be activated during the movement. Not only does this mean that more muscles are being trained, but the stabilizers in your muscles are also being tested. Since you’re controlling the weight instead of having it sit on cables, your abilities are put to the test more here.
For example, let’s compare movements between the Bowflex and conventional training. In order to train back muscles, someone using Bowflex will likely perform the cable pull-down. Overall, this is a fairly decent exercise for bodybuilders, assuming they have the proper weight for muscle gain. Since they can change hand positions, they work different muscle groups without getting any new equipment.
However, for training back muscles through free weights, barbell rows are done by bending over and pulling the weight up to one’s torso. This also has variations in grip and position, making it solid for bodybuilders. However, in this one, the athlete controls the barbell’s weight and uses more muscles to perform the movement.
For athletes, whether they be powerlifters or in sports, the Bowflex is probably not the best way to go. When it comes to pure athleticism and function, resistance training is better for warmups and for recovering from injuries. However, this is not to say that nobody should use Bowflex for their physique. For the average home user, Bowflex certainly is a net positive.
How to Use Bowflex To Get Ripped
If you’re solely interested in achieving a particular look, then Bowflex may be a big part of your routine. If you’re a beginner, using Bowflex is a great way to build up your strength and start building muscle. As long as you’re not interested in lifting heavy or performing incredible feats of strength, Bowflex can provide you with the means for an effective program.
Make sure you target each muscle group according to what you’re looking for and stay committed to your routine. As you progress, make sure you increase the resistance and look for new ways to work your muscles through different variations in grip and movement.
Also, make sure you’re also using cardio workouts to cut down on any weight as you need. Since Bowflex is stationary, having something like jogging to keep you moving will help you burn through fat and calories. Combined with a healthy and well-balanced diet, keeping your weight under control should be taken care of rather well.
While it may not be necessary to your goals, it is nonetheless recommended that you engage in calisthenics exercises, such as push-ups, squats, and pull-ups. Their fitness benefits will help you in everyday life, especially as you age.
Conclusion
Bowflex can be a great tool if you want to look better, especially if you’re a beginner. As long as you don’t rely on it and make sure you’re getting in cardio and decent nutrition, you should be ready to reach your goals. Along the way, make sure you do your research before buying anything or investing time into a program. You only have one body, and you shouldn’t waste it on something that doesn’t work for you.