Anyone here remember the Soloflex from the 80s/90s?

[Guestx]

Good point.

What pisses me off the most about these things is that the assumption is that you can look like the models using it- or close to it- by using the Soloflex or Bowflex or whatever.

Anyone that's ever worked out halfway seriously knows that's bullshit. Every single one of those fitness models got their bodies at an old-fashioned gym with free weights, not by using some gimmicky bullshit.

While the models on the commercials no doubt DO use equipment other than the Bowflex, Soloflex, etc, I have run into a fair handful of guys who have said they got pretty good results from using machines like that. I can't seem to find the thread now but there was one guy in particular on bb.com who showed his before and after pics and he was fucking JACKED. And he said he got his results exclusively from using the Bowflex.

While I would definitely agree that a gym/free weights are the way to go, I also recognize that if you have something that provides enough resistance to challenge you then you should make progress.

 

[Skip Reming]

a friend had one when i was a kid. it sucked.

now, let get some Gazelle action going here

 

[RawHawg]

For anyone who has used an old spring expander or rubber bands, I think it is a good concept. It offers smooth resistance unlike free weights - although I am a longtime lifter myself and love both.

Some of the strongest powerlifters in the world do training with heavy rubber bands that basically simulate the soloflex or bowflex feel.

 

[Guestx]

For anyone who has used an old spring expander or rubber bands, I think it is a good concept. It offers smooth resistance unlike free weights - although I am a longtime lifter myself and love both.

Some of the strongest powerlifters in the world do training with heavy rubber bands that basically simulate the soloflex or bowflex feel.

It's interesting how quickly a lot of lifters will start screaming about how much machines like the Soloflex or Bowflex suck instead of trying to recognize the potential of these tools. At the end of the day, if you're not able to max the machine out it can be beneficial for strength and muscle development.

Although personally I would much rather have a Soloflex than a Bowflex. I admittedly have not used either, but just from observations the Soloflex seems to do a better job of simulating a workout with free weights. It also can be used for pull-ups and dips.

 

[RawHawg]

It's interesting how quickly a lot of lifters will start screaming about how much machines like the Soloflex or Bowflex suck instead of trying to recognize the potential of these tools. At the end of the day, if you're not able to max the machine out it can be beneficial for strength and muscle development.

Although personally I would much rather have a Soloflex than a Bowflex. I admittedly have no used either, but just from observations the Soloflex seems to do a better job of simulating a workout with free weights. It also can be used for pull-ups and dips.

Good post Shadow. As you seem to know, that smooth resistance is what has helped the top powerlifters these days set new records. The rubber band training and chain training is now the standard in addition to free weight plates. There is definitely something to that "smooth" constant resistance - unlike a free weight where at some point the resistance falls off and you could cheat the lift. Same as the 1960s/70s Nautilus machines - constant resistance throughout the entire movement.

 

[Skip Reming]

Good post Shadow. As you seem to know, that smooth resistance is what has helped the top powerlifters these days set new records. The rubber band training and chain training is now the standard in addition to free weight plates. There is definitely something to that "smooth" constant resistance - unlike a free weight where at some point the resistance falls off and you could cheat the lift. Same as the 1960s/70s Nautilus machines - constant resistance throughout the entire movement.

this and soloflex are so different it is not even the same fucking sport