Comparison of Bowflex vs Total Gym

The ultimate battle: Bowflex dumbbells vs Total Gym. Who wins? If the answer to this question was easy, I wouldn’t need to write a post about it! If you’re split between these two popular home gyms, then this post is for YOU.

In actuality, Bowflex and the Total Gym are actually quite different. Deciding on one or the other completely depends on what your goals are.

If you’re looking to strength train and build muscle throughout your entire body, then the Bowflex might be a better option. However, if you’re looking for a training device that will improve strength, cardiovascular endurance, flexibility, and allow you to train Pilates, then the Total Gym might be better.

Let’s dig in a little deeper.

 

Contents

  • 1 What is Bowflex?
  • 2 What is Total Gym?
  • 3 And the Winner is…BOWFLEX
  • 4 1. Bowflex Selecttech 1090 Adjustable dumbbell single reviews
  • 5 2. Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells
  • 6  What you should consider while buying dumbbells?
  • 7 Some popular brand of dumbbell: (Comming soon)
  • 8 Share this:
  • 9 Related

What is Bowflex?

Bowflex is one of the most popular home gyms on the market, but it is unlike its competitors. Instead of using traditional weight stacks and pulleys, Bowflex relies on its patented Power Rod technology. These rods provide as much, if not more resistance than traditional weights, but without the possibility of injury or poor form.

The only Bowflex model that doesn’t use Power Rods is the Bowflex Revolution, which uses advanced SpiraFlex technology for resistance.

 

What is Total Gym?

 
The Total Gym is popular for its infomercials featuring Chuck Norris. This training contraption can be described as an “incline plane bodyweight training” device. The idea behind the Total Gym is to replicate movements the body performs on a daily basis, with and against gravity. This replication is referred to as “functional exercise”.

With The Total Gym you can easily engage all muscles of the body, and perform well over 100 functional exercises at several different incline and resistance levels. Each exercise will allow you to perform a full range of motion, and you can even use it to stretch or perform aerobic training.

You really have a lot of options with The Total Gym even though it may appear to be very simple in appearance.

And the Winner is…BOWFLEX

Both the Bowflex and Total Gym are great options for home training, but Bowflex is the clear winner. Total Gym can definately help people who are on a more beginner strength training level, but if you’re a serious fitness individual, the Bowflex will provide you with much greater results.

In terms of pricing, both popular training devices are about equal in terms of price.

But from a pure training perspective, I would crown Bowflex the winner because of its versatility of workouts and ability to build solid lean muscle without traditional weights.

If you’re interested in Bowflex, make sure you read Bowflex reviews!

1. Bowflex Selecttech 1090 Adjustable dumbbell single reviews

The Bowflex Selecttech 1090 adjustable dumbbell single is a 17.5 long and 10 inches wide dumbbell which is of 10 inch height. There are as many as 17 weight settings in the dumbbells which makes 1090 model a replacement of 17 pairs of free weight. The Weight range in the 1090 Adjustable Dumbbell Singlegoes from 10 pounds to 90 pounds and one ca change the weight in 5 pounds increments.
There is a textured grip present in the 1090 model which makes it very easy to use and even more comfortable with gloves or tapes on.

Buying the Bowflex Selecttech 1090 adjustable dumbbell single is going to be the best fitness investment you’ve ever made. Surely at some point in your life, you’ve been drawn into purchasing a piece of fitness equipment. However, usually this is going to be something that focuses on one part of your whole fitness routine.

Instead, the Bowflex is designed to take care of your entire strength conditioning routine.  View 1090 Adjustable Dumbbell Single on Amazon!

2. Bowflex SelectTech 552 Dumbbells

The Bowflex Select tech 552 Dumbbells is 15.75 inches long and 8 inches wide. It is about 8 inches in height which is just an inch smaller than the 1090 model. There are impressive 15 weight slabs in the 552 which is just 2 less than the 1090. Eventually, this would mean that Bowflex Select tech 552 Dumbbells would be a straight replacement to the 15 fixed weight dumbbells. There is also a rubberized grip which can be very comfortable for the users.

 

       Pros        Cons
  • Saves a lot of space
  • Can be easily carried it’s a single dumbbell if compared to fixed weight dumbbells
  • Its cost saving as it replaced 15 to 17 fixed weight dumbbells
  • Looks very elegant and attractive
  • Best alternative for program such as PX 90 and Chalean X-tream where you need to change weights very quickly.
  • Durable and fragile which means that they cannot be thrown around like regular dumbbells
  • There have been some reports which states that the plates of the dumbbells sometimes sticks.
  • There have also been reports that the plates falls which leads to even more discomfort.

Considering the point price and the effectiveness Bowflex Select Tech is a very good option. It saves a lot of space and also makes sure that you have the ability to change the weight very easily. The dumbbells are very sleek and stylish which also adds to the overall appeal. Considering your requirement both the models 520 and 1090 are very good choices.

 What you should consider while buying dumbbells?

When you are working out on a intense program like P90X, you need to have a option where you are able to change the resistance without any loss of momentum. With Bowflex Dumbbells , you have a option of changing weight in a matter of seconds. They are also very good looking dumbbells which will attract many.

Each set of Bowflex Dumbbells is equivalent to the 16 or 17 sets of normal fixed weight dumbbells which makes it a massive space saver. They also carry a very traditional look which gives a nice retro feel to the workout. Changing weight is also very easy with this lot as one only needs to rotate the dial and select the precise weight. There are actually four dials on the dumbbells two on both side that needs to be adjusted in order to get the required weight.

They have given provision to increase or decrease the weight in the 2.5lb or 5lb increments. (slab depends on the model which you are using). With this slabs workout is made very easy and one does not have to constantly change the weight on the dumbbell after every set. All the weight plates that are used in the dumbbells are steel covered with ABS plastic which means that they are easy to lift and return more smoothly which also makes then one of the quietest dumbbells in the market. To make sure that there are no scratches on the dumbbells there is a added plastic coating on the surface.

Some popular brand of dumbbell: (Comming soon)

Power Block 50 Plus Dumbbell Set
CAP Barbell 40-pound Adjustable Dumbbell Set

Best Ball Chair Reviews FOR newbies

Contents

  • 1 Why You Need Ball Chairs:
  • 2 a. Gaiam Balance Ball Chair
  • 3 b. Isokinetics Balance Exercise Ball Chair
  • 4 c. Sivan Health and Fitness Balance Ball Fit Chair
  • 5 Share this:
  • 6 Related

Why You Need Ball Chairs:

Many people are looking for ways to slim and trim down. We all know how hectic our schedules are. Squeezing in 2 hours a day for the gym is almost next to impossible. If you want to lose weight without losing a lot of time, maybe you should look at ball chairs.

Ball chairs are like the usual exercise balls but only with 4 legs like a chair for stability. They’re ideal for office and home use. Most people replace their old chairs for this handy unit.

If you’re interested in your own ball chair, read our reviews about them below.

a. Gaiam Balance Ball Chair

If you are looking for a more comfortable work chair, then consider the Gaiam BalanceBall Chair. This chair was created by leading fitness experts so as to improve your back. It actually uses the same balance ball that you would use in a workout at home or in the gym. As you sit and work in this Gaiam Balance Ball Chair, you can build a healthier back, strengthen your core, align your spine and relieve any back pain, and improve your health overall.
This chair was developed by a chiropractic pioneer who wanted to alleviate the pain that most 9-to-5 workers endure. The chair keeps you moving while you sit in it, which alleviates back pain, promotes proper spinal alignment, and keeps you sitting with better posture. While you use it, you can strengthen your core muscles too, something that most people struggle to find time to do.Check more details of Gaiam Balance Ball Chair.

See Pricing, Ratings and Reviews For Gaiam Balance Ball Chair
Tips:There is some moderate assembly required, but with only a few pieces and some castors it does not take long. The most time consuming aspect would be deflating and re-inflating the ball in the ball chair if you have to carry it to another office or bring it home. Thankfully you get an air pump that makes this process much faster.

After you first get the ball chair, you may want to re-inflate it the next day to make sure the air setting is right. The balance ball may need a day to stretch into the final size, but after that it will fit into the base perfectly.

 

b. Isokinetics Balance Exercise Ball Chair

If you work in an office and experience a lot of back pain from sitting upright all day, you should consider investing in an exercise ball chair. Not only does it help alleviate your back pain by encouraging proper spinal alignment and posture, but it gives you a chance to get a small work out in during the day.

This exercise ball chair comes with the ball, the starter pump, and a ball measuring tape to help you during the installation. There is no guessing as to proper inflation; you can use the measuring tape to make sure you get it right the first time and avoid the hassle of having to re-inflate it the next day. The exercise ball chair has a rolling base which allows you to move around the office and two of the four wheels on the base are lockable. Click here to Check price of this ball chair

This brand name is only sold by the original company. The company has a YouTube channel that provides video instructions on proper inflation, which helps anyone who is unfamiliar with the process.

 

c. Sivan Health and Fitness Balance Ball Fit Chair

 

If you are tired of back pain from sitting in front of your computer all day then consider buying this fitness balance ball chair. It comes in black so that it blends in with the other office chairs and the best part is the ball and the pump is in black too.

If you have ever sat in an office chair made of plastic and padded foam, then you know the pain that it can cause and the fatigue that it leads to. Hours on end of sitting poorly in an unsupportive chair can cause quite the damage to your body. But Sivan Balance Ball Fit Chair actually trains your core muscles to help take some of the weight off your spine and pelvis while supporting your back in the seated position.

It requires some practice at first, but that is nothing short of entertaining until you get the hang of it. Once you do, you will naturally sit better and constantly center yourself on the ball, thereby reminding your body not to bend forward from the shoulders or slouch while you work. Standard office chairs do not provide the same level of height adjustment as the ball chair, which actually goes higher than normal office chairs. This means that taller people might end up being too far below the keyboard set up at first. But thankfully you can adjust that by the amount of air you put in the ball.

If you want to be higher, you just put more air in the ball to make it firmer. The back support on this is detachable, which means you can center yourself over the ball even better. If you lean too much on the back support it can cause lower back pain, thereby encouraging you to remain centered. Your body may not be accustomed to sitting properly, which means that the first few days may feel odd, but the mild discomfort will subside and soon you will not experience any back or neck pain at all when you work.

Rating and reviews of Chair-gym for Newbies

Contents

    • 0.1 How to choose the right Gym equipment?
  • 1 BEST CHAIR GYM REVIEWS FOR WOMEN 2016
    • 1.1 Chair gym total workout, blue color
    • 1.2 Resistance Chair Exercise System
    • 1.3 Share this:
    • 1.4 Related

How to choose the right Gym equipment?

– I think there is no single Perfect Gym on the market for everyone, since everyone has different needs for a Gym. There are many difference situations which you need a home gym for your health. ! That’s why you should think twice before buying the Best Home Gym that someone else is raving about.

– And there’s a big difference in the price too. How much are you willing to pay for a decent Gym that fits your needs? We got Gym for a little less than hundreds of dollar, and it certainly gave me more than its worth! Anyway, first you have to choose the type of home gym you want:

  • Choosing The Best Equipment Depending On The Gender
  • Workout routines for men and women are always different as the needs and body types are different.
  • Men need heavy workout to build more strength, while women need equipment that helps to tone their body

• Guide to Choose the gym equipment for men

1. For men looking to build serious muscles, it is important that they lift heavy. Thus, barbell, lat pull down and heavy weight dumbbells are must have equipment for men.
2. Buy the plates in wide range weights from lighter weights like 10 pounds to heavier 100 pounds.
3. To support heavy lifting, benches with racks are also necessary. In addition, cardio machines like treadmill are also required to burn calories and shed some fat.
4. Equipment must be sturdy enough to withstand the heavy weight and intense movements.
5. For equipment like treadmill, contact the manufacturer and learn about the specifications. Ask for proper certifications and standards proving the quality of the equipment.
6. Men must buy support gears like back belt as it helps take pressure away from the lower back. Joint wraps could be useful in protecting joints while lifting heavy weights.

• Guide to Choose the gym equipment for women

As most women go for slim body, they require equipment that supports isolated movements and works on high repetition:
1. Rowing machines and treadmill are the necessary machines women must have. These machines help them burn extra calories and shed fat.
2. Lightweight dumbbells are another great equipment. With lightweight and high repetition, it tons the body part. In addition, it allows free range of movements, which releases pressure from joints.
3. Ball chairs and mats are must for women. As most of the exercise targeting abdominal will require to workout abs on different angles.
4. And the last, chair-gym is another great piece of equipment that could be used for toning body. It helps to build strength while maintaining proper form and balance.

BEST CHAIR GYM REVIEWS FOR WOMEN 2016

Chair gym total workout, blue color

  •     Increases levels of energy, Enhances flexibility, Builds strength.
  •     Supports your back, Improves posture. Enhances overall well-being
  •     Improves circulation, Improves breathing, Loosens back and leg muscles, Relieves back pain

CONS: Rather limited excercise videos from Chair Gym. However I go on-line a lot and often use chair excercise at my trip. To me the pros outweigh the cons. Check price and reviews of Chair gym Total Body Workout on Amazon

Chair gym Total Body Workout is an addition to Home Gym, or home fitness program. For home bound folks, the elderly, and those of us with mobility problems, the Chair Gym will definitely help you with physical fitness. If you cannot walk or stand for long periods of time. Four of the exercises you do allow you to Stretch and to work your back without hurting yourself. In one regard it is better in my opinion than a Total Body Workout for a heavy person, the resistance bands used in a Chair gym does NOT require you to move your body weight, Try doing Chest Flies at 300 pounds with a total gym and you are out of shape, you are likely to pull a tendon. The Chair Gym resistance is in the flexible bands, and NOT in moving your body weight. Easy to assemble, takes less than 1/2 hour. permanent Assembly, once you set it up out of the box you are done. All you change is the position of the handgrip. And Chair gym Total Body Workout is a FOLDING chair, that is REINFORCED at the joints with Welds, not screws. You will not get big but it will help with physical fitness, muscle tone and overall endurance.

Resistance Chair Exercise System

The recumbent pedaling unit stows under the chair seat. Once the recumbent unit is out, there is absolutely no step-over height, rendering it simple to use. The recumbent cycle offers five degrees of pedaling resistance, which transition smoothly from one level to the next and its system can also be noiseless, which can be a benefit for television viewing or other activities which might be disrupted by loud mechanical noise. With design and style represents a tiny footprint (versus larger fitness equipment such as a treadmill), that is more practical and space efficient.
The Resistance Chair Exercise System is sturdy and will be held onto during standing stretching and strengthening exercises without fear of tipping over. The ChairMaster offers exercise alternatives for several elements of fitness: muscular endurance and strength, cardiorespiratory endurance, flexibility, and balance. Check more details of Resistance Chair Exercise System
Cons:
The cost could be prohibitive for individuals thinking about purchasing home exercise equipment.
The ChairMaster comes built with different lengths of resistance tubing, which are intended to provide various levels of resistance. Determining which level of effectiveness against use takes practice. Even though the unit was designed to function and appear similar to a comfortable chair which can be placed anywhere, the aesthetic from the chair may not be attractive to everyone.

See Pricing, Ratings and Reviews For This Product On Amazon.com

Some exercises with Resistance Chair System: Stretching Workouts, Marching In Place/ Standard Lift Leg Motion,  Cross Arm Stretch,  Arm Aerials (Circles), Arm Raises/Shoulder Rotations, Arm Pushout, Leg Raises, Torso/Torso Twist, Kneeling Twist, Shoulder Roll.

Reviews of Bowflex Bench for Newbies

 

Contents

  • 1 Product Features of Bowflex Workout Bench Series 5.1
    • 1.1 Pros of  Dumbbells Bowflex Workout Bench Series 5.1
    • 1.2 Cons
    • 1.3 2. Bowflex PR1000 Review
      • 1.3.1 Pros of Bowflex PR1000 Home Gym
      • 1.3.2 Cons of Bowflex PR1000 Home Gym
    • 1.4 Share this:
    • 1.5 Related

Product Features of Bowflex Workout Bench Series 5.1

The 5.1 isn’t your average workout bench, and is loaded with some pretty respectable features. With the 5.1 you will have the ability to turn any space into your very own weightlifting and training center. The dimensions for the bench are pretty typical at 56″ L x 26″ W x 20″ H (142.25 L x 66 W x 51 H cm), but there is a twist…
The Bowflex Workout Bench Series 5.1 has the capability of adjusting to six different positions, which allows for an almost unlimited range of versatility. The six positions allow you to perform exercises on a 17° decline, flat, 30° incline, 45° incline, 60° incline and even a 90° incline! As you will see in the exercises section, there are countless exercises you can perform with the 5.1 because of its unparalleled versatility. Because of the versatility with this popular Bowflex workout bench, you will be able to perform at least 30 different exercises which will target all primary muscle groups.

Pros of  Dumbbells Bowflex Workout Bench Series 5.1

Very sturdy because of a heavy-duty steel design
The bench will naturally correct posture and allows for stabilization
Can easily be wheeled away into storage
You can use the 5.1 for six weeks, and still receive a full refund if you’re unsatisfied
30-year warranty on the frame, and 1-year warranty on upholstery

Cons

You have to lift bench pretty high to move it
There are some limits when it comes to leg training, but you can effectively train the legs without the bench.

View Bench Series 5 on Amazon 

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2. Bowflex PR1000 Review

Don’t be fooled by the “Bowflex PR 1000 Home Gym”′s simple appearance. This home gym is equipped with triple-function hand grips for lat pull-down, a horizontal bench press, and four-inch upholstered roller cushions for maximum comfort when performing leg extension or leg curls. If you decide to purchase this home gym, you will have the ability to train almost every muscle group including the abs, arms, chest, back, shoulder, and legs.

Pros of Bowflex PR1000 Home Gym

Allows you to effectively perform both strength and cardio training
Includes a multi-use hand-grip/ankle cuffs designed to incorporate flexibility and performance to any workout
The roller cushions are comfortable, because of 4-inch padding, making leg workouts more enjoyable
Can easily be folded for storage.

Cons of Bowflex PR1000 Home Gym

Use lighter  resistance, so it’s not really designed for people who are interested in bodybuilding.
Compared to the other  Bowflex Dumbbell home gyms, it is one of the most basic ones. But it also the cheapest and great for beginners
Overall, the  Bowflex PR 1000 home gym is a great value for people just starting out with bowflex dumbbell technology. I recommend purchasing this model before purchasing the more expensive ones, just to get a feel for how these Bowflex dumbbell home gyms-operate.