Does the Bowflex really work? It's a question just about everyone has when they see those infomercials. Before I answer the question, I need to explain the reality of all fitness and gym equipment. No piece of gym equipment, no matter how sophisticated, well built or expensive, will work unless the user is willing to put in the effort it takes to get into shape.

The Bowflex does work, but only when used in combination with other fitness activities, a healthy diet and an active lifestyle. The Bowflex is not a “cure all” for your fitness woes; it is simply a tool to help you get into shape, build muscle and lose fat. Like any tool, the Bowflex must be used properly in order to be effective. Let’s address the question, “does the Bowflex really work?”

The Bowflex uses resistance to simulate weight training, and many people who ask “does the Bowflex really work” wonder how this type of weight training can be effective. The movements of the Bowflex are designed to simulate machine training and free weights. The so-called power rods, which are flexible rubber rods, are designed to simulate free weights when they are hooked into cables and pulleys.

When asking yourself “does the Bowflex really work,” it helps to think about the Bowflex as a type of cable crossover machine that can be used in many different positions that uses the resistance rubber rods as opposed to weight plates, pulleys, and cables.

The answer to the question “does the Bowflex really work” is yes, but only when it is used as a part of a regular exercise program and you are eating a healthy diet. There is no magic bullet or magic machine that will make up for a bad diet and a lack of exercise. Let’s take a quick look at the physics of the Bowflex.

Weight training is not really about weight, rather it is about resistance. This fact should be kept in mind when asking does the Bowflex really work. Weight training is simply the exertion of muscle against resistance, and it is this concept that makes the Bowflex effective.

For example, if you are doing a bench press you press the weights vertically upwards. During this action, your muscles are working against gravity to provide resistance. When working out with the Bowflex, pulling the rubber bands provides similar resistance to weight training – without using weights.

Hopefully the above illustration will provide some insight into the question “does the Bowflex really work?” The Bowflex provides a progressive resistance for training, and this resistance can be used from virtually any angle. This is great as long as you know which muscle or group of muscles you need to work.

It is of course progressive resistance, that is adding more and more resistance to each training session, that builds healthy muscle tissue, burns fat and changes body composition.

At first glance the Bowflex looks rather small and insignificant, and that is why so many people ask “does the Bowflex really work?” However, after taking the time to understand how the Bowflex works and how it uses resistance in place of weights, the answer becomes much clearer. Of course the Bowflex is not a miracle product, and it works best when used as part of a total weight training regimen. Using the Bowflex in combination with free weights and other weight training will provide the best results.

In addition to the obvious question, does the Bowflex really work, there are several questions people have about the Bowflex. Here are answers to the most common questions:

Question 1: Does the Bowflex really work for building and maintaining muscle mass?

Answer: The Bowflex can be very good at building muscle mass, but there are limitations, especially for strong, experienced bodybuilders. Those who need more than the maximum 410 pounds of resistance offered by the Bowflex may need to supplement their workout with additional free weight training.

Question 2: Bowflex exercises look so different, and that makes me wonder does the Bowflex really work?

Answer: The differences in appearance are related to the different way the Bowflex works. The traditional weight press movement uses gravity weighing on the free weights and the push is away from the athlete. The Bowflex has the resistance behind the seat and the push is away from the exerciser as well. It’s the same push action just in a different direction.

Question 3: Does the Bowflex really work for the serious bodybuilder?

Answer: Many fitness enthusiasts assume that the Bowflex is not suitable for their needs, but in fact it can provide an excellent workout. As mentioned before, the Bowflex provides resistance up to 410 pounds. If you need more resistance than that, then the Bowflex may not be right for you. In that case, free weights will work best for the serious bodybuilder.

Question 4: Does the model make a difference when it comes to effectiveness?

Answer: Those asking the question “does the Bowflex really work?” need to keep in mind that there have been several different incarnations of this workout equipment. The first Bowflex machines were pretty flimsy and ineffective, but they have improved with each new advance in fitness technology so yes, the model you are considering makes a difference. The recent models are all effective.

Question 5: Does the Bowflex really work in 20 minutes a day three days a week?

Answer: This claim is of course a bit of an exaggeration. Three 20 minute workouts a week is only an hour’s worth of exercise, and it will take more than that to truly get into shape.

Question 6: Does the Bowflex really work well enough to replace a gym?

Answer: In fact the Bowflex, if used properly, can replace a gym membership. By purchasing a Bowflex, in addition to a quality set of free weights, the serious fitness enthusiast can enjoy a well-equipped and very effective home gym.

Question 7: So, does the Bowflex really work well enough to make it my only exercise machine?

Answer: There is no one fitness machine, or combination of machines, that can take an out of shape person and magically transform them into a fit person. Unfortunately, much of the advertising of the Bowflex seems to suggest that the machine holds some sort of magic. In fact, the Bowflex is a good fitness tool, but it should be used in combination with diet, exercise and a good set of free weights.

Question 8: Can you tell me does the Bowflex really work well for those recovering from injuries, or for those just learning weight training?

Answer: The adjustable resistance on the Bowflex does make it a good choice for those coming back from rehab, or for those recovering from a sports injury. The resistance can be set for as little as five pounds, and the pulley system provides a smooth and stress free workout.

Question 9: Is the Bowflex hard to use; it looks so different than standard weight training systems.

Answer: This question is a very frequent one, perhaps second only to “does the Bowflex really work?” When considering a Bowflex, it is important to watch the training videos and read the manual completely. It is important to understand what makes the Bowflex special, and what makes it unique. Like any training tool, it is important to use the Bowflex properly.

So in conclusion, the Bowflex is like any other fitness device. If it is used regularly as a part of an overall exercise program, combined with a sensible diet, it is highly effective. Hopefully, after reading this I've been able to answer the question, does the Bowflex really work.