Bowflex for baby boomers

There are hundreds and perhaps thousands of fitness gurus who claim to have the perfect answer, the “magic bullet” for fitness, and a solution for a healthier body and lifestyle. Well, I am not going to claim to have the perfect answer! However, I have some tips on easy-to-use exercise equipment that may be one of the best for all ages and is particularly suitable for those of us who are baby boomers or a little more seasoned. It’s the Bowflex … anything but a basic machine like Bowflex Sport is a perfect place to start.

So what is the catch here? Absolutely no cheating at all … just an enthusiasm to share a few thoughts on perhaps one of the most efficient, versatile, and affordable exercise machines available for home use. The Bowflex combines aerobic and strength training with a smooth pulley and a power bar resistance system that is easy to set up. You can easily change the resistance with the power rods through a wide range of movements for a complete strength and aerobic workout. Don’t get me wrong with the expected results. Bowflex ads feature smiling, well-muscled young men that we would all like to look like, regardless of age. Well, now you may just want to regain some muscle tone and some of that past strength and endurance that you once had. In any case, here we are 55, 60, 65 or older and we are AARP card members. Most of us simply want to maintain or improve our strength, muscle tone, and respiratory efficiency. Today, many physicians and fitness experts are endorsing weight training and especially the use of free weights as we age. Everyone now recognizes that maintaining and / or developing our strength is critical in later years. We will certainly function with increased confidence and renewed strength, but we will also be less likely to fall and, if we do, less likely to suffer fractures, as strength training increases our bone mass. What we don’t hear about too often is the possibility of free weight injuries if not properly supervised. In addition to the possibility of injury, there is also a need for other equipment, such as various benches and stands, to obtain a full range of free weight activities.

So, let’s talk about the Bowflex. Perhaps you’ve seen the infomercials and seen the group of muscular young men and women gathered around a Bowflex machine and marveling at how easy it works and the quality of training it provides. So how does this apply to you … at 55, 60, 65 or older?

First of all, you can use Bowflex safely without the need for a partner. However, before starting a program, check with your doctor to make sure you don’t have physical problems that prevent you from exercising vigorously. The Bowflex is a home device and since it is in your home, it is available at any time. I must warn you about the “now you can use it anytime you choose” hype. That may be correct, but to be successful you must set a fixed schedule each day for your training. Once you start slipping or changing schedules, you run the real danger of skipping days and then a week or more and then all of a sudden you don’t have a set schedule and you’re addicted to TV again.

The Bowflex machine comes with a very good exercise manual and instructions and most will also have an instructional DVD. Let’s take a look at some Bowflex 101 in the real world and set up some realistic goals and simple to follow instructions:

1. Keep a fixed schedule, either daily or every other day. Many prefer exercise routines early in the morning so that they are not canceled later in the day by unexpected events … or loss of willpower. Early workouts also tend to establish a positive attitude when those endorphins kick in after a good, vigorous, prolonged exercise. Many experts say that the most effective time for the body to exercise is mid-afternoon and the least effective is at night. Exercising late into the night can also cause some disruption to sleep.

2. Review the exercise manual provided by Bowflex, but don’t become a slave to the routines described. While the programs were developed by experts, let your own sense of what is working be your guide.

3. After reviewing the manual, establish the initial program routine and stick with it for at least two full weeks or more without deviations. Maintaining a consistent pattern will allow you to assess whether the program you have selected is comfortable for you and not too boring. It is important to make training interesting and challenging. Boredom can lead to quitting, so don’t let that happen!

4. Design your program to include aerobic and strength activities. While the Bowflex will help you build strength, aerobic exercises are great and important.

5. Start with easy resistance power bars. Remember, this will be a lifestyle addition and not a quick fix, so there is no reason to use too much resistance to weight at first. It is best to get comfortable with the Bowflex operation by using a lower resistance and then gradually increasing the weight / resistance.

6. Don’t feel obligated to “do the manual.” Select the exercises that work well for your strength and flexibility and rotate them. However, be sure to balance your upper body, arms, legs, and abs in your program.

7. Make sure to take advantage of the aerobic rowing motion. The seat slides easily and the resistance stem rods and pulleys are exceptionally smooth in operation.

8. Be creative! In no time, you’ll be completely comfortable and able to handle any of the Bowflex routines. When that happens, you are ready to mix and match and create new routines on your own.

So while this is an all-age fitness machine, the Bowflex from my experience is uniquely suited to the larger generation of Baby Boomers and beyond. Its simplicity of setup, easy process of switching from one exercise routine to another, a wide range of resistance to weight, and easy fluid movement give this machine an A ++ rating in my book! While this is not an advertisement, you may want to visit the Bowflex website or other websites that offer exercise equipment. In any case, start with a healthier lifestyle.

Be active, be healthy and be happy!