hello kris.. if you visualize knocking yourself out with a free weight.. don't go there :) there are a couple of members here that have the bowflex, they seem to really like it. i wish that i had more info i could offer on home gyms, but i don't have one. i joined a gym because i couldn't get motivated enough to work out at home and the equipment would have taken up too much room. maybe some other members here might be able to offer some input?
..and congrats on the weight you have lost so far! you should be very proud :)
Thanks...you know, the motivation does not, at least for me, come from what's being flashed on the scale (though, that number is shrinking). It comes from just feeling healthier...not to mention I can fit into a pair of jeans without it feeling like I've been pressed through a sausage machine. Thanks for the info on the bowflex...I'll take a look
glad that i helped a bit, anyhow.. i know what you mean about the jeans thing. i can always tell when i've overindulged by the way they fit. :) if you do any walking, you could get little wrist or ankle bands to add resistance and make it a little more difficult. plus you don't have to worry about knocking yourself out if they are firmly attached :)
maybe do some old fashioned push ups. they are tough to do!
Howdy Kris, Congratulations on the weight loss but more than that, congratulations for your focus on health first. I used to be heavy into bodybuilding/powerlifting and have used machines as well as free weights. Though I can no longer adequately use any of these, I much preferred free weights over machines as they give more latitude in regard to developing and toning muscle groups. The trouble with machines is the exercise and resistance usually remain in a given range of motion for a specific muscle or muscle group. They offer limited development and toning in the minor muscle groupings involved in an exercise. For instance , the strength involved to perform a free weight bench press develops and tones more muscles than just the pecs, frontal delts, traps, and triceps. Also, even toning and developing those muscles are limited on a pec machine or station offering a bench and or butterfly bar/bars w/ pads. Your body and mind must also learn to balance free weight so you develop tone, strength, and coordination in the peripheral muscles that come into play for the required balance. In the case of the bench your forearms and hand strength, internal and external obliques, intercostals seriates, quads, and glutes, to name a few. You also develop a better overall body strength and a more exacting coordination with free weights. These could be applied to your bicycle and kick boxing routines for a better workout and fittness. Machines are great for isolating muscles or muscle groups though. Kris, have you already tried free weights, is your admitted apprehension from a bad experience? Stay happy and healthy, Jubal
i think machines are usually perceived as being safer than free weights.
That may be true bigboy, but the perception would usually apply to those who are unfamiliar with the significance of free weights. The truth be known, machines alone usually set one up for injury. The best approach is a combination of the two systems. Otherwise free weights are a much better choice. Ever-body stay happy and healthy, Jubal