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• Asking for Opinions on SOLOFLEX

Group: General Fitness & Exercise

Asking for Opinions on SOLOFLEX

erosjr Posts: 5 Joined: 2002/01/16	2002/01/22, 02:19 AM Ive been using free weights, machines, bowflex and soloflex but soloflex is the best machine to have in the house in my opinion. My goal is to get bigger and I want to know what people think about training on Soloflex. Thanks........Mihai
rpacheco Posts: 3,770 Joined: 2001/12/13	2002/01/22, 10:34 AM Nothing can replace free weights! Machines are designed only to enhance what one can do with free weights. Just my 2 cents...good luck Mihai and welcome to ft!
Arnold Posts: 1,112 Joined: 2000/11/27	2002/01/22, 12:10 PM I also do not like the soloflex.. especially when you train heavy because the movements become much too wobbly. To many stabilizer muscles are involved.. Free weights are #1 in my book as well. just my 3 cents.. .o0 Arnold 0o.
rpacheco Posts: 3,770 Joined: 2001/12/13	2002/01/22, 02:36 PM I guess it also depends on your fitness goals. If you want to just tone and get into some sort of regimen, then go with a Solo or Bowflex. Otherwise, if you sign up for the ft Mass program, free weights (and machines) are your ticket!
rickgarvia Posts: 60 Joined: 2001/11/22	2002/01/22, 04:53 PM I have a Cal-Gym unit & DB's from 5-50 lbs., but I also bought one of those Chuck Norris things used for a song -- what the heck is it called?- that I have to admit works pretty good. I like it for stretching out and cooling off, and have even used it when I just wanted something different from iron. I used a Solo-Flex at a friends house, and didn't like it at all. I did like the shoulder press, but everything else felt weird to me.
rpacheco Posts: 3,770 Joined: 2001/12/13	2002/01/22, 05:35 PM That's called a Total Gym. It's good for stretching out and warming up/cooling off...but not good for mass as you're using your own bodyweight (plus a little resistance at the inclined level).
erosjr Posts: 5 Joined: 2002/01/16	2002/01/29, 08:09 PM thanks guys... ill try to do the exercises i can with free weights such as dumbells and this wavy bar that i have... i already see results... I took a break for 3 months from lifting and i love getting pumped again.. if anyone has more advice on the soloflex... please chip in
rickgarvia Posts: 60 Joined: 2001/11/22	2002/01/30, 04:29 PM You can find a lot of exercise stuff in the want ads for a fraction of the retail cost. There must 5 ads in my local paper for SoloFlex machines -- one was advertised for $125.00. If you want one just to have one or to vary your excercises, pick one up used.
hec1rosado Posts: 1 Joined: 2002/01/30	2002/02/07, 04:39 PM I personally owe a soloflex machine. I only used it to do dips, incline sit-ups and pull ups. Free weights is the way to go. I started to see faster results when I made the switch to free weights (heavy weights, low reps). The use of free weights also helps build up the supporting muscles surrounding your bigger muscles. One other thing, using the rubber straps that comes with soloflex does not offer the same negative resistance that free weights does.
rpacheco Posts: 3,770 Joined: 2001/12/13	2002/02/07, 05:05 PM You are correct, hec1rosado. The stabilizer muscles come into play with free weights. BTW, welcome to ft and thanks for your first post! Have you already signed up for one of the programs? Also, fill out your profile, and share your goals and current exercise regimen so that we know more about you. This will help us give better advice if you should ever have a question.