A newer, friendlier resistance method

Instead of using weight plates for resistance, a bow gym uses sturdy but flexible rods. Bow machines are the reason weight stacks are out of favor in the mainstream home gym market today, although many fitness enthusiasts still swear by methods that involve lifting actual weight. The gym most people associate with this type is the Bowflex, but other companies that make their own versions include Weider and TechRod.

What’s so great about resistance bows?

The main bragging point for resistance rod home gyms is that the workout feels as good as or better than using free weights, but without the same risks of joint stress and injury.

When you begin to pull on a bow machine you’ll actually be working against less resistance. The further you pull the more resistance you have to work against. This allows you to use more resistance and makes sure that your muscles don’t have to work against the entire weight when they are at their weakest point.

Consider this. The point at which a squat becomes most challenging is when you are at the bottom of the motion. It gets easier as you rise. When doing a barbell squat you may start out being able to handle the weight and find when you squat down that it’s too heavy, which can cause injury. When holding a bow machine’s low pulley while you squat, the resistance gets heavier as you stand and lower as you squat, making the exercise a lot safer, especially for beginners.

Why women can benefit from bow home gyms

The one big complaint registered in online forums against bow machines is that they aren’t good for building a lot of muscle. This might be a downfall for bodybuilding men and women, but for the rest of us it’s actually pretty reassuring. Since we’ll probably never need the range of resistance a basic model offers, it’s safe to say we can get years of challenging workouts out of a bow home gym.

Cost

Depending on the brand you choose, the quality of the gym and the number of features, a bow gym can cost anywhere from $200 to $3000.

The bottom line

A bow gym might make it seem as though getting in shape is easy, and all you have to do is train a few times a week to see amazing results. Sure these gyms are good, but like all home gyms, they’re only as good as you make them. If you are consistent, focus on using the right muscles and top it all off with a balanced diet, you’ll be more likely not to regret the purchase.