My 20 year old Soloflex
Written: Jun 12 '06 (Updated Jun 12 '06)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Space efficient, marvelous simplicty, rugged construction, effective workout capacity
Cons: Dip bars too narrow, stand can be a bit wobbly with certain exercises
The Bottom Line: For someone who wants to work out their entire body with a small footprint home gym system, then Soloflex should be on their "short list"
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| bullethead1964's Full Review: Soloflex |
I first purchased my Soloflex in 1986. I am a LONG TIME bodybuilder/weightlifter. I have used literally tons of freeweights, and most machines on the market in various gyms. I am now 42 yrs old and have used the Soloflex (SF) over the past 20 years.
As a piece of home gym equipement, I have to say the Soloflex has stood the test of time and I still enjoy using it. Last night I did "chest and arms" and today my muslces felt as soon as I woke up. The beauty of the Soloflex is it's simplicity. It takes up very little space, it is easy to change from exercise to exercise, (just keep a cheat sheet listing your pin settings)is asthetically pleasing to the eye and suprisingly effective.
I have replaced the bands over the years both from SF and from E-bay. Of course E-bay is much cheaper! Personally, I really like the band resistance system of the SF. The bands work well but for sure "feel different" than free weights. The reason is, you can't "cheat" with the bands, heaving up the weight and using leverage. The bands lend them self to strict slow repititions over a full range of motion. I understaqnd that free weight purests may not like the band resistance but that does not mean it is not effective.
As I am 42 and I have had my share of injuries from lifting heavy free weights, I really like the less traumatic nature of the SF. The floating lever bar is also a wonderful innovation. It feels natural and allows for fine adjustments in movements. I've used a Bowflex and did not like working with the cables. My range of motion was very "shakey", especially with curls and the pressing movements. I find most exercises very comfortable and stable on the SF. I always feel safe and under control while on the SF. It does take a bit of flexibility to get under the bar to bench press but I quickly got used to it. I did scoff at the "curl tubes" when I first saw them and kept my EZ curl bar but then decided to try them. Suprisingly, I can get an excellent biceps pump using very little weight with the curl tubes, and I have 17 inch arms.
I feel the SF could be improved in a few areas. 1. The dip bars are a bit too narrow for me. (I'm 6 foot, 230 LBS). 2. I would also like to have the bench end bracket to be a bit more stable.
The SF does come with free weight bars. I have used these and found them very effective. I did wrap a bit of duct tape on the bar ends to keep them from slipping out of the floating lever arm.
I have to say I have loved using this machine over the past 20 years. It works well to keep one toned but can also be used to build muscle mass. The mainframe itself is very well made and virtually indestructable. This machine and it's design has stood the test of time. Just think about how many "fitness systems" have come and gone in the past 20 yrs. Soloflex is still around because it's simple and it works.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
bullethead1964
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Reviews written: 2
Trusted by: 0 members
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