Bowflex
 

I have owned a Bowflex for a few years now and I think it is a good product. It is well made and very effective. In High School and College I was a competition power lifter. Now that I am older I wanted some form of resistance training but didn't want to have a pile of iron weights in my house.

The bowflex provides smooth and fluid resistance training that is deceptive since to does not seem like you are doing anything at all until the next day when you will be feeling it. I have never hurt myself using free weights however with the bowflex my self driving nature has caused me to over load myself and I have been injured as a result.

It isn't perfect but overall I like mine a lot.

SkyHigh

I am sure its a great machine but what about cardiovascular training? Last 8 years I decided to skip the weights and only do cardiovascular activities like bicycling, running, swimming, and elliptical machine. I do not have bulky muscles but my weight control is good, I have great stamina and supposedly those who keep up the cardio program live longer. I did dead lifting in high school, I seem to recall putting 300 lbs over my head as a personal best at the time.

True, cardio is key to long-term health but as you push 40 get back into a light all-around weight regimen (including abs!). Otherwise you'll be very injury prone if you are active...back, hamstrings, rotator cuffs, achilles tendon, etc.

I workout & do cardio as well. I concentrate on all areas while weightlifting. I never lift more than 125 lbs and it works well for the type of routine I have. As far as cardio, I jog and never more than 3 miles.




atp

Targeted
 

Exactly. Since getting older I have been getting injured at work. resistance training plus cardio is a good combination for those of us 40 and over.

Skyhigh

I'll recommend the Bowflex selectable weight dumbbells. I got the kind that goes thru 90 lbs because I like to life heavy when I can. I found a good deal via Ebay. Much cheaper than going through the company. I also have a Teeter Hangups inversion table which works wonders for my lower back!

Consistency is the key
 

My dad claimed he used to keep fit by lifting a Holstein cow over his head every day. Started when it was a small calf, and as it got heavier, he also got stronger. My brother and I asked him to show us, and he said: "Can't do it any more. One time I skipped a day." ;)