My Bowflex Motivator 2 Was Exactly What I Needed

I've always exercised, pretty much daily for all of my adult life. So I am pretty fit. In the last 10 or so years, I've needed to add strength training because of arthritis. I prefer working out at home because I am time limited (only have under an hour to devote).

I've tried free weights, etc, but find these didn't do what I needed. Then I discovered resistance bands - these worked much better when combined with free weights. But still, I found my arthritis (in my knees) still bothered me.

I then purchased the Bowflex Motivator 2 and found that I got a MUCH better workout. I've been using it for 3 months, 3 times/week for about 40 minutes (I do most of the exercises). The pain in my knees is virtually gone and I am much stronger. I added exercises of my own like squats and modified lunges using the machine.

While many of the reviews seem to say this unit doesn't do the job, I have to disagree for folks like me. I am not an athlete, but have always been active and in good shape. And being a woman of an older age, the 210lb limit is not something I'm ever likely to go over (which is true for many woman even of younger ages).

So it's actually probably perfect for those who want to strength train. If you want to be buff like the pictures, you'd have to exercise longer, harder and more frequently, not matter the equipment.

I love that this unit folds up as I have limited space. It is so easy to unfold that it's no bother AT ALL. I also have a fitness pro treadmill in the same room (it also folds up). Both are easy to unfold and I like the smaller footprint.

So for most people, who have lives outside of exercise, this unit and others like it are great investments. I do think, however, that the bowflex is pricier than it should be. But it can be justified if it really will be used for years.