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17 of 17 found the following review helpful:
 The Real Deal Jan 01, 2010
By J. Clayton
I've had my Bioforce 1.7 for 4 weeks now and absolutely love it. Here's my story.
Having tried to get started in gyms (paid and free at work) I have never kept up the motivation enough to see any results. For that reason I have never been a muscular guy - something I wanted to address this coming year. I decided that only a home gym would fit my needs. Having two young children I didn't want to spend time at a gym and by having at home I have the flexibility to work out when I get time. I typically do so first thing in the am.
I did lots of reaserch online and decided that based on my needs, reviews and value the Bioforce was for me.
The gym arrived quickly by freight shipment and came in two large boxes. The parts were very well organized and neatly packed so not to get damaged. The gym came with a DVD and >100 exercise types to try. It took me about 2 hours to assemble and was easy to do - no tools needed.
I decided to spend a the time to know the form of the exercises so popped the DVD in. The trainer is a little cheesy at first but I actually found the content very useful. The two (male & female) people demonstrating were not brilliant so it was nice to see what they did wrong to make sure I did not do the same things. Some of the exercise on the bioforce take a bit of getting used to so getting the form right is crucial - for that reason I recommened watching the DVD. The trainer obviously knows his stuff.
The bioforce is well constructed and mine is silver and not white like the pic on amazon. It is very nice on the eye and does not take up much space even in my small basement. Watch out for height though...at 83 inches my ceiling was barely high enough. The movement of the 'weight' is smooth and retains throughout the motion. Changing weight is so easy a caveman could do it! At first I was put off by the pully changes as it seemed like a hassle. In reality it is quicker then change overs in the gym and gives you a pause in between exercises. The pully changes themselves are easy to do and are really clever in the way they are designed. The seat and leg extension comes off easily when not in use.
I have used the gym over 10 times now while my wife has also got into it. I could not be happier with my purchase. The amount of 'weight' is more then anough for me given that I have maxed out at 60 pounds to date. I dont see me needing any more than 170 pounds. While I am not bulging with muscle yet I can see that with regular use I will definitely reach my goals. I decided to use the 8 week program in the book so to keep on a schedule and follow exercises that target muscles other then the obvious biceps and abs.
If I were to be very picky I would say that some of the welds are not great, the leg extension feels cheap and some exercises are a little awkward to get good form on - the Bioforce does a great job but its not perfect for every motion.
If you are looking for a home gym I would highly recommend the bioforce - the hype might be cheesey but this is actually the real deal.
22 of 24 found the following review helpful:
Nice Equipment Mar 07, 2009
By Ken B. Raihala
This is nicely designed piece of equipment. It's durable (heavy gauge steel, stainless hardware), operates smoothly, is quiet, versatile (over 100 exercises possible), and easy to operate.
It comes with outstanding assembly instructions, plastic-coated quick-glance exercise sheets, a how-to setup individual exercises video, nutrition info, and a zippered 3-ring binder of workout pics. This is not random junk thrown into a bag. This is professional quality info made to last.
The best part of this weightless home gym is the constant force resistance it provides. Unlike the Bowflex gym, the Bio-Force provides constant force throughout its range of motion -- it's almost like using free-weights! The Bowflex force varies much like a spring -- the farther you stretch it, the more force it takes. This does not result in a good workout.
It'll take you a good 2 hours to assemble the Bio-Force. But I guarantee you will not be disappointed in it's quality or performance!
13 of 13 found the following review helpful:
 A Product for the Ages.... Dec 29, 2009
By Viola Lagios-Spicer
"spicerv1"
After extensive research online and off, I purchased the Bio Force 1.7 home gym, as a Christmas present to myself. Initially I was going to purchase one of the low end Bowflex models but after trying them at numerous sport good stores, I found the weight (210 lbs) bands were not true to scale. At least in my eyes or arms.
The delivery of Bio Force system arrived on Saturday (12/26), approximately 4 days earlier. I was so surprise but excited to see it. The delivery people did bring the two boxes into my home and placed them in the area I requested. I was so shocked because I thought they would leave them on the lawn (which was covered in snow). After opening the boxes, I was somewhat intimidated with the number of parts but it only took me approximately 1.5 hours to assemble. I did it by myself. The company provided all the necessary hardware and tools to do this. The instructions were very good, actually no surprises.
However, I didn't use the machine until Monday morning (I usually exercise around 4AM, 5 days a week), but after my first workout (could only do 2 sets of 15 reps per exercise) I am totally sold. The Bio Force 1.7 doesn't take up a lot of space, it seems very sturdy and the design is very pleasing to the eye. I have not used the included DVD because the toning quick reference guide and the user manual are very straightforward. I will, however, keep you up to date on how it holds up after long term use.
10 of 10 found the following review helpful:
RPDrumrGirl Mar 01, 2010
By RPDrumrGirl
"RPDrumrGirl"
Like many other reviewers, I looked at many pieces of equipment, including the Bowflex, before buying the Bio Flex 1.7 from Amazon. I hesitated for many days before biting the bullet and buying it. The price was unbeatable, and with the free shipping, it was really a no-brainer!! I received it in 6 days (that was with the FREE budget shipping, no less!) Even though we were intimidated at the thought of putting this piece of equipment together, I had faith in the many reviews that stated the assembly instructions were well written and the pieces well organized. Luckily, this WAS the case!! My boyfriend put it together with NO problem!! Took about an hour to unload everything from the boxes, and 1-2 hours to (pretty effortlessly) put it together. And yes, ALL tools necessary to assemble the Bio Force were INCLUDED!
We've been using it for about a week now, and so far, we LOVE it!! The movement is SOOO smooth, and changing resistance is a SNAP! The book details 100+ exercises (yes, some of them are 'variations' on others, but PEOPLE... if you get 'bored' with this machine, there's a problem!!), and gives an explanation of how to perform each exercise, along with a mini diagram of the pulley placement for each exercise, as well.
My two complaints:
1. As at least one other reviewer noted, the instructional DVD isn't set up in a very organized manner. Though it does show the exercises grouped by muscle group... arms, legs, etc... it jumps around. First exercise, the seat comes off. Next, put the seat back on. Third, seat comes back off again, etc. It would have been better had they grouped the exercises so you were instructed on all the exercises with the seat on first, then all excercises with the seat off, etc. This is only an issue because of my second complaint:
2. While the seat goes off and on very easily, the pin that secures it in place is almost IMPOSSIBLE to push in completely. It's VERY aggravating to be switching exercises, and have to exert lots of time and energy (compounded with aggravation) trying to get that pin in securely!! The machine is designed SO well, I'm pretty baffled as to why they couldn't find an easier way to secure the seat on to the machine. Our resolution: Instead of the 'pin', we push a screwdriver through. Easier to do because you have the handle to help ease it through from one end to the other. (This may sound confusing, but will definitely make sense if you HAVE the machine, or get it and see for yourself). This is the ONLY thing preventing me from giving it 5 stars.
One other small 'aggravation', hardly worth mentioning, but I will! :-) The print and pictures in the book is very small and hard to read. I decided it was worth the time to photocopy the pages with the exercises, enlarging them. There are three exercises on each page, and now I have them on 11 x 17 sheets of paper, very large so I can see them easily without my reading glasses!! I plan to spend some time going through the many exercises and organizing a few different 'routines' for myself, so I have some variety.
I am NOT an exercise 'junkie', just a 45 year old mom trying to stay in shape. I do walk on the treadmill almost daily, and now, having this machine will allow me to build my strength. An added bonus for me... I'll be able to stretch out my shoulder and arm muscles, which is going to be great, as I broke my humerus (upper arm) many years ago, and have had shoulder/arm motion and strength issues ever since. I know the strength training will be the perfect compliment to my daily cardio. I love being able to exercise when I want, without having to take the time to drive somewhere!! I can plop in front of the TV and do my thing!!
HIGHLY, HIGHLY recommended!! Don't hesitate, go ahead and get the Bio Force 1.7. It's awesome!
7 of 7 found the following review helpful:
Completely worth the price. . . Jan 31, 2010
By B. Fish
Like many people, I was looking for a piece of home gym equipment to get back in shape, after a few years letting myself go. I am not a novice weight lifter by any means. I have, at various times, used free weights, nautilus machines and other types of home gyms. I have to say that the biorforce is an excellent piece of equipment and for the most part suits my needs. However, there are a few minor things that keep it from being perfect.
First of all, as others have said, I love the smoothness of the resistance. It really is fairly close to a gym machine. You get smooth resistance through the whole exercise unlike bands or rods which tend to have higher resistance at the end of the exercise. Changeovers to different exercises are quick and easy. I can normally make it through 4 different exercises with 4 sets of 6 to 8 reps of each exercise in around a half hour. It also has plenty of resistance. I am around 200 lbs (looking to settle around 170) and most exercises I do in the 30-50lb range on each side. It is also very convenient having it in my house without having to actually go to the gym.
As far as construction goes, the machine is very solid and made of quality parts. I will say, don't expect it to get assembled quickly. It took me around four hours to get it completely assembled and another hour to clean up all the packaging left over. It has LOTS of parts, but all the tools needed come in the box, so it is more an exercise in patience and following directions.
I did have a few things about the machine that kept it from being perfect. Some exercises are either hard to do or not able to be done on this machine. While the brochure boasts over 100 exercises, most exercises show multiple variations of the same thing, meaning its not truly that many exercises. It is enough for me and most people, just some of the exercises I like are difficult or absent. Another problem I have had is with the leg attachment. I have yet to be able to get it hooked up properly. I am honestly not sure if that is user error, but it does take away from the overall score.
Overall, I would say I am very satisfied with my purchse. I am back to lifting 3-4 days a week, I have already started to tone up and lose some weight. This machine allows me to get a workout in while watching TV, in my own living room, without the inconvenience and expense of a gym. It has plenty of exercises and resistance for the average user, and I don't expect it to wear out any time soon. I would buy this again in a heartbeat and consider it the best home gym option out there.
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