About Michael Worden, AS, H/FI Expertise I am a certified health/fitness and instructor and personal trainer with expertise in the areas of human performance, exercise and training.My specific interests and areas of expertise also include strength training, aerobic training, sport conditioning, fitness assessment and testing, program design, programs for competitive runners and cyclists, exercise for weight loss, youth fitness and training, law enforcement fitness and exercise for persons with special health and medical considerations.
Experience I hold professional certifications from the American College of Sports Medicine and the American Council on Exercise.I have worked as a personal trainer/instructor, fitness director and health club manager for the past eight years in different capacities.
Orange County Community College Manhattan College American College of Sports Medicine Certified Health/Fitness Instructor and Exercise Leader American Council on Exercise Certified Personal Trainer Madd Dog Atheltics (Johnny G.) Certified Spinning Instructor Continuing Education Course Provider for the Aerobic and Fintess Association of America (AFAA) Member of IDEA, the international association of fitness professionals
Forum moderator for Ask the Personal Trainer and Ask the Exercise Scientist at http://www.fitnessworld.com. Former United States Cycling Federaton CAT IV competitive bicyclist and former competitive runner and duathlete. Published numerous articles for local newsoutlets on fitness issues and questions. I am an Adjunct Instructor of Physical Education with Orange County Community College, Middletown, NY, teaching Concepts of Physical Wellness and Stretching for Wellness in the Fall 2001 semester.
I've been asked by a 50-something year old man to suggest a weight machine. He's in good shape, but doesn't want to bother with the hassle of free weights.
I noticed that Consumer Reports gave a good review to the body Solid machine, which is about $500-$1000 less expensive than its competitors. However, the Body Solid does not permit squats, which I consider a real drawback.
If necessary, he's willing to go to $1000, the cost of the least expensive Bowflex (which permits squats of a sort).
What do you suggest he buy" Is the Bowflex a good choice? I suggested a "Smith Machine", but he doesn't want to bother with free weights.
Many thanks,
Steve
Answer I have talked with trainers who have used the Bowflex with success as a personal training tool in their practices. I am not familiar with the other model mentioned, but am under the impression that the Bowflex is a wellbuilt piece of equipment. Ultimately, if the client is going to use it go with the best investment for the money and what the eexercises permited are. Remember, you don't need a machine to do squats.
