Soloflex Workout

[glennr111]

Just bought a used Soloflex (complete) and already 4 of the lighter weight straps broke. Have you had this problem and more than once in the past? I'm using weight plates in the meantime, but any downward moving exercises must have the straps in place to perform. Thanks

[criceto]

too bad this thing was never available in my country

[bosszeroboss]

The Soloflex is limited. If you can find one for $50, it's worth it.

It's good for bodyweight exercises like the pull up, Roman chair sit up, dip, and various ab exercises...but it sucks at everything else.

I would not recommend this unless you're a geriatric or a beginner.

[Intencse]

maybe im just not using it right. I just don't "feel the burn" while attempting to workout with this. I feel like I'm getting more of a workout setting it up/changing the bars than i am when I'm actually working out with it.

[HawaiiTalks]

I just finished sanding, resurfacing, and repainting a Soloflex machine that I've had for awhile but never had the space to setup and use. Now that I've got a big house, I'm so pumped to start using it! Thanks for the great inspirational vid!

[lix7534]

What are using for the dips and upside down crunches?

[DJDaveRave]

@lix7534 When I bought it back in '88 it came with a dip bar that you use with the chin up bar. I use the chin up bar for the upside down crunches as well.

[spartacus5518]

FYI- the Soloflex Shock Rings are awesome. They have a smoother feel than the straps. I have 25lb rings and just ordered 5lb rings, the 10lb rings are on backorder. I'm working on replacing all the straps with shock rings.

[TheArchAngel90650]

@spartacus5518

I just received the 25lbs shock rings and I gott the same impression..I felt there was more instant tension from the get go...I will be ordering the smaller rings.

[spartacus5518]

@TheArchAngel90650 I have the 25lb , 10lb and 5lb shock rings, they are awesome, I think they are better than the straps. I'll be ordering the 2.5 rings and maybe another set of the tens, glad you like them arch

[nashaunconwell]

TheArchAngel is totally right on, The SOLOFLEX is so much more versatile than the BOWFLEX, you can add free weights to it. Plus now you can utilize the vibration system with the SOLOFLEX products, check out the soloflex website, these youtube videos reinvigorated my workouts.

[ut883]

The video inspires and demonstrates just how much fun this machine can be for someone who's serious about getting in shape.

I've wanted one every since I was about 16 years old. I'm now 43 and purchased my first one 3 months ago and just recently bought another.

I look forward to working out on it mon thru fri. I started seeing results after the first month. I thank you so much Jerry for your invention, what a genius. I'm starting to build the body I always wanted.

[nashaunconwell]

My girl friend owned both the soloflex and the bowflex, she now owns the bowflex and i have the soloflex, I can do so many more exercizes on the soloflex, in my research i still find the soloflex ahead of its time and a marvelous invention, i am a proud SOLOFLEX owner, in fact these youtube posting inspired me to re buy my owners manual and wall chart and this year i am moving up to attach the plates, thanks for the wonderful postings and the contributions of ALL the important thoughts

[indian838]

Is bowflex better or soloflex?

[TheArchAngel90650]

Of course not, don't be stupid. Consumer guide rated Soloflex best over the imitation Bowflex. Plus Soloflex won the lawsuit over Bowflex for imitation. You can't use the awesom rubber bands amd freee weights on Bowflex like we can on the Soloflex.

[indian838]

ohh well too late now cuz i bought bowflex lol

[TheArchAngel90650]

Where do you attach the free weights on the Soloflex?

[indian838]

uhm no where, cuz instead you put plates, and don't like plates, cuz its bad, and free weights are better because they trigger ur stabilizing muscles

[TheArchAngel90650]

Breaking news; plates are free weights. Just like a regular barbell the Soloflex barbell can move side to side if your weak side is not keeping up unlike the machines at the gym.

[indian838]

yea but i don't go to the gym either lol so don't trip, its ok i got bowflex, i like it better because it has a lot more exercises than the soloflex

[indian838]

i don't have soloflex by the way...

[Soloflexforever]

It's very easy. Just get dumbbell bars, straight through type 1 inch thick, put them into the ends of the Soloflex barbell arm, and hang your standard freeweights on them. You can also use a straight through barbell. Use collars on the bars, and don't worry about the dumbbell bars falling out. You can also order freeweight adapter bars direct from Soloflex.

[wabie]

I have the soloflex machine and i cant seem to connect the chin up bar correctly ..i did what the manual told me to do but it doesnt seem right. Dave how did u connect urs?

[DJDaveRave]

Hey Wabie, you have to put it on kinda backwards and upside down so the bar is angled up toward the ceiling. Then you put the pin in the #2 or #3 slot I think. The base of the bar fits in the hole at the top so it doesn't slip.

[jsnshapiro]

I can't figure this out either. Any luck?

[dtsman1138]

Hello,

Yeah you invert the lever arm and put in hole #2.

You need to hold it in place while inverted at the top of the machine, slide the lever are pin through the holes of the lever arm and the machine..This should fall in hole #2.

I hope that helps.

[bishopaz]

ya kno, i remember the times dancing to this music. alot of fond memories.

[xBudRaDx]

I just found this thing in my moms shed put it together and i'm totally baffled on where to place the bars for different workouts, I would like to work on my chest but i'm not sure what workouts I should do.

[DJDaveRave]

Usually you place the screw pin 2 holes up or down from where you place the main bar. It takes some practice to know where to put the bar for different exercises since it depends on your height. Try different positions for each exercise and then when you find one that works, write it down so you remember. Also they sell a user guide and DVD on the Soloflex website (under Classic Soloflex).

[solovoyager]

Hey DJDave

Thanks for the inspiration. I watch your video whenever I need a little push to work out. Have you bulked up any more since this video was made? After twenty plus years, I'm still enjoying my soloflex. Also thanks to Jerry for the tip about the ArmorAll. It's always great hearing from him.

[DJDaveRave]

Thanks for the message Solo... I have bulked up a little, but not much. My body type is lean so it's hard for me to put on muscle, plus I do a lot of cardio which makes it hard to bulk up too!

[brianpeppers5ft2]

Im Sorry But U Cudn't Have Chosen Any Gayer Of A Song

[DJDaveRave]

Ha! Brian, I see your point... but I have to admit I really like cheesy eurodance music. My friends, wife, kids all make fun of me for listening to this stuff, but the fast beats are perfect for working out to...

[vincentisais555]

my rubber bands are ripping a little,aand suggestions on what to do?

[DJDaveRave]

You can buy new rubber bands on their website... I tried placing a link here, but apparently you can't place links in comments. So when you go to the Soloflex website click on the Classic Soloflex link.

[spartacus5518]

@vincentisais555 Try the Shock Rings, I like them better than the straps, a much smoother feel and resistance is constant throughout the workout

[pray4chicken]

damn this song ! hahaha

[digitalX198]

Man I was lucky - got mine free with all the attachments and bands. Outside of the screw pin being extremely difficult to undue the 1st time and a couple end caps with the logo being gone the thing is almost new.

[weathered79]

wow i just saw this at a yard sale a couple of days ago i didn't know you could do all this stuff i just thought it was for bench pressing now i wish i would have bought it

[TheArchAngel90650]

Go get yourself a used one. All you need is a Soloflex and some dumb bells and you are good to go.

[TheArchAngel90650]

A couple of years ago I went a party at co-workers house and he was showing off his bowflex to all of us. While benching: the bench broke and he fell on this back and suffered back pain for along time. He received a settlement from Bowflex: later the machine suffered one of many recalls.

[TheArchAngel90650]

TO: DJdaverave

I'm not sure if are the same person on this video but it you are. I'm coming after you. I'm back on 4 day a week Soloflex workout and I'm going to post a response to this video.

This summer: The battle of Soloflex Man.

[DJDaveRave]

Hey ArchAngel! "Battle of Soloflex Man" sounds good! Yep, it's me in the video. Looking forward to your response... Maybe I'll even put up a new one... this one is pretty old. I made it in 2003 I think.

[TheArchAngel90650]

Get ready because here I come. I was out with an injuryy all of last year, but I'm back to a regular workout routine to give you a run for your money or at least a good laugh.

[ArizonaMtKingsnake]

The soloflex which I owned for a yr whether you believe me or not.

Has limited unnatural movements . Bicep curls-shoulder press even tricep press is awkward. I have no vested interest in any machine that competes against soloflex as I train in a gym . MANY wind up giving it away or selling it as guy I gave it to gave it to his dentist. If you like it great but dont make it what it isnt. Its no where near a gym and no where near free weights and lat machine.

[TheArchAngel90650]

I use free weights on Soloflex.

How would you explain that Soloflex can't compete with freeweights when it does have that option?

Just more proof that you are not familiar with the machine. Enjoy your bowflex.

[ArizonaMtKingsnake]

My soloflex didnt have any option of free weights. Just bands .

You either work for the co or have issues with your sticking up for something which for most part sucks.

[ArizonaMtKingsnake]

My machine was purchased about 10 yrs ago. It did not have that option as I purchased it with every option it had. I could be wrong but fairly sure it did not.

Let me add another exercise that was awkward on it -incline bench press and all the others I noted. Either way if you like it great but I did not and guy I gave it to did not.

[TheArchAngel90650]

Sorry, I can't relate to you in your awkward moments. Let me tell what I found awkward: benching alone in my room in a regular bench and free weights. The weights become too heavy and almost choke me to death. My brother just happen to walk into the room and got the weights off me. With Soloflex, that awkward moment became impossible.

[ArizonaMtKingsnake]

TheArchAngel90650

---------

Than you were going to heavy or your bench didnt have safety "hooks" . Even dumbell bench press which is safer than bench press if you train alone is easy enough and safe enough with free weight but again if you like soloflex thats great. I wish I did as would not have to train in a non ac semi 3rd world type gym like most things in S.Florida . However once I return to NY it will be like being back in USA lol in real gym.

[Superhealer1]

KIngsnake you obviously didn't have the slightest clue about how to use the Soloflex you had. Freeweight adapters or straight through dumbbell bars easily get placed in the barbell arm. It can hold up to 500 pounds of freeweights plus the straps. Few can lift 900 pounds of resistance the Soloflex is rated for, let alone work out with it. A child could figure it out.

[jerrywsoloflex]

A couple of times a year with ArmorAll will suffice. Good buy! Enjoy the machine. Jerry

[jerrywsoloflex]

The price of steel wasn't why we discontinued making the machine. It was the cost of advertising space. That, and trying to compete with a million used Soloflex machines that never wore out. We are still servicing them though. If you have a Soloflex machine, put up a YouTube video. This one is great; can't show everything in five minutes. Rubber bands last almost forever if you'll keep them from oxidizing with ArmorAll. Jerry Wilson, Soloflex Founder/CEO

[bsgump]

I just bought soloflex off a friend for only $75. I was wondering how often I should wipe the straps with ArmorAll as you suggest?

Thanks

[DJDaveRave]

Hey Jerry! Great to hear from you, and thanks for your comments. Soloflex is awesome... It's still in my dining room (much to my wife's dismay) and I'm still using it! David

[bscfo1]

Dave,

Thanks for the demo - I've been looking into these, they're compact and you can find them cheap. Question: How difficult is it to change the bar height. Do you have to remove the pin and the screw that holds the band? Thanks.

[DJDaveRave]

It's not difficult at all to change the bar at all... just pull the pin out... no screws. The screw thing is only used when you add a weight strap.

[TheArchAngel90650]

It's really easy. Best investment I made ever.

[jasorn]

You can't make money at those prices? How much does it cost to weld the bits together?

I just bought the basic machine at a thriftstore for $25. It's complete except for one clip is missing and 4 bands are cracked. I looked at buying replacements bands. 2 2.5 lbs bands cost $30!

While my bench is just fine I looked at the price of the bench and it's $240! I don't want to know the price of a complete machine.

For $25 plus the cost of the cracked bands though it's a good deal. Tank solid.

[rackandtour]

The Soloflex machine was truly an innovative, structurally solid, simple exercise machine that has survived the test of time. For the normal individual who seeks strength and fitness, it will serve you well into your retirement and after that...providing the straps are still manufactured, you can will it to your grandkids.

[solovoyager]

I purchased my soloflex twenty years ago and never regretted it. I just learned that the classic soloflex machine has be discontinued. Does anyone know why, it's really a great machine!

[stevo642007]

I spoke to soloflex customer service about that, they said that the price of steel made the machine not profitable anymore.

[solovoyager]

Hey Stevo, thanks for the info. Too bad because it's an excellent machine. I hope they don't discontinue the rubber weight straps!

[sz42781]

I remember being 7 years old (20 years ago) and seeing the commercial LMAO! Always wanted to try it! Dont the rubber bands get weak????

[stevo642007]

in 1988 the soloflex was the first piece of real fitness equipment that i got, this machine was truly an inovation. I kick myself for selling it!!! the machine was bomb proof. Im searching ebay for another one.

[jkygogo]

I got mine in 1984, I used real weights on it. I think the weights were too heavy because I think it was bending part of the equipment.

But yes, I enjoyed the Soloflex and felt it was a good beginning piece of equipment to start. And for those who are not into huge bodybuilding, it's a good exercise for people who want to stay in shape.

[pfotojenik]

For some of you doubting it's potential remember a good fit and muscular gymnast or amateur bodybuilder max out on bench press at about 225lbs to about close to 300lbs. This thing has 400lbs of resistance. This of you who think it's just for toning are misinformed it's how YOU use the weight (reps, poundage, intensity, time in & out) the machine does not dictate your workout YOU do. This is why many people aren't fit. The gym does not make the physique it's how you use it that does.

[1Tomrider]

I use my Soloflex machine along with free weights. I've had it for more than 20 years and it's probably the best fitness investment I've ever made. There are ~some~ exercises that aren't as good on the machine as with free weights, but not many. A superb product!

[JerkbagProductions]

It's a good machine for a lot of exercises. Like the person below me, I don't like the bicep curls, so I'll use freeweights for those. However, it's good for some exercises - the ability for one to push heavy loads without a spotter is nice - and it doubles as a pull-up/dip station and incline board for ab exercises.

[tirobiz]

Did you all see the bicep curls?? Totally unatural movements. I tried this thing years ago, It felt like crap.

[stevo642007]

the bicep curls , are probably the worst excersize on the soloflex, but for all it does, in such a compact unit, is remarkable

[columbusohio72]

im glad you brought that up it looked a little awkward in the video. someone is offering to sell me one for $125.

[tyciol]

This looks pretty interesting, makes me want to put aside my concerns for behind-the-neck pullups since you look comfortable doing them!

[Whammer79]

Great stuff! Like other have mentioned- it's too bad Soloflex doesn't advertise anymore.

[ArizonaMtKingsnake]

I had one and like many who had one gave it away its a great clothes hanger. The movements are awkward and just strange. Not to mention such limited range of motion.

[Whammer79]

I disagree. It excels at some things and at other things it would not be my first choice. But it's a decent workout machine and it's built to last a lifetime.

[ArizonaMtKingsnake]

For me it was impossible to do incline bench correctly with it. Bicep curls are very awkward with it,cant do many things. It was good for standard bench press some lat pulldowns but not much more. I work out at the gym now but by far prefer to train at home other than buying several benches,lat machine,etc its not possible. I probably will buy what I need as tired of packed gym (I train after work)but I agree for muscle tone the Soloflex is fine but for some size its not to good

[Whammer79]

It's great for dips, chinups, pullups. I like the seated shoulder press too. Never had problems with the incline press.

You can also do isometrics with it. Partial reps- using strongest range of motion.

If you use your imagination you can come up with some pretty good movements and workouts.

[ArizonaMtKingsnake]

Well it wasnt for me as I found it limiting . I gave it away few yrs back. Infact looking now at different stuff for home now but leaning towards mostly free weight. When I lived in NY Gyms were open 24 hours a day thus great selection never crowded now I live in heal (Florida) and tiny "selection" of gyms which always crowded and outdated stuff.

[cityterraceboy]

I sold my bowflex to buy one, no regrets.

Made so much better,and I love the freebody

exercises.

Dave

[plzsukmedry]

The Soloflex is ideal for 'static contraction exercises.

[jayrir]

Really? With free weights or Bands or both? (for the SCT exercises).

[tyciol]

Pete Sisco has a better machine for that probably.

[jkygogo]

I think the Soloflex is a good way to start lifting weights. It's good.

[butchyc18]

I'm a personal trainer and I still use mine as well and recommend it to my clients as a backup tool when they cn't make it to the gym.. I agree it's a shame they don't advertise anymore. Definitely the best home gym ever on the market.

[YrNameHr]

I still like mine a lot and have the leg extention and butterfly, the butterfly is better than cybex. but getting out to the gym gives more motivation than staying at home.

[bulb0lsanoo]

does the "Lat Pulldown" exercises the same muscle that the pull up's do?

[epa316]

I have one and use it still, it's great. I wonder why they don't advertise anywhere anymore, besides their website.

[floweroftheeast]

I'm thinking about getting a soloflex as soon as my club membership expires.

[dvder1234]

I still have mine and still us it

[Herdfan91]

I've seen this video some where else, I'm just not sure where. BTW, great music!

[bgrant77]

Legs are completely neglected. The machine doesn't add muscle mass but does tone. Not recommended for serious lifters. Better results at the gym.

[YrNameHr]

not so, there are about thirty exercises they recommend and another dozen you can figure out. there are ten or more for calves, quads, etc.

[ArizonaMtKingsnake]

bgrant77 Legs are completely neglected. The machine doesn't add muscle mass but does tone. Not recommended for serious lifters. Better results at the gym.

------------------------------­-------------

I agree great for some tone but for mass its junk and by size I dont mean the steroid mag look but natural size

[tyciol]

What exactly is 'tone'? If you stress muscle, it grows. If you're saying the resistance doesn't go very high and it's more oriented to endurance then fine, but 'tone'? BLAH

[pfotojenik]

I disagree I had the machine for years, went from skinny 135lbs with no real muscle to 189lbs once I learned how to build muscle. It has 400lbs of band resistance and more if you add the free weights. Building muscle requires intensity with heavier weights. If you think you can't build muscle with it, then you might not know how to really build muscle. I'm living proof... no supplements. Remember bodybuilders take steroids, a known fact. Naturally, that machine builds muscle if you use it right

[pfotojenik]

Also legs are not neglected. As a matter of fact they have extensions, curls, leg press, donkey calf raises & seated calf raises, standing squat. This guy is not showing you it's total capability. I hate to say it but it doesn't appear that he did it any justice.

[jerrywsoloflex]

I beg to differ Arizona. The muscle gains from a Soloflex are exactly the same as one gets from pumping iron plates despite what the pin head gym boys say. Ask Arnold, he endorsed our machine for five years. The basic Soloflex w/o leg extension has squats, leg presses and donkey presses. It will kick your ass any day of the week. Jerry Wilson, Pres., Soloflex, Inc.

[ArizonaMtKingsnake]

Working out with Soloflex which after a year I gave away and going to gym I disagree 100% with you. Many of the soloflex movements are strange and dont hit the muscle as they should like shoulder press,bicep curls which I found weird in soloflex. Soloflex is ok for some muscle tone but not much more. Granted I live in steroid capital of USA (S.Florida) but being natural myself and using soloflex and gym I prefer gym equipment by far.

[smithshaven]

I've used a Soloflex for over Twenty years. I've tried every thing else. I always come back to my SOLOFLEX. The exercises are old school, but the resistance provided by their Weight-straps is very unique. It never lets up on you except during the weaker phase of a exercise. Always provides a better pump for me than anything else I've used and I don't suffer from as many injuries. I know I'm just barking in the wind -no one ever seems to capture what I have on this incredible tool.

[xtoc422]

You have a fan. I also love my soloflex and get an incredible pump evertime I use it. The machine is very underrated, great against the threat of injury.

[superwicky]

...poor....

[warp1coxnet]

Soloflex's are actually quite good machines. I got in the best shape of my life with one years ago, but later sold it - mistake. I bought another on EBay and am starting again. You can do heavy (even actual plate weights with the available adapters) weights safely. Buy one used like I did and save tons of money, and skip all the wasted time and frustration of sharing machines/weights at the gym. Thanks for posting the vid! It helped to motivate me.

[hobman]

haha...I used to have one!

[mildward]

great to finally find another soloflex user on youtube. Great workout, great video.