I've never tried the Bowflex, but here are a couple of general thoughts to consider . . .

First, television is full of the latest exercise equipment, gadgets, and inventions that don't work. The truth is, however, that most things will work only if they are used, and homes around the world are full of exercise equipment that doesn't get used at all.

The Bowflex, IMO, is simply the latest version of the Soloflex. Machines of this nature take up more space than you think, so one question is whether you want to be tripping over the machine when you get up half-dead to hit the bathroom at night. Or whether you want to block half of your rec room up with something that is likely not to get used.

Ditto every so-called abdominal crunch machine that has ever been invented or anything that has ever been marketed by Suzanne Sommers, Body by Jake, or that obnoxious idiot with the long blond hair who acts like he's on speed all the time - people buy them, and they rot away without being used.

Also, the time it takes to set up a Bowflex or Soloflex for each exercise isn't worth it. You're better off in a gym with a good set of circuit equipment - as you finish each machine, you simply bop over to the next machine, place the pin in the spot that gives you the right amount of weight, adjust the seat, and do your thing.

I agree with your sentiments, heytheresmoker, about free weights. For one thing, if you have never worked out, chances are nil that you will be using the correct form in the first place, and having a spotter available is important from a safety perspective.

Finally, when you go to a gym, you are there for only one purpose (at least one primary purpose): to work out. You will not have the distractions you will at home - the TV, the computer, the kitchen, or anything else that will take you away from fulfilling that key purpose.

My suggestion is that you try hitting a gym or fitness center, one that charges a monthly fee rather than making you pay a year up front. (Annual fees may be cheaper, but they lead tot he same lack of motivation in many people - they pay the fee, go a few times - then slack off, having wasted their money. You're likely to waste less money by paying a monthly fee than by going annual or by buying home equipment that will not be used when you get tired of it.)