Band flex Gym
by - Written: Jan 16 '05
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Quality, versatility, ease of use, price.
Cons: Seat/back padding is better than many, but could have thicker padding.
The Bottom Line: Quality, versatility, ease of use, pricing - has it all.
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| rdrnnr's Full Review: Stamina Products Band Flex Gym 50-0202 |
I wanted a decent quality home gym that could provide an array of exercises and still fit within my budget. After comparing similar products, I purchased the Band flex Gym (LT-2000) because it met the above requirements, plus, it folded up, included a curl attachment which is usually an extra accessory with other gyms and it appeared to have a wider seat and longer back rest than other gyms I've owned. I also noticed it had rounded corners on the seat/back pads. The square corners on the other gyms I have had would scratch when passed over.
Including the parts inventory time, the assembly took about 4 hours between 2 people. It could probably have been accomplished by one person in 2-3 hours but we took our time and also goofed around during part of the assembly. Although the assembly diagrams were very detailed and thorough and included each part number, larger or bolder diagrams would have made them easier to decipher.
The few simple tools listed as needed for assembly included a rubber mallet. It was not stated why the mallet is needed but we found out why when it was time to connect the rear support frame to the main frame with the connection tube. A hammer and a folded towel does not a rubber mallet make. Regardless, with the extent of the gap between the parts and the holes, a rubber mallet would not have accomplished the necessary alignment. I had to practically stand on the part to hold it in place while my partner tweaked it from his side and connected it with the bolts. Overall, this connection, and the assembly of the pulleys at the bottom is the only part of the assembly process where 2 people may be needed if you are slight of frame.
The workout manual pictures around 67 exercises, with 13 of the exercises including detailed instructions. There is a "Start" and "Finish" photo for the other listed exercises. For the beginner, the exercise instructions included are very clear and enough to get a good all-over workout. Being that I am still recovering from surgeries over the last 8 months, I needed exercises and a home gym that would be easily adaptable to my physical abilities right now, yet would allow me to intensify them in the future.
Switching bands for different exercises and making adjustments to the bench and seat is easy. The bands are attached and detached with a simple clip. A helpful tip if the gym is used by multiple people of various strengths: if all 3 bands have been utilized by a stronger user and the gym may then be used by a less strong person, after use, a "courtesy switch" by the stronger user to the lighter weight bands is helpful. To switch bands, although it is very quick and simple, in order to detach the band's clip, the user must create slack in the band by pulling down on it. A stronger user can detach all of the bands together by creating this slack in all 3 bands at once, but a less strong user, like me, must detach each band separately. Doing so is still very simple but it would make startup faster and eliminate the potential (minor) pinch to the hand if the heavier weight band were to slip from hand's grasp.
The gym is around 7' tall and around 45" wide across the very top. Folding the gym is simple and quick. Folded, the base is around 22"W x 27"L. It is still around 45" across the top when folded. The curl pad and small curl arm detaches for fold up and sits neatly confined to the space on the base. I am 5' 7" tall, so folded, the bench legs protrude out at my eye level. Having it folded up in a tight space where there is a lot of walk-by traffic may not be a good idea.
Over the years I have had 2 other similar gyms and I'm most pleased with this Band flex purchase for it's quality, versatility, ease of use, fold-ability and price. One of my children is a 5-6 days a week, hours a day bodybuilder and is probably be better served with the massive equipment available at professional gyms, but for my needs, overall, this is the highest quality and most comfortable and versatile home gym that I have owned.
Recommended:
Yes
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