I know a lot of people are looking for something different, the Bowflex machine seems like it would be a good piece of fitness equipment to buy, but let me tell you from experience it isn't. The Bowflex resistant rods don't have constant resistance like free weights do, which I believe won't have as good muscle building power. Plus Bowflex won't tell you this, there resistance rods wear out down the line. So 4 years from now, you might have to buy new resistance rods. Knowing Bowflex, they won't be cheap to purchase. Remember, regular free weights will last a lifetime, no need to worry about any wear and tear. This is just my take on the Bowflex machine.