alright, Im in a bit of a predictament right now. If you had to choose between a gym membership, and getting something like a Bow Flex, which would you choose? Here'* a break down of the math.
Bow Flex. $900
Gym Membership $40/month
Gas/month to get to gym $25
Gym TOTAL: $65/month
Bowflex with payment plan: $20/month

The only problem is I don't have a lot of space in the basement, but I do however already have a treadmill I use 3x/week so that'* one more thing that I do actually have. Are there really any other advantages to going to the gym, rather than doing it at home? I think I'd be more likely to do it if I didn't have to drive 20 minutes to get there, and 20 minutes to get back. Does anyone here have a bowflex, how do you like it?

Go to the gym for a bit to learn how to use free weights.

Buy free weights and a bench.

If the bowflex has a trial period then I would consider that, in the sense that I've never used one and want to try.

But darrel is right, there is a lot more to look at in a gym...and they are normally in tight(er) clothes

Gym....

I think you need to look at the time you can dedicate to exercise. If you have the time to drive to the gym that'* probably better. It helps if you have someone to go with too. If you don't have a lot of time, you're better option probably is a Bowflex. Just like anything else, however, you have to USE it for it to be effective. A Bowlfex doesn't take up a lot of space and it'* in your domicile so it cuts a lot of time off going to a gym. Therefore you might be more inclined to stick with it.

Free weights are probably more effective, but Bowflex has the advantage of being one piece of equipment that can service many areas of your body, and changing resistance is quick and easy.

Taking cost out of the equation:
If you have time to spare, go to the gym. If time is an issue, get a Bowflex.

From what i have found, having workout equipment in your home is "too easy." Therefore, it is too easy not to use it. I find it impossible to go from the couch to a piece of workout equipment. Therefore, for me, I have to go to the gym because I can't motivate myself in my own home. Plan time to go to the gym, and you will go.

my vote is for the gym

gym carrys a wide range of machines as well as a pool,jacuzzi, sauna,thredmills with the tvs and of course a bowflex. something I couldn't fit in my house as well as staff members who can show you the do'* and don'ts on working out with the equiptment. plus I haven't read up on the bowflex trial but I'm sure those things cost an arm and a leg to ship

You took the words right out of my mouth. I couldn't have said it better myself.

Get the gym membership. Plus, the gym has more to offer than the Bowflex. So, in your cost analysis, you're not really comparing apples to apples. Plus, don't forget about the intangible: the scenery at the gym.

I pesonally would go for the Bowflex only because my skinny a$$ don't look good in a wife beater and shorts I actually looked into getting a Bowflex...the $1700 one but at the time was only good for $1000 credit....hmmm....maybe i'll try now