Are Multi Gyms Worth it and Do they Build Muscle? (+Soloflex Review)

[@hybridresistance]

As fate would have it later today posting the video, I found out randomly (not related to this video) that a Soloflex is featured in the film The Goonies. In all the years and times I've seen that movie, never recognized it that was the machine in the movie.

[@dariuswalker738]

I’m glad you got to put it through its paces a little bit :). Merry Christmas!

[@hybridresistance]

Thanks again Darius. Merry Christmas to you as well.

[@outtrigger]

the soloflex is legendary, very cool to see you finally got one. there are some cool mods that the community does for the MM that may be worth looking into. also, there is a soloflex leg machine called the rockit that you may want to look out for and an adjustable dumbbell set

[@hybridresistance]

@@outtrigger I’ll keep messing with it for sure. I have heard about the rockit and how people love that as well.

[@ToddDolce]

@@hybridresistance Mike, there’s a guy on ebay that makes/welds an entirely new press arm for the soloflex that basically has a bend in the center which eliminates the straight bar going all the way across and leaves a nice opening for your entire head thus allowing for a full deep bench press without the limitation of the bar pressing across your neck. It’s brilliant.

[@bigk2080]

I remember this back in the early 80's. Man im old😢

[@hybridresistance]

I watched some of their old adds and they were fun to watch.

[@grendeldog01]

I had a Soloflex in the late 80's and got rid of it when I moved a decade or so later. Regretted the decision and purchased a brand new one probably a month or so before they closed for good. As someone who started working out before KZbin I used plastic weights from Sears and the Soloflex was like from the future. Doesn't matter what you use as long as you use it! Merry Christmas!

[@hybridresistance]

Love that story my friend. Merry Christmas to you as well.

[@mavatj]

The butterfly solo flex attachment really gives a burn to the chest muscles too!

[@barakbalestrery4138]

Happy Festivus to you too!

[@vincentlivoti4184]

Mike thanks for doing this on the old school Soloflex.

[@hybridresistance]

@@vincentlivoti4184 appreciate it, brother. Trying to give the people what they want. Thanks for watching.

[@vincentlivoti4184]

@hybridresistance Mike wishing you and your family Happy Holidays 🌲

[@SkylerKingTW]

That IFBB Pro who used the Bowflex was Dexter Jackson. He was training in a garage, using the Bowflex (among other things) During his Mr. Olympia prep in 2020.

[@hybridresistance]

@@SkylerKingTW you nailed it. I need to find that clip and post it in here. From what I remember, I think he was training at someone else’s house. Merry Christmas brother to you and the family

[@DavidBamber-m8j]

I like that Squat Variation at 3:00 minute mark. I do something similar, the extra stability from grabbing something i front of me allows me to get deeper in the squat.

[@Mr2004MCSS]

Nice review. I'm 57 and never remember hearing about Soloflex growing up. I do remember when the Bowflex came out and bought a new one in 1997. I later sold that one and now have an upgraded model. I first bought a Soloflex in 2019 and used it religiously for about three years until I got bored with it and went back to the board/bar systems which is what I mostly still use. Currently I have three Soloflex machines and two Soloflex Rockits but only had one of each set up. I recently took those down to make room for the Flexicon that I pre-ordered. I'm going to try that out for a while and see how that goes.

[@hybridresistance]

Wow, so you are for sure one of cult followers of these machines. I think I remember you mentioning this to me in a past video. Let me know you like that Flexicon, which as Blake the owner tole me, was almost called Soloflex 2.

[@Mr2004MCSS]

@@hybridresistance I am definitely a big fan of Soloflex and have a bunch of accessories and parts for them. I even have a bunch of the rubber weight plates that Soloflex used to sell. I wish I had room to keep them set up. I remember Blake saying that he wanted to use the Soloflex name for his new machine. I have been using Bodylastics products since about 2011 so I look forward to using the Flexicon. I sure will let you know what I think about it.

[@DeadLinux]

This was great - have always been curious about the Soloflex

[@hybridresistance]

@@DeadLinux it’s a fun tool. Would actually probably fit in your basement gym nicely.

[@DeadLinux]

@hybridresistance Maybe, although the height looked a little tall. But never realized you CAN put plates on it! That wobbliness though... oof that would freak me out

[@DaviWalt]

wtf!!! You found one!? That is freaking awesome!

[@hybridresistance]

@@DaviWalt haha, I’ve been trying to keep it off camera for a few weeks now.

[@buddyryan875]

Been waiting for this! For $50 bucks I'd gladly make a station out of it when I have the space! Cheap + small foot print! Unknowingly bought a broken soloflex before moving onto TG! Will be buying another one some day for sure! I'm in a couple of the facebook groups the fellas are saying you aren't getting the true experience without the shock rings!

[@hybridresistance]

@@buddyryan875 I may look into trying to purchase a few shock rings.

[@buddyryan875]

@@hybridresistance some people like the 12 inch mini bands too! You could probably get good views on another soloflex video showing both I'd think would be interesting! Compare it with the stock straps!

[@buddyryan875]

hearing that weights + shock rings/12" bands sorts out the wobble makes it real smooth ride

[@adamc9147]

Hell yeah the solarflex the goat of all machines. The build quality is amazing on that thing. I still have mine since I bought it in the 2000s and never look back. Plus you add the fact you can add weight plates plus resistance bands to them amazing! Plus if you even want more resistance plus a nice pump, get some shock rings to add to the solarflex. And wow just wow

[@hybridresistance]

I love it. I know there's still a cult following for sure. I may one day try out those replacement rings.

[@ToddDolce]

Honestly, it really is the best built weight machine of all time. I know guys who actually left these things in their backyards for decades and they had just a tiny bit of surface rust. The dogbone resistance straps were inferior to the woven shock rings. The original machine with the stained real wood bench and the shock rings was the best iteration of the machine. Truly US Made too in Oregon. So sad they stopped production.

[@hybridresistance]

@ I didn’t know that they were all made in the USA?! Do you know if that pertained to all models?

[@ToddDolce]

@ I think it was only for the Soloflex and the Rockit. That other equipment with the vibration platform etc was nothing that ever interested me and I never really looked any deeper into those.

[@stevesorensen9648]

I'm 62, I remember the Soloflex being pretty popular for a short while. Then I remember seeing them for sale all over the classifieds in the paper. I just assumed people were getting rid of them because they weren't any good, so I never purchased one. I can't speak from experience though, I've never actually used one.

[@hybridresistance]

The guy I got mine from said he was originally owner and said " you won't believe what I paid for this new". I actually don't know know the original retail cost. I will say the frame is a beast.

[@BrittReese-ze3dv]

@@hybridresistanceI want to say my unit brand new back in the early 80’s retailed for $625.00.

[@stevesorensen9648]

@hybridresistance back in the early 80's they were going for around $800, if memory serves me correctly.

[@alexfish477]

I've never seen this, it looks pretty useful. If it had a viking press style handle it could be very versatile. I have people ask me if these home workout machines work. I tell them of course, but you have to actually use them regularly.

[@hybridresistance]

Great points.

[@Xenophon1]

My roommate had a Soloflex back in the day and I made great gains using the pull bar and dip attachments.

[@hybridresistance]

@@Xenophon1 makes sense. Great thing about the machine is that you got limited options so just dial down the good stuff on repeat

[@cryptochad4290]

I had one and loved it.

[@davidosuna4209]

Thank you, Mike for finally posting this I was expecting you to use the bands that come with the machine But you’re probably right there’s so old they’re probably a stiff as heck Anyways I wonder about this machine because I live in a small condo And the only thing I’m using right now is suspension training, which I like a lot I don’t have room for a total gym So It’s good to have your point of view on this Merry Christmas To you and your family I love the stuff that you do, man keep it up

[@hybridresistance]

Thanks so much David. I've so many people ask me to do a Soloflex video, today just seemed like the right day. Really appreciate the kind words. Merry Christmas to you and your family as well.

[@jonx3023]

Yes please to more Soloflex videos. Tips for glutes would be appreciated. I saw you doing the leg curls but they’re too awkward to stick with for me. If you can find the shock rings they’re 10x better than the black resistance bands. They’re basically continuous strands of rubber looped and wrapped in cloth and stretch a lot more fluidly.

[@hybridresistance]

@@jonx3023 I appreciate that my friend. I will look into the suggestions for sure.

[@skriabinfly]

I remember Soloflex TV ads as a kid in the late 1980s.

[@hybridresistance]

I wonder if they peaked on the TV adds just prior to Total Gym. I feel TG owned the 90s maybe alongside with the Bowflex.

[@RTB_1234]

That soloflex actually looks good, especially with the weight attachments. Seems to not take up much space. The company should make a newer versions and make a few changes.

[@hybridresistance]

I do think this design could have been revamped. They unfortunately went out of business in 2023.

[@BrittReese-ze3dv]

I got a Soloflex for Christmas back in the early 80’s and the build quality was fantastic. Later sold it in a garage sale and I’ve regretted that decision ever since….

[@hybridresistance]

You could probably find another one used real cheap if you wanted.

[@BrittReese-ze3dv]

@@hybridresistanceI live in a small apartment with limited space. Otherwise, I definitely would. Have a wonderful Christmas, Mike.

[@Joe-qs2bq]

Whatever you do if you use it and are consistent 💯 you will make progress.❤👍💪

[@hybridresistance]

@@Joe-qs2bq 100% agree

[@Johnny-cn6li]

The instability of the lifting bar is designed to strengthen your weaker side. When you do a seated press for example, your stronger side pushes the bar against the mainframe, and it tends to jam. To compensate your weaker side has to exert more pressure to level the bar. The original model with the 90' welded frame is much stable than the bent frame model you have.

[@hybridresistance]

@@Johnny-cn6li makes sense. I need that welded frame!

[@haroldmilroy4489]

Yes please I’d appreciate more vids on the Soloflex. I have two one of which I keep set up with the pec deck and leg extension so I avoid the change over. I understand they aren’t ideal for everything but for a footprint of 4’x4’, the resistance bands, the option of free weights and the option of a lot of callisthenics movements it’s hard to beat IMO. Too bad they closed their doors. Also the company that introduced the very first infomercial and for their time they were amazing.

[@hybridresistance]

@@haroldmilroy4489 thanks for that comment. I was wondering if they were the first infomercial Fitness product or if total gym came first. Have you had or considered a lever gym?

[@haroldmilroy4489]

@ from what I’ve read they were indeed the first infomercial. Yes I ad a Powertec Lever gym but I found it awkward and ended up really injuring my front delt while bench pressing. I realize making one machine that fits all types is a challenge but not a fan. I find the arc of the Soloflex better for ME. I’m thinking about a functional trainer but they’re pricey and I have the Soloflex and a bunch of spare parts and bands along with a lot of bands. Sorry to go on.

[@musha0970]

Hi Mike! I just emailed you asking if you could review GEKU FIT handles or something similar. Most handles I’ve tried have major drawbacks, and people like me are looking for a durable dumbbell bar with hooks for loop-style resistance bands that stays as close to the hand as possible so it doesn’t lose tension. Would a review be possible in the near future? Also, it's possible that if you like these handles, your neighbor could produce a wooden version of them and launch his own line for sale - potentially an improved, more durable version with rotating handles (in different directions). They look quite simple to make! Thanks!

[@churchhymnsandpsalms]

Got a Soloflex literally for free on Craigslist a few years ago. Had to sell it when we moved. Got $200! Wish I had kept it…great machine.

[@hybridresistance]

Seems to be a theme already in the comment section. Just hunt for another one cheap.

[@w.adammandelbaum1805]

If the soloflex band gets stiffer as it gets older, I want to be a soloflex band!

[@BrentFoley-s3k]

Compare Soloflex to Flexicon. Which is better? I’m a big fan of Bodylastics. Can you think of a creative way to attach loop bands?

[@oldnatty61]

Soloflex and Nordictrack are the goats! 👍

[@hybridresistance]

@@oldnatty61 ha ha, my parents still have a NordicTrack at their house

[@oldnatty61]

@@hybridresistance To this day best aerobic machine out there. At least headache free affordable. I've owned 3. Never PM'd any of them. My current one I bought for $25 on CL. Have no clue how long the previous owner had it or if he took care of it. I brought it home 8 years ago, and have done nothing but use it daily. NO PROBLEMS! Not to mention full body w/ separate upper lower resistance. Unlike Assault bike, Versaclimber, Jacob's Ladder.

[@jigthepuff4540]

The SoloFlex works but the resistance band range from light to heavy limits muscle fiber damage needed for MPS during the eccentric phase of the lift. Same thing with the Bowflex and I love my Bowflex. The SoloFlex is a fantastic pull up and dip station. I’ve owned one. The Nordictrack self adjusting resistance workout machine was garbage as it had zero eccentric resistance.

[@hybridresistance]

@@jigthepuff4540 I gotta say I love how the strength curve feels for incline press on this thing.

[@loulopez554]

The young blond model who was in the Solo flex commercial was later the guy in the Bowflex ad.

[@hybridresistance]

I had to read this one a couple times Lou, but now I think I got it when I saw the add. When I read "young blond" I was thinking you were taking about the female model.

[@Zschopauwand]

Hello Mike you look very solid! Do you actually do a mass phase? Greetings Christian

[@hybridresistance]

@@Zschopauwand thanks my friend. In some ways yes, but it tends to be organic or conditioned in me throughout the years. Where once October hits and during the cold months I tend to eat a lot more. Especially during this holiday season I love me my treats and festive beverages. When it gets to be warmer then I start to (or try to lean out). Merry Christmas!

[@Jeffdoeswhat]

I got a soloflex for free a few weeks ago. Haven’t used it much yet.

[@hybridresistance]

Very nice.

[@patch14s1]

What are those band-hook attachments you used in the video?

[@hybridresistance]

@@patch14s1 here you go collarhooks.com

[@patch14s1]

@@hybridresistance Thank you

[@mrqualityreviewer4752]

Should check up on the shock rings they were far superior to the rubber resistance bands

[@bigrmb]

I still use mine on a weekly basis. I use a mix of plates and resistance bands.

[@hybridresistance]

Do you still use the original bands?

[@laraywilliams6627]

Wow I wanted a SOLOFLEX soooo bad when I was in high school

[@hybridresistance]

Hey you always relive that childhood dream on the cheap

[@donaldcannyjr1245]

I had a Solo flex, and I couldn’t stand those resistance bands they had. They were definitely too stiff, and no fluidity at all. I like what you did with the machine and how you used free weights on it.

[@hybridresistance]

I'm curious if my bands are old or they were just always like that.

[@jamesbianchei]

As cheap as that soloflex looks, I feel like you could just buy a 2 x 8 x 6 and get a bar make something similar. Really wasn’t much to the soloflex. The funny thing is if you watch the infomercial you showed or the bow flex infomercial and you really watch where the rubber arms or bands stop flexing there is no tension. Example take a large rubber band and wrap it around your thumb and pointer finger. Great stretch when you open the finger but at the starting point there is nothing. When doing his leg press he had no resistance when his knees were at his chest. Only when pushing away from his body.

[@hybridresistance]

@@jamesbianchei definitely fair points all around.

[@elbastino]

Wow, never heard about this machine before. Looks nice, but I'll stick to my Body-Solid Corner Leverage Gym GLGS100 :)

[@hybridresistance]

That's a nice machine.

[@timetravelerify]

Built like a tank!!!!!!

[@hybridresistance]

Definitely true. The metal frame was way heavier than I thought.

[@oldnatty61]

You can't buy work ethic.

[@hybridresistance]

100%

[@sprocketdogs4964]

You aren’t exactly using it correctly. Add shock rings and the machine is completely different. Throw in a LPGmuscle hook and one can attach whatever lat/pull attachments they want. I even have base pegs that plug into the bottom stabilizer bar. You can add weights on the pull downs to micro adjust the band/rings. It does suck though that to properly get the old machines working properly purchasing the shock rings is expensive.

[@hybridresistance]

thanks for watching. I may in the future consider the add ons or aftermarket stuff in the future. It's for sure not a bad machine, but it's hard not to compare it to a lever gym or my quantum trainer. So I really just wanted to test it out at first. I do have some potential plans on ways to sup it up.

[@BrentFoley-s3k]

Compare Soloflex to Flexicon. Which is better? I’m a big fan of Bodylastics. Can you think of a creative way to attach loop bands?