Bowflex advice

[Col. Kurtz]

So it sounds like it would be more for toning and getting the cardio up? It also looks like to work the abs requires an additional set up..

[chachee52]

Originally Posted by Col. Kurtz

So it sounds like it would be more for toning and getting the cardio up? It also looks like to work the abs requires an additional set up..

Most AB machines don't really target the ABs in people. The main reason I say this is because people tend to compensate with their hip flexors that are right under your "abs". Best bang for your buck for ABs/core muscles is a TheraBall/Exercise Ball. Tops they are $40 but I've seen them for $10. You can work out your entire body on one.
As for the Tone vs Cardio that's a big debate that is too long to discuss. Short story is that the Bow Flex is for muscle building/toning. Treadmill/bike/etc is for cardio. But there are some schools of thought that say that weight lifting is also a cardio work out.