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38 of 38 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Pleasantly Surprised!, August 7, 2006
This review is from: Bowflex Xtreme 2 Home Gym (Sports)
I did a ton of research before buying the X2. I run on a treadmill 3 or 4 days a week (about 12-15 miles a week) and work up a good sweat, and my lower body is pretty lean. However, being almost 40, and not having trained with weights since high school, I felt I needed to start doing some weight/resistance training, particularly on my upper body.
Well, after 3 weeks, I can tell a huge difference after using this machine. I'm also glad I got the X2 instead of the X because of the ability to work out faster without pully changes.
I also have been able to gradually increase the weight so that I'm going to buy the two 50 rod extensions. I highly recommend this machine to anyone who doesn't feel comfortable in a gym, and/or just doesn't have the time to go. I have small kids and being able to hit this machine at 5:30 am when everyone is still asleep is a huge benefit for me.
As for assembly, it was fairly easy if you follow directions. The only difficult part was the pully system - make sure you have it right as that is the backbone of the entire system. The pics in the instructions could have been a little clearer. Otherwise, bottom line is that this thing works and was a great purchase.
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37 of 39 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Very Nice Machine, December 11, 2006
This review is from: Bowflex Xtreme 2 Home Gym (Sports)
This machine is very well put together, and Xtremely sturdy. It took a friend and I two hours to put it together, so be prepared for that. While assembly was a bit trying, the end results are worth it. As a 40 year old man, I wanted to start working out again. I hadn't worked out since my Memphis State days, and I didn't want to join a gym. I have the 410lb model, and it will be all the resistance that I'll ever need. As I said earlier, the motion is smooth and challenging. While the power rods do deliver tough resistance, it is not challenging as free weights. For example I can bench press 300lbs on my X2, but on free weights I can do only about 240lb. That is a big difference, and all the exercises are that way too. That being said, I still find the bowflex to be a great homegym and I'm getting the results I desire. I'm not trying to get as huge as a wrestler, but the bowflex is changing my body and adding mass. Don't pay attention to the bowflex commercials, where the guys are ripped to the bone. That just won't happen on a bowflex machine, and I'm glad they've started showcasing real people with real results. For the average man or woman, this machine will deliver. With around 100 different exercises and variations, you can target all your muscles:legs, chest, arms, abs, back, and shoulders. I'm very please with the 10 months I've been on the machine. Though its kinda pricey, its worth using my tax refund on it. If you are thinking about a homegym, the I highly recommend this machine. You should also upgrade to AT LEAST 310lb rods, because the leg exercises are pretty easy and you'll need the extra rods. For guys, I think you should get the 410lb rods because you'll see rapid results. I've gone from benching 220 to 300lb in less than a year. There are cheaper machines, and free weights will give you much better results. But if you're looking for an all in one machine, that will last for years, then try the Xtreme2!
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25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
I bought it and I like it!, February 15, 2007
This review is from: Bowflex Xtreme 2 Home Gym (Sports)
All five boxes arrived in relatively good shape... some punctures but not bad. The internal components are packaged in styrofoam so they are well protected. I decided on the Xtreme2 after trying out the Bowflex SE and the Xtreme(1). The Bowflex SE's seat was very uncomfortable for me and didn't have the multi-pulley system like the Xtreme2 so it would require a little more effort to move cables around. I would recommend the Xtreme2 over the SE for a few hundred dollars more. Setup took me about 4 hours, but I was moving at a slow pace so as not to miss any components. The instructions are pretty good. When assembled you can see that this is a real solid piece of workout equipment. Bowflex did a good job on it. Have been using it for approx a month and am amazed at the many positions that are available and probably lots more if you use your imagination. Highly recommend the Xtreme2 for those who know that this is the machine that they want. Serious bodybuilders should go elsewhere because the resistance is a totally different feel and I know the weights do not compare one to one for the Bowflex versus free weights. For anyone wanting to put on muscle and tone this is a great machine. If your sole purpose is to get "huge" you should get some type of power rack. I did call Bowflex three times with some minor questions/comments and they answered the phone within 15 seconds each and every time day or night. Great customer satisfaction. One last thing, if you are serious about working out and are fairly strong, get the 310 upgrade because it will make changing out rods much easier for you. Look around for prices too.
Also, one more comment... I purchased a 50"x60" rubber mat from Amazon for approx $49 and it is pretty nice but I don't really think you need one for the Bowflex since it sits only on the four corner legs and nothing else touches the floor anyway. You probably could get by with some small size pads.
-Try one out somewhere before you buy and Good luck.
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