Customer Reviews

Bowflex Xtreme 2 Home Gym

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

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!

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.

I wanted to write a review concerning the design flaw mentioned in the previous review. I to had this issue when I first got my bowflex and was quite frustrated...particularly when I read the review on this site. I decided to try turning the power rods around just to see if this worked and in my case it did. I had to unscrew each power rod from the base, turn it, ensure it locked into place, and then rescrew it back to the base. After doing this even the flimsy 5 pound rods no longer hit the cross bar. After doing this I contacted bowflex to see what they had to say about this issue. They informed me that they were working on a fix that would be sent out as soon as it was done.

My main reason for writing this was to make sure anyone else that had this issue and found this review knew that the issue IS solvable at least for some cases.

As to the bowflex itself I have only been using it for about a week now, but really enjoy the versatility as well as the action of the rods and pulleys. It is very smooth and easy to use and I would definitely recommend it for the average user. My roommate is a fitness guy (ex fitness trainier)....he worked out on it a few times and definitely felt that you could get pretty cut/toned with this machine...if you are looking for bulk look elsewhere.

This is last year's model and is the same model as the Extreme 2 SE, but without the ab crunch mechanism. The thing is, you'll save about $500 or more buying the Extreme 2. You can later add the ab crunch mechanism for $199 or buy the preacher curl addition for $139 on the Bowflex website- if you want it or really need it. The Extreme 2 is also better than the Extreme or the Extreme SE. You have more position options for overhead and squat exercises. You also don't have to change cables as in the regular extreme.
I put it together by myself meticulously over 4 hours. If I rushed maybe 3 hours. Get a friend to help you. Now, this is a good sized, sturdy, heavy machine, which does seem to hide in a corner well. It's height is 6'11. The plus is that it looks great, better than my old equipment. Equipment needs to be pleasing to the eye so you want to go and use it often.
Buy a $20, four wheel dolly at a hardware store. I was able to slip it underneath and wheel it anywhere I needed myself. I will move it from the family room if I have a party.
Time and efficiency were the main reasons I purchased this unit without having to go over a thousand dollars. I also don't have to have a spotter. I bought the bowflex weight upgrades and have maxed it out on squats. The feel is smooth and less stressful on joints. It has a different feel than free weights. I still have my olympic bench and free weights when I need a different exercise.
The upper back seat is ergonomic and wide which makes it very comfortable. I can watch TV nicely as I sit.
People who have come to the house want to get one and think it is "cool". It also has a great warranty.

So far, with two weeks and a handful of workouts under my belt, I'm pleased with the Xtreme 2. The unit is very well built, with heavy gauge steel tubing and platform, and the cables and pulley system appear to be very durable. It's very easy to adjust the pulleys and install/remove accessories. Moving from one exercise to another is very quick once you get into the routine.

I'm still using the basic 9-exercise routine, but the book shows a huge number of variations in the exercises. This should keep me from getting bored with the machine. I didn't like one of the exercises in the routine, and finding another that worked the same muscle group was no problem.

I have found that some exercises require you to maintain a somewhat difficult balancing position. I suppose this will become easier as my conditioning improves, and again the variety of exercises available allow you to avoid those that are too difficult.

Another minor gripe is that some exercises are a bit uncomfortable. The leg accessory, for example, puts stress on the back of my legs when doing extensions. The padding could be a little softer to reduce this discomfort.

I've had gym memberships for many years prior to owning the Xtreme 2. This unit provides an excellent workout in the privacy of your own home. I'm sure I'll appreciate it even more in January when I don't have to bundle up and venture into 10 degree temperatures to drive to the gym. I'll just walk down into the basement in shorts and a t-shirt and get started!

Because you're not working hard; that's why it's so 'smooth': The resistance increases through the rep, so if you choose a setting that allows a full-range rep, the correct resistance is at the full extention of the rep. This gives you the illusion of some work done: The end point is hard, but then, back to the 'smooth, 'comfortable' feeling the rest of the way back and forth. Enough for warm-ups and resistance aerobics, not for strength or muscle. To make it worse, Bowflex tries to simulate gym machines with different, incorrect angles of resistance. Also, keep in mind that the power-rods need a lot of space to curve out during use. (Even Bowflex has changed their form of resistance to 'Spiroflex' on their top model,($2,499+), a night-and-day better resistance curve and much more space efficient.) ///If you already own a Bowflex, I suggest that you do limited range movements: Begin at the first few inches of the movement . Set the rods so that the movement is difficult right away, and work through the few inches of appropriate resistance. The 'hard' side will stop you on it's own, it's the 'easy' side that you must consciously avoid. As you progress, you can avoid any rod changes by merely moving up into the next few inches of the range as you get get stronger, making sure to not to re-trace the newly-too-easy segment. When you are able to do a full set in the last few inches of range with the same rod-setting, add rods and start back at the beginning. (This can be called 'triple-progression': 1/Add reps, 2/After reaching the target rep number, intensify range,3/ After reaching target reps in the most difficult range , start over with added resistance. ) Remember that with such a short range of motion, the usual number of rep will not be enough. You'll have to experiment to find what works for you, but some of the things you can try: A/Very slow movement will increase time-per-rep, and may allow reps numbers to remain in your accustomed range. For short-range, slow reps will probably be around 2 seconds and 2 down. B/stopping for a split second at the peak of the movement can increase intensity....Even if you don't want to work to muscular failure, you might want to do it once or twice to find the proper rep range, after which you can back off a rep.

Recently purchased. Pricey, but high quality material. Will last many years. One person can assemble but plan on 2 to 3 hours. Recommend working on technique before wanting to upgrade the power rods. You might not need the additional upgrade and save some $$. Also, recommend the $15 purchase of the rod rejuvinator (holds the rods in place when not in use). Would definitely recommend the Bowflex to my friends.

I'm late to the party but I recently purchased a used one locally. It appeared to be in excellent condition and little used and the bows are pretty straight with a slight bend near the bottom of the bows. But I soon found out that some bows would stick on one or both sides of the lower cross bar. I suppose the bend is the cause but it looks to me like the rods would stick even without that. I researched the problem on Google and found that other people had the same problem, including with the current SE model. Nobody had a solution except Bowflex.

[...] I find it amusing that what they call an upgrade I call a design defect. I talked to several Bowflex support people and they all said "yeah, it does that, buy the upgrade."

The upgrade came without instructions and I pretty much had to disassemble the whole thing to install the upgrade. All it does is tip the rods back a bit to produce more clearance from the cross arm. You have to replace the entire lower rear vertical assembly.

CAUTION: There is an addendum to the installation manual that shows different cable routing than the original manual. The addendum is not on the Bowflex web site. It came with my Bowflex. I recommend calling their support line to get a copy before installing the upgrade.

After installing the upgrade the bows do not stick. There is now plenty of clearance from the lower cross bar.

I love it! It fit great into our 3rd bedroom with tons of room to spare. The instructions were easy to follow and the machine was simple to disassemble and reassemble for moving into different areas of the house when needed. Great machine - great workout guide provided also. Worth the money!