Customer Reviews

Bowflex Xtreme SE Home Gym [Discontinued]

5 star:		(21)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Arrived in a timely fashion. Very well packed with good assembly instructions. Well made piece of exercise equipment. I have been using the equipment for 2-1/2 weeks now and can already see the results. I absolutely despise exercise and yet find myself motivated by the quick results to keep at it even when it has been a long tiring day. I would recommend this home gym for all ages, both male and female.

I've been using a similar model for over eight months. Here's my take:

CONS:

For $1000, you can probably get a whole set of free weights: power rack, Olympic barbell set, bench, etc. I paid under 900 dollars from Amazon.

The resistance bands probably equal about half to sixty percent of free weights. So 210 lbs. of resistance is probably closer to 100 - 120 pounds. Thus, almost everyone will need to shell out 100 bucks for another set of 50s to get to 310 (150 - 160 real pounds). Big guys who want to bulk will likely max out. I'm getting close to maxing out on my bench press myself.

Changing the cables is mildly irritating but so is changing plates on bar.


PROS:

The machine can provide a full-body workout that you could never replicate without going to a gym. The cables and parts are sturdy and whisper quiet.

The machine takes up relatively less space than free weight equipment.

Excellent safety. You can bench press or even squat to failure every time and not worry if your arms give out. Try benching to failure holding 150 pounds over your chest and you'll appreciate the Bowflex.

Great variety. I do about 10 exercise but you can easily switch to the different varieties. For the most part -- you don't need that many different exercises.


-- Overall, I am working on building mass and have gained with the Bowflex. The key of course is training extremely hard (I suggest HIT training) and following a strict diet and allowing recovery between workouts. If you follow a solid plan, you will gain. You don't need free weights to add muscle. I am very pleased with the Bowflex -- I thought it might be sort of a rip-off and I considered free weights but I'm happy with my choice.

the machine is well built and offers lots of options however, the DVD does not help someone unfamiliar with the machine. It shows tons of exercises but assumes you know how to set the cables, etc. Wish there was a how to DVD that demonstrates everything you need to know from day one. Secondly, a piece was broken, I called the company directly, sent them my receipt and have never heard back as promised. So a hassle, ball is in my court to call them again....

Overall I think this is a really nice piece of equipment. I really like the flexibility of it. It can replicate almost any machine-based lift out there and a good number of free-weight lifts as well. There are a couple of drawbacks to the machine:

1. There is greater resistance at the end of the lift movement, rather than it being consistant througout.

2. It takes some practice to set everything up right. My workouts usually revolve around workout pairs, where I am quickly switching between two lifts. The bowflex does not lend itself to this type of program.

3. Something just doesn't feel quite "right" with the lat pull-down movement. I think the inconsistant resistance really is exggerated during this lift.

4. SOme freeweight exercises just can't be truly replicated on this machine.

That being said I think it was worth the price I paid for it. I also own the 552 dumbells and the 5.1 dumbell bench. I think having the dumbells compliments the Bowflex really well.

This is a fantastic overall system. I have been using free weights for many years. I never thought I could get the type of workout from a machine but after only a few weeks you will see substantial results. You will be able to address every muscle group with only a few quick changes to the cables - Great overall workout in 30-45 minutes 3 days a week. I would highly recommend this for someone looking for a home gym.

I actually have the earlier model of this same equipment setup, and have been using it for over a year and a half; I have to say it is an OUTSTANDING home gym system.

Particularly as I've gotten older (60 next birthday), I've found that free weights are no longer an option yet I can still get a great and targeted workout using this equipment. Frankly, if it had been available when I was younger, I may well have opted for it even then. I'd have probably spared myself the bursitis and other issues that have developed over the years.

It's easy to use, solid in design and construction (I'm an engineer, so I know about these things), has a very small footprint (MUCH smaller than my old bench, weight bars, weights, chinning bar, etc.), and performs flawlessy, with easy adjustments for the resistance bars, seat, and pulley stations.

I have NEVER had a second thought about buying this system, and strongly recommend it.

Further, comparing the price here at Amazon to that at Bowflex's own site, this is one helluva deal, too.

Ok, I was fat (50 lbs. overweight). I started running and dieting, but then I remembered what it felt like when I was young (mid 20s) to lift weights. Cardio is great, but you have to do strength training as well, if you want to lose weight effectively. Now, the weights I used before were free weights, which are heavy to move around and not too safe when you are lifting by yourself (unless the thought of instant plastic surgery is appealing to you). Researching various gyms meeting my criteria (lightweight, not taking a lot of room, one-person use, not silly Chuck Norris marketed garbage), led me to the Bowflex SE Home Gym. I purchased one and, for an old fart, I am pretty buff now. Grant it, I'll never be a young Schwarzenegger as I don't have the genes, but I am extremely satisfied with this purchase and it has my full recommendation.

I have owned other home exercise equipment and this is my fist Bowflex. Definitely a good choice. The machine assembles easily, in about 2.5 hours consistent with the assembly manuals estimate. It is solid machine and I have been using it for about 3 months 3 to 4 times per week. I didn't buy it to get those "picture perfect" results you see advertised, I bought to expand my home aerobic workouts and limited free weight workout that I was currently doing.

I am very pleased with this machine. It's easy to use, although it will take a few workouts to become accustomed to changing the exercise setups for each exercise so you can maintain a good pace, no more that 1 minute between exercises as recommended in the book. This machine is not for a body builder, but more for someone who is interested in general fitness. Currently using it as configured with 310 lbs rods. An easy upgrade to 410 lbs when I need to. To maintain the Rods suggest you get the optional Power Rod Rejuvenator available on the Bowflex website, the included strap just doesn't cut it. Got a great deal from amazon.com the least expensive on the web and free shipping.

I was looking and researching for a home gym product like Bowflex for a while. This model is the best product I could find that fits my requirements, space (you will need at least 74 x 81 x 92 inches (W x H x D) of working area) and budget. I ordered it from Amazon new for a much cheaper price than it is priced on many other sites. The product was delivered on time with no issues, in one box (I expected a few :)) right into my home gym - free. I have had it for two weeks now - my family (14 years to 63 years old) and I LOVE this product.

Pros: The Bowflex SE has everything you need to get anyone in shape, and I mean it. All you need is time (~30 minutes per day) and eagerness to look and feel better.

Cons: Have to do some equipment adjustments in order to set different levels of difficulties and exercises. I would recommend watching the attached DVD once and you will be all set.

Recommendation: Buy it - you will enjoy it. Look for promotion codes as you may save some money.

the Bowflex is relatively easy to set up. the directions are great. it does take a bit of time to set up correctly...however my husband did it in a short period of time (30 minutes)

The Work Out Steps are easy to understand and follow. I could stay on track easily from the beginning. Look forward to many years of excercise from this product.