Customer Reviews

Bowflex Xtreme XTLU Home Gym

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I assume the Extreme is underappreciated because I can't find reviews on it. I've wanted a Bowflex for a decade but have been too cheap and too busy to seriously consider buying one. I finally pitched all the cheap substitutes and got the real thing. I chose the Extreme because of it's smaller footprint and the ability to do all my exercises upright (lying down on a bench at 5:00 a.m. doesn't do much for my motivation). Putting it together was tedious and the instructions were a bit hard to follow because the pictures didn't always fit the process but basic reading and mechanical skills will get you through it. The training video is pretty good, Tom Purvis knows his stuff. I was surprised that some exercises included in the basic program on the poster were not included in the DVD. Lame, but not an issue with my personal trainer background. What I like most about the Extreme is that I can remove the seat and do several exercises sitting on a large exercise ball to add a stabilization challenge to my workout. I have also found that I can use the Extreme like a rowing machine when I use an exercise ball. It looks like the Extreme 2, which is set up so you don't have to (and thus cannot if you want to) change cable settings, probably wouldn't work with an exercise ball. Not sure about that, but that's my guess.
LONG STORY SHORT: Excellent construction and design, great if your workout space is limited, pretty fast switching between exercises, leg attachment is worth the extra bucks but watch for specials because you can sometimes get it added for free. Great overall deal!
DOWNSIDES: Short-term: tedious assembly, dvd doesn't cover all exercises. Long-term: 210 lbs resistance isn't going to cut it if you're a serious strength trainer which means an extra $100 for two more 50lb rods.

I'm a 42 yr old male, in good shape and experienced with working out and weight training. I lift weights to tone up, and to balance the running portion of my workouts. I'm not looking for size or "gains". My goal in purchasing a Bowflex was to save time and space. I purchased the Bowflex Extreme with the 310 "lb" resistance upgrade. To date I have not purchased the leg attachment option. I have used this machine for six weeks.

Overall - I'm happy with this purchase. This machine is a good concept, and produces good results. In my opinion, it offers several advantages over free weights. It's well constructed, but has some minor flaws (described later). While not the top-of-the-line model, this machine allows me to do more exercises than I could ever possibly need.

The resistance feels different than free weights, and takes some getting used to. First, the poundage listed on the rods does not correspond to free weights - it doesn't need to. The goal is to provide a repeatable, controlled resistance. Second, the resistance increases through the range of motion, unlike weights which require you to overcome inertia. Initially, this makes the exercise feel too easy, but I've found that if I work through the complete range of motion in a controlled manner, I get a good workout.

In my opinion, because resistance increases through the range of motion, the Bowflex works stabilizer muscles better than free weights. In addition, since you're not limited to working against gravity, you can exercise through ranges of motion not possible with free weights. Free weights do offer some advantages, but I'm happy with my results to date.
The actual size of the Extreme is pretty much what I had anticipated. It requires a 7ft wide x 9ft deep x 8ft high workout area. You'll not want to move it once setup, but it can be used in a second bedroom. I like how the bench is set up in a vertical position to save space.

One flaw is that some of the components seem cheap. Overall, the system is solid and well-constructed. However, my rod binding strap split into two after a couple of uses. Also, the plastic covering on one of my cables started flaking off after a few workouts. Another flaw is that the 210 "lb" standard resistance is insufficient. The machine should come with 300 "lbs" of standard resistance - Bowflex should ditch the useless 5 lb rods, and add two more 50s.

A couple words of advice - Read the ENTIRE manual before assembling or working out. I read the assembly portion of the manual, and easily set the system up in an hour. However, thinking I was experienced, I jumped into my workouts without reading (or watching the DVD) on how to use the machine. I later found out that I was doing several of the exercises, and using several of the attachments, incorrectly. Perhaps this contributed to the flaking cable covering. Finally, I've found that grouping exercises by pulley location (high, middle, or low pulleys), shortens my workouts.

I just assembled my bowflex and let me tell you that it looks and feels strong. But I didn't like it. The reason? Here are a few:

- You have to change a lof of cables and settings from one excercise to the other.
- The pulleys are a little cheap, they don't rotate easily and sometimes kind of get stuck and the excercise isn't very smooth.
- A little pricey for what you get.

Overall, if you want to buy this machine, first try it and then buy it, otherwise you will regret. Or just buy it from the TV and return it if you don't like it! Oh, and don't buy it from ebay!!

UPDATE:
Well, it's been more than a month since I've been using the bowflex and I kind of like it. As I said before, if feels and looks strong, and the excercises are good, you feel the muscles working as you excercise. I haven't been following any diet, so I haven't lost any weight, or at least haven't weighed myself, but I feel stronger and when I'm done excercising I can see some changes in my body (A little more volume and definition.)

What I still don't like about the bowflex is that the rods don't represent the weight they are supposed to. I can't believe that I'm able to "pull" 300 pounds (150 each side) on the bench press excercise, while at a free weight machine I could barely lift 200. A little different if compared to a free weight machine but still does the job.

Complains? Well, lately I keep hearing a click on one of the pulleys, but since I bought it on ebay and I live in Mexico there's no way I can get free replacement pulleys from Bowflex. And the seller is not responsible of the parts, so I have nowhere to complain.

One thing I don't know is if muscles actually grow using the bowflex or if they just get shaped.

Overall is a good piece of equipment, but still I recommend you to buy it from the TV, evaluate it for the 6 weeks and make a decision based on that.

Recommend it? Mmmhhh.. first give it a try and decide by yourself after using it.

May 2009 Update
After using it probably for 6 continuous months for the last "cycle" I have come to the conclusion that this thing doesn't help you to add volume. I have been taking whey protein, so it should have helped to achieve that goal, but it hasn't. My conclusion is that the Bowflex gyms are good if you want to increase your strength, then this gym is for you. On the other hand, if your intention is to increase volume, then stay away from this, because it won't help you to achieve your goal.

I'm actually looking for somebody interested in buying this thing...

I bought the Bowflex Xtreme for my wife and now we both use and love it. My son and I put it together in about 3 hours with no trouble (just follow the instructions carefully). After only a few weeks it has made a big improvement in my physique. I highly recommend this product. It's well made and has a small footprint.

I just got my Xtreme 2 about 3 weeks ago...why did I wait so long to get it??? My first impression was how heavy duty this thing is built. Going from one exercise is very easy and quick. Assembly only took a couple of hours (give or take) and is fairly easy to do when following the directions.

The only problems I have run into is:
1) With lower weights (under 40 lbs) the power rods have hung up on the "arms". Not really a big deal.
2) Even though it sits upright, it still requires a fair amount of space...about 5x5 ft square.
3) The workouts might be difficult to follow because there isn't always a picture or description of an exercise that is recommended in a "routine".

In the 3 weeks I have had the Xtreme 2 I have lost 8 pounds (following the 1500 calorie diet mentioned in the manual) and have started firming up, especially in my arms and legs. I would also highly recommend getting the Bowflex Interactive DVD-ROM. It helps design workouts (that can be adjusted week by week for increased strength), as well as providing a small video of someone doing the exercises (each one) to help learn how to do the exercises.

You may find other things out there similar, but for me buying the best leads to no regrets. Bowflex machines are definately worth it. I recommend the Xtreme 2 for anyone wanting to get into better shape.

Well, I guess I shouldn't have been surprised when my Xtreme XTLU arrived without the Power Rods/Box, much like others before me. I contacted Amazon and the customer service representative said I should try contacting Bowflex since they don't carry individual parts. I also contacted the shipping company to ensure that I was only supposed to receive one box. I was disappointed because I wanted to use it right away, but it was a Saturday and Bowflex customer service isn't available on weekends.

On Monday, I called Nautilus, and the service representative was extremely courteous and helpful. She registered my product, and once I sent her a copy of my e-mail from Amazon, she arranged to send me the missing rods/box. They arrived in 3 days, and I was able to complete assembly of the product. I had already ordered the 310 lb. upgrade. I've only used it a few times so far, but it seems well constructed, and is very smooth and silent.

Looking back now, the Bowflex Xceed seems like a better deal since it comes with the extra 310 lb. rods and abdominal strap for less than the price of the Xtreme alone.

I, too, received the Bowflex Extreme without the rod box. I called Bowflex, and they couldn't have been more helpful. Two days later I had the rods, and my hubby put the machine together. It's solid, stable and I've enjoyed working out.

I have been looking at Bowflex for a whle. Amazon had the right price on the machine I was looking at. No problem in the assembly of the product, didn't really need any directions just used picture on the booklet. Been using it for 30 days now and I have lost 1.5 inches from my waist, feel better and getting into much better shape. Machine takes up a lot of space, know where you want it before you put it together, It won't go through a standard doorway.

I can't really give a complete review at this point. I too got my Bowflex with the rods missing. I got the opposite response of the previous post about missing rods. I called Amazon first because of what the other post said. They told me to contact Bowflex and buy the rods and then Amazon would pay me back. I told them I wouldn't do that. They then told me that someone would get back to me in 24-48 hours by e-mail about the missing rods. Again, I told them that was unacceptable. Finally they gave me the number to the department that could help me, but when I called they where closed for the day. I then decided to call Bowflex to find out if the rods should have been in the same box as the rest of the machine (there didn't appear to be room), or if they should have come in a second box. Every piece of paperwork I had said one box, with no mention of a second box.This call to Bowflex was just to educate myself for when I did get a chance to talk to Amazon again. Long story short,(is that possible at this point) Bowflex was very helpful and the guy said he would send me the rods right away no charge.

I was able to put the whole machine together(without the rods). It went together pretty fast with out any problems. The bolts all fit and the parts all came togther like they should. It appears to be a solid piece of equipment. Very heavy duty and nicely constructed. Since I don't have the rods I can't tell you how a workout feels.

I guess this is a to be continued review..........................

Got this a couple days ago, it comes in a large box about 150 lbs, that barely fit into my car.

Packaging and assembly, it comes with over 20 different small and large metal pieces. Assembly took about 2 hours, and the manual was pretty clear and easy to follow.

Initial impressions, this thing is built like a rock. It's extremely sturdy, and has no give when doing any of the exercises. The standard 210 lbs that it comes with, is clearly not enough for things like bench press, lat pull down, or squats. I'm not a large guy, 5.7, and typically flat bench about 155 for 10 reps in the gym, but i can easily do sets of 10 with the max weight. As a result, I've ordered the other 200 lbs of weight expansion.

What I really like is the increased tension at the end, which leaves your stabilizer muscles shaking.

All in all, this is a nice piece of equipment. My initial impression is that cannot replace going to the gym if you want to build some serious muscle, however, it is very nice tool to supplement the gym.