Bowflex Xtreme Review

by Adam McGarry

I wanted to purchase a home gym to get into shape. I didn’t want to obtain gym membership because my schedule would make it difficult to go consistently. I desired to get a gym caliber workout from the machine that I would inevitably acquire. With that in mind, I began my investigation. I examined various machines, including the Crossbow, and the Bowflex.

I was extremely tempted to buy the Crossbow, because it was cheaper. Fortunately, I was able to inspect one in Sears. I did not like the idea that the resistance is changed electronically, it just seems as though more things could go wrong. I also had the opportunity to examine the Bowflex out at Costco. I was impressed by how sturdy it felt. Recently, I saw a Bowflex commercial, I am happy I didn’t see one before I purchased, it was intensely cheesy! 

I read all of the reviews, that I could locate, and came to the conclusion that I would procure a Bowflex. After all I thought the old maxim "you get what you pay for", came to mind. I decided to get the Xtreme, due to space constraints in the den where I was planning on locating it. I was also looking for some tutelage and thought about investing in the Bowflex Body Plan book. When I contacted Bowflex, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that they were running a special of $200 off, or a free leg attachment that I opted to get. I inquired about the book and they offered to toss that in for free. I decided to press my luck and ask about the Bowflex I-Trainer software, which they also threw in for free. So I would ask questions when you call, you never know what they might be inclined to include for free.

It arrived in 2 weeks, as promised. I decided to place it in my den, because I already have a desk, and a bookcase the space is limited. I chose the Xtreme because of its smaller (7’ x 6’) footprint. It took me approximately 2 ½ hours to assemble. It may have gone a bit faster if my 2-year-old "assistant" didn’t keep concealing the bolts! 

My first workout was slow going; I had previously read the book, the manual and played with the software and believed it would be a breeze. However, it took time to get used to the resistance and the pulley changes. I didn’t see the Xtreme 2 until after I had mine for a month, it would have been superior not to have to change any pulleys, oh well. It was an easy workout weight wise. I was trying to get adapted to the machine and set things a bit on the light side. The resistance took a bit of getting used to, as did the slow up and slow down rhythm. I was nevertheless extremely impressed with the overall construction and rugged feel of the machine. The lone criticism that I have is that the leg pads tend to produce a little squeaking noise occasionally during the leg extension. 

After 6 weeks I definitely made progress strength wise. I have increased the resistance in all of the exercises. I am glad that I have been recording my progress, as it gives me a goal for each workout and I can see my progression. My wife as had very little problem with the cable changes, except when the exercise is new and those give me a few problems as well. Each workout has taken approximately 30 minutes, we have been following the book's routines, and each of the 6-12 exercises gets one set of 8-12 repetitions.

After 3 months I can genuinely say I enjoy working out. I have tried to only do one routine for 2 weeks at a time and it helps to keep things interesting. I have not lost any weight, but I have not changed my eating habits and losing weight was never a goal of mine. I have increased the amount of resistance to such a degree, that I have had to order an additional 100 pounds of resistance. I like the fact that you can customize the machine to your height with the pulleys and the extra piece of cable. I sincerely look forward to performing new exercises, and perhaps one day I will endeavor to produce my own. Overall, I conclude that this is a high quality machine that should endure for innumerable years to come.

Bowflex Xtreme Specs

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