Bowflex Xtreme SE Home Gym

After reading other reviews I "settled" for the Extreme SE, because I couldn't afford the Extreme 2. I was expecting it to be rather difficult to switch set-ups, but it's not at all. And after you've done it a few times it's fast, too. I leave as many hooks and accessories on as possible, they don't get in the way, and I don't lose any momentum switching between sets. I'm a 55 yr. old grandma, way out of shape, looking to get strong again after a long string of surgeries. I LOVE this thing. The DVD is very helpful if you've never used a Bowflex -- shows the proper form for every exercise, to get the most out of it. PS/ I looked all over for the best price, and Amazon.com had it -- along with FREE SHIPPING. I got the upgrade in resistance rods, too, and 2 Valeo foam exercise mats to set the Bowflex on so it wouldn't mark up my hardwood floor.

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.

I looked at a lot of different equipment before I decided to buy this one.
I think I made the best choice I am currently rehabbing after a bad motorcycle accident 2 years ago. I can finaly start doing lite lifting again. But this machine is great for a good tough work out if that is what you are looking for. The machine showed up very well packaged. I read alot about shipping damage but the one I got didn't have any. It went together easy the instructions are very easy to follow. I am very impressed with this machine it has some many exercises and its so quick to setup and easy to use. I think this is the perfect machine it is great.

Perhaps THE best home gym out there in the market. Highly recommended. Takes awhile to set up but dont let that discourage you. Very sleek, compact, and looks great. You'll be rockin a bowflex body in like two weeks!! =)

My wife and I are both using our new bowflex on a regular basis. The workout is as good as I could get at any gym and we have the convience of using it at home any time of the day or night without having to travel or pay any membership dues. We are both conpletely satsified with the quality and easy use of this machine. I've already recommended the bowflex to my friends who workout.