Bowflex Xtreme SE Home Gym

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.

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.

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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....

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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.

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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.