Bowflex Tips

Reviews on Bowflex Xtreme XTLU Home Gym Bowflex XTLU 6/18/07 Bowflex Xtreme XTLU Paid $899.00 free shipping and 100 LBS upgrade From Bowflex.com I live in NC and purchased the XTLU on a Fri...

Reviews on Bowflex Power Pro XTLU Bowflex Power Pro XTLU: A Less Expensive Alternative To The Ultimate The Bowflex Power Pro XTLU is the highest end model of the Power Pro line. It's about $400 cheaper than the Bowflex Ultimate, which is my fa...

I work 90 minutes from home, and I have 4 children, so I elect not to spend another 60 minutes+ away from my family in a gym. (Before I was married, I belonged to a gym, though, and I now have access to a gym at work during my lunch break — so I can compare the two scenarios)

Consequently, I have purchased several pieces of equipment over the course of 10+ years. These included a treadmill, stepper, Smith Machine, Total Gym, dumbbells/freeweights, and an all-in-one unit (bench press, lat pulldown, butterfly, leg extension, etc.). I had been watching the Bowflex commercial for years but was unwilling to spend $ 1,500+ on a single unit that looked as though it had some type of glorified rubber bands.

The Total Gym was a great piece of equipment, but I couldn’t ‘max out’ with it. It is capable of some degree of strength training and super for stretching/toning, but I wanted more. (The newer ones might be better, I don’t know)

Nevertheless, I have an 8×10 room in my basement that I decided to convert into my own exercise room, and all of that stuff wasn’t going to fit. I figured I’d give the Bowflex a try because of the money-back guarantee, and 2.5 years after my purchase, I am very happy that I went for it! I now have my treadmill, stepper, Bowflex, and dumbbell rack in this room — and am not cramped for space.

It took a few hours one day to put it together, about the time it took to put the all-in-one unit that has 1/4 the exercises. Even then, I wouldn’t judge the purchase/value on that! I’d rather put in a few hours one day up front than get something that takes 15 minutes to assemble but doesn’t do what you’d want it to do.

In all cases, once you learn the proper technique (which doesn’t take long), you can exercise every muscle group in your body. In some cases, the exercises are slightly different, though. For example, I could bench 225 4x with freeweights, but I had trouble doing 160 lbs. once when I first got my Bowflex. Conversely, I can do 200 lbs. with the lat pulldown on the Bowflex, whereas I can do 150 lbs. at the gym. Either way, there is plenty of resistance (up to 410 lbs.). The ONLY thing I can even come close to ‘maxing out’ on with the Bowflex is the Leg Press. However, the squat attachment on the Bowflex gives you a much better workout than the Leg Press, anyways, and I can only squat 310 lbs. (with another 100 lbs. to spare). (I will typically squat 225 lbs. for my workout at the gym). Of course, I’m not saying that is a lot, but for the people who do work out, you can relate to my comparison.

Another benefit is that I can ‘max’ out on exercises without requiring a spotter. Whether I want to tone or build muscle, I can do it with the Bowflex.

For some reason, I find the Bowflex to be fun. I know it sounds weird, but I enjoy it.

I still use the treadmill and stepper for true cardio/aerobic training. The rowing exercise is nice to mix things up, but I would categorize the Bowflex as more of a strength/toning machine.

In terms of reliability, I have had a few things break on me (nothing that caused me any harm). However, I contacted Bowflex and they were VERY prompt about sending me replacement parts. I am very happy with their service.

If you’re on the fence, I say order one up and try it for a good month. It may not be for everyone, but I doubt you’ll send it back!

Bowflex Xtreme XTLU Home Gym Brand:BowflexFitness Type:Weight Training EquipmentSports Type:Personal FitnessWeight Training Equipment Type:Home Gyms Details...

Bowflex Ultimate XTLU The Bowflex Ultimate XTLU has all the bells and whistles. It is a total body workout. Bowflex quality and a variety of exercises makes...

Reviews on Bowflex Power Pro XTLU The ultimate workout machine!!!! I've been buying aerobic equipment for 12 years and I could never seem to find what I like. That all changed when I bought the Bowflex Power...

Bowflex Ultimate Xtlu Official Website Brand:BowflexFitness Type:Other Personal Fitness Products • Weight Training EquipmentSports Type:Personal FitnessWeight Training Equ...

Reviews on Bowflex Power Pro XTLU Bowflex XTLU- Feel the Power Being a workout enthusiast for many years and having worked out on many different types of gym equipment, I have to rate the Bowflex as one ...

Reviews on Bowflex Ultimate Bowflex Ultimate is it really? SALES INFORMATION This product is not made in the USA!!!! The sales people at the company assured me it was manufactured in the USA before ...

Bowflex Power Pro XTLU

Bowflex Xtreme Xtlu Gym