Bowflex Tips

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Bowflex has been around for many years. Their product line has expanded from just the PowerPro to the plethora of machines they now offer. Instead of one base model with attachments available they have 5 lines of machines with multiple options available. Bowflex even offers a machine for people who use wheelchairs!

What sets each model is usually the number of exercises that can be performed, determined by equipment additions, and the amount of maximum resistance available. Other than that they are basically the same with only minor differences in quality and comfort.

A whole lot of my friends own a Bowflex. I even used to own one…or, at least I was taking advantage of the 30-day free trial. I wasn’t overly impressed. Plus, I’m a bit of an old school lifter - I love free weights! But a machine like the Bowflex has it’s place and it can be a handy tool. That should be obvious by it’s popularity! I’ve used every model of Bowflex they have to offer. I dated a girl that worked in one of their call centers selling Bowflex machines. So, I had an opportunity their to try them with no charges. The Ultimate is a great line of machines. The Xtreme’s are pretty good too for the price.

The popularity of the Bowflex is a great success story. You’ve undoubtedly seen their often run infomercials. They show good looking, awesomely built, sweaty men going through reps like it was nothing. And the shapely women are doing the same thing. Bowflex appeals to a sense of style, quality, fitness, and of course - sexiness!

But are their machines as good as they seem?

Ultimate XLU:

The Ultimate is the top of the line series of Bowflex machines. The XLU model is the second best. The XLU comes in $200 less expensive than the XTLU - the cream of the crop. So what sets them apart, and why should you seriously consider the XLU? Good questions…

…and maybe the free DVD or video can answer those questions for you. But I can save you some time.

Size - The XLU is fairly large (6′ 11″ H x 5′ 10″ L x 4′ 2″ W) so if you’re pressed for space then consider dumbbells. However, it is about 2 feet shorter in length than the XTLU model which comes equiped with a leg attachment.

Aerobics - No Bowflex machine offers a quality aerobic workout despite some models having a built-in rowing function. This is something that most people need to seriously contemplate. Because aerobics are extremely important if you want to get fit and healthy. Your cheapest option is to buy a jump rope or a pair of running shoes.

Number Of Exercises - The Ultimate XLU allows you to perform about 85 exercises. That’s a pretty good variety. This is an important fact and a major plus in favor of the XLU, the XTLU offers just 5 more exercises. In either case, you’ll be able to work nearly every muscle in your body. Lifts include: bench press, lat pulldown, seated row, military press, bicep curl, tricep pushdown, and many more!

Resistance - I’m not a fan of the PowerRods, they don’t give consistent resistance through the entire excercise. But with the XLU, you’ll get a decent amount of “weight” to push and pull around. It comes standard with 310 lbs of resistance which is upgradable to 410 lbs. Most of the lower models Bowflex offers come with 210 lbs of resistence.

Ease Of Use - Once you have the XLU all set up performing your workout is simple. Changing the amount of weight you want is quick, like all machines. This makes a Bowflex really good for circuit training. Models that feature the leg attachment, I’ve had trouble with. I’m 6′4″ and I’m just too tall to comfortably use the attachment. It kind of sucks. The XLU doesn’t have a leg attachment so that’s not a problem.

Durability - Bowflex makes pretty good products. The XLU will last a long time even under heavy usage. As long as you’re not doing anything crazy to it you shouldn’t have any maintenance issues.

Warranty - If something does go wrong, your XLU is covered for 10 years so don’t worry about it!

Assembly - I hate the term “Some Assembly Required” because that nearly always means you have to waste a lot of time playing “construction worker.” The XLU takes a couple of hours to put together if you’re good at following directions. Have someone help you to reduce the assembly time.

Safety - Like most machines, the Bowflex is safe for all users regardless of age or gender. You don’t need a spotter because there’s no chance of you dropping a PowerRod on yourself. Just don’t get too ambitious and try to lift more than you can handle, you could strain/tear a muscle or even get a hernia (ouch!). The training manual and instructional video educate you on safety and usage. They also give you tips on how to set up a workout and what lifts you can do.

Features:

* 85 exercises

* 310 pounds, upgradeable to 410 pounds

* Lat tower

* Built-in adjustable pulley system

* Built-in rowing machine

* T-bar

* Quick-reference workout poster

* Training manual

* Instructional video

* No-Time-Limit Power Rod Warranty

* 10 Year limited Warranty

* 6 Week Fitness Results Guaranteed

Dimensions: 6′ 11″ H x 5′ 10″ L x 4′ 2″ W

Final Say:

The cost of the Ultimate XLU is somewhat high - $1,799 or $60/month. Personally, I use free weights for the most part. But machines have their place and the Bowflex is a reasonable choice. Decide ahead of time if you need equipment for aerobics or if you’re satisfied (and motivated enough) to run/jog/walk, bike, jumprope or do something else for aerobics. The XLU, like other models, does not offer the built-in rowing machine (though it kind of sucks anyway).

Ordering your Bowflex over the phone, or online, is simple and quick. Their customer service agents are pretty good. Sometimes they can be rude if you’re returning your Bowflex, but they have a 100% satisfaction guarantee so if you’re not happy they have to give your money back. Most people like their Bowflex, others (like me) prefer something else. I say - give it a try.

But be sure to check out the lower priced, nicely equipped machine by Weider called the Crossbow! It’s pretty cool! Click the link to read my review!

Enjoy Your Bowflex!

Thanks For Reading!

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