Bowflex Tips

Reviews on Bowflex Ultimate XTLU Bowflex Ultimate XTLU Review I purchased this model about 2 years ago. I find it to be an excellent machine. Although some of the exercises are weak, the fact that you...

Reviews on Bowflex Ultimate XTLU Bowflex Ultimate XTLU (used) review I have had my Bowflex for a little over 2 months now. I bought it used on Ebay for only $421. It was a local auction so I did not even hav...

First, I want to bring up the overall effectiveness of the Bowflexes, from the Ultimate to the Elite to the Sport. I mention this because some of the reviewers are regulars on this site (I am not) and are quite negative. It’s possible they work for competitors of Bowflex; I’ve worked out for years using free weights and am always impressed with this Ultimate and other Bowflexes I’ve used. The resistance just feels right and is very smooth, easier on the joints than weights.

As a long-time weightlifter who has been using a Bowflex for some years now, I feel it’s important to address some of the comments I’ve seen:

“It has a strange feel that is unlike free weights”. Actually, some prefer it to the feel of free weights; i’m in that category. Intense; often more rigorous and continuous tension akin to pulleys. Closest analogy is to rubber bands; takes a week or two to aclimate to it. A great burn & a great workout for toning or buiding muscle, either one.

“It’s no good for legs”. IMO this should be interpreted as (1) they didn’t understand that they can buy more resistance, (2) they’re the 1% of the population who are bodybuilders requiring more than 410 lb. for legs (extra, 3rd party resistance bands can be added to increase the resistance to above the 410 lb., if you care).

“Free weights are much cheaper and better”. While a dumbbell set and bench is useful and cheaper, an Ultimate does in fact provide a much wider array of exercises, many of them not possible with dumbbells and a bench, that are much more safely done without a spotter.

“The Bowflex is only good for toning”. Uh, no. This is laughable. Bottom line: if you increase resistance you will gain size, period. If you go with higher rep of 15 or more per set, you’ll tone the muscle, if coupled with a good diet.

Space:

Several years later i’m still impressed by the Ultimate’s ability to fit in my bedroom. Any number of exercises can be done, in about the smallest amount of space possible. Keep in mind that the Bowflex Elite, Sport and Ultimate cover much of the ground of the Ultimate, and may be worth considering in regards to space and cost considerations.

Not all models have the wheels the Ultimate has-the convenience of it’s wheels is no small thing in moving it.

Effectiveness:

Still love the feel-very rigorous. Sometimes the burn is markedly more intense than that obtained from weights. I consider it the equal of weights, which is why i use both a Bowflex and dumbbells. Something to consider-the addition of dumbbells allows you to combine the two forms of resistance while further increasing the exercise options. For example, you can do dumbbell flys on the Ultimate using the bench.

Value:

If you use it regularly if pays for itself in no time. Especially now with prices falling, i’d suggest laying out a few extra dollars for the Ultimate, though you can’t go wrong with the Elite or Sport either.

Safety:

No need for a spotter, thus you can push the envelope and work to failure without worry. Big advantage.

Alternatives:

IMO only the Powertec WB-LS weight pulley system (powertecfitness.com) is comparable. Factoring in the cost of weights, it’s not as expensive. I’d strongly suggest trying both an Ultimate and Powertec out in person before buying to determine which you prefer. The Ultimate has a slight edge in space savings, allows some exercises that aren’t available on the Powertec, has wheels and is foldable unlike the Powertec.

Durability:

The Ultimate’s built like a piece of gym equipment. No complaints at all. Very solid, resistance is very smooth. The more recent mid-priced Bowflex offerings like the Sport, Elite and Xtreme are also well-made and solid. IMO this is in part a consequence of the problems associated with the initial Bowflex model, the Power Pro. The Power Pro also provides an excellent workout, but doesn’t stack up to these newer-generation models re: durability and solidity.

Appearance:

For those of us who care, it’s an innovative machine with a modernist design aesthetic that I love. Futuristic look backed up by performance.

Bottom line:

It’s a keeper. I’ve worked out with weights for years, and i’ll never sell this Bowflex. While there will invariably be those stuck on free weights who will disparage the Bowflex as not being comparable, my experience is that these guys usually have never tried a Bowflex or just can’t accept anything that’s not free-weight based. Actually the feel’s one of the best things about the Bowflex in general-consistent, rigorous tension that is actually smoother than free weight systems.

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

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