The Xtreme in Sexism: A Great Gift for the Woman in Your Life
Written: Dec 02 '04 (Updated Jun 01 '06)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Easy to use; compact, durable, great bench
Cons: Must get used to the rods.
The Bottom Line: I like the Xtreme though it isn't perfect. It's expensive but I think a quality product.
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| jo.com's Full Review: Xtreme XTLU Home Gym |
There are many models of Bowflex machines out there. I have been working out for over 25 years and am a Personal Trainer. I am spending considerable time using these various models. Without making it confusing to you I will try in each review to tell you if there are any differences (There will be but some are very slight.) while reviewing the machine. I am now reviewing the Bowflex Xtreme XTLU whose base price is $1200.
Details about the Bowflex Xtreme XTLU and how it is used:
Some of the material in this review is a repeat of the information I have given in many of my reviews. If I think it necessary to the review and to you, the consumer who is buying the machine, I will include it.
There are many different types of machines. The ones you may be most used to use stacks. That means the weights are stacked one on top of the other. A pin goes into the amount of weight you want whether it is 20 pounds or 200. You may also have experience with machines that use resistance digitally or benches where you put on plates to give you the amount of weight you want.
The Bowflex uses what they call Power Rods. These power rods are made in the USA and are specifically engineered for strength and long life. They are made using a proprietary (meaning we do not know nor do they have to disclose it) process that is tested to ensure quality, durability and strength. Having really really taken a look at these rods, I am coming to the conclusion that they are stronger than machines made by Weider but similar to the Crossbow.
The XTLU comes standard with 210 pounds of power rod resistance. You can add more resistance and upgrade to 310 or 410 pounds for $99.00 each. The way the rods work is that they are hooked to a cable pulley system. You can hook one, two, three, four or all of the Power Rods to the cable pulley system and go from as little as 5 pounds all the way up to 210 or the upgraded resistance. This cable system is different from that of the Weider and Crossbow machines if you are comparing the two.
When I wrote my review of the Crossbow I mentioned that you had to twist a bit which for people with shoulder problems or who are large may not be a comfortable way of changing resistance. Bowflex Xtreme XTLU works a bit differently. You have to stand up to change resistances. You do not just reach around. This has its pros and cons. One the one hand I think it is a safer to use machine for anyone over 40 years old who may be more prone to injury. On the other hand it takes longer than any machine I have seen to change resistance weights.
What you get:
You will get an upholstered bench made of from durable polyurethane and then fused to a high grade PVC. This is used in the car industry and resists moisture, cracks and tears. I have never seen an Xtreme with a ripped bench. I do believe this bench may be the best in the business. In addition there is an important feature in the Xtreme series that you will not get in the Ultimate. The Xtreme series has a separate upper bench traditionally seen in gyms. That allows great comfort in doing many exercises. This is not a crucial difference for many. If you get the Xtreme XTLU it means that you can just sit on the bench with your back against the padding and do a chest press for example. With the Ultimate series you will have to move the bench from a lying position to an upright position.
The bows are quite flexible. Bowflex Xtreme XTLU has an adjustable pulley system, which is designed to change the angle of resistance. This means that you can do a chest press fairly easily with the bows in a bent shape. In my opinion though, I prefer to do a chest press with dumbbells or a bar with plates on it. I do not feel the same kind of workout with many of the exercises on the Bowflex that I do using a more traditional piece of equipment. Each bow has a loop on it which attaches to a cable. Essentially that is all there is to the Bowflex. It is simple to use; requires no knowledge of programming and you get the ability to do 65 exercises.
The Xtreme like the Crossbow has a lat tower. The lat tower is the tall pole in the middle made of carbon steel. It is used primarily to work the back. The Ultimate series does not have a lat tower. It is a $200 option.
You get a leg attachment on the XTLU. It is another $200 option on the Ultimate. The leg attachment will work all areas of your legs. Just to name two popular exercises it works your quadriceps with leg extension exercises and your hamstrings with hamstring curls. The areas that will hit your ankles for example are comfortable, as is the bench. I have no problem with the comfort of the machine. The leg attachment is easily put on and off with pins and will have to be taken off to do some exercises.
The XTLU comes with workout handles, which act in a similar fashion as the Cap Handle but are made of material. The XTLU handles are a little different than others I have seen. I will not say this is a deal breaker against the others however. The handle has a strap so it can be used in a 5 way hand grip. You can use it as a regular grip holding the handle, you can put it around your ankle, you can put it around your foot or shoulder. But the strap is an added feature. You can put this strap on the back of your hand giving your hand a bit of extra support. You can do the same with your foot. These handles are used for many exercises such as bicep curls and flyes for your chest area.
You get a quick-reference workout poster, a training manual and instructional video. This is not all that unique anymore either. A lot of equipment comes with videos however I am not putting the Bowflex down for including this, just not jumping up and down. If you do not have a trainer, using any type of machine without learning how can be hazardous to your health!
As I said Bowflex claims that you can do over 65 (80 in the Ultimate series) exercises. With all the attachments this is true. You will be able to do abdominal exercises on the bench; various shoulder exercises with both the lat tower and handles; tricep and bicep exercises using the handles and bar; various back exercises using the lat tower and leg exercises using the leg attachment.
If you read that it has a squat station and do not understand how or what that means I will briefly explain. A squat works your butt, quadriceps (front of thighs) hamstrings (back of thighs) and even calves. It is a great exercise. All Bowflex means regarding the station is essentially a platform on which to stand. The base is x-shaped and does give the machine stability but I have not found any of them to be unstable.
This comes unassembled. I have heard the Crossbow is a nightmare to assemble and I have heard the Bowflex is not that difficult. You may want to give yourself a few hours. (rather than a few days!)
The Bowflex Xtreme XTLU measures 6 feet 11 inches high x 4 feet 8 inches long and is 4 feet 2 inches wide. It is the most compact Bowflex so that is really something to think about. That could be the deal breaker though we are not talking a huge difference. The Xtreme XTLU needs a workout space of 7 feet by 6 feet. The CrossBow needs an area of 7 feet by 7 feet.
It folds and rolls just as the Crossbow does. I have not seen it do either and in my opinion from looking at it I certainly would not call it a portable piece of equipment.
Some examples of exercises that can be done include biceps curls, seated row (for your back), shoulder press (I hate that exercise if you are over 40 and/or have had any shoulder problems), seated ab crunch and chest flyes.
My Final Thoughts:
I have never liked the bow machines though as I see and use them more and more I am liking them more and more. They take some getting used to if you have used traditional machines for many years. It will run you about $1200. The Crossbow is $500. I cannot make the decision for you. I think Bowflex makes a very high quality product. Perhaps I think the quality is a tad better than the Crossbow. If I were choosing and I had the money I would go with the Bowflex at least at this particular minute in my life. Speaking of women this particular machine is a great gift for a woman since the resistance is 210 pounds versus the higher resistance of the Ultimate. It is also a little smaller so she may feel more comfortable using it.
Bowflex has the same 6-week guarantee as Crossbow. If you have not lost weight, inches and miraculously changed your personality you can return the machine. As I said in my other review it is the nature of the beast that as soon as you start working our more than likely your diet will change. In addition if you have not exercised (and if over 50 for women and 40 for men or have a medical condition please talk with your doctor) then any exercise will get the pounds off. There is a really good chance you will loose weight and inches after 6 weeks no matter what machine or gym you decide on. If you want to spend the money and be prepared to return it then it is a nice guarantee to have.
There is a seven year (versus 10 for the Ultimate) limited warranty. The rods are guaranteed for life.
I hope you have all the information you need to make an informed decision.
I am rating the Bowflex Xtreme 4 stars. Unlike the Bowflex Ultimate I am recommending it. I like it much better even if it seems there are not a lot of difference the few make a difference to me.
Please feel free to leave me a question, comment or e-mail me privately. And please if you would like me to review a piece of equipment that I have not had a chance to I will be glad to assuming I know it well enough. Most likely I will so just ask and I will try to review it asap.
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Recommended:
Yes
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Member: Jo
Location: On a bluff overlooking the ocean.
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On the road again until mid-January. Happy New Year!
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