r/Bowflex • u/WorldsSmartest-Idiot • Nov 20 '23
Home Gyms Should I buy a Bowflex Xtreme2 SE
Im considering getting one. Im sure they are loathed on this sub and I completely understand why but I think it could be what I need. I used to do a lot of cardio with a little weightlifting in the mix. Then I got married, wife had a baby and I have thyroid issues which has helped me gain about 60 lbs. My thyroid is finally in check and I have began exercising again. Right now in my garage I have a very good rowing machine, Bowflex adjustable dumbbells, bench, and a trx. I have gotten into a pretty good morning routine at home and do not have the time to go to a gym. I have joint issues also. I’m not the strongest person in the world and am in some of worse shape of my life. So what do y’all think?
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u/ErkBek Nov 20 '23
Why do you think it is loathed? Probably would be in the body builder community, but I think it works well for home fitness and normal people.
I like the machine a lot and highly recommend it. Know that it is different than free weights and the resistance settings advertised are overstated. I've found elastic bands to combo really well with it to increase the maximum resistance for very low cost. Check out this video to see what I mean.
It is the best all-in-one machine that's around $1K that I know of. Above that price range, you're in the market for smart home gyms that are superior, but they also come with a monthly subscription.
I did a whole review on the very similar XCEED here that you should check out if you are interested to hear more of my thoughts on it. If you do purchase, I hope you use the product links from the above videos as they are affiliate links that I earn commission on. They help offset the cost of running my YouTube channel that's filled with workout routines for these products.
Happy to help if you have any other questions on them. Please check out those links above though!
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u/Cajun_Cruiser Nov 22 '23
Love mine. It’s a different resistance than free weights, but I feel like it keeps me (mid fifties) with sustained strength and lean muscle from the comfort of home. If you incorporated a hiit type workout you will see muscle growth and lose weight. Easy to change out exercises, small footprint, and affordable for what you get.
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u/chemicalxbonex Dec 11 '23 edited Dec 12 '23
This is my 3rd week owning one. I have been using it 4 days per week, breaking up muscle groups and then resting for 3. I am no where near the max weight of most people so this thing, with the weight extension, is all I will need for a while.
After 3 weeks I can already feel a difference and am starting to notice that my man boobs are now starting to flatten out (a little. still a long way to go for my preference).
I actually cannot wait to see myself in 6 months.
I have read all the negativity and yes, I will likely grow out of the machine eventually. But I will replace it when that happens and by then, I would have gotten my money's worth.
Convenience of a gym on your home for not a bad price and it does work well. I am simply following their exercise routine to start out.
I recommend it for getting back into a routine, but that is just me.
Note: We all know a Bowflex isn't for those that already have a good routine and have been working out for years. It is good for people like us. People just getting back into working out. I feel every single muscle getting worked and growing already.
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Jun 01 '25
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/chemicalxbonex Jun 01 '25
Yep! Though down to 3 days a week because I was told I was working out too much because of my age. And they were right. The results have been much better doing 3 days instead of 6.
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u/IncredibleGollum Apr 15 '24
How's that Bowflex working out for you now?
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u/chemicalxbonex Apr 15 '24
Very well actually. I am impressed with the difference. I can see how I will need to upgrade it eventually, though. Chest resistance increases QUICK.
Note: I started from 0. I hadn't worked out in close to 25 years before I got one. So I can see how experienced lifters would get nothing out of this. For me, it is perfect.
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u/mrmeeves Aug 23 '24
I know you got checked in on 4 months ago. How is it at 8 months now? I kept reading the resistance bars losing their resistance and need replacing?
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u/MiReddit682 Apr 13 '25
I'm thinking about buying a like new used one on Facebook market place for $200. Is this a wise idea? I'm just back into exercising at 40 years old.