Just recently I used chat gpt and told it which bowflex machines and upgrades I have, and told it to create complete workouts for each muscle group. What it came up with was amazing. It even went in and did custom rest time between sets, when to increase or decrease weight, various number of reps for each muscle. Pretty powerful stuff.
picked one of these up a few years back used for $40 lol. cancelled my gym membership, and also got one of the bow flexes with the long bench for like $100. Pretty much like having a whole gym. The long-bench one also came with the 100 lb upgrade, and I bought a piece for the xtreme 2 so I can move it between the 2. If I get too strong for it there's room for another 100 lb upgrade. People sometimes talk shit about these but I have been lifting for decades and I feel like I get a pretty solid workout from these machines. Between the 2 machines, plus some upgrades I bought like the rope for pulldowns, and the bar to mimick barbell exercises, and especially if you get the multi-weight dumbbells (I hope to get these some day if I find a real good deal) it's basically like having a whole gym in my garage, for a couple hundred bucks so far.
My neighbor was moving and just gave me his SE 2. I don’t have much time for going to the gym and I am looking forward to seeing what this can do for me.
Great review. As far as I know, this is the only machine where you don’t have to change cables for different exercises. Do the pulleys get in the way at all? Also, what the best way one could supplement chest exercises- using dumbbells and laying on a bench? I think anyone is foolish - later in life especially- if they continue using free weights heavily because the risk of injury is so much greater as we age. With this awesome machine 1) I don’t need a spotter, 2)don’t need to worry about being near grunting gorillas who have a ridiculous amount of mass to maintain for life 3) don't need to feel sweaty and full of germs gym equipment from others. 4) I have the convenience of being at home in my comfy home gym. You’re in great shape without an insane amount of bulk- great job.
Thank you-my physique was built over 10 years in traditional gyms but what you see here is my “pandemic physique” which I developed using only this machine and a set of dumbbells aka the Bowflex 1090s and before that the 552s. Yes you are correct-in the video I mention you need to supplement this machine with at least dumbbells and a bench for muscle building. I never had a problem with the pulleys getting in the way. And yes-one thing I love about home workout equipment is locking in at home without the distractions of a commercial gym and not wanting for anything. Big plus on that one.
I've had the Bowflex Xtreme 2 for two years in love it. Hear is my two cents. I'm 62 years old and use to go to the gym three days a week for years, but just stop. My doctor told me one day to do cardio and strength exercises three plus days a week. I ask him about the bowflex (bans, weights, etc) and he look me in the eye and said that is not the real question is it ? I'm like what is the "real" question then. He said how about just picking one anyone and just be consistent in working out, because his "real" question to me was will you be able to do any of them consistently ??? I don't know of one person that thinks any kind of ban workout is close to free weights, its like walking vs running is their a benefit to walking ? is running for most people better then walking that's a rhetorical question. When I was young I played college football and loved to hit the weight room with the boys :) back then the only time I'd see any kind of ban is if a player was doing therapy exercises. I'm not into building muscle, that ship has sailed, now if I(you) can just be consistent with any kind of exercises equipment would be a plus and everybody know that, so what's my point right :). Stop looking for reasons to why you can't workout with this and that equipment and find reason why you love working out on any equipment. "be consistent, be positive and healthy".
I love this reply. I made this channel for viewers like you. Very well said. I aim to emphasize how to best USE this machine more so than focusing on the materials or specs. I love your story and am glad your fitness has evolved into something that works for you. I too love barbells and dumbbells but this machine has a place in my home gym and many others for certain uses.
I have one and I love it since 2002 I believe, had one sold it and bought that one, extreme 2 online for 300 I am not super buff but fit enough to be healthy
I just saw a cool hack where a guy uses bands to increase the max of the machine. They wrap around the main column and attach to the handles. You should check it out.
For those of you comparing Bowflex to free weights, it's not comparable. That should be common sense. The key is to utilize both free weights and bowflex for maximum results. The same way you would use cable machines with dumbbells and barbells in the gym.
True, I do bowflex one day, next day dumbbells pyramid routine, I will be 70 in two weeks, goal is not bodybuilding it’s maintaining and looking and feeling much younger. Thanks for the honest review. 👍👍😃
Thanks I think that’s because it’s all I had for about a year of training this and the 552 and 1090 dumbbell sets during Covid. All the gyms were closed in my area for 8 months and even then they were outdoor only for a while. This and I wanted viewers to get info from a gym trainer with over 15000 sessions and countless hours of training myself.
I was the same as you, got to experience the solo flex at 12 years old back in '89-'90. I feel the solo flex has more resistance than bowflex, solo flex also felt more solid in construction.
@@jillianmelis4064 this would be a perfect way to start resistance training. Refer to my lower body bowflex workout video on my channel 👍I also just started accepting virtual clients for the bowflex or other home gym solutions!
Excellent video and love how much thought you put into such a full review. Thank you! I'm 57 and have some disabilities (back, legs and feet). Looking at buying a new Xtreme 2 SE. Not looking to bulk up or anything at my age and current health, just strengthen and tone a little if I'm lucky. The issue I'm not sure about though, is the differences in machines as some have more of a bench versus the SE doesn't and I'm not sure if that really makes a difference? Is there any major disadvantage to the SE version?
I would say there's zero disadvantage unless you just really want a flat bench. Health is the #1 reason I train and this machine is great for what you described.
I'm usually up by 2:30 AM for work and home around 5 and 6 PM. I am wanting to loose a little belly fat. And build some muscle. I am assuming with this machine I could achieve all of this at home. I don't really want to spend the time at a gym.
It really will do that. I’ve been filming some basic workouts for the channel with the Bowflex and I’m still amazed at how effective it is on it’s own. Especially for what your goals are.
@@jmsena thanks, I appreciate it.i was going to get some of the adjustable dumbbells. Then I saw this. I figure for 400. More you get all this provides. Just thought it was a better deal.it takes up more space. But for our situation I think it would work. We basically just sleep here due to the hours we work and shuttling the kids where they need to be.
I'm 73 years old and I need to tone my muscles. Getting up from a squat is painful and I need to build more muscle in my legs to help support my knees and I need to tone my muscles and create more muscle mass because we lose muscle mass as we get older. Especially more arms muscles and some upper back muscles. I'm looking at the Bowflex xtreme 2 SE (I found a used one about 270 miles from me for a very good price that I'm thinking about going after) and I'm wondering if you think this is what I need at my age to regain some of my lost muscle mass.
For shoulders and arms yes as well as abs but for the major body parts like chest, back and legs I need free weights myself as I’m sure most of us will. If you’re starting out then yes I’d say you should be able to be on a Hypertrophy program with this machine. Keep in mind the extra 200 lbs in rods are ordered separately.
Thanks for this video, I am 46 and have had 3 back surgeries knowing that I will continue to have pain if I do not start getting in shape. Thought the Bowflex would be good due to the joint concerns and also back fusion. Was wondering if I should go Gym membership or at home, I am not looking to really build muscle but more to get flexibility and in shape.
Sure the bowflex is excellent for working out with joint issues as it is low impact-meaning your joints won’t be as stressed as they might using a typical pulley machine or typical loaded resistance. Also, given you’ve had back surgery this will be fantastic since you can train the whole body in a supported position. I don’t mean to sound like I’m sponsored by them lol but honestly these are my takeaways from using the machine.
I just don’t like how stiff the power rods get in the cold and how friable they get in the heat. Not great in the garage. The weight fluctuation is too great.
Yeah I agree the biggest flaw would be squats and deadlift, but I was never a big squat / deadlift person. Never really got over 225 on them, too many back problems from when I was in the marines. So for me it's perfect, but I can see how some of the big heavy lifters might struggle. Also as I near 40, I have been doing higher reps and lower weight, going more for aesthetics than weight, so now it's perfect. In my early 20's I probably wouldn't have been as happy with it.
100 percent. You are on the right path. It’s all about time in the gym. Play with your back too much and it will set you back in time on your progress exponentially.
Great video! Quick question. im looking at getting this or the revolution. To put it bluntly im a good bit overweight and am looking to get into shape. Do you have any experience with the bowflex revolution and if so, what are the pros and cons of this vs the revolution?
I don’t have experience working with the Revolution. I am working on getting Nautilus to send me product for review so you may see something shortly. This machine-the Xtreme SE is very good if your goal is weight loss, as there is a lot of support for exercises for the entire body.
Buy a few dumbbells and the cheapest or used $40 flat bench - see how u do after a few weeks. Most people will stop working out within a few days- it’s just how the world works, so I would suggest getting something cheap and seeing if you like working out religiously - then once u know ur committed and ur body will hold up- then look into machines that costs $1000s
@@jmsena im referring to the extra rod expansion i believe. Sorry dont know much about them. I see the xtreme 2 and blaze being sold used on marketplace here and there. We are looking for equipment in the basement. I am 40, getting easier and easier to get hurt if im not careful. Not looking to be the hulk or anything but would not mind putting some muscle on my body. Between my diet and age ive lost some muscle in the last 5 years.
I got a used Bowflex, and glad I didn't pay full retail because it offers very little compared to free-weights and my row machine. Its ok for warming up I guess, but not for actual training.
Yeah you have to use it in the way that works best for you. For me you know it wasn’t quite enough on its own but it was a great supplement to my home gym set up.
Bowflex sucks. After a year or so, the rods get so warped they’re unusable. Then you have to buy new rods. And the new rods are crap and snap. And the box they sit in is plastic so,if you tighten the screws down too,hard, you’ll break the box and have to buy new. Which are very hard to find. Junk.
Thank you for commenting. That has not at all been my experience and I’ve used the old rods and ordered new ones. I’ve used them and had clients use them and no issues.
@@EyeForKnowledge., I have to agree with Joey here. I have two old Bowflex Power Pro machines. Yeah, the rods start to sag over time, but you can buy the red power rod conditioners to store the rods upright when not in use to minimize that. I use one machine for 6 months and then I switch to the other machine for 6 months. (The key is to buy the machines on the cheap from people who bought them and then gave up. That way you can have two machines at minimal expense.) If you just want general fitness because your doctor is yelling at you because you're a fat ass, Bowflex is a good, cheap option. If you want to have peak fitness; then, obviously, free weights are the way to go.
For example, I just went to EBAY and saw one with zero bids (Starting at $135) up in Los Angeles. And the auction ends tomorrow. Like I said, for the price, you can't beat this.
@@louisvillaescusa great points! It I definitely NOT a one size fits all solution. As stated in the review-it does great for smaller body parts and muscular endurance. Definitely not the best for building muscle or progressive overload for the major muscle chains. I picked mine up for 230 or so during peak Covid hysteria-thank God for garage pickups.
Just recently I used chat gpt and told it which bowflex machines and upgrades I have, and told it to create complete workouts for each muscle group. What it came up with was amazing. It even went in and did custom rest time between sets, when to increase or decrease weight, various number of reps for each muscle. Pretty powerful stuff.
picked one of these up a few years back used for $40 lol. cancelled my gym membership, and also got one of the bow flexes with the long bench for like $100. Pretty much like having a whole gym. The long-bench one also came with the 100 lb upgrade, and I bought a piece for the xtreme 2 so I can move it between the 2. If I get too strong for it there's room for another 100 lb upgrade. People sometimes talk shit about these but I have been lifting for decades and I feel like I get a pretty solid workout from these machines. Between the 2 machines, plus some upgrades I bought like the rope for pulldowns, and the bar to mimick barbell exercises, and especially if you get the multi-weight dumbbells (I hope to get these some day if I find a real good deal) it's basically like having a whole gym in my garage, for a couple hundred bucks so far.
My neighbor was moving and just gave me his SE 2. I don’t have much time for going to the gym and I am looking forward to seeing what this can do for me.
You had one generous neighbor! Check out my workout instructional videos on the channel and see what you can do with it.
Great review. As far as I know, this is the only machine where you don’t have to change cables for different exercises. Do the pulleys get in the way at all? Also, what the best way one could supplement chest exercises- using dumbbells and laying on a bench? I think anyone is foolish - later in life especially- if they continue using free weights heavily because the risk of injury is so much greater as we age. With this awesome machine 1) I don’t need a spotter, 2)don’t need to worry about being near grunting gorillas who have a ridiculous amount of mass to maintain for life 3) don't need to feel sweaty and full of germs gym equipment from others. 4) I have the convenience of being at home in my comfy home gym. You’re in great shape without an insane amount of bulk- great job.
Thank you-my physique was built over 10 years in traditional gyms but what you see here is my “pandemic physique” which I developed using only this machine and a set of dumbbells aka the Bowflex 1090s and before that the 552s. Yes you are correct-in the video I mention you need to supplement this machine with at least dumbbells and a bench for muscle building. I never had a problem with the pulleys getting in the way. And yes-one thing I love about home workout equipment is locking in at home without the distractions of a commercial gym and not wanting for anything. Big plus on that one.
I've had the Bowflex Xtreme 2 for two years in love it. Hear is my two cents. I'm 62 years old and use to go to the gym three days a week for years, but just stop. My doctor told me one day to do cardio and strength exercises three plus days a week. I ask him about the bowflex (bans, weights, etc) and he look me in the eye and said that is not the real question is it ? I'm like what is the "real" question then. He said how about just picking one anyone and just be consistent in working out, because his "real" question to me was will you be able to do any of them consistently ??? I don't know of one person that thinks any kind of ban workout is close to free weights, its like walking vs running is their a benefit to walking ? is running for most people better then walking that's a rhetorical question. When I was young I played college football and loved to hit the weight room with the boys :) back then the only time I'd see any kind of ban is if a player was doing therapy exercises. I'm not into building muscle, that ship has sailed, now if I(you) can just be consistent with any kind of exercises equipment would be a plus and everybody know that, so what's my point right :). Stop looking for reasons to why you can't workout with this and that equipment and find reason why you love working out on any equipment. "be consistent, be positive and healthy".
I love this reply. I made this channel for viewers like you. Very well said. I aim to emphasize how to best USE this machine more so than focusing on the materials or specs. I love your story and am glad your fitness has evolved into something that works for you. I too love barbells and dumbbells but this machine has a place in my home gym and many others for certain uses.
I have one and I love it since 2002 I believe, had one sold it and bought that one, extreme 2 online for 300 I am not super buff but fit enough to be healthy
Very underrated by many. Take car of it and it will take care of you.
I just saw a cool hack where a guy uses bands to increase the max of the machine. They wrap around the main column and attach to the handles. You should check it out.
Extra Resistance Tip: click the 2 cables at the bottom for legs together! Will give u a few extra pounds.
For those of you comparing Bowflex to free weights, it's not comparable. That should be common sense. The key is to utilize both free weights and bowflex for maximum results. The same way you would use cable machines with dumbbells and barbells in the gym.
True, I do bowflex one day, next day dumbbells pyramid routine, I will be 70 in two weeks, goal is not bodybuilding it’s maintaining and looking and feeling much younger. Thanks for the honest review. 👍👍😃
@@mikehiggins8123nice, keep it up!
Thanks man, exactly the type of review I needed
Really appreciate that thank you.
Most thorough review of this machine thst I’ve come across. Thanks.
Thanks I think that’s because it’s all I had for about a year of training this and the 552 and 1090 dumbbell sets during Covid. All the gyms were closed in my area for 8 months and even then they were outdoor only for a while. This and I wanted viewers to get info from a gym trainer with over 15000 sessions and countless hours of training myself.
I was the same as you, got to experience the solo flex at 12 years old back in '89-'90. I feel the solo flex has more resistance than bowflex, solo flex also felt more solid in construction.
It was great for what it was. The nautilus company generally puts out a very quality product for home or commercial use. Big fan of their stuff.
Some advice add resistance bands, will help wih maxing out on legs exercises
In the market for a home gym. I used to be a gym buff but too busy to go to the gym. I need a machine I could jump on as soon as I roll out of bed
@@Qwr345 can’t for wrong here.
I can't do any freewight because of a medical issue would help build and maintain muscle I have
what about a small 115 pound woman with little muscle? would it be ok for building lower body muscle for beginners?
@@jillianmelis4064 this would be a perfect way to start resistance training. Refer to my lower body bowflex workout video on my channel 👍I also just started accepting virtual clients for the bowflex or other home gym solutions!
Excellent video and love how much thought you put into such a full review. Thank you!
I'm 57 and have some disabilities (back, legs and feet). Looking at buying a new Xtreme 2 SE. Not looking to bulk up or anything at my age and current health, just strengthen and tone a little if I'm lucky. The issue I'm not sure about though, is the differences in machines as some have more of a bench versus the SE doesn't and I'm not sure if that really makes a difference? Is there any major disadvantage to the SE version?
I would say there's zero disadvantage unless you just really want a flat bench. Health is the #1 reason I train and this machine is great for what you described.
Thanks for posting vid. I appreciate your input.
Im glad you found this useful!
I'm usually up by 2:30 AM for work and home around 5 and 6 PM. I am wanting to loose a little belly fat. And build some muscle. I am assuming with this machine I could achieve all of this at home. I don't really want to spend the time at a gym.
It really will do that. I’ve been filming some basic workouts for the channel with the Bowflex and I’m still amazed at how effective it is on it’s own. Especially for what your goals are.
@@jmsena thanks, I appreciate it.i was going to get some of the adjustable dumbbells. Then I saw this. I figure for 400. More you get all this provides. Just thought it was a better deal.it takes up more space. But for our situation I think it would work. We basically just sleep here due to the hours we work and shuttling the kids where they need to be.
I'm 73 years old and I need to tone my muscles. Getting up from a squat is painful and I need to build more muscle in my legs to help support my knees and I need to tone my muscles and create more muscle mass because we lose muscle mass as we get older. Especially more arms muscles and some upper back muscles. I'm looking at the Bowflex xtreme 2 SE (I found a used one about 270 miles from me for a very good price that I'm thinking about going after) and I'm wondering if you think this is what I need at my age to regain some of my lost muscle mass.
Absolutely this will. Utilize the instructional videos I made and see how it goes.
Hi would you say this bowflex machine is good for hypertrophy there is 400 lbs on it
For shoulders and arms yes as well as abs but for the major body parts like chest, back and legs I need free weights myself as I’m sure most of us will. If you’re starting out then yes I’d say you should be able to be on a Hypertrophy program with this machine. Keep in mind the extra 200 lbs in rods are ordered separately.
Great review thank you somebody actually knows what you’re talking about
Thanks I appreciate it. Just trying to fill a void when I notice it.
Thanks for this video, I am 46 and have had 3 back surgeries knowing that I will continue to have pain if I do not start getting in shape. Thought the Bowflex would be good due to the joint concerns and also back fusion. Was wondering if I should go Gym membership or at home, I am not looking to really build muscle but more to get flexibility and in shape.
Sure the bowflex is excellent for working out with joint issues as it is low impact-meaning your joints won’t be as stressed as they might using a typical pulley machine or typical loaded resistance. Also, given you’ve had back surgery this will be fantastic since you can train the whole body in a supported position. I don’t mean to sound like I’m sponsored by them lol but honestly these are my takeaways from using the machine.
@@jmsena Truly appreciate your response, thank you Joey!
I just don’t like how stiff the power rods get in the cold and how friable they get in the heat. Not great in the garage. The weight fluctuation is too great.
Thank you for your input-mine was stored and utilized in the living space lol.
im confused, this machine is like over $1,000 and people are reselling this machine on offer up for less than $400.
@@berniesanimations post pandemic price adjustment.
Helpful video
Glad you think so!
How hard is it to put together yourself?
Not to hard.. I believe it comes preassembled.
Yeah I agree the biggest flaw would be squats and deadlift, but I was never a big squat / deadlift person. Never really got over 225 on them, too many back problems from when I was in the marines. So for me it's perfect, but I can see how some of the big heavy lifters might struggle. Also as I near 40, I have been doing higher reps and lower weight, going more for aesthetics than weight, so now it's perfect. In my early 20's I probably wouldn't have been as happy with it.
100 percent. You are on the right path. It’s all about time in the gym. Play with your back too much and it will set you back in time on your progress exponentially.
Great video! Quick question. im looking at getting this or the revolution. To put it bluntly im a good bit overweight and am looking to get into shape. Do you have any experience with the bowflex revolution and if so, what are the pros and cons of this vs the revolution?
I don’t have experience working with the Revolution. I am working on getting Nautilus to send me product for review so you may see something shortly. This machine-the Xtreme SE is very good if your goal is weight loss, as there is a lot of support for exercises for the entire body.
Buy a few dumbbells and the cheapest or used $40 flat bench - see how u do after a few weeks. Most people will stop working out within a few days- it’s just how the world works, so I would suggest getting something cheap and seeing if you like working out religiously - then once u know ur committed and ur body will hold up- then look into machines that costs $1000s
Can’t you add more weight resistance ?
You mean beyond the rod expansions?
@@jmsena im referring to the extra rod expansion i believe. Sorry dont know much about them. I see the xtreme 2 and blaze being sold used on marketplace here and there. We are looking for equipment in the basement. I am 40, getting easier and easier to get hurt if im not careful. Not looking to be the hulk or anything but would not mind putting some muscle on my body. Between my diet and age ive lost some muscle in the last 5 years.
Great review hope your channel does well!
Thank you for the feedback! What other topics or videos are you interested in?
The noise it makes is terrible for home use
I got a used Bowflex, and glad I didn't pay full retail because it offers very little compared to free-weights and my row machine. Its ok for warming up I guess, but not for actual training.
Yeah you have to use it in the way that works best for you. For me you know it wasn’t quite enough on its own but it was a great supplement to my home gym set up.
10 percent body fat? Really?
Yeah-maybe a bit under.
@@jmsenaif your 10% body fat I'm -5%
Bowflex sucks. After a year or so, the rods get so warped they’re unusable. Then you have to buy new rods. And the new rods are crap and snap. And the box they sit in is plastic so,if you tighten the screws down too,hard, you’ll break the box and have to buy new. Which are very hard to find. Junk.
Thank you for commenting. That has not at all been my experience and I’ve used the old rods and ordered new ones. I’ve used them and had clients use them and no issues.
@@jmsena Just my experience. Decided to ditch the bowflex and go with free weights.
@@EyeForKnowledge., I have to agree with Joey here. I have two old Bowflex Power Pro machines. Yeah, the rods start to sag over time, but you can buy the red power rod conditioners to store the rods upright when not in use to minimize that. I use one machine for 6 months and then I switch to the other machine for 6 months. (The key is to buy the machines on the cheap from people who bought them and then gave up. That way you can have two machines at minimal expense.) If you just want general fitness because your doctor is yelling at you because you're a fat ass, Bowflex is a good, cheap option. If you want to have peak fitness; then, obviously, free weights are the way to go.
For example, I just went to EBAY and saw one with zero bids (Starting at $135) up in Los Angeles. And the auction ends tomorrow. Like I said, for the price, you can't beat this.
@@louisvillaescusa great points! It I definitely NOT a one size fits all solution. As stated in the review-it does great for smaller body parts and muscular endurance. Definitely not the best for building muscle or progressive overload for the major muscle chains. I picked mine up for 230 or so during peak Covid hysteria-thank God for garage pickups.