Think about your attachments
Written: May 18 '03
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Ease in changing weights, rower
Cons: Reaching the hand grips for some exercises
The Bottom Line: The Bowflex PowerPro XTL does deliver an effective workout because it offers so many exercises on one machine.
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| neuf350z's Full Review: Bowflex Power Pro XTL |
About 3 months ago I bought the Bowflex PowerPro XTL after debating about which series to buy. There were some attachments that I really wanted and others that I could live without, but decided to get them in fear that later on I'd wish I'd gotten them. After using the attachments I now realize I could have lived without some of them.
What I like about the XTL:
- There's no denying that you can do a lot of exercises on this machine. Going through the booklet that was included with the machine was extremely helpful in seeing just what can be done and how to do it correctly.
- The ease of changing the weights. During the rest period between sets, it's easy to change the weight and not miss a beat in your routine.
- Rowing feature. I've found this feature useful to warm-up. It's actually a lot of fun to use.
- Adjusting the seat and bench. It's very easy to adjust the seat and bench. Like changing the weights, you can adjust the seat or bench during rest periods and not have to worry about wasting time.
- Durability. This machine is very sturdy and I haven't had any problems with parts breaking.
- Leg press. The attachment and removal of the leg press is very easy. Attaching the cables takes a little longer than other exercises, but the more you use it the faster you get at the setup.
What I don't like about the XTL:
- The squat attachment. Doing squats requires you to awkwardly crouch under the padded bar. The tension on the cables makes it hard to accomplish and almost feels dangerous sticking your neck under the bar. If you put too much weight on you're just asking for an injury.
You can do other exercises with the bench press like military presses, lying tricep presses, dead lifts, etc., but you have to change the length on the chain each time which can be time consuming and frustrating. If you don't remember what link you had it hook on for one exercise, it's constant adjustments to get it back to where you had it.
- Reaching the hand grips. For some exercises like the chest fly or lying shoulder pullover, it's hard to reach back and grab the hand grips from where you are. I usually leave the grips lying on the frame for easier access, but they should made a hanger or something on each side of the main frame so you could get to the grips easier.
- The lat bar. I could do without the lat bar only because I don't think the resistance is there. I've only used it a few times and end up moving onto something else to get better results.
- Size. The commercials indicate that the machine isn't very large and can be easily stored away. The basic model, yes, but not the XTL. The lat attachment adds height to the machine and the leg press adds length. Something to keep in mind if you have limited space.
As for the assembly of the machine. It took me about 4 hours to put it together by myself.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
neuf350z
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Reviews written: 7
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