We've owned and worked out on this machine since Oct 2000, and while I can see where it might not be the best solution for everyone, it was certainly a very smart and beneficial investment for us.

With young kids at home, there was no getting to a gym for us, especially without outside childcare. We also considered the following points when researching options to exercise at home:
* portability of any exercise equipment we invested in
* size and weight of the equipment
* versatility of exercise options
* warranty
* good customer service

We'd spent two months prior to looking at the Bowflex working out at home with only a bench and dumbbells, and we were starved for variety. Not only that, but a lower body workout with that kind of limited equipment is not so productive either. Thirdly, I had personally maxed out on what my hand grip strength could hold in weights to exercise leg muscles in squats, deadlifts, and calf raises.

Being apartment dwellers, with periodic moves, we also didn't want to invest in a heavier, more permanent exercise station, especially one that couldn't easily be moved or stored away if we needed to clear space for awhile.

The Bowflex XTLU offered us a display of 65 exercises, of which we really like and make use of about 25. We've made up 2 more exercises for abs that aren't listed in Bowflex's exercise guide, but work great. We may not be "hard-core" body builders, but I'll say we are serious about exercise, looking great and feeling strong, and we both cut six packs in just 5 weeks on the machine. It also helped us to cut our body fat by nearly HALF in the same amount of time. We know without a doubt that this was the smartest solution for us to meet our needs.

A pulley began to squeak after awhile, and i called the 1-800 customer service line, who immediately replaced it for free. We haven't been easy on this machine, which has 410 lbs. of total resistance, and plan to give it all we've got, hence our appreciation for the "bumper to bumper" 5 year warranty.

It's true that the leg attachment adds length to the machine, but it fits where we need it to in our apartment, so i have no complaints about that. The leg attachment is a fabulous addition, as is the lat bar, for targeting and variety.

I don't use commercial gym equipment, so I can't compare apples to oranges in terms of quality of home versus gym equipment, but we've have had no disappointments for our intents and purposes with the machine. I'm pretty scrutinizing, especially when paying out such a nice hunk of cash, and have returned items with far less forgiveness than most. I'm actually pretty impressed at the simplicity and smartness of the design, and all that Bowflex packed into such a "small" piece of machinery.

It took just under 2 hours to put together with all the attachments, but i didnt expect it to come assembled, so it didn't surprise or bother me. Me, not being very inclined or willing to read manuals, had no trouble learning how to configure it for various exercises, and by our second workout i was right in rhythm and moved through my workout smoothly. It's not complicated, and easy to pick up on, like any routine.

My advice is to go for the full 410 lbs of resistance. While my upper body wont see that kind of weight for awhile yet, my legs can press some weight. Still, I'm not near to maxing out on 410 lbs.

I notice that the lat bar moves slightly during some exercises where heavy weight is used (250+), but i chalk it up more to a leverage matter than a design flaw. Ideally I'd like it to not do that, but I know it's sturdy and secure and moves so little that it isnt going any where, so i don't think twice about it. It's part of why it's a portable, compact, extremely versatile machine. Anything heavier would inhibit those pluses.

I know squats are considered by many to be the all-around best exercise for lots of things, so we also bought the squat attachment. However, for me it's awkward and is the only piece i'd consider returning. But i won't...

Is it pricey? well, we added up gym membership costs for two, plus childcare, plus gas and commute time, and determined a Bowflex would pay for itself in under two years. So, with a five year replacement parts warranty, we can use the heck out of it and come out ahead. And, we have the comfort of having it available 24 / 7, with no waiting lines or sign up sheets.

We absolutely love our Bowflex, and our parents love ours enough, as well as the super shape we're in now, to have ordered their own. My husband's physique now actually looks like the guy on t.v. who promotes it.

A note on ordering/delivery: we were pleasantly surprised that our Bowflex arrived a week earlier than quoted.

Hope this has helped you make your decision!






Recommended: Yes