When I first looked into getting a home gym, I sent for information from a variety of fitness companies. I looked at free weights, other cable systems and weight machines before deciding to get the Xtreme 2 model. I should also mention I spoke to everyone I knew that had a bowflex or crossbow before I made my purchase. I also went to every store and Costco that had a model of any type of bowflex on display so I could look at the various types of equipment up close. The decision to get the Xtreme 2 model was made because of price, as well as, the no change pulley system.

After looking at the machines, the Xtreme 2 provided the best options as far as types of exercises I like to perform. I decided I did not need a row system because I do not like the exercise and it's easier to run or ride my bike. I also liked the feature of not having the bench raised so I could work my chest muscles.

When the machine arrived, it took a few hours to put everything together, but the total process was fairly easy. The instructions provided were simple and all the parts fit perfectly. The material used for the machine was good solid metal and the padding was firm and comfortable. Even the padding for the leg attachment was well padded.

I have been working out on this machine for the past month and I can admit this machine works. I feel a good burn while working out and the muscle groups are fairly well isolated once the exercises are mastered or tweaked just right by the user. For example, when I started the chest exercises, I had to angle for my range of motion correctly to get the desired effect for the chest muscles. If I went too low, I would only get the declined effect and if I went too high, I would get the inclined effect. You have to find your correct angle to get the bench press effect most people look for. Also, the range of motion has to be adjusted for each individual person. I'm tall and the extension motion for the chest exercise had to be adjusted by extending all the cables to the further most holes and then I felt a good resistance while both extending and when the motion was going back to the start position. As far as weight resistance, the rods and cables are smooth and feel true to actual weights when more rods are attached. The fifty pound rod is solid and fells like a fifty pound dumbbell as the rod is in motion. However, the lighter rods feel not quite like the actual weight by themselves, they should be used with more than one rod.

The exercises for this machine will be effective as long as the user makes the proper adjustments with the cables and discover their individual effective range of motion. This machine also acts like a dumbbell machine and isolates the individual muscles when the straps are used during the exercises.

For individuals over 6 feet tall, the squat exercise will be difficult. I worked it out and did squats once but the starting position was too difficult and I will just do the leg extensions and other leg exercises. If you want to do the hamstring muscles, you must remove the seat and stand. Again, you have to find the right position for you to be effective. The lat pull down function is perfect. The easiest exercise to perform. It is set up perfectly and you just have to pull or push to do triceps.

Overall, this machine is a very good machine. It does cost more than the sport model but I believe it is worth the money. Being at the gym is a better workout hands down. However, if you have a family and can not get to the gym because of time, this machine is worth the money. I would recommend this machine to anyone who wants to maintain a muscle fitness routine. Do not get this machine if you want to gain muscle mass, it's not that kind of party. It will give your muscles the proper resistance to fight the battle of the bulge and muscle loss.







Recommended: Yes