#1 Bowflex Xtreme 2 Home Gym Review

The Bowflex Xtreme 2 utilizes first-class power rod technology to provide smooth, solid resistance. You can start with 5 pounds and work all the way up to 410 pounds with upgrades. With over 70 exercises to choose from and a fitness guide to help you, you can get in shape in no time.

Is the Bowflex Xtreme 2 Home Gym best for you?

The Bowflex Xtreme 2 is great for people just starting out on their fitness journey who want plenty of room for growth. You can start out easy and gradually work your way up through the weights. There are even certain attachments you can buy separately so that you can gain access to even more workouts.

It's a full gym all in one device. The lat tower (complete with angled lat bar) allows you to access more muscles. There are also stations that allow you to target your calves, hips, wrists, biceps, triceps, and so much more. Plus, the no-change pulley system means you can move from one muscle group to the next without having to slow down.

Consider Bowflex Xtreme 2 if...

• You need a good variety of workouts. This model offers over 70 different workouts. Whether you want to focus on your arms or legs, you're never going to get bored.
• You want an ergonomic seat. You can adjust the bench to whatever your personal preference is. It allows you to get as comfortable as possible as you settle in for your regimen.
• You like guaranteed safety. The power rod system means there's less resistance as you pump iron. This places less stress on your joints, so you're at a reduced risk of suffering an injury.

Avoid Bowflex Xtreme 2 if...

• You prefer simpler assembly. Many reviewers note how it can be tough to put this machine together. You should probably expect to carve out an afternoon to get it done, and you're likely going to require assistance.
• You're on a budget. Depending on where you buy it from, this machine could cost you over $2,000. If you're looking to save, there are other models out there, like the Bowflex PR1000, which comes at a fraction of the price.
• You like clearer instructions. Some reviewers have also stated how the instructions aren't always clear. You may have trouble knowing what step to take next. It's recommended to find some YouTube videos showing you clearly how to handle assembly.

Bowflex Xtreme 2 pros & cons

Pros

• Up to 410 pounds of resistance with upgrades
• No-change cable pulley system
• Squat station
• Leg attachment
• Lat tower attachment

Cons

• Expensive
• Difficult assembly

What areas of the body does Bowflex Xtreme 2 target?

• Arms: The pulleys allow you to perform a variety of exercises to focus on your upper muscle groups, including triceps extension, single arm pushdown, and tricep hammer pushdown.
• Legs: Leg extensions and squats are made so much simpler with their own accessories, so you can give your lower body as much of a workout as your torso.
• Chest: Bench presses and incline chest flies specifically target your pectoral muscles.
• Back: The lat bar is great for doing the reverse grip pulldown, but some of the other exercises available for your back include narrow pulldowns and bent rear delt rows.
• Shoulders: Want to get your shoulders looking perfect with a reverse fly or crossover rear delt row? All that and more is possible.
• Core: Give your ab muscles a workout with trunk rotations and crunches.

Is the Bowflex Xtreme 2 easy to use?

Many people online have pointed out how it's tough to put the Xtreme 2 together. Apparently, the instructions could be clearer. You should expect to spend plenty of time putting it together, and if possible, get someone to help you.

Once it's operational, it should be smooth sailing. You can move from leg workouts to squats without needing to switch cables.

Key Bowflex Xtreme 2 Specs

Reasons to buy Bowflex Xtreme 2?

1. You want low-impact exercises. The power rod system means it's much easier to use this machine compared to free weights. It's highly recommended for people recovering from injuries or just want to reduce their recovery times.
2. You don't want a bunch of different equipment. The Bowflex Xtreme 2 is like having a bunch of different machines all-in-one. It's great if you only have a little space in your home or can't dedicate an entire room to be your personal gym.
3. You're looking to get buff. With upgrades, you can push yourself to lift up to 410 pounds. This is a highly recommended model for anyone really looking to pack on muscle.

Reasons to avoid Bowflex Xtreme 2?

1. You just want to tone muscles. There are more straightforward and affordable machines out there if you're just looking to maintain what you have. Only people who really want to get that bodybuilder aesthetic should push themselves further than 210 pounds.

What real Bowflex Xtreme 2 reviews say

We spent 18 hours scouring the web (reading over 253 customer reviews). Our conclusion? Bowflex Xtreme 2 receives high praise! Our average consolidated user rating sits around a 4.6 - 4.8 (across several hundred reviews). Bowflex Xtreme 2 scored higher, on average, compared to their closest competitors.

What reviewers like

1. "The ability to switch between work outs without having to fiddle with the cables in between sets is great."
2. "Sustained exercise on the unit will produce good results."
3. "Fits a small space in the house."
4. "Operates smoothly and thus far appears to be pretty stout."
5. "Beats having to pay gym fees for a family when you pencil it out."

What reviewers dislike

1. "For smaller kids, less than about 5 ft, some of the basic exercises won't provide a full range of motion."
2. "In order to use the abdominal bar/exercises you need to take the quick slot pulley's from the side bars."
3. "The instructions are somewhat adequate in figuring out how to put it together."
4. "The manual also failed to point out what to do with all of the clips."
5. "Took about 5 hours to put together not [too] difficult."

Our verdict

The Bowflex Xtreme 2 is a step-up from some of the entry-level models from the same brand. With over 70 different exercises to try and multiple variations for some of the same exercises, there's plenty to explore with this machine. Plus, you can be confident in your purchase with that lifetime warranty on the power rods.

It's difficult to put together, but honestly, that's going to be the case with most home gyms out there. If you're looking to build some serious muscle tone and are short on home space, the Bowflex Xtreme 2 is a great choice.

Where to buy Bowflex Xtreme 2

You can find the Bowflex Xtreme 2 on Amazon. With free shipping and positive reviews, it's easy to see why it's a popular choice to outfit home gyms.