Is The Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE Really The Best Most Compact Home Gym?

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Updated: 
May 10 2020
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Our Rating: 
5

One of our best home gym's and ranked at #3 in our top ten home gym comparison table, the Bowflex Xtreme 2SE is up for my next detailed review here. The Bowflex range is especially designed for home use, so let's take an in-depth look and see what we find.

Working Out At Home On The Bowflex Xtreme 2SE Small Footprint Home Gym

Bowflex: Expert-founded Fitness Solutions

Bowflex is owned by the world-renowned fitness equipment company Nautilus. Nautilus was founded by Arthur Jones, an Exercise Physiologist, in 1948. He was pioneer in functional exercises thinking and aimed to create machines that would surpass barbells in efficiency and performance. He created one of the first machines that could be adjusted to suit the user preference and size. Its other companies include Bowflex, Schwinn and Stairmaster which all offer solutions for never having to join a gym.

Nautilus machines are used by athletes and most top gym facilities around the world. They are known to be comfortable, durable and aimed at performance. But users of all levels can benefit from their machines, which are easily adjusted to help with injuries and customization of exercises. Whenever you are buying a brand under Nautilus you can be sure itis a long term investment with excellent durability.

Bowflex is their home performance brand, these products always promise cutting edge innovation, space saving and performance. The range is aimed at the strength and muscle market, Bowflex always find creative ways to increase the resistance without having to give up more home space. The ‘Bowflex Body’ is a phrase designed for those who utilize their range the best, those who have a tough job, short of time with limited space in their house but still want to stay in shape. If this sounds like you then Bowflex will have a solution for your lifestyle.

Bowflex Xtreme 2SE Features

Top-rated Home Gym For Compact Space Saving Features

The Bowflex Xtreme 2SE is a compact home use machine powered by Bowflex Power Rod resistance. Trusted by millions of satisfied users to help them achieve their goals, this is one of the best-selling home gyms available, providing total body workouts in a compact size. You can perform over 70 full body exercises on the Xtreme 2SE, exercises such as angled lat pull downs and leg extensions for the quads. With the Bowflex Xtreme 2SE the workout variations are endless. For efficiency, safety and space saving not many home gym machines come close to this model.

No Change Cable Pulley System

This allows you to move from one exercise to another without delay, you can perform Super Sets such as Chest Press followed by Cable Flys instantly. Allowing for a more effective, higher fat burning workout.

Gym Style Vertical Workout Position

The vertical position saves on space whilst also allowing standing exercises such as Squats and Standing Glute Kickbacks. The Xtreme 2SE features multiple cable positions allowing you to train your muscles in a variety of angles.

Upgradeable Resistance

When your workout is ready for more of a challenge the standard 210lbs resistance rods can be upgraded 310lbs or even 410lbs for more powerful exercises. The harder you work the harder Power Rod resistance works for you, delivering life changing results.

Compact Size

The aim of the Xtreme 2SE was to create a space saving machine that packs the biggest punch on the market. With a small footprint of 96in x 177in, the ability to have 410lbs of resistance and being able to perform over 70 exercises has proven to us that Bowflex have achieved their aim.

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So What Exercises Can You Do On The Bowflex Xtreme 2SE?

You can perform over 70 exercises on this machine, that includes total body, core, upper and lower body exercises. The main features of the Xtreme 2SE are:

  1. Integrated 2 position Lat Tower for your back
  2. Leg Extension machine to isolate the quads
  3. Abdominal Crunch harness
  4. 4 position low pulley/squat station for legs and glutes
  5. 5-way hand grips and ankle cuffs
  6. Adjustable, ergonomic seat to support your back
  7. Reinforced ‘X’ shaped base for maximum stability

You will be able to perform main exercises such as:

  • Deadlifts
  • Squats
  • Lat Pulldowns
  • Biceps Curl
  • Triceps Extension
  • Leg Extensions
  • Bench Press
  • Cable Flyes
  • Abdominal Crunch
  • Seated Shoulder Press
  • Lateral Shoulder Raises

And many more…

Bowflex Xtreme 2 FAQ’s

What is the Max User Weight?

Bowflex Xtreme 2SE Review Best Pick For A Compact Home Gym

The maximum user weight on this machine is 300lbs, so it is not suitable for very large users.

What is the Workout Area of the Machine?

The compact design of the 2SE only take up 96in x 77in of room.

What is the Height of this Machine?

The ‘X’ frame and total height of the machine is 83in.

What is the Width of this Machine?

As this is such a compact machine it is only 49in in width.

What is the Length of this Machine?

The length of this machine is 57.8in.

How Much Does this Product Weigh?

The remarkable thing about Power Rods is they allow you to have resistance equivalent to weight, this means the product itself only weighs 187lbs.

What Accessories Does it Come With?

The Xtreme 2SE comes with multi-grip handles, ankle cuffs, a fitness guide and exercises instructions.

I am 6 Feet Tall, Will this Machine be Appropriate for Me?

Yes, the machine is fully adjustable and is comfortable for tall users.

Does this Machine Fold up When Not in Use?

No, it is a very compact machine but it does not fold up.

Is the Machine Noisy?

This home machine is designed to be whisper quiet, the Power Rods ensure smooth resistance and there are no weight plates to smash against each other.

Is the Machine Durable?

The ‘X’ frame gives this machine absolute sturdiness, whilst the power rods allow you to place the weights down without any risk of damaging the machine. Compared to a weight plated machine where the weights dropping upon one another can cause issues.

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Is this a Safe Machine?

If you’re looking to train to failure this is the perfect machine, compared to its competitors this is ultra-safe.

I’m a Beginner is this Machine Suitable for Me?

This is the perfect choice for beginners who are looking to build muscle and strength, switching between exercises and attachments is extremely easy. If you follow the exercises guide that the 2SE comes with you will have no problem reaching your goal.

Is it Easy to Assemble?

Yes, the 2SE comes with an assembly DVD and does not take up much time at all.

What Warranty Does it Come With?

Bowflex offers a lifetime warranty on Power Rods and a 7 year warranty on the frame.

Top-rated Compact Home Gym Bowflex Xtreme 2SE Review

Why Would I Want to Build Muscle and Strength?

Resistance training has so many more benefits than simply just helping you look better. Building strength helps your joints, bones and helps you become less prone to injury. If you suffer from back pain the best thing you can start doing is strengthening your body with resistance training. Building muscle also has great benefits to your body and health, such as increasing your metabolism to help you lose weight.

Bowflex Xtreme Home Gym - Shoulder Press Technique

Bowflex Xtreme 2 Workput Examples

Strength Example Workout A:

  1. Cable Bar Squat 5x5 90secs rest
  2. Bench Press 5x5 90secs rest
  3. Abdominal Crunches 3 x10 60secs rest
  4. Lateral Shoulder Raise 3 x10 60secs rest

Strength Example Workout B:

  1. Cable Bar Deadlift 5x5 90secs rest
  2. Lat Pulldown 5x5 90secs rest
  3. Biceps Curl 3 x10 60secs rest
  4. Triceps Pulldown 3x 10 60secs rest

Muscle Example Workout A:

  • A. Leg Extension 4 x 12 0secs rest
  • A. Cable Bar Squat 4 x 8 90secs rest
  • B. Lying Hip Thrusts 4 x 12 0secs rest
  • B. Cable Deadlift 4 x 8 90secs rest

Muscle Example Workout B:

  • A. Cable Flyes 4 x 12 0secs rest
  • A. Bench Press 4 x 8 90secs rest
  • B. Cable Row 4 x 12 0secs rest
  • B. Lat pulldown 4 x 8 90secs rest

If you need some help motivating yourself for training in your home gym, then read my article about how to make your home workout out a habit.

How to do a Proper Squat on a Bowflex Xtreme 2  [Video]

So What’s The Bowflex Xtreme 2SE Verdict?

Compact, quiet, Safe and effective are the words that most closely relate to the Bowflex Xtreme 2SE.

If you’re a beginner (the main group of people we aim to help at mygymexpert.com), looking for a small and excellent value for money machine to start your resistance training journey on, look no further. It’s easy to use and safe for those who are less experienced, the smoothness and ability to adjust helps you find an angle your comfortable working with. Once ordered it is delivered with an exercise guide that takes you through the basic exercises and some workout programs, but be sure to also utilize YouTube for further exercises.

The Power Rod system is revolutionary for home gyms, it makes safety so much easier, especially if you have young ones around the house. Weight plates are always a worry for trapped fingers and for producing noise with each rep, but the 2SE is whisper quiet even with the 410lb resistance upgrade.

The ability to upgrade this machine allows more advanced users to benefit from this clever machine. If used correctly it can be a demanding workout for most experienced lifters and you will struggle to find a compact machine like this one that allows so much resistance. Especially with such low maintenance and noise reduction.

One of the most overlooked features of this machine is its compact size. With such a small footprint and low weight, it can easily fit into any room in the house without damaging the floor. The ability to perform over 70 exercises with such a small piece of machinery has filled a much-needed gap in the market.

We like this Bowflex Xtreme 2SE so much that we gave it the #3 spot in our top rated list where you can easily compare home gym's. It is full-featured and a great lifetime purchase!

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Bowflex Xtreme 2SE Promo [Video]

The Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE Home Gym

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