X3 Bar Review For People Over 50

X3 Bar Review For People Over 50

Name: X3 Bar

Website: www.X3bar.com
Price: $549

Owners: Jacquish BioMedical

Rating: 8.5/10

Mentorship/Support: 7/10

Websites Included: YES

Free Trial: NO

Introduction

We only review products and services that are relevant to our audience here at Better Life After 50. Many of our readers  are looking to either maintain their level of fitness or to get back in shape without having to spend a lot of time in the gym. One product that has gotten a lot of attention is the X3 Bar, or more specifically the X3 Home Gym System, using resistance bands for full body workouts. I have owned the X3 for about a year now, and give you my honest review.

How the X3 Bar Works

The X3 is marketed as a home gym system that provides faster, better exercise benefits than conventional weight machines, squat racks, and home gyms, through variable resistance training. The idea is that with the X3 technology of resistance bands, metal bar and ground plate, you can safely train at higher levels of force, which triggers greater muscle growth. The system includes:

• 4 sturdy latex resistance bands
• Heavy duty stainless steel bar
• Ground plate
• 12 Week Printed Program
• Video assistance on website

The resistance bands come in beginner, intermediate, and advanced strengths and can offer up to 600 pounds in resistance. There is also a super band that can be ordered separately for those who need more. The X3 system was invented by Dr. John Jaquish, a charismatic bodybuilder and nutritionist, who believes weightlifting is a waste of time. Instead, variable resistance, that is, varied resistance depending on the stage of exercise movement, allows heavier training and more muscle growth. The idea is that the body is weaker in starting positions and the X3 requires lighter force to start, where most weightlifting injury happens. Dr. Jaquish believes this is also a superior option to cardio training. The X3 is also marketed as being portable so you can take it anywhere.

My Review

First, it took longer than expected for the X3 to ship, but that is largely forgivable considering global supply chain issues at the time of my purchase. The packaging was pretty basic, although I understand it has improved greatly over the last several months. There is an instructional manual and a 12-week exercise program. While I didn’t find either to be particularly helpful, there is video assistance available that is of pretty high quality. Anything you don’t understand about how to use the X3 is explained in good detail in the videos. X3 has also added an app to help plan and track workouts.

The Workout. The X3 is advertised as being easier on the joints than traditional weight raining. This is of course, important for Better Life After 50 members, and I found this claim to be true. I also found it to be true that the X3 is a SERIOUS workout. If you follow the instructions, your muscles will reach failure and you will get a pretty good cardio workout as well. There are 2 standard full body workouts, but you can customize workouts in almost any combination.

The resistance bands are made of high quality latex and offer the most resistance I have experienced. The stainless steel bar has a hook design to hold the resistance bands in place. If you follow the program and perform the recommended reps, you will likely find yourself with a nice pump and somewhat winded. I found the chest press exercise to be so effective that it actually helped increase my bench press with traditional weights. The squats are particularly challenging, even with lighter bands. I found the bands to be quite challenging and effective, while being pretty easy on my joints. I can’t say that the X3 is superior to traditional weights, but I certainly get good workouts with the product.

There were just a few shortcomings as well. I found that there were some weightlifting movements that were not easy to duplicate on the X3. For me, those include bicep curls and lunges. I found full range of motion curls to be challenging on all but the very lightest band. I was still able to get good work in, but just not a full range of motion. Lunges, while possible, are really not the strong suit of X3. While there are video instructions online, I found those specific movements to be difficult to duplicate.

The workout schedule calls for working out nearly every day, alternating between workouts 1 and 2. After a month or so, that can become boring–at least it did for me. As a result, I started incorporating barbells into my routine, and that was just fine. Ultimately, it took nothing away from the X3.

Finally, I do not agree that the system is conveniently portable. Yes, you can travel with the system in checked luggage, but each time I have tried to take it as a carry on, the TSA engaged me in a long discussion and hassle. So unless I am traveling for more than a few days and can check my luggage (which is a whole different blog post) I don’t generally travel with my X3.

Overall Rating

The cost of the X3 is undeniably pricey at $549 but, in my view, is worth the price. Despite the packaging, the overall quality of product is very high. I make this statement even after having snapped the second lightest band, because I thought the instructions and warnings made it clear that bands can wear out after using for a long time. My band snapped after about 8 months. I suffered no injury because I followed the instructions. I haven’t ordered a new one, but intend to do so soon. Had the band not snapped I may have given an overall rating of 9.5/10 (nobody gets a 10), but I think a fair and honest rating of 8.5 out of 10 is justified as a high quality strength training system.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a new and challenging workout system, I recommend checking out the X3 resistance band workout system. The X3 is a good choice for over 50 folks who don’t want to spend a ton of money or time on gym memberships, and for fitness buffs who are always looking for new ways to challenge themselves. I have laid out the pros and cons in my review and this product gets a thumbs up.  We welcome your questions and suggestions. Please feel free to leave your comments below.