Article: Bowflex Machine

The Bowflex Ultimate XTLU model

The Bowflex Machine is an exercise machine used for strength training marketed and sold under the Bowflex brand by Nautilus, Inc.. It is primarily sold through the use of infomercials.

Design

Instead of conventional weights or pulley machines, the original Bowflex machine used a combination of graphite rods to create constant resistance or tension. The machines typically take up much less space than a complete set of weights and machines.

2004 recall

January 2004, about 420,000 Bowflex machines were recalled due to mechanical problems. In November 2004, there was a recall of nearly 800,000 Bowflex machines after reports that several models had broken unexpectedly. The Consumer Product Safety Commission said that the seats could unexpectedly break, and that the backboard bench could collapse when in the incline position.^[1] This recall was voluntary and the company shipped every purchaser it could locate a free safety repair kit.^[2]

2006 new model introduced

A new design was introduced in 2006 called the Bowflex Revolution. The new model does not use the former Power Rod technology, but rather circular plates containing composite springs which can interlock. In addition, two adjustable arms which have a range of 170 degrees of motion each are used rather than earlier models which had a lat tower as well as a squat station.