Bowflex Machine
Encyclopedia
Bowflex is the brand name for a series of exercise machines used for strength training
and cardio training, marketed and sold by Nautilus, Inc.
. They are primarily sold through the use of infomercials.
engineering student in San Francisco, Tessema Dosho Shifferaw. Bowflex of America, Inc. began marketing the first product, The Bowflex 2000X in 1986. Bowflex of America changed its name to Bowflex, Inc, and became a public company on the Toronto Stock Exchange
. In 1999 the company changed its name to Direct Focus, Inc. and initiated an IPO on Nasdaq
. With the success of Bowflex, the company bought the Nautilus Corporation, Schwinn Fitness, and Stairmaster Fitness. In 2002 the company moved to the NYSE and renamed itself The Nautilus Group and is now Nautilus, Inc.
which owns and markets the Bowflex along with Nautilus, Schwinn Exercise, Stairmaster and Pearl Izumi
lines among other brands.
Instead of conventional weights or pulley
machines, the original Bowflex machine used a combination of polymer rods to create constant resistance or tension. The machines are marketed as taking up much less space than a complete set of weights and machines. The company held a patent
on this "power rod" design which expired in April 2004.
due to mechanical problems. In November 2004, there was a recall of nearly 800,000 (680,000 Power Pro units and 102,000 Ultimate units) 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 on the Power Pro model. This recall was voluntary and the company offered every purchaser a free safety repair kit.
In March, 2006, about 17,000 Bowflex Ultimate 2's were recalled due to problems. (see, http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PREREL/prhtml06/06541.html)
In December, 2007 about 68,000 home gyms were recalled
In March, 2009, about 78,000 Bowflex Ultimat 2's were recalled due to problems with the horizontal seat rail.
A list of the recall letters can be found on the Bowflex website by clicking on the link 'Safety Notices' under home gyms. http://www.bowflexhomegyms.com/bowflex_home_gyms_us/customersupport/safetynotices.jsp?adID=deggbhg&goto=bhgnotices#
which can interlock in place of the polymer rods. Nautilus claims that the new system makes the machine easier to use than its predecessor. It has more adjustments to accommodate different sized users and provides a larger variety of exercise variations.
Further investigations have revealed that the accident may have been a suicide attempt or another example of the choking game
leading to a fatality. Investigations are still continuing into his death as of September 22, 2010.
} weight resistance – upgradeable to 300 pounds
} weight resistance – upgradeable to 300 pounds
} weight resistance, upgradeable to 310 or 410 lb (186 kg)
The TC1000 model is the first TreadClimber model ever manufactured. It comes with 1 year warranty
and it has the maximum capacity of 300 lbs (136 kg). It is not longer than 46 inches (1,168.4 mm), wider than 28.5 inches (723.9 mm) and higher than 55.25 inches (1,403.4 mm). It is also the cheapest TreadClimber available given the fact that it comes with only 3 functions. It might be used for 3 types of workouts: treadmill
, stair climber and elliptical.
The TC3000 model has the same weight
maximum capacity and it comes with 3 years warranty for the motor
, 2 for the electronic parts and 1 for the hydraulics
. It weighs 185 lb (83.9 kg) when assembled (84 kg). This model comes with additional features when comparing to the earliest version. Thus, it is equipped with a calories burner indicator which slows the user to see the amount of calories burned per minutes and per exercise. It also has an ergonomic console which provides accessibility to water bottles. The TC3000 comes with 6 electronic functions and it has the same dimensions as the previous model.
The TC5000 model comes with 8 functions, in three different types of workouts. The motor of this model has a warranty of 5 years, the electronic parts of 3 years and the hydraulics of 2 years. It weighs the same as the other models when assembled, and it has the same maximum capacity. What is different is the increased number of functions, more than double when comparing with the first model. Moreover, this model comes with a wireless
heart rate monitor which is an integrated display that allows the user to see the heart rate
and a wireless transmitter chest strap. Also, it has a quick start feature which makes it possible to record the last weight and resistance settings. The TC5000 is also equipped with the calories burned indicator and with a climb indicator which tracks the elevation gain in feet.
The newest TreadClimber model that is still being manufactured is the TC5500. This is the one with most features and with the highest price. The motor of this machine comes with 5 years warranty, the parts and electronics with 3 years and hydraulics with 2. Although it has the same dimensions as the previous models, the TC5500 weighs 217 lbs (98 kg) when assembled and is capable of sustaining a maximum weight of 300 lbs (136 kg). It is equipped with the calories burned indicator, the wireless heart rate monitor, climb indicator, ergonomic console and moreover, personalized profiles. This feature allows the machine to keep track of the workouts and results of a particular user, for three different users. It may also compare the progress of the users. Even more, this model is equipped with the G.O. Coach Console which interacts with the user to establish goals, monitor progress and compare results with previous weeks as well as other users.
This is a summary with the information on Blowflex reaClimber models.
Weight training
Weight training is a common type of strength training for developing the strength and size of skeletal muscles. It uses the weight force of gravity to oppose the force generated by muscle through concentric or eccentric contraction...
and cardio training, marketed and sold by Nautilus, Inc.
Nautilus, Inc.
Nautilus, Inc. , located in Vancouver, Washington, United States, is the marketer, developer, and manufacturer of branded health and fitness products sold under such names as Bowflex, Nautilus, PEARL iZUMi, Schwinn Fitness, StairMaster, Trimline and Universal.Nautilus and its corporate...
. They are primarily sold through the use of infomercials.
Design and history
The Bowflex grew out of a now expired patent first conceived by an EthiopianEthiopia
Ethiopia , officially known as the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, is a country located in the Horn of Africa. It is the second-most populous nation in Africa, with over 82 million inhabitants, and the tenth-largest by area, occupying 1,100,000 km2...
engineering student in San Francisco, Tessema Dosho Shifferaw. Bowflex of America, Inc. began marketing the first product, The Bowflex 2000X in 1986. Bowflex of America changed its name to Bowflex, Inc, and became a public company on the Toronto Stock Exchange
Toronto Stock Exchange
Toronto Stock Exchange is the largest stock exchange in Canada, the third largest in North America and the seventh largest in the world by market capitalisation. Based in Canada's largest city, Toronto, it is owned by and operated as a subsidiary of the TMX Group for the trading of senior equities...
. In 1999 the company changed its name to Direct Focus, Inc. and initiated an IPO on Nasdaq
NASDAQ
The NASDAQ Stock Market, also known as the NASDAQ, is an American stock exchange. "NASDAQ" originally stood for "National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations". It is the second-largest stock exchange by market capitalization in the world, after the New York Stock Exchange. As of...
. With the success of Bowflex, the company bought the Nautilus Corporation, Schwinn Fitness, and Stairmaster Fitness. In 2002 the company moved to the NYSE and renamed itself The Nautilus Group and is now Nautilus, Inc.
Nautilus, Inc.
Nautilus, Inc. , located in Vancouver, Washington, United States, is the marketer, developer, and manufacturer of branded health and fitness products sold under such names as Bowflex, Nautilus, PEARL iZUMi, Schwinn Fitness, StairMaster, Trimline and Universal.Nautilus and its corporate...
which owns and markets the Bowflex along with Nautilus, Schwinn Exercise, Stairmaster and Pearl Izumi
PEARL iZUMi
Pearl Izumi is a company that produces sports apparel.With origins in Tokyo, Japan over 50 years ago, it began to be seen in the US around 1981 and is now formally known as Pearl Izumi USA, Inc...
lines among other brands.
Instead of conventional weights or pulley
Pulley
A pulley, also called a sheave or a drum, is a mechanism composed of a wheel on an axle or shaft that may have a groove between two flanges around its circumference. A rope, cable, belt, or chain usually runs over the wheel and inside the groove, if present...
machines, the original Bowflex machine used a combination of polymer rods to create constant resistance or tension. The machines are marketed as taking up much less space than a complete set of weights and machines. The company held a patent
Patent
A patent is a form of intellectual property. It consists of a set of exclusive rights granted by a sovereign state to an inventor or their assignee for a limited period of time in exchange for the public disclosure of an invention....
on this "power rod" design which expired in April 2004.
2003 TreadClimber line introduced
In 2003 Bowflex released the TreadClimber, a cardio machine similar to a treadmill but with two independent walking surfaces, called "treadles". Bowflex claims the unique design of the TreadClimber allows for twice the calories burned compared to a flat treadmill used at the same speed.Recalls
In January 2004, about 420,000 Bowflex machines were recalledProduct recall
A product recall is a request to return to the maker a batch or an entire production run of a product, usually due to the discovery of safety issues. The recall is an effort to limit liability for corporate negligence and to improve or avoid damage to publicity...
due to mechanical problems. In November 2004, there was a recall of nearly 800,000 (680,000 Power Pro units and 102,000 Ultimate units) Bowflex machines after reports that several models had broken unexpectedly. The Consumer Product Safety Commission
Consumer Product Safety Commission
The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission is an independent agency of the United States government created in 1972 through the Consumer Product Safety Act to protect "against unreasonable risks of injuries associated with consumer products." The CPSC is an independent agency that does...
said that the seats could unexpectedly break, and that the backboard bench could collapse when in the incline position on the Power Pro model. This recall was voluntary and the company offered every purchaser a free safety repair kit.
In March, 2006, about 17,000 Bowflex Ultimate 2's were recalled due to problems. (see, http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PREREL/prhtml06/06541.html)
In December, 2007 about 68,000 home gyms were recalled
In March, 2009, about 78,000 Bowflex Ultimat 2's were recalled due to problems with the horizontal seat rail.
A list of the recall letters can be found on the Bowflex website by clicking on the link 'Safety Notices' under home gyms. http://www.bowflexhomegyms.com/bowflex_home_gyms_us/customersupport/safetynotices.jsp?adID=deggbhg&goto=bhgnotices#
2006 Revolution line introduced
In 2006, Nautilus released the Bowflex Revolution with a completely new design and new resistance technology. The new model uses circular plates containing coiled straps around a camCam
A cam is a rotating or sliding piece in a mechanical linkage used especially in transforming rotary motion into linear motion or vice-versa. It is often a part of a rotating wheel or shaft that strikes a lever at one or more points on its circular path...
which can interlock in place of the polymer rods. Nautilus claims that the new system makes the machine easier to use than its predecessor. It has more adjustments to accommodate different sized users and provides a larger variety of exercise variations.
2010 Bowflex death in California
In 2010, a 16 year old high school football player from California, USA died after getting tangled in a Bowflex machine.Further investigations have revealed that the accident may have been a suicide attempt or another example of the choking game
Choking game
The fainting game , refers to intentionally cutting off oxygen to the brain with the goal of inducing temporary syncope and euphoria. There are two distinct methods used to achieve oxygen deprivation: strangulation and self-induced hypocapnia.-Differences from erotic asphyxiation:According to Dr...
leading to a fatality. Investigations are still continuing into his death as of September 22, 2010.
Bowflex home gym models
Essentially there are two main designs, the Bowflex Power Rod Home Gym and the Bowflex Revolution Home Gym. Additionally, there is a Bowflex Tread Climber Stepper Machine also available in the market. The Bowflex home gym models are classified into value series, premium series and platinum series. There are only 6 models that are still manufactured at this moment and these are the Bowflex Classic Home Gym and Bowflex Xtreme SE Home Gym, Bowflex Xtreme 2SE Home Gym and Bowflex Revolution XP Home Gym, Bowflex Ultimate 2 Home Gym and Bowflex Revolution Home. Following are their main features:- Bowflex Power Pro (1990s)
- 35 exercises
- 210 lb (95 kg) weight resistance, upgradeable to 310 or 410 lb (186 kg)
- Base model can be upgraded with Lat Tower and Leg Extension (XTL Model includes these)
- Bowflex Motivator 2 Home Gym (2005)
- 55 exercises
- Never sold directly from Bowflex- marketed through other vendors
- No adjustable pulleys
- 210 lb (95 kg) weight resistance – NOT Upgradeable
- 7' x 3'3½" x 6'11½" x 3'2"
- Bowflex Sport Home Gym (2006)
- 60 exercises
- 210 lb (95 kg) weight resistance, upgradeable to 310 or 410 lb (186 kg)
- 83" H x 84" L x 40" W
- Bowflex Xtreme Home Gym(2006)
- Bowflex Xtreme SE Home Gym (2007)
- No Bench, Seat only
- 65 exercises
- 4 position adjustable pulleys (built-in)
- 210 lb (95 kg) weight resistance – upgradeable to 310 or 410 lb (186 kg)
- 6' 10" (208 cm) H x 4' 5" (135 cm) L x 4' 1" (125 cm) W
- Bowflex Revolution Home Gym (2006)
- 90 exercises
- Spiraflex plate resistance – No Power Rods
- 170 degree adjustable arms
} weight resistance – upgradeable to 300 pounds
- Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE Home Gym (2007)
- 70 exercises
- 4 position adjustable pulleys
- 210 lb (95 kg) weight resistance, upgradeable to 310 or 410 lb (186 kg)
- 6' 10" (208 cm) H x 4' 5" (135 cm) L x 4' 1" (125 cm) W
- Bowflex Ultimate 2 Home Gym (2007)
- 95 exercises
- 5 position adjustable pulleys
- 310 lb (140 kg) weight resistance, upgradeable to 410 lb (186 kg)
- 6' 10" (208 cm) H x 7'8" (234 cm) L x 3' 10" (117 cm) W
- Bowflex Ultimate XTLU (2007)
- 90 exercises
- 2 position adjustable pulleys
- 310 lb (140 kg) weight resistance, upgradeable to 410 lb (186 kg)
- 6' 11" (211 cm) H x 8' 2" (249 cm) L x 4' 2" (127 cm) W
- Bowflex Blaze Home Gym (2007)
- 60 exercises
- No adjustable pulleys
- 210 lb (95 kg) weight resistance, upgradeable to 310 or 410 lb (186 kg)
- 7' 0.5" (215 cm) H x 6' 10½" (210 cm) L x 3' 2" (97 cm) W
- Bowflex Revolution XP Home Gym (2007) – Sold by Nautilus
- Bowflex Revolution FT Home Gym (2007) – Sold by Other Retailers
- 90 exercises
- Spiraflex plate resistance – No Power Rods
- 170 degree adjustable arms
} weight resistance – upgradeable to 300 pounds
-
- Includes Leg Press Plate and 5 position foot harness
- Bowflex Xceed Home Gym (2008)
- No Bench, Seat only
- 65 exercises
} weight resistance, upgradeable to 310 or 410 lb (186 kg)
-
- Dimensions: 82.7 by 55.1 by 51.2 inches (HxLxW)
- Bowflex PR1000 Home Gym (2008)
- 35 exercises
- 210 lb (95 kg) weight resistance, not upgradeable
- 81” H x 84” L x 38” W
- Bowflex PR3000 Home Gym (2008)
- No Bench, Seat only
- 35 exercises
- 210 lb (95 kg) weight resistance, upgradeable to 310 lb (140.6 kg)
- 81” H x 64” L x 41” W
Bowflex TreadClimber models
The Bowflex TreadClimber models that are currently being manufactured include the TC1000, TC3000, TC5000 and TC5500. The TC5500 is the latest model produced and which includes the most features. All the Bowflex TreadClimber models provide 3 types of workouts.The TC1000 model is the first TreadClimber model ever manufactured. It comes with 1 year warranty
Warranty
In business and legal transactions, a warranty is an assurance by one party to the other party that specific facts or conditions are true or will happen; the other party is permitted to rely on that assurance and seek some type of remedy if it is not true or followed.In real estate transactions, a...
and it has the maximum capacity of 300 lbs (136 kg). It is not longer than 46 inches (1,168.4 mm), wider than 28.5 inches (723.9 mm) and higher than 55.25 inches (1,403.4 mm). It is also the cheapest TreadClimber available given the fact that it comes with only 3 functions. It might be used for 3 types of workouts: treadmill
Treadmill
A treadmill is an exercise machine for running or walking while staying in one place. The word treadmill traditionally refers to a type of mill which was operated by a person or animal treading steps of a wheel to grind grain...
, stair climber and elliptical.
The TC3000 model has the same weight
Weight
In science and engineering, the weight of an object is the force on the object due to gravity. Its magnitude , often denoted by an italic letter W, is the product of the mass m of the object and the magnitude of the local gravitational acceleration g; thus:...
maximum capacity and it comes with 3 years warranty for the motor
Electric motor
An electric motor converts electrical energy into mechanical energy.Most electric motors operate through the interaction of magnetic fields and current-carrying conductors to generate force...
, 2 for the electronic parts and 1 for the hydraulics
Hydraulics
Hydraulics is a topic in applied science and engineering dealing with the mechanical properties of liquids. Fluid mechanics provides the theoretical foundation for hydraulics, which focuses on the engineering uses of fluid properties. In fluid power, hydraulics is used for the generation, control,...
. It weighs 185 lb (83.9 kg) when assembled (84 kg). This model comes with additional features when comparing to the earliest version. Thus, it is equipped with a calories burner indicator which slows the user to see the amount of calories burned per minutes and per exercise. It also has an ergonomic console which provides accessibility to water bottles. The TC3000 comes with 6 electronic functions and it has the same dimensions as the previous model.
The TC5000 model comes with 8 functions, in three different types of workouts. The motor of this model has a warranty of 5 years, the electronic parts of 3 years and the hydraulics of 2 years. It weighs the same as the other models when assembled, and it has the same maximum capacity. What is different is the increased number of functions, more than double when comparing with the first model. Moreover, this model comes with a wireless
Wireless
Wireless telecommunications is the transfer of information between two or more points that are not physically connected. Distances can be short, such as a few meters for television remote control, or as far as thousands or even millions of kilometers for deep-space radio communications...
heart rate monitor which is an integrated display that allows the user to see the heart rate
Heart rate
Heart rate is the number of heartbeats per unit of time, typically expressed as beats per minute . Heart rate can vary as the body's need to absorb oxygen and excrete carbon dioxide changes, such as during exercise or sleep....
and a wireless transmitter chest strap. Also, it has a quick start feature which makes it possible to record the last weight and resistance settings. The TC5000 is also equipped with the calories burned indicator and with a climb indicator which tracks the elevation gain in feet.
The newest TreadClimber model that is still being manufactured is the TC5500. This is the one with most features and with the highest price. The motor of this machine comes with 5 years warranty, the parts and electronics with 3 years and hydraulics with 2. Although it has the same dimensions as the previous models, the TC5500 weighs 217 lbs (98 kg) when assembled and is capable of sustaining a maximum weight of 300 lbs (136 kg). It is equipped with the calories burned indicator, the wireless heart rate monitor, climb indicator, ergonomic console and moreover, personalized profiles. This feature allows the machine to keep track of the workouts and results of a particular user, for three different users. It may also compare the progress of the users. Even more, this model is equipped with the G.O. Coach Console which interacts with the user to establish goals, monitor progress and compare results with previous weeks as well as other users.
This is a summary with the information on Blowflex reaClimber models.
- TC1000 (2003-current)
- 0.5 - 3.8 mph (0 - 6.1 km/h)
- 3 Functions: Speed, Distance and Time
- TC3000 (2003-current)
- 0.7 - 4.0 mph (1.1 - 6.4 km/h)
- 6 Functions: Speed, Distance, Time, Calories per Minute, Total Calories and Total Steps
- TC5000 (2003-current)
- 0.7 - 4.0 mph (1.1 - 6.4 km/h)
- 8 Functions: Speed, Distance, Total Steps, Time, Calories per Minute, Total Calories, Climb Indicator and Heart Rate
- TC5500 (2009-current)
- .5 - 4.5 mph (.8 - 7.2 km/h)
- 15 Functions: Time / Distance / Custom / Calorie Count / HR workout / 9 Landmark Challenges
- TC5300 (2005–2008)
- Discontinued model
- TC6000 (2008)
- Discontinued model