Bowflex, by Nautilus Incorporated, is a popular range of home strength-training equipment that uses flexible bars for resistance. These bars look like a row of archery bows, which is how Bowflex got its name. The Bowflex design has been used in a variety of exercise machines since its inception in 1986 and provides an alternative to traditional weight-based resistance training systems.
How Bowflex Machines Work
Bowflex uses multiple flexible polymer bars called Power Rods for resistance. Connected via cables and pulleys, the rods bend as you exercise. By connecting cables to individual rods or groups of rods, you can alter the resistance experienced and therefore the intensity of your workout. By using a variety of bars and handles in conjunction with benches and high or low anchor points, most traditional gym exercises can be replicated.
Bowflex Models
So far, there have been 16 different strength exercise machines using the Bowflex technology. The earlier models were effective, if somewhat crude in design. The biggest change in the Bowflex design occurred in 2006 with the introduction of the Revolution line, which utilized cams and straps in addition to the polymer rods. This created a far smoother action, made it easier to adjust the resistance and also allowed for a wider variety of exercises to be performed. There are currently six Bowflex models in production, with the Bowflex Revolution being the flagship product in the range. Retailing at $2,999, the Revolution offers more than 100 exercises and is, according to Nautilus Inc., its best selling Bowflex strength product. The entry-level machine is the Bowflex Classic, which reatils at $649 and offers 30 exercises.
Bowflex Benefits
Bowflex exercise machines can be used to develop muscular strength, endurance, tone and size. Because of the variety of exercises that can be performed, you can work all of your major muscles. Some models include an integral rowing machine, so you also can perform cardio exercises. Unlike traditional weights, there is no "moment of inertia" when exercising with a Bowflex. This means that at no point are you starting an exercise from a dead stop, as the resistance increases gradually throughout the exercise's range of movement. This makes Bowflex exercises easier on your joints than some freeweight exercises.
Bowflex Advantages
The Power Rod design used by Nautilus makes Bowflex machines lighter than many traditional home gyms. This means that the machine can used on flooring that might otherwise not have been suitable for supporting a heavy piece of strength training equipment. Virtually silent in use, Bowflex machines are also ideal for households where noise can be an issue, e.g. where there are young children sleeping or fussy neighbors. The rods are virtually maintenance-free and can provide up to 410 lbs of resistance, depending on the model.
Bowflex Disadvantages
Changing weights with a Bowflex is not as straight forward as a traditional weight based multi-gym. Bilateral exercises require that you make at least two adjustments and move cables from one Power Rod to another. Traditional weight multi-gyms require that you merely move a selector pin up or down to alter the weight. Power Rod technology does not allow you to perform exercises such as power cleans, snatches or any jumping or throwing exercises, which means that Bowflex is of limited use to anyone who wants to train for muscle power and speed for sports. Free weights, kettlebells and medicine balls are more useful if power training is your primary exercise goal.
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