Bowflex was invented by Ethiopian-born Dosho Shifferaw. One day, while designing a prototype chair for an industrial design class in college, he stumbled upon what was to ultimately become the key principle of Bowflex: the resistance provided by rods of polymer. Fitness expert Ellington Darden, Ph.D., states that the Bowflex home gym system provides a highly effective way to develop muscular strength, cardiovascular endurance, joint flexibility and body leanness. Darden describes the Bowflex body as lean and strong, with minimal body fat and above average muscular development. All Bowflex models provide a full range of exercise options.
Continuous Resistance
Bowflex uses the principle of continuous resistance. This allows the muscle to be worked in a smooth, continuous movement. Free weights or standard weight machines, in contrast, require varying amounts of force to move the weight through different portions of the lift.
Philosophy of Bowflex
Bowflex is designed for flexibility and can support multiple fitness goals. Some models can be configured for as many as 100 exercises, with multiple variations. Intense workouts, leading to "momentary muscle failure," provide the greatest benefit. Motivation, discipline and patience must be exercised in order to gain maximum effect from the Bowflex system, along with proper nutrition, rest and hydration.
Bowflex Technology
The Power Rod is the foundation of the Bow Flex system. Each rod is composed of a solid polymer material, Poly-Hexmethaline-Apidamide, sheathed in a rubber coating. Rods are 4 feet long and manufactured in differing diameters. The larger the diameter, the greater the resistance when force is applied to bend the rod using a system of pulleys. A rugged tubular steel frame anchors the system. An adjustable four-position bench, attached to the frame, can be adjusted to accommodate the various Bowflex exercises. Cables are composed of aircraft-grade steel with a tensile strength of 2,000 pounds. The patented handles can be used as grips, no-grip handcuffs and ankle harnesses. Various bars, a lat tower and leg exercise attachments are standard on some models. Bowflex Revolution systems rely on Spiraflex plates to deliver consistent, linear resistance through the entire range of motion. These plates employ a system of geometrically designed cams and heavy-gauge elastic straps that tighten around a central pivot coil to provide resistance. Patented Freedom Arms add to the system's versatility.
Bowflex Workouts
Bowflex users can accomplish a number of different workouts with the system, including the 20 minute better body workout, advanced general conditioning, the body building three-day split, circuit training, aerobic training and strength training.
Rules for Getting the Most Out of Bowflex
Select resistance that allows no more than eight to 12 repetitions. Maintain high intensity by performing each exercise until "momentary muscle failure." Increase resistance by increments of 10 pounds once 12 repetitions can be achieved. Perform each exercise smoothly and slowly. Perform 12 or fewer exercises per workout, one set per exercise. Train no more than three times per week.
References
- The Bowflex Body Plan; Ellington Darden, Ph.D.; 2003
- Bowflexhomegyms.com: Product Descriptions
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