Bowflex News
Western Business: Bowflex falls on hard times after its patent expires: Provides a summarized history of the Bowflex, a blurb on Crossbow vs. Bowflex, and how the Bowflex company (now The Nautilus Group) is bouncing back from losing its patent by providing new products like the Treadclimber. They are also investing a lot of tine and money into R&D on new home fitness products.
February 2004: Injuries caused by the lat tower and the bench collapsing (when in the incline position) on some Bowflex models have caused a recall on the following models: Bowflex Power Pro XL, XTL, and XTLU purchased between 1995-2003. Of the reports received so far, 59 people were injured when the incline bench collapsed, and 14 others were injured due to the lat tower weakening over time and falling forward during exercise. Nautilus is contacting owners of these models by mail, but you can also contact them at 1-888-424-3020 to get a repair kit. More information on these stories can be found here and here.
Oct 2003: An Abilene Christian University professor received a grant for $25,000 in order to research strength training exercise (via Bowflex) amongst retirement home residents. These folks, ranging in age from 67 to 93, are interested in improving balance and posture. After reading the article, one wonders if Bowflex, with their ubiquitous infomercials targeted at the young, is missing out on a large potential market with money to spend. The seniors sound like they're having fun with Bowflex. The program started in September and will continue through December. The full article is here.