As with any workout routine, you need to first decide in advance what your exercise goals are. The Bowflex machine comes with a list of pre-designed exercises that you can use. The great benefit to the Bowflex machine is that you can replicate almost any type of weight training exercise.

The first Bowflex was introduced in 1986. Since then it has undergone numerous changes. In January 2004, Nautilus recalled 420,000 Bowflex machines due to mechanical problems. Then, in January 2004, another 800,000 Bowflex machines were recalled because several models randomly broke. Nautilus Corporation took a large blow during this time because the Consumer Product Safety Commission said the seats could unexpectedly break and that the backboard bench could collapse when it is in the inclined position. To make up for the recalls, Nautilus introduced a new Bowflex machine in 2006. The Bowflex Revolution was introduced with a completely new design and new resistance technology. The new Bowflex machine replaced the polymer rods with circular plates that contain coiled straps around a cam that can interlock in place.

The Bowflex Revolution can be purchased for $2,300 and can perform 135 exercises with over 400 variations. The resistance you gain with a regular dumbbell varies depending upon the angle at which you pick it up. The resistance you gain with the Bowflex provides constant resistance throughout the entire range of motion during your exercise.

Some of the exercises you can perform with the Bowflex revolution include bench presses, chest presses, abdominal crunches, shoulder raises, leg extensions, oblique exercises, and leg curls. The Bowflex revolution comes with 220 pounds of weights and a leg-press plate, hand grips, foot harness, and a curl pad for arm exercises. The Bowflex revolution comes with a 10 year warranty, instruction manual, wall chart, and an exercise DVD. The Bowflex revolution weighs roughly 230 pounds and can be folded for storage room. The Bowflex revolution has a length of 9 feet 4 inches and a width of 5 feet 3 inches, so be sure you have enough room in your house to perform your exercises.

Bowflex has taken a step forward in recent years in the fitness machine market. They have started making treadmills and other fitness equipment. The Bowflex treadmills start around $1100 on up to $1999. There are 3 Bowflex treadmills to choose from, the 3 series, the 5 series and the 7 series.

All the Bowflex treadmills fold up to conserve space; they also include built-in wheels that help you roll your treadmill around if you have limited space. The motor ranges on Bowflex treadmills range from 1.75 HP to 3.0. Each of the treadmills include built in workout programs and heart rate monitoring systems. The heart rate system is beneficial because it can help you stay in your target heart rate zone while you are getting a proper workout.

Depending upon which model you select, the Bowflex treadmill may come with a 3 speed fan and the "Strike Zone" deck suspension cushioning system to limit the amount of pressure and strain on your knees. All Bowflex treadmills come with warranties that cover the frame for 15 years, the motor for 10 years, the parts and electronics for 2 years, and one year for labor.

Some reviews of the Bowflex treadmills state that they are noisy and are prone to breakage due to poorly manufactured plastic parts. The common noise most users hear is a rattling sound when they are using the treadmill. Other than the noise, there hasn't been another major problem with the Bowflex treadmill. Overall, customers are happy with their Bowflex treadmills and long warranties.

Bowflex has also branched out into the free weight market. Bowflex now sells "Bowflex SelectTech" dumbbells. The Bowflex SelectTech dumbbells provide you with 16 pairs of dumbbells in one. The Bowflex SelectTech dumbbells also provide you with the ability to increase the weight in 2.5 pound increments. If you are looking to tone up your muscles, the ability to increase the weights ever so slightly will be a big benefit.

The Bowflex SelectTech dumbbells provide you with a large benefit of conserving space. The dumbbells have dials on them that you will simply turn when you are increasing or decreasing the weight. Many people prefer the use of dumbbells because of their ability to force your body to work harder to stabilize itself. Dumbbells also offer a wide variety of exercises for all the different muscle groups in your body.

The Bowflex SelectTech dumbbells allow you to develop and tone both sides of your body evenly so one side if your body will not be stronger and dominate. As with any good weight training program, the Bowflex SelectTech dumbbells will increase bone density and ligament strength.

If you are going to try using the Bowflex SelectTech dumbbells, you need to be aware of a couple things. First, remember that there is a learning curve for every new piece of exercise equipment. If you do not use free weights on a regular basis or you are used to strength training with toning cords or other methods, you may find yourself overwhelmed with the different feeling of free weights. It takes time for your body to adjust to a new workout routine, be sure to start with a lighter weight and gradually increase the weights as your body grows and develops with the weights.

Second, if you are training without a spotter it is extremely important to determine what level of weight is appropriate for your body. The Bowflex dumbbells currently only go up to 52.5 pounds, so there is a strong possibility that you can hyperextend your muscles due to poor form or by using too much weight.

Third, remember to pause at the bottom and the top of each repetition. By pausing you will eliminate the possibility of gaining momentum. If you do an exercise too quickly, you will gain momentum and possibly injure yourself.

If you have used dumbbells in the past, then you won't be disappointed with the Bowflex SelectTech dumbbells. Before you just run out and purchase the dumbbells, you need to evaluate a few things about yourself first.

1. Decide what your current fitness level is. Since the Bowflex SelectTech dumbbells range from 5 pounds up to 52.5 pounds, you should be fine. For a bodybuilder, you may require more weight and the Bowflex SelectTech dumbbells may not be right for you.


2. Decide what your motivation level is. Far too often, people purchase exercise equipment with the belief that the equipment will give them motivation to exercise. Developing motivation is a completely separate exercise!


3. What are your current fitness goals? The Bowflex SelectTech dumbbells are a great way to tone up and slim down your body. With the right diet and exercise routine, you will build a nice, toned body. If you want to put on muscle, then you may need to look into larger dumbbell systems that can be upgraded to weights in the 150 pound range.

No matter what type of exercise you use, you will be happy with the Bowflex products. Each product undergoes rigorous testing procedures to provide you with the highest quality product for your money. Plus, you have an excellent warranty with each piece of Bowflex equipment. With all the recalls in 2004, Bowflex paid for every machine to be replaced and upgraded for everyone who had a defective product! This should help calm your fears about problems with your exercise equipment.

Several users of Bowflex equipment enjoy the versatility their machines and dumbbells provide. There is a reason why the Bowflex home gym systems have been around for so many years and why they are so popular. Their unique design and space saving techniques have impressed thousands of users and are bound to impress you too. You can try a Bowflex product for a 30 day guarantee from their web site. If you are unsatisfied with your purchase in any way, Bowflex will refund you the total amount you paid! If you are looking for a great way to slim down, tone up and build muscle, then you need to look into purchasing a Bowflex product today!